I feel blest!

Flickr

2009-02-06T08:49:00.001-08:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Condom Testers???

2009-02-02T15:29:00.000-08:00

I'm on my way to the office and listening to RX radio. There's an advertisement regarding condom testers. I can't believe it. CONDOM Testers??? They are looking for 500 couples to be their condom testers.

All you have to do is answer the question "What makes me the best Durex Condom Tester?" and if you're lucky you'll win P50,000 pesos BUT you must have a certified true copy of marriage certificate upon claiming your prize.

Funny but it's true. Check it out.

My christmas mug

2008-12-09T13:47:00.000-08:00

Every "BER" months this is my mug in the office. I've been using this for four years and I got this as a christmas gift from Ercel.

For this year 2008, I guess this will be his last christmas If you will notice, snowman is cracking...

Hoping that I will get a new christmas mug gift.

2008: a busy life

2008-12-09T12:35:00.000-08:00

After second quarter of this year is the start of my very busy busy busy life. Not only at work but busy with my new home. It's not as simple like when you're buying a car. Buying a car would just take two to three weeks. VIOLA! you have a new car after you signed the legal papers. But when you're buying a house, whew! so overwhelming! The first time we acquired a house I'm only 23 yrs old. When we moved in wala na akong inasikaso... Since walang kamuwang muwang in short bata pa my dad and the "elders" prepared all the necessary papers and we just signed it all and that's it. But this time, for every single details me and hubby are responsible to make it happen. After signing the legal papers for the bank, they showed us unexpected amount for the fire insurance, document stamps blah blah, tranfer of titles, etc... We just computed the downpayment and when I checked our balances and my cash registers ding " oh ok.. abot naman sa downpayment". But for this unexpected amount ikot ang pwet namin sa paghahagilap ng moolah.... kung mga thousands lang madali lang naman gawan ng paraan pero hundreds of thousands eh... I thought pagkatapos ng mga legal papers tapos na.. When we moved in, ang next problem is pag unpack ng mga nakabox mo na gamit... After two weeks I'm finally settled but we need to apply for meralco and water. I thought again it's just a simple phone line connection with a one month downpayment. Muntik na akong magka-heart attack sa meralco downpayment.. P13,140 and P9,000 for the water... For a few weeks sobrang busy ako sa paghahanap ng pera and was hoping na sana madapa ako at may mapulot akong pera.... Anyway, with God's grace nakabayad naman ako and may mga mabubuting tao pa din na alam kong anjan lang sa tabi ko....

with this busy life God is always been there for us. So many trials comes in but I believe He gave it for a reason. He prepared us to be more mature and responsible. Thank you Lord for all the blessings, trials and love. And to all my real friends you know who you are our DEEPEST Thank you from our heart!

Here's my new home... will update more pics

job security? What's the game plan??

2008-11-18T17:40:00.000-08:00

Ang gulo gulo... Sobrang daming tanong....

Una

Bakit may recession? Sa pagkakaalam ko pag 2 consecutive quarter na negative ang profit mo legal na magkaron ng recession. Two consecutive quarters na nga ba na negative ang profit namin?? hmmm...

Pangalawa

Bakit paiba iba ang press release? May nagtanong during the meeting kung possible na ioffer voluntarily ang pag alis. Sagot : wala.. Pero may natanggap kami na email na may voluntary nga daw... haayyy nasaan ang integrity?

Pangatlo

Nabigyan daw ng maayos na compensation ang mga na-evict. And generous lang daw talaga ang " ". Nakakapagtaka bakit sobra sobra ang bigay.. Siguro para di mag seek ng legal advice ang mga tao. Ang alam ko kasi dapat may proof na negative nga ang financial statement para masabing legal ang pagtanggal sa iyo. So kung malaki wala ka ng choice go ka na lang... Or baka naman kasi may tinatakpan lang na kapalpakan.. hmmm and dahil world wide crisis good timing...

Sana maging transparent na lang.. Di nyo ba naiisip na lalong naguguluhan mga tao nyo?? Kung meron, meron and kung wala, wala. Di nyo naman matatago yan mga ganyan na bagay..

New toy

2008-11-18T00:35:00.000-08:00

But this time not DSLR, not lens, not photography related...
Home Theatre... woohooo Blue-Ray...

