Scribbling Angel

Dolled Up

2012-02-13T19:20:00.000+08:00

If only I can put on make-up this way daily... :-)
Kamukha ko pala si Charo Santos! :-)

My Take: It's More Fun in the Philippines

2012-01-19T12:23:00.004+08:00

Okay, I admit. This one's not an original idea. This blog post was inspired by the latest ad campaign from the Department of Tourism. Thanks to the internet, people from all over our 7,107 islands are coming up with all sorts of their versions of It's More Fun in the Philippines. And yes, I too, have been bitten by the bug.

I'm far from being a professional photographer, but I just want to share with you, my dear readers, some pictures I've taken in my travels and some photos my big bro took using my camera (point and shoot type ha, not DSLR!). So I searched through my hard drive and here are what I found. All pics, by the way, were not photoshopped or edited by any means. I took all pics, except for Pictures #1 and #11 which were taken by my brother.

Can't get enough? Let me give you some more.

And for my finale....

You may repost these images but please remember to trace back the link to this blog.

How about you? Can you share some photos that show how it really is more fun in this country?

Use the Harbara Font and learn how to make your own It's More Fun in the Philippines photo.
Once you're done, you can generate your meme here.
To see others' works, you can click here. Chuvaness already did a banner too.

*****************
Pictures 1 and 2 were taken on our family vacation to Boracay last April 2010.
Picture 3 was on a recent DepEd Pasig outreach program to the Bicol region.
Pictures 4, 5, 6 and 7 were on our church's small group's 2009 Holy Week escapade in Occidental Mindoro.
Pictures 8 and 9 were from our family's Ilocos Christmas vacation for 2010.
And finally, Pictures 10 and 11 were taken in Sun Valley Estates in Antipolo City.

Bicol: Circa 2007 and 2011

2011-12-31T23:19:00.000+08:00

I've always wanted to travel and tour around our entire country. Of course, it's a privilege to see other nations in the future, but I'd like to explore our own first whenever I have the opportunity to do so. After all, I haven't seen the rest that has made the Philippines a popular destination for foreigners once again. Seeing the countryside and significant landmarks, mingling with the locals, sampling famous food from a particular region, and getting to know a province's history and culture never fails to refresh, recharge and re-energize me. But aside from the benefits I get out of traveling, I feel that I need to do this every now and then as a citizen of this country to keep my passion for PHL burning. How can I be passionate about something I do not know that much, right?

For today's blog post, allow me to talk about a province I had the chance to visit three times : Bicol. The first time I set foot in this province was in 2007. It was a short stay -- only two nights -- and it was because I gave a short talk on technology and how to use a book which I co-wrote with some friends. It broke my heart to see school children not having enough materials to learn. It's really a heart-tugging scene seeing all the dilapidated classrooms, thatched roofs, nearly empty libraries, and teachers desperate and wanting for more training and professional enrichment. I think that experience forever changed the way I looked at education, learning and teaching. In Manila, we hem and complain to no end. In Bicol, they were thankful for anything they were given and offered. Their land was beautiful and the soil was rich --- yet people were impoverished and under-educated. Here in the city, nothing is ever good enough in our eyes.

My first trip to Bicol was so short that I only got to tour Legazpi and Naga. Half the time we spent sleeping in the bus. The trip took 12 hours before we reached our destination via Peñafrancia Bus Line. When our team got there, I immediately buckled down to business. I talked for the entire day, thankful to have an audience that deeply appreciated our coming. After the day-long seminar-workshop, we retreated to the Gaisano mall for a quick dinner, and laid down to rest, tired and spent from the many hours we were on the road. The following day we spent it touring the place, scrambling to buy all the pili nuts I could lay my hands on, grabbing all the native bags I could afford, and capturing some photos of the Mayon volcano. Before I could even learn a few Bicolano greetings, we were already packing our bags for Manila. As shadows of Mayon volcano slowly faded from my side of the window, I silently prayed for a chance to visit this wonderful province again. God answered my prayer; six months later, I got to visit the province second time around, albeit shorter --- a mere overnight stay, again for a business-related reason.

I took this picture of my first time to catch a glimpse of Mayon volcano.

The ever-elusive volcano wasn't in the mood to be photographed, apparently.

Glorious background in mid-day. After many unsuccessful attempts, I finally had my first souvenir photo of Mayon in all its perfect cone behind me. This was the grounds of that school we visited in 2007.

The team and the school directress

Care for small talk?

This is the famous cafe that serves the best that this land has to offer: pasta cooked the Bicolano way. Take your pick from their sauces (not your usual Pinoy or Italian style): Bicol express or laing!

Yes, it's so affordable. I wish they would set up a branch here in Manila!

Parting shot before I boarded our bus

Last December 8, I went to Bicol for the third time. This trip meant much more because this time, I was a participant in an outreach program to the schools in that region. I'm so thankful to my supervisor who offered me the chance to take part in this outreach cum leisure trip. We spent a total of four days and three nights, and for this trip, I was able to see not only Legazpi and Naga, but also Camsur and Sorsogon, where we spent the nights. We distributed shoes and books to about three different schools from all over the region as representatives of our beloved city, Pasig. The trip was long and tiring; but seeing the smiles of the people and the happiness they felt made it all so worth it.

Every day that we were there, we always had an agenda and a schedule to follow. I didn't mind as structure can be good many times. Otherwise, I would have missed out on a lot of good things if I went to this trip DIY style. In the mornings we'd go visit a particular school. Have lunch back in Sorsogon, then tour in the early evenings. I visited the Cagsawa ruins, the Peñafrancia Church, Naga, Legazpi, Buluran hot springs and lake, and took a lot of pictures for posterity. My only regret is not seeing the famed butanding. December supposedly is the best time to go and see the whale sharks in Donsol; however, it was raining like crazy when we got there, so we had to cancel our whale shark-sight-seeing trip. Di bale. On our next trip to that island, I'd definitely not pass up the chance to say high to those amazing sea creatures.

Bicol may be rich in terms of natural resources, but the region is also almost in tatters from all the typhoons, floods and other natural disasters from recent months. There's so much to rebuild and rework, but I believe with its charming beauty, resilient people, high-quality products and vast potential, Bicol can turn into a very promising, and soon, more developed region.

This is us on Day 2. Day 1 was practically spent on the road driving from Manila to Sorsogon.

On our second day, we donated books and shoes to Palanas National High School in Sorsogon.

This is the 4th year high school class from that school.

After the day's outreach, we spent some time dipping in the Buluran hot springs.

Bagong ligo! Hahahaha!

This is Day 3 of the outreach. See those plastic bags on the right side of the pic? Those were the shoes we gave the people from this school.

This is another resettlement school we visited on Day 3.

Yes, I heart Pasig. :-)

We went crazy over the pili nut products and woven bags!

Hoarders! Hahaha :-)

Fun shot at Cagsawa ruins.

Mayon volcano was supposed to be behind us but it was foggy. Boo.

Another fun shot

It started to drizzle, hence, the rain drops on our photo.

Mayon, however, started to become more visible.

Beautiful and breath-taking.

Yay for this photo

...and another one :-)

at CamSur

Agenda #1 on my next return to Bicol

Definitely, this won't be the last time I'll see Bicol. I have reported back to work, and in fact, the new year is almost here, but I still miss the cool, misty air in Sorsogon, and the truly delectable dishes we feasted on --- laing, pinangat, santol sa gata, and so on. The other day I told Mr. M about all the wonderful things we experienced while being there, and I told him of my desire to go back. I'm so ~~lucky~~ blessed to be engaged to a guy who shares my wanderlust! Haha!

This coming 2012, I'd make time to sit down, read my Philippine history books again, and make a list of all the amazing provinces I'd like to visit someday, and by God's grace, with Mr. M as travel companion. That's what Bicol did to me. This trip has got me all fired up with nationalism and patriotism. I won't even attempt to criticize those who are in the government agencies now, and who are responsible for caring for their own spheres of authority and jurisdiction --- that's not up for me to do. But I do hope and pray they do a good job taking good care of our lands and developing our people. These are our national treasures.

How It All Started

2011-12-26T22:54:00.001+08:00

When I upgraded my relationship status from 'being in a relationship' to 'engaged' on FB, I was swamped with comments (apparently, many people noticed hahaha!). My phone kept ringing and for about a week or two, family and friends were endlessly inquiring about details related to weddings. My sister gave me all her wedding magazines (take note, from 13 years ago!), while my sister-in-law started making suggestions on which particular suppliers to book. People from the office greeted me with excitement, and people from the church expressed their willingness to help and coordinate, etc. As for me, I just want to bask first in this moment as I know it will soon be replaced with wedding-related trepidation and euphoria --- an altogether whole new world for me.

And I realized I haven't even blogged about how it all began for Mr. M and I. Yet. Well, here it is now.

Have a blessed Christmas and an exciting New Year!

*****
Our love story started with that fateful Tuesday night of July 31, 2007 when I heard an announcement in the Makati Evening Women's Class of Bible Study Fellowship International (BSF) that there was going to be a prayer meeting the following week, a Wednesday night, at Crowne Plaza Hotel, for a possible start-up of a BSF class. To make a long story short, I walked into the hotel lobby and asked directions for the meeting place, not knowing I would walk deeper into what God has planned for my life. That day, August 1, 2007, I would be in the same room as M, though we were never formally introduced to each other. The facilitators arrived on the dot, and after a brief introduction about BSF and about the purpose of the meeting, we each introduced ourselves, and then we started praying. All I could remember was that the guy sitting in front of me was from NEDA, but I was too focused on what was happening that night that I barely remembered him. Before the meeting ended, it was announced that the class we have just prayed for was to be a Young Adult Class, the only class in BSF where single people can meet and be together for a Bible study. It was interesting and inviting; however, it was still uncertain when it would materialize. So we just continued praying.

Every month thereafter, we started meeting to pray about starting up a BSF class. But I would see M again only once after that August meeting at Crowne. At around this time just before 2008, the leader of the Evening Women's Class was already inviting me to be part of the leadership. After much thought and prayer and consultation with my mom, I said yes. However, shortly after that, the leaders of the start-up young adult class called me up to invite me into leadership too!

I was in a very big dilemma. I wanted to go to the young adult class because it was much nearer, and because it needed more help getting organized and set up. But I have already said yes to the evening women's class in Makati that I would join them there. So I prayed to God that if the leader of the Makati class would release me and give me her blessing to join the Young Adult class without me mentioning these things to her, then I would know that God really wants me to go there. I wouldn't want to destroy relationships and dishonor my commitment, so I surrendered everything to the Lord. To my surprise, the leader of the Makati class called me up to give me her blessing to join the Young Adult class, and to pray for me and for the group's start-up class.

As 2007 ended, we started accelerating our preparations for the opening of the pilot BSF Young Adult Class in June. We started conducting home-based prayer meetings and invited prospective attendees to briefings. The following year, on March 5, I saw M again. This time, he sat next to me. He was mesmerized by the pomeranian dog of the owner of the house, but I didn't know that he was looking at me too. We talked for a short while, then before I knew it, it was already 7:00PM. The prayer meeting started soon after, and before we ended the night, the leaders got all our emails. They emailed us a letter the following week, thanking us for coming and encouraging all of us to keep on inviting attendees.

The following day, I got an email from M! One email led to another until finally, he asked me out for a cup of coffee on April 19, 2008 at Bo's. We've been talking everyday of our lives ever since then. But it was nothing romantic or whatsoever. The Young Adult Class finally opened in June, and he faithfully attended every class until the time he went abroad.

He left for England on September 11, 2008 to study at the University of Manchester. But we would encourage each other with emails and daily conversations through Skype. At around October of that year, the Young Adult Class ended, and sadly, it did not meet the required number of attendees so it was discontiued. See, God orchestrated it just so I could meet M! :-)

M started making his intentions known at around Christmas of that year. But he had to wait for July of the following year to formally ask me to be his girlfriend. It was difficult being away from him, but God was good. He used that time of separation to build me up further in terms of character and commitment, which were what I would need to be in a relationship with M. I believe God also used that time to train him and mold him, since it wasn't easy being all alone in a foreign land and being without all the comforts and perks he used to enjoy here in Manila. That experience in England forever changed how he looks at life, and how he manages his time and money --- which has influenced much of how he handles our relationship.

We became a couple on the 30th of August of that year, the same day we were celebrating our church's 26th anniversary in Araneta Center, Cubao.

By the grace of God, we'd be tying the knot very soon. :-)

Summer, Interrupted

2011-11-26T17:58:00.000+08:00

Gosh, it's almost December and I haven't blogged six months' worth of stories, milestones and events.

Anyway, I was in and out of the hospital for the most part of the summer and latter half of this year. Infection hear and there, and add a back surgery that left a long scar right across on my upper left back.

When my doctor saw the massive cyst protruding from my back, and the infection it has brought, she didn't let me go and instead, operated on me for about two hours. It was painful, but I had to go through it.

Hayyy.....I think of all the backless dresses I had been wanting to wear. Goodbye to them for now. Hehehehe ;-)

Vedasto Leather Bags

2011-09-30T08:34:00.004+08:00

What sort of bags do you use?

My mom and my sister both love leather bags. When they shop for bags, they always make sure they are made of the finest leather. They don't need to be branded as in YSL or LV, but they must be in leather. I guess this is where I got my taste for such kind of bag material.

When I first attended my classes in UP, I noticed this cute-looking booth selling a number of fine leather goods. A small crowd had already gathered around the booth, and the vendors quickly sold their wares. When I checked it out, it was Vedasto Leather Goods. I've been hooked since then, and have actually purchased a few items from them. Take a look at the pics below to see why:

Brown leather goodness

I'd like to have one like this

This is perfect for weekdays

Simple but nice-looking design

Banig-inspired design

Leather bag with a striking color: Red!

Long-strapped shoulder bag

Don't know the color of this one

It's red again!

Vegetable tan leather is love ;-)

I actually bought the pencil cases in this design

Plain black shoulder bag. Fits a folder perfectly

More neon / bright-colored bags

Something to put your wallet and a few beauty essentials

Two-toned beauty

Vedasto makes leather bags, purses, wallets and brief cases. They also make traditional giveaways like key chains, cups, mugs, and other products depending on orders. All goods are 100% Filipino made.

For more info, please contact:

Vedasto Delos Reyes / Paulyn Delos Reyes
Telefax : 02-9224668
Mobile: 0921-6975574 / 0918-9441265
Email add: vedasto_leathergoods@yahoo.com
Website: http://vedasto-leathergoods.page.tl

* All pictures were taken from the Vedasto website.

Color my world pink and other stuff that I like

2011-07-28T17:57:00.003+08:00

One of the perks of being an admin is.......

filing for a leave of absence when it's your birthday! Hahaha

I love my work, but every once in a while I like taking a break too. Well, actually I tried to work from home today, and accomplished a few tasks I wanted to finish. Then when I went online I saw some stuff in pink. Pink! Everyone who knows me knows how much I like, nay love, that color. Well, I also favor blue (especially lights shades) and violet, but nothing comes close to my love for pink. So I decided to list down some things in that color that are on my wish / want list for my birthday. Ah, the wonders of wishing like a kid. Of course, I wouldn't burn holes on my pockets just to give in to my whims, but who knows? I just might receive one of these on our mailbox. Hello, LBC? :-)

I love, love, love flowers. What kind of girl doesn't? And when its pink....hmmm....
Photo credits: Gallery Wedding Bee

I love looking at peonies. They're so cute and so feminine. But I heard a boquet actually costs Php 5,000. Sigh. Look na nga lang :-)
Photo Credits: Dork Muffin

I know, I know. I never wore high heels except during JS proms and weddings. And I don't even own more than two pairs of those killer heels. But this pair might make me change my mind hehehe ;-) The height of the heel - no. The color and the design - yes. :-)
Photo Credits: Wedding Splendor

I found this pair from the net, and I can't take my eyes off it. It's really a good thing I have a bit of self-control in me. Otherwise, I would have gone to the online stores and swiped my card away. Haha!
Photo Credits: Run Amok Amok

When Nokia came out with the Nokia C3 model, and I saw this one in the ads, I knew I just had to get my hands on it quickly. Together with a Sun cellular unli plan, it's a W-I-N-N-E-R. I just love it!

I'm not a gadget queen. Just give me a point and shoot camera and a laptop, and I'll be fine. So while everyone else I know got themselves android phones, tablets and mp4 players, I was happy and contented with my pink C3 and my red laptop (They don't sell it in pink. Huhuhu) I love MAC's design because their laptops look sleek and slim. This pink beauty, however, costs a fortune. After all, it's a MAC. But in case it goes on sale....hehehe ;-) Ah, but for the meantime, I will just L-O-O-K hahaha
Photo Credits: Laptop Serana

When I saw this in Megamall, wow, I just stared at it for a good 5 minutes! That was how struck I was with its beauty. Plus the fact that it has a storage capacity of about 500gb! Perfect for all my photos and files! Ah, but never mind. It costs around Php 69,000++ then. I settled for my next favorite brand, Acer.
Photo Credits: Gadget Trivia

I just love this camera! Being the certified shutterbug that I am, I just have to have a cam that comes in my favorite color. Hahaha! Just kidding. I'm so happy with my Kodak 12.1mp cam even if it's just a point and shoot device. But looking at this thing of beauty makes me want to dream of a time when I finally hold a lomo cam and shoot in the beach or at a family gathering :-)

Lomography Fisheye 2 camera
35mm compact fisheye camera
180-degree circular shot
removable fisheye viewfinder
switch for long and multiple exposures
Colorsplash or Diana flash
Roughly around Php 4, 000 only when you buy it from Retrotogo

See? I told you that I like pink. I love it so much that I wore it to my graduation last May at the Japan Foundation Manila. In the picture with me is JFM's director, Mr. Shuji Takatori. I wore black-rimmed glasses. Maybe if I wouldn't look trying hard to be a high schooler again, I would seriously consider buying a pink-rimmed pair of spectacles. How's that for a pink fashion statement? :-)
Photo Credits: Ms. Ayuko Suma

I have a couple of pink bedsheets which I've been using for years. It sure won't hurt to add more to the collection :-) I don't mind if they're not branded as long as they are in pink.
Photo Credits: China Fabrics

So far, I've been talking about food, gadgets, clothes, and shoes. Since it's my special day today, let me share some of the other things / stuff that I really really adore.

Everybody knows how I have sweet tooth --- all the time! Haha :-)
So a trip to Red Mango Megamall is something I do on a regular basis.
Their original yogurt + hershey's kisses + blueberry combination is my favorite.
Photo Credits: Red Mago FB Page

On days when I want to taste flavored yogurt, I go for Tutti Fruti's flavors. My top two favorites are the peanut-flavored and green tea-flavored yogurt. Yummy! Sweetie sometimes can't help himself whenever we are getting our yogurt from here. He prefers Tutti Fruti to Red Mango. For one, when we're in Tutti Fruti, they let us do self service...and we end up paying around Php 200 per pax. Hahaha!!! Check out a blog I wrote about our Tutti Fruti experience here.

Photo Credits: Tutti Fruti Frozen Yogurt FB Page

Do you like cakes? Birthdays wouldn't be complete without them, would they? My sweet, adventurous tooth (or should I say, teeth?) led me to Estrel's, a cake shop in Quezon City. I dare say I have never ever tasted anything like their cakes --- not before, and not even after. They're just so...divine? heavenly? I don't know how to describe them except that as I type this post, it makes me want to get a slice of that delicious caramel cake.
Photo Credits: cafephilomaurice.com

Estrel's cakes are a bit on the high-end market, so on days when I feel I want some affordable sugar rush, I go for Red Ribbon Cakes. I am not keen on one particular flavor. I like to try all kinds and all flavors, so bring them on! LOL
Photo Credits: tropicalpenpals.com

I don't really like dogs, until I met Mr. M. He's the ultimate dog lover. I learned all about dog breeds and doggie care because of him. So far, he and I have been regularly visiting Tiendesitas since 2009 to watch dog shows and "window shop" for future prospective canine pets. You can read about the time when I held a pitbull, about this house owner in Antipolo who takes care of about 20 dogs in his property, and about a dog show we visited way back in December 2009.

Right from the start, Mr. M wanted labrador retrievers. They're among the smartest breed of dogs, and to add as bonus, they have one of the best temperaments. But they're too big, and I'm so scared of big dogs. I prefer the smaller ones like the chow chow and beagles. Maybe we will get into this discussion once we have kids. I told him we can only have dogs when I've given birth to our last child. With all my allergies and idiosyncracies, the children's health should be our priority. But I'm happy to say that I've started opening up to the possibility of taking care of a pet or two. Especially beagles. Hehehe :-)

Speaking of beagles, about three weeks ago we found out that I had a neighbor who owns a cute 2-year old beagle named Odie. He never barks at people at all. Whenever Mr. M and I visit him, he just comes running toward us and makes the cutest sounds. He's such a jolly little canine friend. It's no wonder my fellow blogger Enchie adores beagles and actually takes care of one whom she named Emo.

A cute canine pair. Odie looks so much alike the one in the left, though he's a boy.

How can you resist a look like that?

Hello, cuties!

Looking at this makes me want to buy and take care of one. I like the one at the right.

Labrador retrievers, Mr. M's favorite breed

Now of course, I can't complete this blog without mentioning my Sweetie Pie. I don't really like PDA-ing our relationship, and neither does he, but every once in a while, I'm entitled to a little cheese here. After all, it's my blog, right? ;-)

Thirty-two more days to go and he and I will have been two years into this relationship. It's not easy, especially when you put together two people who are very much different from each other, who have different backgrounds, and who have different personalities. But I am also amazed at how meaningful and wonderful those times have been because of God's grace. I actually can't believe we're turning two years old in August. It sometimes feels like we've only just known each other yesterday, and I mean that in a good way. Relationships are not perfect, and neither are we ---- we're far from it! So it really amazes me all the more how we manage to take it one day at a time and share the joys and laughters and the occasional concerns that couples go through.

Here's me and Sweetie last Monday on the night he treated me at Sbarro. We went to a leadership conference at church afterwards. Great guy + Good food + God --->>>> What else can I ask for? ;-)

I may not have all the items I listed above, but I am thankful for this wonderful man who knows how to make me smile and makes my day with his stories and antics. I'll see you soon and shall we have a cup of Java Chips at Starbucks? ;-)

Little Tokyo >>> ikitai!

2011-05-09T08:44:00.000+08:00

Remember my Japanese follow-up class and my Japanese training with other high school Nihongo teachers?
Well, this year we were brought together again for another round of summer-long training. It started last April 13, and will end on the 27th of this month. It's a little tiring, given the jampacked schedule and so many requirements, but it's also a lot of FUN.

And speaking of FUN, here are some pics of our trip to Little Tokyo last April 19.

at the facade of Little Tokyo

Nodasho. I wonder how much they charge for a meal.

Gen and I trying to decipher what to buy

Most of the goods are sold at 80pesos per piece.

Chotto Stop -- Japan's version of Mini Stop

Thank God for the blessing of being able to read a bit of Japanese...For now I know Hiragana and Katakana. I hope I can read Kanji next time :-)

Kanashii desu ne.

2011-03-12T08:06:00.000+08:00

This made me so sad.

God save Japan.

Ilocos Revisited

2011-03-01T15:09:00.002+08:00

I've been such a negligent blogger these past few months. Haaayyyy...I've got tons of blogging backlog to catch up on, but my problem is...I don't know where to start!

Since I only have a few minutes to spare today, let me do a picture blog on one of my favorite 2010 moments....our Ilocos vacation last Christmas!

Yes, we were out of town for a few nights during the holidays. Christmas in Manila is a whole lot noisier with the fireworks and all. So, we enjoyed the peace and quiet of the provincial landscape this time. And I have no regrets. This is one of the best I ever had, since I spent it with my family (minus my brother Eric, his wife Charisse and their children, since they couldn't travel that far with small kids).

We left Manila via Florida bus lines at around 10AM of December 24. We arrived at around the same time in the evening. Ouch! My back hurt a bit, but the sleepyhead that I am, I survived the loooong travel.

Yes, those are the windmills in Bong Bong Marcos's senatorial infomercials

The bigger windmills sell for Php 100. The smaller ones for only Php 50. I didn't get any in the end because I'm sure, with the boys around, these would surely get destroyed even before I return to Manila.

I can't help but feel envious that Ilocos has this technology while we here in Manila don't.

Paoay Church, perhaps the oldest church in the Philippines. This church survived earthquakes and other natural disasters. It's up for renovation anytime now. I wonder how they will do it without destroying its natural beauty. It's an architectural and engineering wonder!