For the past few months I've been busy organizing our new house. We prioritized our living room than our bedroom. I didn't buy new bed. I didn't buy also for any entertainment showcase... hehehehe but now we have now our first Home Theatre. Before we're just using a 5.1 surround speaker and I can say that I'm satisfied but with this 7.1 surround we can do a marathon movie for two days... hehehehe

Recession nga!

2008-11-18T00:17:00.000-08:00

I blogged yesterday about integrity and honesty.
It's something about a news in the office na sa labas pa ng office ko nalaman.. Well anyway ano pa ba ang bago...

Recession!!!! ngayon pa lang narerealize na I really need to save money. You'll never know kung mae-evict ka or continue ka sa laban... Magaling ka man or nde may possibility pa din.. Imagine na you really damn technically good then kinuha ka for a new project. Then it so happen na yun project mo natamaan ng world wide crisis. Kahit gaano ka kagaling pero the company needs to cut down costings and isa ka don kasi malaki nag sweldo you've got no options but to get the envelope na may cash. Remember you're not the owner of the company.

Sabi nila maswerte kami kasi may project pa kami.. OO swerte pero may psychological effect din. Lalo na sa tulad ko na may pamilya, may bahay at may umaasa na mga angels... Andun yun fear na baka pag di umayos ang economy pwedeng magkaron ng second wave recession and di nakakasiguro na di kasama.

integrity and honesty in all of our relationships

2008-11-16T17:37:00.000-08:00

nagdudugo na ang tenga ko sa paulit ulit na pinapaintindi itong simpleng sentence na ito...

para kayong magulang na pinipilit nyong sabihin sa akin na bawal ang tsokolate pero kayo mismo kumakain... so anong karapatan para ipag bawal mo at nakikita ko pa na sarap na sarap kang kainin ang tsokolateng sinasabi mong bawal...

nde kami mga bata... may mga anak na kami.. paano ako maniniwala sa inyo? gumagawa ka ng panuntunan na ikaw mismo di mo magawa...

sana magpakatotoo ka.. wag kang magmalinis... dahil ang lahat ay may karma....

ipagpapatuloy.....

Keyanna's Blooper - updates

2008-11-16T15:30:00.000-08:00

8. Sunday Nov. 16, 2008
Keyanna is singing and dancing then it reminds me that is the day of Rihanna's and Chris Brown concert at the fort.
Nanay: Beh, concert today ni Rihanna kaso nde ka pwede kasi you're only 5 years old.
Keyanna: Ay! Ang daya! It's just the height!

7. setting: inside our room
keyanna: Nanay I want my haircut because my hair is so ugly na.
Nanay: ok later after Tatay's basketball.
Inside the parlor
*Keyanna is expecting to have a shampoo session before her haircut. Pero dahil tipid mode ako we just have her haircut at focus salon ( inside the subdivision) and not at David's salon. While KC ( yun Badet na manggugupit ) is cutting her hair, keyanna is holding a mirror to check her hair and I noticed that she's not satisfied with her hair. So I told KC what keyanna wants --- Rihanna's latest hair style ( the one with bangs ).
At the parlor while KC is doing the right thing =) I heard someone said "aba marunong na bata" and they are all smiling at me. I told them that she just had her haircut last 2 weeks and this is the second

6. Setting: Me and Keyanna eating our breakfast together then out of the blue she told me:
keyanna: Nanay, alam mo we watched concert last tuesday. I cried.
Nanay: O bakit ka nag-cry?
keyanna: kasi Lovely song eh.
*actually it's not a blooper. I just want this to include in this list becuase her facial expression when she said "lovely" song it reminds me how sweet she is.

5. Christmas season and syempre this is the months for kids as they say "Kid's Month" or Kids's Christmas.. Every christmas Yndee has lots of gifts to open. This year 2008 medyo mas may isip na sya. Everytime she will open a gift she will read it out loud like "To Keyanna. Merry Christmas and happy new year! From Ninong/ninang" and then will say "Kuya I have a present again".

4. Scene: I will attend a party and ask my "BEAUTICIAN" to help me to be look alike of Beyonce. Yndee is quietly observing and she ask:
Yndee: Boy ka ba or girl?
Nanay: Beh girl sya
Yndee: ikaw din girl?