Fort Ilocandia! I thought it was beautiful on the outside, but inside it was too dark. (Hello? Paging Fort Ilocandia's property management office! Please do something with the lighting.)

Posing with my family at one of the aisles. I love the brick red walls and vines.

Inside the Marcos museum with Franco

Ilocos empanada....yummy!

Swimming in this very clean river, and eating fresh tilapia taken out from this fish pen ---- priceless!

Prior to this Christmas trip, it was in 2001 when I last visited the beautiful northern province of Ilocos. I tagged along with my sister and brother-in-law and my other brother. It was so much fun now that we have grown as a nuclear family. For this trip, I was with mom, my older brother, my sister, her husband, and their twin sons. I wish I could go back and spend more days in this gem of a province :-)

Back to EK and my Christmas wishlist

2010-11-07T18:25:00.000+08:00

Whew!

It's been toxic and stressful these past few weeks. But it's good to be back! I think I've got two months' worth of blogs to write, but for now, let me give you a rundown of my EK visit last October and my Christmas wishlist.

Field trips are what I missed when I signed up as a college professor. Back then, it was just about research, research, research and research. I loved being in the tertiary level, but basic education beckoned...and so, here I am, back to where I originally intended.

During the first week of October, we had a trip to Enchanted Kingdom. It was kinda nostalgic for me, because the last time I've been there was when I was in high school in our own field trip (and I remembered, btw, that I was playing Side A's album for the entire duration of our way back to Manila). At that time, there were fewer rides. And we got to try out all of them since the crowd then was manageable. But this time around, my goodness, I got to try only 2 rides!?! I heard from the customer service representatives that there were 6,000++ of us inside EK at that time. It was like being in the middle of a humongous rally, only this one being a fun-filled queu for the rides. Anyhow, we gamely lined up and patiently waited to get on the Anchors Away (a boat-like vehicle that goes from one way to another like a pendulum, or much like a boat sailing back and forth, up and down). I think we also lined up for more than an hour to get to the Rio Grand Rapids, a circular vehicle that takes you sailing away on the rapids of EK....hehehe. Yes, it was a wet and wild adventure, but it was so fun.

The classic Ferris Wheel. Too bad the lines were just too long, I didn't get to try it.

Would you have the courage to try this? I wanted to, but boy, the lines were so long. I didn't want to get a sunburn, so I chickened out. Hehehe.

EK has this sticker now for everyone who enters their premises.

This sticker tag tells the operators that you can ride all you want.

I just got to have a pic with their mascot!

Earlier during the trip, we trooped to Rizal Park at Luneta. It was nice. I don't recall ever setting foot here, so I took all the pictures I could. Too bad we didn't get to enter Intramuros which was a stone's throw from the place, or even watch the world-famous Manila Bay sunset. Maybe I'll just add that to my personal list of must-visit places.

Me and a colleague pose before the Rizal monument. Count the flags on this pic. BTW, that jacket on my arm was Sweetie's birthday gift to me :-)

Hahaha holding hands with JPR

As for making Christmas wishlists, for the longest time, I've been wanting a pair of flats with a nice color to go with jeans or slacks. I purposely shunned black or brown as I already own at least three pairs for each color, and I'm always wearing either a black or brown to school. So when mom and I dropped by Naturalizer this afternoon and I saw this pair, I knew the searching was over.

Cute box. I like the colors.

Nice, flat and comfy shoes. It's not the typical ballerina flats, but they're really nice. It's like walking on carpet. That's what I really love about Naturalizer.

Close-up shot of my newest flats

I'm a stickler for shoes. You can make me wear anything cheap or even secondhand (such as a hand-me-down blouse from my sister or mom), but I just can't wear cheap shoes. By cheap, I mean the ones you can buy for a thousand pesos or less. I'm not brand-conscious. It's just that ever since, my feet and my knees won't feel okay if I walk around in shoes that come with cheap price tags. So what I do is I just invest in good pairs of shoes and count maybe five to ten years to replace them. No kidding. I even recently retired my favorite black high heels which have faithfully served me since college.

And speaking of shoe quality, I trust only Adidas for sports. I've had a Nike in the past, which wore off way before my older Adidas pair did. My old blue Adidas was still intact in everywhere else, except the soles due to the intensity and amount of treadmill I was doing for the past five years. I had to retire it when Ondoy struck and I just couldn't wash off the mud anymore.

So here's my other gift to myself, a pair of pink Adidas cross-training shoes!

Yes, they should be in my favorite color, pink!

Will this finally fire me up for a mean, regular workout? Hehehe we'll see.

(Foodie) Lovers? Yes, We Are!

2010-09-15T18:43:00.000+08:00

...and I think the fact that my waistline is getting bigger is enough of an indication.

(Note to self: must start hitting the gym really soon.)

Sweetie and I tried out Chef's Quarter two weeks ago with my mom. We all worship at an evangelical church right behind SM Megamall, so scouring the humongous store for good food at lunch time comes naturally for us. We three agreed to try out all the restos and fastfood chains at Mega, since we don't like repeating whatever we've eaten the previous week. Some weeks we come across some lucky "food deals". Other days are just...well, let's just say that's going to be my last visit.

Would you care for an entree?

Steak, steak and steak!

Pasta, anyone?

I'm loving the old-world charm of this mirror and vases.

Nice lighting. But the air-con wasn't working properly.

Mom and I both ordered cream dory in a sauce that I forgot, while my Sweetie Pie got himself fish and chips. The food was great, but the serving was just too small, even by women's standards. It took them too long to serve the food too, plus the air-con was awful.

I would want to come back since the food was good, but I think it'll take me a while -- maybe a year -- to set my feet on this resto.

We walked out feeling a bit disappointed with CQ, especially comparing it to our previous week's euphoria with our last foodie find. But then I remembered that I was supposed to treat the three of us to Tutti Frutti, so we hurriedly left and proceeded to TF's tiny outlet.

Don't be fooled. Yes, Php 20 per oz but since you just pile and pile....

pile and pile all sorts of chocolates, fruits, nuts.....

This cup cost me around Php 130! Whoa!

TF has many yogurt flavors to choose from: original, mango, peach, green tea, choco-raspberry...

blueberry, pomegranate, death by chocolate....but my favorite is peanut butter!

Tutti Frutti is one of our most visited stores at the Atrium, and we can't get enough of their wide selection of yogurt and toppings. Sarap!!!!!

Last Sunday, fresh from reeling about our Chef's Quarter lunch, we proceeded to HK Choi for some Chinese dishes. I thought it's run by the same owner of Mr Choi at Galleria, but they're different. They may make the same meals, but each one is good. And yes, I'd love to drop by again for a visit.

Chinese style!

It's much like Savory or Super Bowl, but the food was great.

My supermom took this photo. We're happy about the food, as the smiles show :-)

I'm loving the Chinese decors too!

This was my plate before they seved the food. Guess what it looked like after we left the store. :-)

The food was fantastic at HK Choi. We ordered chicken and pork rice bowl, while Sweetie Pie ordered chicken rice bowl. It was absolutely mouthwatering. We added siopao to the list, and boy, I just had to have tea thrice over from everything I put inside my mouth! This weekly foodie gimmick is becoming too hard to resist, I'm surely gaining more inches and all in the wrong places!

Do drop by HK Choi Megamall, and if you have the space, throw in a visit to Tutti Frutti. These are the simple pleasures that make our Sundays doubly fun and exciting.

Level Up! A Pit Bull Experience

2010-08-30T19:27:00.003+08:00

Yes. You read it right: I pampered a pit bull. Scary? Nah. I think it was a wonderful experience, especially for a dog-scared (read: doggie phobia stricken) person like me.

Thankfully, this doggie was in a good mood when we took this picture.

People normally think of pit bulls as these monstrous, big bad doggies fit only for people with the same mean character and image that these four-legged creatures project. I couldn't blame them. Some years ago, even the U.S. banned the propagation and sale of these dogs because they have gained so much notoriety for being so fierce and aggressive. Even dog behavior expert and National Geographic's Dog Whisperer TV Host Cesar Millan acknowledges that pit bulls have that willd and aggressive side that always comes out from time to time. It's no wonder they're the top breed involved in dog fights, something that animal rights advocates have long been rallying against.

Dog behavior expert Cesar Millan with long-time ally, Daddy the pitbull.

Picture credits: Cesar's Way

Cesar Millan's well-mannered pit bulls: Junior and Daddy.

Picture credits: Cesar's Way

I thought I'd never see an actual pit bull. I only read them from books or the internet. But one day, a neighbor of ours decided to take care of a pair of newborn girl and boy pit bulls. Sweetie and I curiously visited them, and to my surprise, they were not aggressive at all. They were friendly, and instantly took to us as if were long-lost friends. Soon, Sweetie and I found ourselves paying them a weekly visit and having them smell and lick our hands. That was my closest encounter even with a dog, because the doggiephobic in me absolutely never touched a dog in my whole life.

Sadly, the puppies have been sold when our neighbor got sick recently and was no longer allowed to go near dogs or cats. Sweetie would have wanted to buy the pit bulls but when we failed to show up at our neighbor's the week before, they auctioned them off to the first buyer waiting to buy the handsome doggies. They were only two months old, but they were absolutely cute and behaved.

Last week, I found out that Tiendesitas was sponsoring a dog show only for pit bull breeds. So predictably, Sweetie and I decided to celebrate our first year anniversary together in that part of the city. And we came home happy and amazed because I upped the ante this time --- I touched a pit bull, err... I carried a pit bull puppy!

Level up! :-)

Watch as I lovingly stroke this pit bull's head

I love this puppy!

Breakfast at Ortigas Ave

2010-08-29T07:55:00.002+08:00

Come the 30th of this month, Sweetie and I will be celebrating the first year that we've been together as a couple. Unfortunately, the 30th is a holiday for most of us, but not for him since his sched follows the American calendar. So we did the next best thing: celebrate it in advance.

Since I've been mentioning for the past year or so that we both love to eat, the logical place to find us on this day is...yes, at a food joint! Hahaha but wait, it's not just a food joint. It's a big big bazaar of foodies galore!

So yesterday morning, Sweetie and I hied off to Ortigas avenue to try out the breakfast being sold there...and our verdict? We'll definitely be back for more!

There are so many food stall along this road in Ortigas center. And you can find the best deals. Php 60 for a biggie size rice meal? I'd say it's a good buy.

There's a variety of choices for every craving and palate. There's even an Sbarro store somewhere.

We tried this: Monster Burger. The burger is just soooo good and juicy, it's even way more delicious than Brother's Burger. Promise.

Yes, we dined in front of these buildings.

It's right in front of Oakwood, along the street where you'll find....

Strata 1000 and 2000. But these booths are there only on Saturdays, 6:00am-11:00am. Tuesdays to Fridays they're at Robinson's Cybergate, Pioneer.

Wanna dine here? The place is open air, but don't worry. The street has been blocked off for ultimate dining pleasure.

See the many people going to this place just to try out the food? Sweetie even saw some Makati officemates who went there from work just to partake of the morning's gastronomic delights.

Ah, foodie galore!

Take your pick.

A customer thinks about what to choose.

Call center agents waiting for their food to be cooked....

Tempting dishes!

Happy customers!

Happy anniversary, Sweetie! Thank you for the wonderful breakfast!

Cajun

2010-08-28T18:28:00.006+08:00

I've mentioned in one too many posts that Sweetie and I love to eat. No, we love to gorge on just about anything that comes out of the kitchen. (Whew! Mental note to self: start hitting the gym before it's too late!). From appetizers to main courses to desserts...wow, in the one year I've been with Sweetie, I can not name the many different places we've been to during breakfasts, lunches, meriendas and dinners.

Anyway, this post is all about this American foodie outlet in SM Megamall we visited last Sunday, and we just loved it! I still think about that special spaghetti and chicken combo in white sauce. Sweetie and I have been to a couple of places, and sometimes we leave commenting that the food was too salty, or that it was bland, or that the servings was just not right, or that the food was exhorbitant and that the staff weren't friendly, and so on. I am so glad that for Cajun, the food was fantastic, the service was excellent, the ambience was just right, and that the price was affordable considering that every food ordered is already good for 2-3 persons. Great deal really.

Do try out Cajun. It's worth your every hard-earned penny. :-)

It's Cajun this time for a food tripping couple...

See? It's affordable, isn't it?

I think the pictures do the store "injustice" because the food tastes 10X better than how the photos project them to be!

So yummy!

Fish coated with a kind of cheese I forgot...Fried and served with fries...my favorite!

Shrimp and prawns...

I just can't get enough of this. Mouthwatering chicken pasta by Cajun....

Lovin' My Mondays

2010-07-13T18:12:00.001+08:00

I used to hate Mondays. I said used to. At some point in my career, I felt exhausted and completely uninspired, and even cared less whether or not I was doing well in this job. I felt as if I was just going through the notions of reporting for work, and spending the four hundred eighty minutes or so that the law demands from me. Unknown to many, I even contemplated leaving for another school; I was just so unhappy that I tried shifting careers. I applied in some companies, and even got interviewed and considered for the positions I stated. But somehow, something inside stopped me from filing for resignation. Every time I tried to, something just happens and I had to postpone my plans until finally June came around and I got a scholarship for a foreign language. The next thing I know was that I got tied to my school for the next two years. Good thing God stopped me. It was, after all, a blessing in disguise.

Thank God for His Word. I got convicted when I opened my Bible and saw this:

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people. Remember that the Lord will give you as a reward what he has kept for his people. For Christ is the real Master you serve." Colossians 3:23-24

I am a teacher. God called me to be one. I give hope. I build dreams. I shape destiny.

And yes, I'm now lovin' my Mondays :-)

Nihongo + Summer = Fun

2010-06-11T17:11:00.000+08:00

:-)

How was your summer?
Mine was super fun yet hectic and quite taxing too...

I learned (and still learning) a new language, and memorized a foreign system of writing. Throw in a couple of trainings and seminars...and whew! Summer has ended? I didn't quite notice it!

Anyhow, here are the pics:

Showing off the origami given by the UP Summer class of Sir Junilo

Cute eh?

Melikey!

How about this for a costume? hehehehe

Posing with other senseis

Zannen!

2010-05-08T10:42:00.003+08:00

It's the first time in our history. And my, oh my, I'm not going to be a part of it.

Not in the way I wanted to.

Ever since the government announced that the 2010 elections will be automated, I have been waiting with great anticipation for May 10. I already envisioned what I would do on that day; the excitement was just too much that I even made plans what to wear for this historical moment (oh, vanity!)! I know how it feels to serve as part of the Board of Election Inspectors --- the tension, the anxiety, the eagerness, and the relief that go with the job, and yes, I'm willing to go through all of those again.

Then all of a sudden, I was excluded. So much for automation, huh?

Since the elections this year will be automated, COMELEC decided that it will need lesser number of teachers. Whereas before every precinct had around 200 voters, this year every precinct will have 1,000++ voters. So they just dropped our names like hot potatoes. But they made announcements in April, way after the deadline for registration for those disenfranchised.

Okay, fine. So my name was dropped from the rolls. But what irritates me is the fact that COMELEC disenfranchised me for not voting for the past two elections. Duh, I served in those last two elections as BEI Chairman AND voted, so why should I get punished for doing my job? So this experience proves that COMELEC is not doing its work well, because they did not read our minutes of the election wherein we wrote that we who served as BEI voted in our assigned precincts, not in our original ones. They announced the names of those who made it to the automated precincts too late, so now we had no chance to check and make sure our voices would be heard this year. Zannen big time!!!!!!!

I can't wait for July to register again.....haayyy.....the hassles of trying to be a participative citizen of this country....

Going for A Walk

2010-04-13T19:52:00.001+08:00

One of the simplest things Mr. M and I enjoy the most (apart from eating, haha!) is walking. It's one of our common denominators. Dealing with men can sometimes be like rocket science to me, so thank God for walking. We both found something we love to do, and may I add, something that doesn't cost us anything! Hahahaha! Talk about being romantic and practical at the same time. Whether walking leisurely at the mall, briskly walking from our subdivision's gate to our house, walking slowly as we talk about each other's day, or just walking after dinner to aid digestion, we just love to WALK!

And visiting this wonderful place in Marikina is like perfect icing on my cake last Friday. Ayos! FYI, the Marikina Sports Park is open for 24 hours. :-)

It was already 5:30 PM, but a couple of health buffs still mill around the oval.

Go, go, go. A man tries to finish a few more meters.

Lovers in the track and field. Sweet, noh?

Mr. M and I dream of walking through those rubberized tracks soon.

TRIVIA: Did you know that you just have to pay Php 10 to use the facilities of the sports park (excludes swimming pool and gym facilities)? That's a very small price to pay for health and well-being!

Boracay Diaries

2010-04-12T20:53:00.003+08:00

I enjoyed staying out in the sun, snorkelling and just appreciating all that nature had to offer in Mindoro.

But my arms had to pay a high price for overexposure to the summer heat.

Pandan Island is quite undiscovered, as compared to Boracay and Puerto Gallera, which are becoming more and more commercialized. Only 50 people can be accomodated in Pandan on a daily basis. Reservations sometimes should be done six months in advance. But the trip is worth it. And I must say, Pandan Island's sand and beaches can rival Bora's anytime!

Remember Sablayan from my last year's holy week escapade? Walking on powdery white sand and swimming in crystal-clear, blue-green waters of the beaches in that part of Mindoro have instantly become my favorite vacation activities, that since then I vowed to visit that part of our country as often as I could.

Or better yet, hop on to other islands of the Philippines and sunbathe in other white sand beaches of our glorious territories. :-) Hey, you have to blame Mindoro for this. Sablayan and Pandan Island spoiled me that much, to the point that I benchmark all beach destinations to the magnificent experience I had with Summer 2009.

So when mama asked if I wanted to dip through the famous waters of Boracay islands, my answer was a loud and resounding YES!

Last March 3, I booked my older brother, myself and Mom roundtrip flights to Kalibo via Zest Air.

We set the vacation on April 2-4, 2010. I initially thought one month's advance booking was enough.

I was wrong. All flights with Cebu Pacific, PAL and Seair were sold out. The remaining ones were way too expensive for our budget. So Zest Air it is. We didn't regret the decision.

The flight, however, was 30 minutes delayed. As usual, Mom read her papers.

Yay! This has got to be the second time I'm riding a plane in my whole lifetime.

Just got to have that Zest Air logo on the pic. Hehehe

I just couldn't resist the cute formation of the clouds.

...and a few minutes later we were already 17,000 feet above ground.

Suddenly, everything looked so small and insignificant.

We're here: the flight was only 1 hour. What took longer was the bus ride from Kalibo

which brought us to the ship ports of Caticlan.

A picture in Caticlan: we're standing in front of the Fairways and Bluewater welcome center in Caticlan.

To our back is the ocean, and about 10 minutes of boat ride after that is the gorgeous island of Boracay!

Bora was disappointing at first. As you can see, the water's a bit murky.

The green stuff behind uswas the lumot which, surprisingly, people just ignored.

Pandan Island was way way better than this side of Bora's public beach.

When we got to the island, the place was just brimming full of people. You could literally step on

someone else's feet, or be stepped on! It was hardly my idea of a perfect and quiet vacation.

I tried not to let my dampened spirit show. I pre-judged Bora too early, and my verdict was that it's just slightly better than your ordinary swimming pool: loud music everywhere, overpopulated and crowded places, and ultra commercialized surroundings that makes you wonder whether you flew out of Metro Manila. But when we got to our resort, boy oh boy, I love Bora! Now I'm a believer hahahahahah

FB golf resort was almost at the extreme side of the island, which was good because we were away from the maddening crowd. The public beach doesn't really knock the socks off my feet. Our resort occupies about 1/10 of the whole Boracay island. It has about ten hotels, a golf course, an athletic field, a private beach resort, a horseback riding field, ATV facilities, an open-air amphitheater, a spa, zipline facilities, an infinity pool and a large freshwater swimming pool. If those amenities aren't even enough, then I know what is.

Talk about relaxation. Would you care for a massage?

The infinity pool was just too inviting...

...and this Korean family couldn't resist!

This is one half of the private beach of FB resort. Now that's my kind of beach --- private, quiet and tranquil.

Morning pose: Mama and me pose before the beach overlooking the keyhole.

This is the chapel within the resort.

Closer shot of the chapel.

This is Mulligan Hotel where we stayed for two nights.

Did you know that we paid only 60% of the room rate?

Best bargain ever!

Sleep your stress away.

Contemporary yet classic furniture

Luxurious bathroom amenities

Ah, this is what I call THE L-I-F-E!!! hehe

You can snorkel and swim in the beach...

...or stay afloat in the pool...

...or just enjoy the cool breeze and nice view...

...and yes, don't forget the photo ops...

We also visited Puka beach, at the far right end of the island. It's the cleanest public beach I know in Bora.

When will I probably have the guts to wear a two-piece? hehe

Puka shells for souvenir

Instead of the usual island-hopping of which my mom is not a fan, we opted to climb up Mt. Luho, the highest point in Bora. For only Php 50, you can have unlimited views of the best spots in the island. Awesome experience.

Cute slippers and sandals being sold at the foot of Mt. Luho

Foreigners and Pinoys alike love to ride the ATV.

Too bad time wasn't enough for me to try it.

This is one of the magnificent views of Bora from Mt. Luho. Did you know that all the strips of white sand on the photo belongs to our resort? It's that HUGE.

This is the opposite side of the picture earlier. Beautiful and breathtaking, isn't it?

Mom and I enjoying the views. More, more, more!!!

We flew back to Manila very early on the morning of the 4th, when only a handful were willing to travel back to the city. But if I had it my way, with the beautiful surroundings and great food, I'd rather stay for a few more days.

Back to the Urban Zone. Manila as caught in my cam from my side of the plane.

It has been one week since I returned to the Urban Jungle. After a long weekend, I have resumed working, and since then my mind was once again consumed with thoughts related to my job. But at night, I still dream of the foamy, clear water, white sand and the gentle breeze of Boracay Island. Now I know why this part of the Philippines has become a world-class destination.

My verdict? I want to go back!!!!! Every peso was so worth it.

Now I know what to save for in 2011 :-)

Missing Pythagoras

2010-04-11T21:24:00.001+08:00

Sneak Preview: Fairways and Bluewater

2010-04-05T22:06:00.003+08:00

I'm back. And (I'm) wishing I could extend for a few more days...hehehe

Three days. Two nights. Two companions. Seven kilometers of divinely white sand beach. One great, luxurious and ultra private resort. And one unforgettable summer.

Here's a peek for now before I spill more Boracay kwento in the next few days.

A Summer Surprise from God

2010-03-27T17:40:00.001+08:00

God has a wonderful way of answering our prayers. I firmly believe in that because I can't get enough of experiencing God's awesome and mighty ways of surprising me with blessings beyond my wildest expectations.

Early this year, I was already preparing for another trip to Sablayan, Mindoro. I thought I'd pack my bags come holy week and join my bubbly church friends to DJ Beach Besort and Pandan Island, where we spent seven full days last year enjoying crystal-clear blue waters and white sand beaches. That part of Occidental Mindoro was quite raw and undiscovered, but it was very beautiful, and I wanted to relive my very good experiences in that part of our country.

However, our graduation was set for April 5, a Monday, and I couldn't definitely be absent from this affair, being the Chair of the Program Committee. I couldn't take an earlier vacation leave either, because even as of this writing, our plans for the big day aren't yet final. So I kissed all hopes of going out-of-town this year and resigned myself to the fact that I'll be waiting for another year to sunbathe and snorkel in Southern Luzon, or anywhere outside of Manila, as all of my friends are pushing through with their beach outings minus me.

But God had other plans.

One night I went home very tired and very stressed out. I was ready to plunk down on my bed and forego my dinner, when mom popped the question: "Would you like to go with me to Boracay for the holy week? Three days, two nights".

Would I like? But of course! Who wouldn't refuse such an offer?

I forgot all about office bickerings, politics, and all the stresses that came with them, and sat down on my pc to scout for the available flights that would make our dream vacation true. Cebu Pacific and PAL were already fully-booked, while others charged way too expensive for our budget. Thankfully, we found early morning bookings with Zest Airways. For about Php 3000++, we had our round-trip airfare deals sealed. Yey!