3. Scene: Celebrating new year's eve
Yndee: Tatay new year na... big na ako.. pwede na mag crush?

2. Scene: I scolded yndee for not wearing her slippers so he ask her kuya to get her slippers for her
Yndee: Kuya pakuha nga slippers ko sa babay
Kuya: ok.. wait....
Kuya: Be ( shortcut for baby) nde ko makita eh.
Yndee: Hmpf! ako na nga! ( going down with heavy footsteps .. )

1. Scene: Auntie Lay is playing her PSP. I forgot the game but it's for adults
Yndee: Autie pag big na ako pag may dede na ako pwede na ako play nyan?

A MUST READ

2008-11-12T14:44:00.000-08:00

'The Philippines is a nation of starstruck
ignoramuses'

by Dero Pedero Of Philippine Star

Last July 23, I wrote about Nasty (short for Anastacio), a
balikbayan from Los Angeles , who, while vacationing in
Manila , had nothing to say but negative comments about the
Philippines and the Filipinos. The article elicited a
deluge
of comments from our readers. Though some agreed with his
curt observations, most were enraged at the repulsive way
he
acted and whined.

For me, he was the classic epitome of the 'crow perched
on a carabao,' thinking and acting nauseatingly
superior
just because he has become an American citizen, inequitably
comparing everything here to how they are in the first
world. I was particularly irked by his repulsive 'know
it all' attitude and peeved no end by his irritating
Waray-American twang.

Those who have not read that article may access
philstar.com and click archives, then select July 23 and
click Life_style_. The article is en_title_d 'Little
Brown Americans.'

As a backgrounder, here is an excerpt:
The next day, I took them on a little city tour and
accompanied them to do extra shopping at the duty-free
shop.
They were to leave two days later for their respective
provinces (Randy is from Pampanga, Nasty, from Samar ).

'God, ang dilem-dilem naman ditow (it is so dark
here)!' screamed Nasty in his characteristic Taglish
slang, 'At ang inet-inet pa (and so warm)! * * *

All throughout the day, Nasty complained about everything.
He griped that all Filipinos he encountered were dense and
inefficient (I hope that didn't include me!); that the
traffic was horrendous and drivers 'drove like they
were
late for their funerals'; that the pollution from the
smoke-belching vehicles was irritating his dainty,
surgically-pinched nose. He was disgusted that water
closets
didn't work; horrified that there was no toilet paper
in
public toilets ('God, how do you people do it?' he
bewailed); petrified by street children begging while
soaking wet in the rain ('Where are the parents of
these
kids?' he nagged).

He moaned about the proliferation of slums, people crossing
the superhighways ('There should be underground or
overhead walkways for pedestrians! ' he demanded), the
potholes on the streets, the disgusting garbage and filth
all over the city, and the annoying f loods! And all these
he observed in just one day!

Weeks after the publication of the article, I took
Nasty's silence to mean that of contempt and anger. I
must admit that I didn't care because I was really
turned off by his arrogance. The good news is, Nasty has
finally decided to break his silence and give us his side,
loaded with a big piece of his mind. The bad news is, he
hits more sensitive chords and it stings.

Nasty's E-Mail :
Dear Dero,
My Zen master says, 'Never fight fire with fire.'
So, I sat in a lotusposition, imbibed the ethereal
qualities
of cool mountain water and stoically resisted the
temptation
of answering back to defend myself in rebuttal of your
article. I kept quiet while you and your readers had a
charlatan holiday, dissecting and fanning sarcasm on my
every comment about your country and your people.

I am not mad at you for writing that piece. I was never
upset at any point, even after your readers from all over
the world e-mailed in their two-cents' worth. In fact,
I
found it rather amusing and carnival-like. I even felt
happy
that people still came to the defense of your Philippines !

If you noticed, I now refer to the Philippines and
Filipinos as your country and your people. Every time I
went
back there for vacation, my Filipino-ness always took the
better of me (blame those damn green mangoes smothered with
bagoong!) and made me forget that I am, in all reality,
what
you aptly called a 'Little Bro wn American.' I have
come to terms with my own identity- I am, after all, an
American citizen carrying an American passport!

What precipitated my quick decision to sever my ties with
your country (aside from your ***** of an article) were the
Abu Sayyaf abductions (que barbaridad!) , the Payatas-like
downslide of the peso (eat your hearts out, I earn sweet
American dollars!), the 'devoid of conscience'
graft
and corruption in your government (this has gone on for the
longest time-how shameful!), and lately, the stupid
'Juetengate' and juicy but enraging
'Boracay' mansion gossips. With all these, who
would
be proud to be a Filipino? Besides, to tell you frankly,
those Erap jokes are no longer funny- they are passe and
leave a bad taste in the mouth and heart.

No Apology
If I sounded brash and insensitive with the way I threw my
comments, well, I cannot do any-thing about that because
that is the way I am, and I offer no apology. Here, in
America , you have to tell it like it is or you'll
never
be taken seriously. I have learned to drop my 'Pinoy
sugarcoating' because out here, you get nothing done if
you are meek and sweet and pa-api. Hindi puwede mag-Anita
Linda dito!

When I commented about your pollution, street children
mendicants, slums,potholes, toilets that don't work,
garbage, floods, and most of all, the Pinoys' chronic
lack of discipline, I was merely putting into words what I
saw. I can't blame your being blind about your
country's situation. My Zen=2 0master says, 'One
cannot easily see the dirt in one's eye.'

I am sure though that you are aware of those sordid
details, but have grown accustomed to them (like most
Manile?s have). All the complaints I aired may have hurt
your pride but what I wanted you to realize is this: The
things I pointed out are all symptoms of a failing, falling
nation!

Suffering A National Karma?
Could yours be a country cursed with a huge national karmic
debt? It could be payback time, you know. Look back into
your history, look deep inside your hearts-what could you
have done as a nation to deserve this fiasco you are in
today?

What you are faced with didn't just happen overnight-it
developed and grew into a monster in the course of time.
Deeply imbedded in the psyche of the Filipino is the
amalgamation of the characters and events that have
impacted
your lives - Dona Victorina, Dona Concepcion, poor Sisa as
well the other hilarious and tragic characters of Dr. Jose
Rizal...

Stonehill... the notorious gangsters immortalized by your
Filipino movies like Asiong Salonga (hmmm!), et al...the
killers in your (I thought they'd never end!) massacre
movies...those cheap, appalling _title_s of your
movies...those staged 'religious miracles' that
your
naive masses believed...family men with pushy queridas
(mistresses) ...your crooked politicians, undependable
police officers and greedy customs collectors.. .your
bribe-hungry court judges...Imeldific, gloriously smiling
and crying at the same time, bejeweled. (How very Fellini!)

What you are is the sum total of your history, your
heritage and culture,your education, the crap that your
press sensationalizes, the bad icons that your movies
glorify, the artificial values your advertising extols, the
bad examples your leaders and role models project. What you
feed your country's mind is what it becomes. You have
become the ugly monster that you've created. You are
now
crying all the tears your sickeningly sentimental movies
wailed out for years and years!

Your Biggest Fault
If there is one thing that comes to mind, I think your
biggest fault would be your individual greed. 'Ako
muna!' seems to be the national mantra. The trouble is,
very few people think for the common good in a deplorable
'to each his own kurakot' festival. Coupled by your
crab mentality of pushing down others, this can be fatal.
You think barangay, not national. Hello, everybody else
around the world is thinking global! Europe is unshackling
her national boundaries while you are building fences
around
your nipa huts.

Do yourselves a favor and look at your nation as a ship.
All of you are in it and it is sinking! Realize your
oneness-what hurts your brother hurts you, too. Think about
the future of your children and the succeeding generations,
and do something about it quick before your poor little
banca plunges forever into the irretrievable depths of
despair.

Star-Struck Nation
You are a nation of star-struck ignoramuses. You are easily
awed by your mo vie stars who are usually nothing but
uneducated, aquiline- nosed and light-skinned ********
picked up from some gutter somewhere. I have seen what
these
artistas illusionadas can get away with. They just flash
their capped-tooth smiles and policemen let them get away
with traffic violations; they bat their false eyelashes and
customs officers impose no duty on their suspicious
balikbayan boxes.