So we got the airfare covered. But what about the accomodations? Well, this is one where I was totally floored by the goodness of God. Wonder of wonders, we are going to stay at Fairways and Bluewater, a triple A resort in Newcoast, Boracay, just a stone's throw from Puka Beach and D'Mall at Station 1. Fairways and Bluewater boasts of being the only resort with an exclusive cove and closely guarded, privately secured, perimetered white beach front. It has a par 72, 18-hole golf course, an athletic field / beach soccer, and volleyball areas. The resort owners proudly claim to have the largest fresh water swimming pool, and if that is not enough, it also has a horseback riding field and trails ---- talk about bringing Tagaytay to Aklan! The place also has a chapel, a natural cave, an open-air amphitheatre and park, a spa (!), all terrain vehicle field (ATV), and a zipline! Click here and here to read more about zipline, and why backpackers and tourists are raving about it.

God just keeps raising the bar when it comes to surprising me. Did you know that for all the first-class, triple A facilities I mentioned that we'd be enjoying in Bora, we paid a mere Php 4, 410 per night for the hotel? We were given 40% discount on accomodation, and where on earth can you find a deal like that when it's supposed to be peak season? God is truly good and great! I'm really just amazed at how He orchestrated everything for me to enjoy all these perks.

In six days, I'll finally be seeing the famed Bora sunset and feel the white powdery sand on my feet. I am just so thankful to God for this pleasant, unexpected summer surprise. It's far better what I have ever planned and conceived, and truly, when it comes to Him, I can only imagine!

Take me to paradise: Did you know that in the native language of the Aklanon tribes, the word "bora" means cotton, in honor of the soft, powdery sands of the island?

I'd be glad to walk these shorelines!

It'll be nice to pray, meditate and read the Bible in a beautiful place like this!

I'd like to go island-hopping and have my picture taken in this place.

How's that for a view?

This magnificent sunset reminds me of God's pleasant surprise for me this summer.

All images were taken from here.

Japanese for A Day

2010-03-27T11:21:00.007+08:00

with my close friend/classmate Edward of Torres HS

experiencing authentic Japanese tea ceremony

healthy green tea from Japan

making onigiri or rice cakes

Remember my previous post? I believe I'm turning Japanese! Hehehe.

It's been ten months since I first went back to the classroom set-up and taught Japanese language and culture. Yes, I know. What is an English major like me doing in a Japanese language and culture class? It all started in 2007 when The Japan Foundation Manila decided to conduct a Nihongo Caravan in our school. It's a variety show combining Japanese language and culture meant to generate interest in all things Japanese with the aim of encouraging students to take Japanese as an elective for the incoming school year.

So when classes opened in 2008, I offered Japanese language and culture as a club in our school. However, the program was a bit disappointing since attendance waned. Students were constantly busy with their academic pursuits, and since a club isn't a graded activity, naturally the attendance wasn't given much priority by the students.

I was discouraged. But then God had other plans. Last summer, my school sent me to JFM for a fresh round of training. This time, we decided to offer Japanese language and culture as an elective. It was graded, and so none of my students would absent themselves from the class, lest they miss out on some of the best things happening in this side of Pasig.

How time flies! One moment I recall walking into the classroom and introducing myself in Japanese, and now, we just ended our own version of the Nihongo Caravan in our school (which by the way, I'm still having last song syndrome hahahaha). Teaching this year had been so wonderful for me. It was fun, and I always looked forward to Thursdays and Fridays to see my Japanese counterpart, Ms. Mayu Suzuki, my Filipina co-teacher, Ms. Lyn, and my class (naks!), I-Pythagoras. There's just too many things to talk about and to explore on, and it's always exciting to share cultures and understanding between different languages and races.

Over-all, I had pretty good memories with Pythagoras. And now that the School Year is about to end, I kinda miss my Thursday-Friday routine. I wish I could repeat June again, and relive some of the most precious times I spent with the class, Ms. Mayu and Ms. Lyn.

I'll let the pictures and videos re-tell my memorable moments with my CJH class this 2009-2010.

getting certified by none other than the top honcho of JFM, Mr. Ben Suzuki

chance pic of my Japanese quiz bee team and some models for Japanese street fashion

posing with the class and Ms. Mai Nakamoto, one of the Japanese senseis

learning to write in Katakana

Japanese-related art

read their names (hehehe, in Katakana!)

I call these girls the Cherry blosson ladies hehehe

a pose before the show

happy feet in Japanese sandals

the cute obi fashioned the Japanese way

Ms. Mai Nakamoto with Francis (in crazy hairdo), Eloi and Ali

Japanese exhibit

some Japanese stuff on display

my boys resting awhile

Yeba! Curtain call! We made it!

And here's their final dance number for the show, the Yosakoi Sooran or fishermen's dance.

Sayonara!

The Future of Philippine Fashion?

2010-03-07T23:21:00.000+08:00

What's your fashion style?

One of the most oftenly used piece of clothing in my cabinet is my small collection of jeans. I wear them every weekend. I don't have enough courage to wear skirts or shorts, so you'll almost always catch me in jeans and a shirt.

2008 shot in Buso-Buso Highlands

My taste in clothing is simple. I like wearing colors that hide my...er...imperfections. This black blouse is from Human. It's one of my favorites. I'm not brand-conscious. I wear everything from tiangge finds to department stores to boutiques...but I'm very loyal to the items that catch my fancy.

Enrique's birthday in November 2009

As you can see, I like repeating my favorite clothes. Here's a Christmas shot of my black Human blouse.

Yey! My blouse hid what should be kept :)

I try to keep accessories minimal. Or I just simply wear something cute but not that attention-grabbing.

With mama while waiting for our lunch

Of course, there are some occasions that call for something more formal. During such events, I mostly rely on Cinderella or SM Department stores for simple evening wear with a little omph.

A short, green pleated dress from Karimadon. Gosh, I think I weighed 20 pounds less here.

Nothing grand for me. Just simple, functional, passable fashion sense.

A maroon evening spaghetti strap dress I borrowed from my sister-in-law Charisse

I think most Pinays dress the way I do. Which is why, when I and my students visited MOA to watch the Street Fashion Exhibit sponsored by The Japan Foundation Manila, I was a little taken aback.

Could this be the future of Filipino fashion?

I'm fancying the pink shoes. But for a guy? I don't think I'd allow Mr. M to wear this one!

The shirt is okay, but the pants????

I don't like gamusa type of shoes. They catch dust all the time.

Unless you're in Tokyo or some other cold country. But with all the pollution in Manila?

Bitin is in?

I love black, but I can't find something likeable with this one.

I'd gladly use one of these shoes during our post-Ondoy clean-up!

The pashmina looks like it's slowly being shredded to bits...

Layering clothes is part of the culture of people living in colder regions, but what's with the cardigans?

And colors are great, but not this multi-color for sure????

A fusion of Victorian and er...Japanese?

Me likey :-)

Again, check out the layers.

And my oh my, the footwear!

Anyone willing to use the chain on the fashion director of this show???

Come and get it

I'm tagging Kate and Enchie to blog something about fashion. Will you, girls? :-)

What I Am Really Looking Forward To...

2010-03-04T17:38:00.000+08:00

White sand...
Blue water...
Clear sky...
Lush greeneries...

Boracay, here I come. Oooohhh, bring me some!

:-)

Don't Grow Up Yet, Little Ones

2010-01-08T11:54:00.002+08:00

That my nephews and niece rock my world is probably inaccurate.
I say, we [in the family] adore them.
Every one of us is excited to see them all the time.
Don't grow up yet, little ones. Please?

Ella Monique (in plaid pink and green dress) and Cousin Carl Ricah

Enrique Miguel

Franco David and Diego Reuben

Red-eyed: Loving and Hating It

2010-01-07T13:11:00.001+08:00

Urgh!

Only seven days into the new year, I am stuck here at home. The findings? Conjunctivitis!!! Sore eyes in layman's language.

I'm loving the fact that I can relax and just be laid back for a few days. But at the same time, I hate taking breaks when I have all the adrenalin to face my workload head-on.

Urgh!!!!

Elixir

2009-12-29T11:26:00.004+08:00

morning chats with Mr. M
reading my favorite books while curled up in bed
drawing and coloring
walking
getting a hair cut from Tony
bonding moments with the kiddies in our family
quality time with Mr. M
long vacations (thank you, PGMA, for the long weekends!)
trips to the beach
trying out something new with Mr. M (food, adventure, etc.)
Bible study with Mr. M!
chikahan time with my sister, mom and brothers and in-laws
fresh air from Antipolo and Binangonan
blogging
clicking away with my camera
cross-stitching
updating my albums
having noche buena and media noche withy my family
writing
...and evening small talks with Mr. M! (the best and most-awaited part of my day)

Happy new year, everyone! May God be with you and your families!

My Ideal Vacation Activity = This*

2009-12-28T14:29:00.002+08:00

Ultra fine, white sand and cool breeze....

Snorkelling all day...

Tropical weather perfect for swimming and tanning...

Private, secluded island...

Clear, blue-green, South China Sea waters teeming with diverse kinds of marine life...

...and simply enjoying nature and God's awesome creations :)

* Pictures taken during my recent summer vacation in Sablayan and Pandan Island, Mindoro.

Close Encounters with the Biting Kind

2009-12-27T19:39:00.003+08:00

Very recently, I wrote about my dog show experience with Mr. M. It was a beautiful bonding day capped with poses with mutts and several video shots, along with some long-range planning on what breed to buy for our someday family.

Will it be a Chow Chow? Ah, but chows are too hairy and might trigger my skin allergies. A Siberian husky, perhaps? Ok, but they look scary, and my nephews and niece might refuse to pay me a visit when they see one in their auntie's house. I also don't like doggies with black coats, so no no to German Shepherds or Dobermans.

What about this? Cute, cuddly Shar pei puppies!!!!

Cuties!

Cuddly too!!!

Up close and personal: I think I've found our future pet!

Cutie babies ---- both of them :)

Mr. M wants a big doggie like a Labrador or Golden Retriever, while I prefer the smaller ones. I told him I want to get used to having a dog around the house first, then when I am fully adjusted, I'd say yes to a bigger canine companion.

But this I have to confess: actually, I'm really scared of dogs. Even now that I'm beginning to appreciate them, I still have second thoughts about having doggies in my house. Here's why:

Photo Credits: Photos 1 and 2, Photo 3 and Photo 4

Shawie, is that you?

2009-12-24T00:06:00.001+08:00

Good thing I now have my own Kiko. Hehehehehe :-)

Memo to self:

1. Lose 10 pounds. Make it 15 if possible. Ergo, eat less and exercise more.

2. Grow your hair!

Puppy Love

2009-12-21T11:47:00.003+08:00

This is one post I'm sure Mr. M would not pass up the opportunity to view :-)

This puppy might as well join a choir :-)

Seeing this cutie convinces me all the more to buy and take care of one!

I just can't get enough of chow chows!

Merry Christmas !!!!!

My Place

2009-12-21T11:25:00.003+08:00

Blame it on Ondoy.

To say that it's not fun at all living in a flood-prone community is an understatement. It's pure torture! It wasn't at all unusual for me and my siblings to wear boots, or in my case, be carried by my dad or brothers to dry land, and proceed to school. Every rainy season, we would immediately put the ref and washing machine on tables, and get ready to scrub the floors the moment the flood subsides. Rubbing alcohol automatically becomes my family's best friend once June arrives, since we always have to walk through puddles of flood water every so often. Evacuating to my sister's house has become a routine once the waters enter our gates.

Several mayors and a few hundred houses later, the drainage was rehabilitated, and the street level was raised, and for some time we enjoyed flood-free days. I remember sleeping peacefully even as Milenyo lashed out in Metro Manila. I thought this was the start of evacuation-less years and deep slumber-in-the-midst-of-storms- nights.

I was wrong. Obviously, we didn't know what was in store.

These days I am seriously thinking of buying my own place. I am looking for one that's flood-free (that's a given), preferrably elevated with a nice view of what's down below. I long for one that's spacious --- the bigger the better to have an instant playground for my someday family. I wish to be in a big community where I can easily grab a bite in a nearby stall or buy some small items from a mini-grocery without having to really leave the block. I dream of a place that's less than an hour away from work, and yet so near to all the places dear to my heart. I want a huge space where there's lots of trees and flowers the likes of which I'll try my best to plant...

Oh, but for now let me think of how I could put a dowpayment to my place.

Or better yet, be inspired by this video.

What Really Matters

2009-12-20T16:11:00.001+08:00

Since the onslaught of Ondoy, my work life has never been the same. We suspended classes for three weeks, and consequently, we now have to make up for all the lost class hours before March. So Saturdays suddenly became working days. Good bye to wet market moments with mama. Adios to extra hours of sleep on a Saturday afternoon. Sayonara to rest and more importantly, to date days with Mr. M because of the remedial classes. It has become so insanely tiresome and stressful that I would often cry out and complain over my exhaustion. Enough of this, oh please!