Worst of all, with the Filipino movie industry taking a
nosedive, hordes of actors and show personalities went into
politics. It is, as they say, the next best
'racket'-there is more money to be made in the
politicking business than in show business! (And what is
this I hear that in the coming elections, more are jumping
into the arena? Mag-hara-kiri na kayo!) How can you expect
these comedians and actors, who only know how to take
directions from their directors, to direct your nation? For
them,politics will just be an 'act'. No big
surprise
here, for they are mere actors with no original _script_s
to
speak, no original visions to share. So what can you expect
but a government thatis a comedy of errors. Serves you and
your star- struck nation right!

My Zen master says, 'Give unto Caesar what is due to
Caesar, but keep Charlie Chaplin on the silver screen to
make us laugh.' To survive, you must teach your
citizenry to say no to three things - no to drugs, no to
stealing and graft and corruption, and no to artistas in
politics. I hope you've learned your lesson by now.
(Yours is the onl y country where Mexican soap stars are
received like royalty in the presidential palace. How
shoddy! God forbid-Fernando Carrillo might end up being
your
next president. At least he has great abs and doesn't
wobble like a penguin when he walks!)

For those artistas who honestly believe that they can make
a positive difference in the Filipino masses' life,
they
must first study law, business and public administration,
and immerse themselves in the life and passion of Mother
Teresa. Politics is not an art for dilettante artistas to
dabble in. It is called 'Political Science,'
hello?!

Educate Your Masses
Educate the masses - especially your electorate. What you
need is an intelligent vote aside from, of course,
intelligent candidates. The University of San Carlos in
Cebu
City , founded in 1595, and the University of Santo Tomas
in
Manila , established in 1611, are the oldest universities
in
Asia , and are even older than Harvard. But the standard of
Pinoy education has deteriorated so much that the
Philippines ranks among the poorest in the educational
hierarchy of Asia . Education, education, education –
that' s what you need in this age of information,
information, information.

If all your social, religious and political sectors
don't sit down now and decide to take the Right Way ,
the Philippines and your children's children will be
grand losers in the worldwide rush to the future. Education
is one sure way to salvation. Teach what is right, good,
beautiful and beneficial. Downplay all negativity if you
cannot eliminate it altogether.

The Ideal President
I've got news for you. (As if you didn't already
know.) No matter whom you put up there as your leader or
president, it will be the same banana. Even a holy man can
turn into another J.E. (Judas Escariot) for a few pieces of
silver. Kumpares, alalays, relatives and cronies will
encrust like flies and maggots on his cordon sanitaire. And
it will be the same despicable 'Sa amin na
'to!'
hullabaloo all over again.

Take an advice from Aling Epang: 'Pumili ng matanda,
mayaman, mabait, at madaling mamatay.' Get a president
who is old - so that he is full of wisdom, rich - so he
won't need to steal more money, goodhearted - so he
will
render heartfelt service to his people, and is in the
sunset
of his life - so that he will think of nothing but gaining
good points to present when he meets his Creator. And may I
add: At iisa lang ang pamilya! This is, of course, asking
for the moon. Just pray fervently for an intelligent leader
with a pure heart who genuinely loves the common tao!

Magpakatotoo Kayo! Wake up and look at the real you. Enough
with looking at your reflection in glorious,
self-embellishing mirrors. The tropical sun can play
tricks,
you know. Do not wait for darkness to fall before you take
that much-needed long, hard look at your real situation.

Magpakatotoo kayo, ano? This isn't a wake-up call - it
is the final alarm!

Save the ship while yo u still can. Don't wait till
your people have no more dreams left to hang on to, no more
hope to sustain their broken spirits. I came home, spent my
penny-pinched savings so that even in the minutest way I
could help your bruised economy. Your politicians sit on
their fat, farting butts and get balatos (kuno!) in the
millions. Receivers are as guilty as the givers. Now, tell
me, who is really nasty?

I Have Made My Decision; So Should You.
My Zen master says, 'Life is all about decisions, not
choices.' I have made a decision which I know will be
very hard for me to keep- You will never hear from me again
(not in this vein) and I will not even think of visiting or
buwisiting your Manila ever. This is my way of letting you
know that I have given up on you. Bahala na kayo! Only you
can help yourselves because at the stage you are in, nobody
would want to help you. My Zen master says, 'You have
to
fall to learn to rise again.'

How much lower do you want to go?
Anyway, regarding the Philippines as a tourist destination,
you have a lot of cleaning up and face-lifting to do before
foreigners would dare go to your islands again. The Abu
Sayyaf episode has done your tourism industry more damage
than you could ever imagine, and it will take a long time
before the world forgets. (By the way, your tourism
projects
are lusterless and have no global impact. If you want real
business, spruce up your infrastructure and do aggressive
marketing on the World Wide Web!)

Of course, I would gladly reverse my decision if someone
offered me exclusive lordship over lotto, bingo, jueteng,
pintakasi and the jai alai.Think about it: this will be to
your advantage because I never give tong or blood
commission
to anyone! (If only your president used the millions he
received from those gambling lords to build homes for the
masses, you wouldn't have any more squatters. Huling
hirit: defrost those Marcos billions, pay off some debt,
place the rest in high-yield investments, feed your hungry,
and spread bounty and joy to every Filipino! Are you stupid
or what? - That's your money sucked from the blood of
your people!)

My Zen master says, 'Vox populi is not always the
voice of God.'
Come over to L.A and I'll show you a great time!

Our friend Randy says hello! We will be going
to Vancouver to feast our eyes on the colors of autumn.
Wish
you could join us.

The new Miss America , Angela Perez
Baraquio, is of Filipino ancestry. Dero, her parents hail
from Pangasinan just like you! But keep in mind that she is
an American (in case some wise fools over there claim her
to
be Filipino like they always do whenever someone becomes
successful). Wait for the girl to say it don't put
words in her mouth!
Mabuhay kayo ( SANA )!
Sa totoo lang, MAGD USA KAYONG LAHAT!
(Don't you just love my Waray-Kano accent?) He-he-he!

I have made my decision, now make yours. I would hate for
the day to come when I'd have to say, 'I told you
so!' Good luck! (You need it.)

An ex-Filipino
J. Anastasio
'Nasty'

Worth a lot

2008-11-03T14:07:00.000-08:00

I got this from my friend and I wanna share it to all the woman out there....

In a brief conversation, a man asked a woman he was pursuing, the question: "What kind of man are you looking for?"

She sat quietly for a moment before looking him in the eye and asking."

Do you really want to know?"

Reluctantly, he said, "Yes."

She began to expound... "As a woman in this day and age, I am in a position to ask a man what he can do for me that I can't do for myself. I pay my own bills. I take care of my household without the help of any man. I am in the position to ask, "What can you bring to the table?"

The man looked at her. Clearly he thought that she was referring to money. She quickly corrected his thought and stated, "I am not referring to money. I need something more. I need a man who is striving for perfection in every aspect of life."

He sat back in his chair, folded his arms, and asked her to explain.

She said, "I am looking for someone who is striving for perfection mentally because I need conversation and mental stimulation. I don't need a simple-minded man. I am looking for someone who is striving for perfection spiritually because I don't need to be unequally yoked... believers mixed with unbelievers is a recipe for disaster. I need a man who is striving for perfection financially because I don't need a financial burden.

"I am looking for someone who is sensitive enough to understand what I go through as a woman, but strong enough to keep me grounded. I am looking for someone who I can respect. In order to be submissive, I must respect him. I cannot be submissive to a man who isn't taking care of his business. I have no problem being submissive...he just has to be worthy. God made woman to be a helpmate for man. I can't help a man if he can't help himself. "

When she finished her spill, she looked at him. He sat there with a puzzled look on his face.

He said, "You're asking a lot."

She replied, "I'm worth a lot."

Fear

2008-10-30T21:13:00.000-07:00

At a very young age my mom died because of cancer. My grandma died also because of Leukemia. My grandfather died because of cancer also. Now I have my own family, 2 kids and my husband. They are my life. And I'm afraid to leave them so soon. I don't have cancer and I can say that I'm healthy and I'm trying to have a healthy and balance life. But who knows. This life is not ours to decide. I'm always praying to HIM to give me more time to enjoy my days with my love ones and friends. I know some of my friends know this.. PARANOID ako whenever I'm not feeling well. Every time I heard someone died because of cancer, there's something inside me telling I might get sick and die. I know it's weird. But I can't help it. That's why one of my motto ( parang slam book ) Seize the day and live your life to the fullest. Every night even though Honeypie and cupcakes are sleeping I always whisper to them "I love you!". Don't forget to say I love you to your love ones until you have time. Because when you're gone though you love them so much they can't hear you even when you're shouting.....