What aggravated the matter was that with the nerve-wracking and hectic six-day work week, I barely have quality time with Mr. M. My Sundays are for church, me + mama bonding, and preparation time for the incoming work week, and sometimes he also has his own commitments, making togetherness a really sacred and treasured time for the two of us.

One particular Saturday this month, problems piled up and stress level was at its most unbelievable high. I had a meeting that lasted til 2pm, and with barely a bite for lunch, hopped to the next meeting til 3:30pm. Then I received this text:

"Andito na ako sa labas. Tapos ka na? Halika na!!"

I get a tight hug, a loving squeeze in the arm, some comforting words of assurance, and the promise of another great, albeit short, bonding time together. And suddenly I forget about the office and its problems and concerns.

I'm being mushy, but hey, this is my blog. Allow me some form of cheesiness. Hehehe :-)

I am loved. And that's all that matters.

It's a doggie day!

2009-12-08T18:28:00.011+08:00

Mr. M and our Siberian Husky bet bond together!

Doggie lovers and owners prep up the canine friends moments before the contest started.

One of the things that Mr. M brought into my life is how he sparked a heightened appreciation for canine friends in me. Before, dogs were just out of my vocabulary. I can't even tell the difference between a german shepherd and a bulldog. I grew up surrounded by eight cats or so, and I thought that's just perfectly fine. I go nuts every time my feline pets fight one another, but I think I'd go crazier in the company of barking pets. After all, I'm scared of dogs. Scared as in I'd shake and quiver whenever I see one in the streets, running after me even with its cutest smile and wagging tail. But it looks like I got converted. Almost. Hehehhe

Last Sunday, I had the chance to go see a dog show with Mr. M at the Tiendesitas People's Village. We also toured the Pet Village to see other canine friends being sold in the market. And I must say, after that experience, I think I'm ready to ask him to buy a chow chow for me in the future :-)

Here's a preview of how that "doggie-themed date" turned out:

Mr. M just couldn't take his eyes off the golden retriever and a mountain dog.

These doggies are more vain than me! Check out their uh, hair. hehehehe

Our all-time favorite and dream pet, chow chow!!!!!

Meet Max, a friendly bulldog

One of our favorites, a Siberian Husky, was declared the winner. Yey!

In true doggie fashion: doggies get pampered in a doggie parlor :-)

A golden retriever puppy catches Mr. M's attention

Ondoy and moving on

2009-10-28T17:44:00.004+08:00

It's just one of those days when I feel so lazy to get out of the bed and get my morning started. My alarm clock had been boisterously ringing, and I kept turning it off, hoping to log more minutes in snoozeland. But finally, I woke up a few minutes past six to a rainy Saturday morning. As usual, I had to hurry a bit and get dressed, since every week on this day, my brother Ron and I accompany mom to the wet market.

Everything was unusual. As we drove along Imelda avenue, the street was already a mess. Garbage littered the busy lanes, and water was already mid-calf high. It rained incessantly the whole time we were marketing, but it wasn't the type of shower the likes of which will scare you. It was just mild showers throughout, and since we already spent about an hour buying food for the following week, and the waters along Imelda avenue had surely risen even more, we decided to take a different route and go home via Amang Rodriguez avenue.

I helped unload the stuff we bought, then proceeded to enjoy my breakfast. The rain hadn't stopped pouring in since we left, but I just ignored it. The news the night before forecasted moderate showers, and predicted that Metro Manila was under Signal 1. So I sat on my computer desk and emailed so and so, and browsed such and such website, oblivious of the fact that small bodies of waters were already forming in our street.

It all happened so quickly. Mom cancelled her appointment for that day. Then, she asked me to start packing my bags and things, frequently calling out each one of us to hurry. This may be a mild shower for now, but something was definitely wrong. Pools of water had already entered our gates, and at the rate the waves were violently dancing through the streets, and at the speed by which the waters were increasing in volume, it was only a matter of time before the waters entered our home and swallowed everything it contained.

I looked at my watch: 12NN. Our maids started securing the appliances and electrical gadgets. Mom had started to pull out the meat and vegetables from the ref, and loaded them to an ice chest. Then it dawned on me: we were going to evacuate, and we don't know when we could go back.

I immediately got my office bag, my cellular phones and a charger. I also packed several undies, shirts and shorts. Then I hid and secured the jewelry and laptops, and piled my other stuff on top of one another. The rest was a blur.

We took a very quick lunch, perhaps the quickest meal I ever ate in my entire life, then left the house. It was already thirty-eight minutes past 12NN by the time we locked the front door, and the waters were already chest-high in our street.

It was the weirdest walk I ever took. The trip seemed like forever as I struggled to maintain my balance. Between seeing the water already chest-deep and still continuing to rise, and trying my best not to scream at the sight of cockroaches and rats swimming a few inches from me, I must say that this has got to be the worst calamity I ever witnessed since that devastating earthquake of July 16, 1990.

It must have been a few minutes past two in the afternoon when we finally reached Tita Emy's home. It would normally take me seven minutes to reach her house on a sunny day, but it seemed like forever when we walked to her house on that day. The good samaritans that they are, my sister's in-laws offered their humble apartment for the eight days that we couldn't find a shelter to sleep in. It was a nice and an intimate home, and it surely made us comfortable, but it was torturous having to endure the brownouts and the endless thinking about my things I left at home.

The next day, since all phone lines were cut, and Globe was practically useless too, my brother Ron and I decided to walk to Marikina to check on my brother Eric and his children. We walked for two hours, pausing several times to wash mud off our feet. He was okay, but the three vehicles were almost completely submerged in the flood. The first floor of the house was inundated neck-deep, but they managed to bring upstairs all the important gadgets and stuff.

Ours was worse since we had no second floor. When we went back to the house late Sunday afternoon, the water inside the house was still waist-deep. I guess I wasn't prepared for what I was about to see: the flood almost submerged the entire house! The ref was afloat, the CDs and compo were scattered everywhere, and my two laptops, which I earlier secured in what I thought was already a high place, was also very much wet. All my books were gone, and so are all the pictures of my siblings and nephews and niece. Woodwork stunk, and the house was a complete mess, with all the mud and crude oil clinging so tightly to the walls. The sofas were soaked and browned, and several glass works were broken. Piles upon piles of clothes were waiting to be washed, while several others were waiting to be discarded.

It took us around three weeks to bring back normalcy to the house. We took turns washing, drying, sorting, cleaning, scrubbing ---- everything! It was an endless cycle of waking up, cleaning a portion of the house, throwing out stuff, and resting awhile to eat, and then resuming everything again, until we retire at night, too tired and spent to lift a finger.

I have never seen a calamity of this proportion and of this magnitude in my whole life, and I hope I'll never see it again. Until today, the loss haunts me no end. I get a little paranoid whenever it rains, be it a momentary drizzle or a powerful shower lasting a few minutes. I struggle to avoid brooding over lost pictures, lost memories, lost clothes, and yes, lost books --- the very heart and soul of a teacher's entire career. I spent precious hours scouring every cabinet, and every pile I could lay my hands on, hoping that somehow, something could still be retrieved, repaired and redeemed --- to no avail. I am sitting in this neighborhood's internet shop, thinking about the two laptops I lost to Ondoy, and the desktop pc and table I have loved since my teens. I lie down at night, and turn several times, missing my old, firm bed which I lost to the muddy waters. I look around the house, and it seems bare now ---- devoid of the pictures of our tykes and toddlers in their cutest poses. I roam the street, and there's a mountain of garbage in every household.

Ondoy has taught me not to love material things too much, that I get so attached to them to the point of depression. Now that we have cleaned up everything, I miss my stuff, but I am thankful for the months and years I have been allowed to use them. I lost a lot of material things, many of which I might never be able to regain in my life, but I am grateful no one got hurt, or got sick in the aftermath. We came out alive from this disaster, and we truly thank God that we have each other --- whole and well. But most of all, Ondoy has taught me to trust God, though sometimes that very act seems illogical and useless to do. That Ondoy has claimed countless of lives and billions of property do not change the fact that God is good, and that He is in control of His universe. I often repeat in the church and in the office that God, in His wisdom, allowed us to do the marketing on the morning of the typhoon so that in the days to come when there was widespread panic-buying and hoarding, we would have plenty to feast on. We were perhaps the only household in our area who didn't have to line up for relief goods or assistance. We were literally feasting in abundance in the midst of the chaos.

The clothes have all been washed, and the carpentry works have begun. The home smells great again, and the floors have been waxed. Life goes on after Ondoy. God is good, and though I couldn't figure out a lot of things about this calamity, His grace shines through.

Ondoy hasn't robbed me of my joy. As long as there is life, there is hope, and we can start anew.

Meanwhile, excuse me as I go back to my daily grind. And yes, I'm shopping for a brand new laptop again, thank God :-)

Meet my doggies

2009-08-02T21:34:00.009+08:00

It's been raining cats and dogs lately, and speaking of man's best friend, I am now a certified doggie lover :-) hehehe well, at least the kind that you could hug and cuddle ...I'm talking of stuffed toys for now. I really can't take care of real pups as I have severe allergies so I just settled for the next best thing...Siberian husky twin puppies!

And yes, I got 'em for my birthday last 28 courtesy of Matt. Thank you, Lord for another wonderful year!

Matt --- certified dog lover

Meet AB and Twinkle, my Siberian husky twin puppies!

On top of my laptop...

In my arms...

Sitting on our sofa...

We Are the World

2009-07-18T20:28:00.001+08:00

Great song by great artists :-)
Enjoy!

Chicken Trippin'

2009-07-18T19:27:00.008+08:00

Everyone who knows me knows that I love chicken. As in I can eat chicken for lunch 3X a week! We often eat at Kenny Rogers', so I decided, well, why not give it a little twist?

It's very simple. You just need the following:

1 whole spring chicken
3-5 pieces calamansi
2 pcs medium size white onions
Ground pepper
Real Magic Sarap (optional)
Tanglad (the secret to making this a delectable dish!)

And here's how to cook this mouth-watering meal:

Smother the chicken with calamansi juice. Remove the seeds. Then, even out Real Magic Sarap (optional) and pepper all over the skin.

Insert the tanglad and sliced onions inside the chicken. Turbo-broil for 30 minutes on one side, then 30 minutes again for the other side.

Serve! (Oops, in this case, I already took a teeny weeny slice off the skin. Yummy!)

Enjoy the meal with Mang Tomas!

The dish didn't taste the way a Kenny Rogers' meal would, but it's a lot closer to Andok's. Ang sarap!

I have to thank the original chef among our batch, Enchie, for inspiring this entry. She maintains a recipe site, and I must admit, if I could be half the cook she is, my, my family would be so happy! Please visit her page for more great cooking ideas.

Have a great week end, everyone!

RIP, MJ

2009-07-17T21:58:00.003+08:00

The gloves. The grooves. The guy.

There'll never be another like him.

His were the songs I grew up with. As a child, I used to listen to him belt out "Ben" and "I Want You Back". I knew the lyrics of "Rock With You", "I Just Can't Stop Loving You", "Remember the Time" and "Black or White" by heart. I cheered when he came to Manila and performed, though I couldn't afford to buy a ticket to see him live. As a fan, I was proud whenever the news would broadcast about his charities, or his foundations. I felt sad when the media magnified his highly publicized trials and eccentricities.
There may have been some regrettable things that he did; nevertheless, I admired the guy. He has blessed my and other people's lives with his unique brand of music, and I am grateful for that.

It's sad that after waiting for his highly anticipated comeback, he would just leave us all behind. He was gone too soon.

Good bye, MJ. Rest in peace.

Her daddy's spitting image

2009-07-17T12:30:00.001+08:00

Spot the difference :-)

The making of a Nihonggo Sensei?

2009-07-17T12:15:00.004+08:00

Just got to have that pic with the logo behind us...

Receiving my certificate from Ben Suzuki

with our pretty Senseis

with Dr. Andrada of DepEd at the forum

with fellow forum attendees

Snapping away

2009-07-06T18:20:00.009+08:00

It was Pista ng Batang Pasig, and the Camera Girl was tasked to shoot some pics for the official documentation.

Here are some of the amateur-ish snap shots I took courtesyof my GE A735:

The banner says it all

Nervous eh?

Look left, look right, look....where????

The strokes from a future Picasso

Great contrast details...

I'm impressed!

Young artist at work

Filipiniana theme?

Awww..... :-)

Fans watch the next Juan Luna or Manuel Baldemor perhaps?

Photo ops muna

2009-06-24T14:41:00.004+08:00

Hihihihi ;-)

Do you snore?

2009-06-22T18:08:00.009+08:00

Well, do you, or at least someone that you know?

The last grandson in the family, Enrique just turned three years old last November, and for a boy who has just entered nursery, having him go through the knife was the farthest thing on our minds.

Until doctors confirmed our precious little boy had sleep apnea.

Ever since he was a little over six months, his parents and yaya had noticed that he keeps on snoring a little too loud, in fact, even louder than his grannies or daddy. We just dismissed it as something adorably peculiar --- a small boy 'roaring' like a mini-me of his papa or uncle both of whom we endlessly tease for their not-so-cute and oftentimes funny nocturnal habit.

Fast forward to when he was two years old.

While most kids would happily hop about and run and scream and wreak all kinds and sorts of cutesy kiddie antics, our small one wouldn't even budge. He would just tickle, laugh and play with us for a while, then he'd retreat to his quiet corner by the wall and rest. He would frequently pant for breath, and complain that he's tired. In malls and even in church where children are notorious for their unstoppable hyper ways, our Enrique would always request for the stroller --- a rarity for toddlers raring to walk and run and jump --- or settle for daddy or mommy's loving arms and shoulders. We thought that he's just shy, or that he's just a sickly little boy, easily worn out from playing and doing the things we normally expect of kids.

One night, my brother and sister-in-law dropped by the house. We discussed about The Medical City Hospital's Sleep Center, and before I knew it, doctors were wheeling Enrique to the operating room.

The verdict?

He had an elarged throat that was blocking his breathing; thus, the throaty, scary snore. Plus, he had to have his adenoids scraped so he could breathe better.

For six days our small boy was confined, crying and whining about his condition. We couldn't help but cry softly as he lay there helpless and begging to be taken home.

Here's the small boy as he was recovering from his operation:

Living on a bottle of milk. After his operation, Enrique was prohibited from eating solid food for a week, and had to be fed milk all the time.

Tatoo? The small boy shows me where the doctors put a mark on his arm for the skin test.

Tired and sleepy. The small one lacked sleep all week.

If you or a loved snores, please go and see a doctor immediately. Enrique's heart stops beating five (5) times for every minute when he was not yet operated on. Doctors were very happy that they removed his throat finally, since that would mean he'll get better quality of sleep after the operation, which will greatly affect his growth and development.

More Doggies!

2009-06-19T20:17:00.003+08:00

If only I could have one..... ;-(

Doggie Decors

2009-06-03T09:38:00.007+08:00

Sleeping Angel

I don't know if I'll ever have the chance to take care or even hold a puppy in my lifetime. With all the allergies I have, adopting a doggie is out of the question. So I did the next best thing: I bought puppy ceramics courtesy of Papemelroti. Look at what I got:

Two doggies holding half hearts which only they could form into one!

The she-doggie

The he-doggie

Sideways

Sideways

The closest I can get to taking care of real puppies.

Aren't they the cutest desktop decors?

Convert

2009-05-31T18:57:00.009+08:00

I'll have to "blame" Mr. M for this.

Constant conversations with Mr. M. about dogs suddenly proselytized me into the world of these wonderful four-legged creatures. I suddenly found myself wanting to have and cuddle cute little puppies! Too bad, because of my severe allergy to fur, dog / cat hair, dust, and other particles, not to mention the fact that none from this family would want a canine within our backyard, I just have to content myself with these pics :

Belat!!! Hehehehe

Can I have one of these?

Adorable white beauties

Hahahaha!!! This cutie gets a cameo appearance at a couple's engagement shoot

Awwww :-)

She looks fierce but still cute.

I want to bring you home!

Talk about getting kissed in the cheek!
Doggie plays with the baby.

Seryoso masyado

Nice wedding detail ---- a bride and groom pug (or bulldog?)

Are you sad?

I guess I'm happy to have been converted into a dog lover ;-)

Ate Shawie, is that you?

2009-05-30T15:38:00.003+08:00

Gosh. A month's worth of steroids, and I ballooned to this size.

Huhuhuhuhu :-(

From Scribbling Angel to the new Kitchen Princess

2009-05-11T14:42:00.000+08:00

I've always wanted to learn how to cook but our househelp Aning is just too impatient to teach me how to. So when her brother announced his marriage plans for Saturday, May 9, I immediately grabbed the opportunity to whip up meals for one week ---- solo! Yes, nobody was there to coach me as I boiled, pan-grilled, sauteed and fried all week!

Day one was a breeze. I just practically boiled water and the sinigang mix and came up with sigang na bangus. The next night, I was high because I cooked chicken afritada (chicken happens to be my favorite). My mom and brother asked me to cook another sinigang dish, and so voila, I prepared sinigang na manok. I did the marketing last Saturday, and when I came home, I immediately prepared sigang na baka for lunch (sigang is a regular stape in this household) and chicken curry for dinner. Mom developed allergies and was not allowed to eat fish or seafoods for one week, and so I just prepared bistek na tagalog yesterday. And oh, tonight I'm cooking pinakbet. Whew!

This whole episode of cooking on my own was a revelation. First, I found cooking to be a therapeutic, enjoyable activity. I loved every single bit of the experience! In fact, I'm so excited now to see the finishing touches of our current house renovation so that I can finally use the new gas range my mom bought last last week. Second, it isn't scary at all to cook, as it had been for me in the past. Years ago, when ate and I were boiling beef in the pressure cooker, the whole thing just suddenly exploded. The next time we peeked at what the scene after all the screaming and running, all the cubed beef pieces were hanging from the ceiling! Third, I found out that I am also a bit adventurous when it comes to preparing gastronomic delights. To add some twist to the bistek tagalog, I marinated the sirloin in pineapple chunks syrup, and later on included the marinade in the mixture. We had a fun time discussing over dinner the merits of mixing and matching ingredients to spice up classic dishes. Maybe next time I should post some of the dishes that have been well-received by my family.

Well, what do you know? My classmate Enchie maintains a blogspot exclusively for her own dishes. The Scribbling Angel might soon be a Kitchen Princess :-)

Fun Shot : Prelude to Snorkeling

2009-04-25T17:42:00.002+08:00

I think I mentioned in my previous post that I have aqua phobia. It has always been a struggle for me to overcome this fear, and so I'm posting this photo which was taken a few minutes before I finally took the plunge, er, at DJ Beach Resort, Occidental Mindoro. The place is surrounded by the pristine blue waters coming from the South China Sea, and I'm glad that this was where I was "baptized" into the wonderful aqua hobby of snorkeling ;op

That was me in pink swimming top / pink and chocolate brown board shorts by the way :-p

Contemplating how to float in this ten-feet deep aqua paradise

My Own 25

2009-04-25T17:20:00.003+08:00

This one's originally making its rounds in Facebook. The non-conformist in me (hehehe) prefer to post this in my own blog where you don't normally get notifications that someone else has posted something.

Anyhow...

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.(To do this, go to “notes” under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people (in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.)

So here are my very own beinte-singko...

1. I like cold water, cold juices, and on rare occasions, cold soft drinks. But I dislike it when the air conditioner in the office is on "high mode" or when the current weather starts requiring me to wear jackets or blazers. I don't like places where it's too cold either (i.e., Baguio, cinemas).

2. More often than not, I give the impression that I am too serious and / or I'm snobbish. I think I just don't initiate conversations, especially with guys.

3. I know how to drive a car, but I don't know how to ride a bicycle. My six year old nephew Diego has been teaching me to do so, to no avail hehehe.

4. At the age of two, I already knew I wanted to become a teacher. While all the kids in pre-school were crying on our first week of classes, I was already giving my teacher a headache whenever I would erase whatever she wrote on the board, and pretend that I was the one in charge! Mama said what a sight it was back then! I would write on the board as well as do all the things my teacher would do. Maestrang-maestra na ang dating ko noon pa man.

5. Next to my parents, my sister and brothers are my biggest influences. Whatever they have to say on just about anything matters a lot to me, though we have gone through some fair amount of arguments and disagreements on certain matters, even until now.

6. I miss having family vacations. When my brother was still with PMA, we would drive up to Baguio at least thrice a year to visit him. Come to think of it, that was probably the start of the wandering / travelling spirit burning in me, and which I got to rekindle only this month.

7. The only places I've been to so far are Ilocos (North and South), Laguna, Batangas, Bicol (Albay and Naga), and most recently, Occidental Mindoro. My personal target is to go back within a year to DJ Beach Resort and also to explore Pandan Island again. A visit to Apo Reef is also on top of my wish list.

8. I think the wanderlust in me is beginning to show. I have finally been bitten by the travel bug. I dream of going to El Nido and Coron, Palawan in the next few years. I also want to spend some days in Boracay, Camiguin, Camarines Sur, Bohol, Cebu, Davao, and other awesome places in our country. We have a truly beautiful country, and I want to visit these places before I die.

9. As for places outside of our shores, I am interested to tour Paris, France; Jerusalem, Israel; Sydney, Australia; Agra, India; Phuket, Thailand; and Texas, USA. (Did I already mention I've been bitten by the travel bug? ;0p )

10. I have always been fascinated by the sight of the following: glorious sunrise, magnificent sunset, waves gently kissing the sand, fish swimming in coordinated groups, and just about anything pertaining to nature. It's no wonder I fell so much in love with Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro.

11. I have a mild case of aqua phobia. It started when our family swam in one of the beaches in Cavite. My sister and brothers all know how to swim, and they were encouraging me to give it a try. I did, and jumped off the boat somewhere in the middle of the beach, thinking that in the twinkle of an eye, I would suddenly develop swimming skills by the force of the circumstances. I sank almost to the bottom of the sea, and were it not for my uncle, I would have hit the boat propeller and drowned, too. Yes, this is my second life (thank God!), and I conquered that fear in Sablayan when I went snorkelling in DJ Beach Resort, and finally swam without a life vest (yes !!!!!) to watch the pawikan and see the beautiful corals of Pandan Island.

12. I have eale's disease, a rare condition in which I develop abnormal blood vessels that errupt and bleed anytime. I have already had three (3) laser operations to deal with it. Doctors haven't found the cure for it at the moment, but I thank God for giving me the strength to handle this depressing situation.

13. I used to be a very quiet and reserved child. I made friends with only a few and select people, and prefer having their company around, than talking with everyone in the room. I realized only recently this shyness can be a hindrance in the ministry, and I'm trying my best now to be as outgoing and as friendlier as possible.

14. I have been blessed with a loving and ever-supportive family. We're not perfect as most people think, but I am forever grateful to have belonged here. If I get the chance to raise my own someday, I would most probably raise my own kids in the same way we've been brought up.

15. I would like to learn another foreign language soon. Spanish tops that list, but right now I am being immersed in the Japanese language / culture by virtue of an official assignment from my boss.

16. I am very honest with my feelings, and I can be very vocal with how I feel. It's both an asset and a liability, I think. I am asking God's grace to help me temper my emotions and how I get to express them.

17. I love the small, seemingly non-sense / insignificant conversations I have with my family over lunch / dinner. I also like spending some minutes chit-chatting with my mom before we sleep.

18. I hold people to whatever they promise or tell me they would do for me. And I get gravely disappointed when people don't fulfill whatever they said they would do. So just do it, rather than give me all these promises, then forget about them.

19. More often than not, it's black or white for me. Either yes or no. Okay or not. I rarely have anything in middle ground. That applies to almost everything I do and everything / everyone I am involved in / with.

20. I am forever thankful to God for giving me strong, godly women as influences and mentors: Ying, Elsa, Emmylou, Eva, Nanay Mayette, Mommy Beth, Tita Myrna, ate Gina, and now, ate Evelyn. I realized how much God loves me when He gave me such wonderful friends who genuinely accepted, continue to pray for and constantly watch over me. I wish to watch over, pray for and disciple ladies of my own someday.

21. I have a fascination for whatever is blue or pink. Violet too. Most of my clothes and stuff come in these colors.

22. I am scared to death of dogs. I almost got bitten by a neighbor's pet many times some years back. I also fell from where I was standing when out of the blue this huge dog of my neighbor climbed over me!

23. Sometimes, I can be a little bit extreme when I'm upset or when I'm mad. Either I immediately speak what's on my mind, or I just keep quiet. Either way, those closest to me know that I just need some space and a few hours to myself to think things over. After that, I'm okay.

24. One of my life's greatest joys is seeing, visiting and playing with my nephews and niece. We're a hugging and kissing family, and I think with the exception of the adult males in our clan, our family's love language seem to include touch and words of affirmation. I just fervently wish that Diego, Franco, Enrique and Monique would allow me to hug and kiss them even when they're already in their twenties!

25. There are just a thousand and one things I'd like to do. Write another book. Travel the world. Learn another language. Be good at cooking. Draw and paint. Take up serious photography lessons. Engage in short term missions. Participate in handicrafts exhibits and workshops. I just pray that God would give me wisdom how to live a balanced, purposeful life that pleases Him.

Congrats, Aning!

2009-04-24T22:47:00.000+08:00

After four years of hardship, now she's a teacher.

May maestra na kami :-)

Meet our faithful and trusted house help, Ana. Four years ago, I encouraged her to take up college education. After much doubt and argument, I am glad she followed my advice. Months from now, she'll be a full-pledged teacher :-)

These were taken on the night before I left for my Mindoro vacation, and a few days before her college graduation.

Loving her black toga...

Ayos!

Isa pa!

Graduate # 14

My summer romance

2009-04-19T21:52:00.012+08:00

I knew from first glance that it would be a budding romance, and I sure hope it blossoms into a regular date for me. As a matter of fact, if we'd see each other quarterly, I'd be more than willing to go through all the hassles.

I'm talking of Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, of course, and I just can't get enough of it!

Officially, I filed for a leave of absence for April 7 and 8, but I was already on the road to my blissful and relaxing vacation last April 4. Together with some CCF friends, we drove to Batangas pier a little past 9 in the evening, boarded the roro, then drove some more miles before we reached our first resort, DJ Beach Resort. Then, from April 7 to 9, we stayed at Pandan Island, then went back to DJ before heading home on the 11th. Think fresh fish; fruits; veggies; clean air; white, powder-like sand; blue-green water; and abundant, exotic marine life, and tell me who won't fall for a place like that --- and all for php 6,000!!!!??????!!!!

I have probably 8-GB's worth of pictures and videos, and it's hard to cram all into one blog entry, so let me just share some visual keepsakes from my Southern Luzon la mierda:

Posing for this one wasn't easy. I was scared of getting out of balance and tripping, and bruising myself in the process. It's a good thing Lekoy quickly took this pic to put me at ease. Whew!

Clean, clean water kissing the sands...

I promised myself I'd go snorkeling someday. I fulfilled that wish last April 6, 2009.
Maybe I'd go scuba diving someday. I can't wait to check that in my list as 'already accomplished'.

Artistic rendition from Lekoy again

serene sunset as seen from DJ Beach Resort

How'd you like to go kayaking?

Mid-morning at DJ Beach Resort. The water is really as calm as it looks.

Beautiful, beautiful Pandan Island resort. Truly an amazing paradise!

Pandan Island from the rocky portions of the beach...

Hello, babies

Underwater shot of a star fish. Isn't it lovely?

Fishes coming out from the corals...

That's me at around 10ft deep already... no life vest ha!

at the Wild Lagoon

It's fishy here!!! Check out more schools of fish!

Er... Marimar, is that you?

Jules told me that he shot this pic to show how blue the water was...

The divers are raring to go...

That was me (in pink) --- snorkeling for the first time with Jo.

at the Libuao Lake

a shot of the entrance to the Libuao Lake

the Spanish nose

Er....overweight mermaid washed ashore?

I just love, love this shot by Jo. Candid 'yan, mind you! Tinawag nya lang ako, at paglingon ko, hayun, kinunan na pala ako ng pic.

Exploring the Karung-kaban cave

another view of the lagoon

See how clear the waters are?

jumping at Pandan Island. See how white and powder-y the sands are

resting awhile at the DJ Beach Resort

a quiet morning at Pandan Island

at the Pandan rainforest...

relaxing at the hammock with Jo'

**********

I think I've been bitten by the travel bug, given that I've been talking about my Mindoro romance for more than a week now. After coming home, I just want to pack my things again and hop on to my next destination! But seriously, after Mindoro, I began to appreciate how wonderful our country really is, and how my heart just got disappointed that countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, or Thailand have more tourists every year, when in fact we have far better beaches, far more tourist spots, and far more hospitable people!

Call it crazy and even corny, but anyhow, my short vacation in Mindoro really inspires me to save money now so I could check out these wonderful destinations before I die:

1. Palawan - the nature sanctuary of the world, famous for its white sandy beaches, corals, mountains and rain forests. Friends have been raving about its natural wonders, and I would surely love to explore them as well.

2. Camiguin - a pear-shaped volcanic island famous for its water falls, hot springs and seven volcanoes. This must be quite an adventure!

3. Bohol - chocolate hills! After watching Muro Ami and hearing my brother's praises for Panglao, Chocolate Hills, tarsiers and other tourist spots and attractions in that province, I would surely love to add Bohol in my list of 'have visited places'.

4. Camarines Sur - a great place to go kayaking, or sunbathing, or cave-exploring. Oh, may be a side trip to Donsol would also do, so I could swim with the butanding!

Whew! Back to work na nga!

A Party fit for a Princess

2009-04-12T22:33:00.009+08:00

Ella Monique's 2nd Birthday
McDonald's Marikina Sports Complex

Happy family :-)

Daddy's little girl

Fairy-inspired cake

Yummy cupcakes!

Tinkerbell hat

Nice shoes :-)

Glee

with Lola Chit

Check out the tiara. You first saw them here on her 1st birthday and dedication.

Enrique tries to see if the hat suits him.

Their royal highness

Finally, he wore the hat...

Carl Ricah and JB

Ella Monique with Lola Boots

Monique gets her hand wiped by her great grandmother.

Diego and Franco participate in the pabitin.

me and Hamburglar

Enrique Miguel with Lola Chit and Lola Boots

Iking, Diego and Franco with Ronald McDonald

Lola Boots with her only grand daughter

Happy 2nd birthday, Ella Monique!

We love you :-)

SNEAK PEAK: Sablayan, Mindoro Vacation

2009-04-12T21:42:00.005+08:00

April 4-11, 2009
DJ Beach Resort + Pandan Island + Libuao Lake
Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro

DJ Beach Resort

Getting ready to take a dip

Flores de ewan...

White sand + Clear blue water = Paradise

A view from the Pandan Island beachfront

Trial shot

Hello, baby Pawikan

babae sa lagoon hehehehehe :-)

The Spanish nose

Canoeing down Libuao Lake

***************

Visit these websites for more info:

DJ Beach Resort

Pandan Island Resort

Apo Reef Natural Park

Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro

On vacation mode :-)

2009-04-04T15:11:00.002+08:00

April 4-11 --- ON VACATION LEAVE...

Can't wait to see these ones :-)

week-ending at La Mesa Eco Park

2009-03-24T17:04:00.006+08:00

The lazy bug bit me again, and so here are the pics of our latest family outing:

Pogi bebe :-)

with Lola Chit and Enrique Miguel

One more time ;-)

this time with Mommy Charisse

tall, tall, tall trees!!!!

with Diego Boy

with Franco Boy

Franco made Tito Ron tell stories about fishes as they watch them from this pond.

eco-friendly ampitheater

cowboys on a carriage

closer look at the cowboys

The statues seem to stand guard over this area.

Placid water

Franco tries the slide.

2nd honors at 3 years old

2009-03-24T16:26:00.008+08:00

Remember my cuddly little nephew Enrique who just turned three last November?

My mom excitedly texted me two Mondays ago that Enrique's school, Tots@Work, is going to hold their Moving Up ceremonies on a Friday...and that...Enrique will be awarded as the 2nd honors!!! I was literally dancing to my feet. Only three years old --- barely out of his toddler years --- and already on top of the class? This is great news!

Immediately, I filed for a leave and attended the school's jampacked event. Here are some pics and mementos of my little nephew's first time to go onstage on his first year. Enjoy : )

I can't believe that our 3-year old nephew first went to school last June, and now we're in his first moving up ceremony! How time flies!

Cute programme

Lola Boots, Mommy Charisse, Tita Isa, Lola Chit and Ella Monique excitedly wait for the program to start

Playful Enrique wouldn't stop smiling for the camera even as the kids were singing the National Anthem already : )

Seryoso masyado : )

WORD SMART Awardee. Yipee!!!! English-speaking kasi hahaha

The cute parrot ;-)

Daddy Eric pins the award on Mommy Charisse's mini me.

Daddy Eric and Enrique

with Mommy

Hahahaha awed by his medal...enjoying the moment :oP

after giving mommy a rose

antok na hehe

Girl bonding @ Almon Marina

2009-03-08T19:33:00.003+08:00

Great food + great company = a great afternoon!

Here we were a few hours ago, about to munch on our late lunch courtesy of Almon Marina, SM Megamall (and yes, I ordered chicken yet again, as if you don't know what I really, really like hehe).

From left to right: Alona, my discipler Evelyn, Jo, Grace, Therese, Mafe and moi

Sablayan, here I come

2009-03-05T23:40:00.004+08:00

I just can't wait for summer to come. Sandy beaches, fresh air, great food, and work-free week??? Melikey!!!!!!!

Sablayan, here I come. Woohoo I'm going to Occidental Mindoro!!!!!!

*photos courtesy of http://aporeef.blogspot.com/, http://djbeachresort.blogspot.com/, http://aporeef.blogspot.com/

With Monique in My Mind....

2009-03-05T23:09:00.005+08:00

Isn't she lovely?

We have been blessed with three rowdy, sweet, hyperactive, noisy nephews for the past severak years, so we all started praying for God to give us a little girl this time for our growing brood.

And then she came. And she turned our world upside-down.

From her pranks to her antics, to her funny accent and baby talk, to the frown on her face, to the sparkle in her eyes, hands down, she is everyone's darling! And we just love her. Nay, we adore her.

Can't blame us. She's our one and only niece, and unless I or my brother beget a little girl, then she'll forever be our family's muse : )

So, even though she'll be turning only two this April, I'm already thinking of how we're going to celebrate her 18th. Meanwhile, check out the birthday photos I saw from top photographer Nelwin Uy. It looks like Auntie Isa has a new inspiration for Monique's next bash : )

Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous!

Tress Talkin' Part 2

2009-03-01T18:06:00.005+08:00

...shorter version this time, as I was unhappy with the previous cut. Thanks to Tony, I'm 100X happier with my new 'do (but I really regret having it cut last week. Boo.)

with mama mia : )

Tress Talkin'

2009-02-21T20:32:00.006+08:00

For the longest time, I've been wearing my hair way past shoulder length. I think beginning 2006, people have grown accustomed to seeing me with my straight tresses partly covering my face. Since three years ago, I just visit the parlor maybe three to four times annually, and each time I sit on the chair to get a hair cut, my stylist would just give my hair long layered tapers, and that's it.

Well, for the past month or so, mama has been bugging me to get another hair cut. Split ends. Passe' style. New look. My mom used every excuse there is to convince me into going to the parlor again. I look at my tresses, and of course, I say no. I love how my long hair falls off my shoulders!

Maybe it was the stress I've been dealing with for the past several months, or the magical feeling of a new 'do. Or just plain boredom with my old layers. Nah, but knowing me, it was mama's prodding. So, I crossed the dotted line, my own personal point of no return, and finally got my hair cut in a salon somewhere in the metropolis.

Monay look na naman. Hay. The bulging face tells me I really need to trim down!

Side pose

Another side pose

Do I look sad? I honestly DON'T LIKE my new hair 'do

Bonus! I saw my niece Monique eating in Jollibee after I got a hair cut!

How I spent my Valentine's Day

2009-02-15T20:06:00.007+08:00

Nothing that will make your heart jump.

There were no phone calls. No text messages. No stuffed toys. No letters. No cards. No flowers. No chocolates. No surprise dinners. No anything.

It's as ordinary as can be. Just as it had been for quite some time.

So I decided to make this night special for someone. I decided to spend this night with the one who loves me the most... my mom.

I bought her tickets to Richard Poon's concert at the Tanghalang Pasigueno, and we enjoyed every bit of it. My mom's company + Richard Poon's music = a soothing and relaxing night.

At least I made someone feel loved on the day of hearts : )

What about you? How was your v-day?