Christmas weather

2008-10-30T16:57:00.000-07:00

Woke up around 6am then went to "talipapa" inside the subdivision... and I felt the morning cool air.. PASKO NA!.... 57 days to count... There is a Christmas Weather forecast that it will be a white christmas for this year. But of course not in the Philippines....

knotted for 7 years

2008-10-30T00:33:00.000-07:00

Time sure goes goes by fast when you're having fun. It's been seven years I've been married to Lee. It's not just one thing that makes us stronger. It's a combination of a lot of things. And it's not so simple to get married. It's not the thought that you're in love with each other but it's just a factor of it.

For seven years, a lot of things happened. A lot of trials and test and it's up to you if you still want it or get out of it.

You must have respect for each other. When we are arguing I know that there are times that I'm not conscious with my voice and sometimes this makes him freak out. So in the middle of our conversation, my respect to him reminds me that I have to tone down my voice and stop talking. Sometimes it's hard to eat our pride but we have to. In order to stop an argument we have to eat our pride and compromise. Compromise is one of the hardes thing to do, we're all human and we all want to get our way. To make a marriage work, you need to find a middle ground on things that you don't agree on.

Second important in marraige is communication. Sometimes husband is not a "mind reader" or I may say "insensitive". Sometimes I just shut up coz I'm pissed off that he's really insensitive on what I need but then after a while or rather an hour of crying I tell him. I may not like what his response will be but at least I told him. So tell him why you're feeling bad and tell him what you feel.

I've learned not to waste your time about small things. You'll both feel bad afterwards and for what, just because he forgot to wipe the sink after he brush his teeth? just because there's a drip of his pee in the bowl? just because he forgot to rinse off the tub after he bath? You have to learn when to let go and not to stir the pot. Do not nitpick. And remember that you're not perfect either!!!!

Economy crisis... Travel Crisis

2008-10-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

we all know the status of our economy crisis.. and yes this is worlwide.... the time my hubby read this in the news he told me that to stop making travel arrangements or travel plans in case I'm planning. He emphasize that we need to save enough money in case for the worst that could happen.

Lucky that I have you!

2008-10-29T23:51:00.000-07:00

To my honeypie. I dedicate this song for you...

I'm really lucky to be with you... Though I know sometimes you don't feel it. Deep in my heart I do. I'm not sure if he's checking my blog kasi all he reads are news, basketball, economy which really a boring topic for me. In case you come across with my blog. This post is for you.

Do you hear me,
Talking to you
Across the water across the deep blue ocean
Under the open sky, oh my, baby I'm trying

Boy I hear you in my dreams
I feel your whisper across the sea
I keep you with me in my heart
You make it easier when life gets hard

Lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Ooohh ooooh oooh oooh ooh ooh ooh ooh

They don't know how long it takes
Waiting for a love like this
Every time we say goodbye
I wish we had one more kiss
I'll wait for you I promise you, I will

Lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Lucky we're in love every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday

And so I'm sailing through the sea
To an island where we'll meet
You'll hear the music fill the air
I'll put a flower in your hair

though the breezes through trees
Move so pretty you're all I see
As the world keeps spinning round
You hold me right here right now

Lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Lucky we're in love every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday

Keyanna's Bloopers

2008-10-29T23:33:00.000-07:00

1. Scene: Auntie Lay is playing her PSP. I forgot the game but it's for adults
Yndee: Autie pag big na ako pag may dede na ako pwede na ako play nyan?

2. Scene: I scolded yndee for not wearing her slippers so he ask her kuya to get her slippers for her
Yndee: Kuya pakuha nga slippers ko sa babay
Kuya: ok.. wait....
Kuya: Be ( shortcut for baby) nde ko makita eh.
Yndee: Hmpf! ako na nga! ( going down with heavy footsteps .. )

3. Scene: Celebrating new year's eve
Yndee: Tatay new year na... big na ako.. pwede na mag crush?

4. Scene: I will attend a party and ask my "BEAUTICIAN" to help me to be look alike of Beyonce. Yndee is quietly observing and she ask:
Yndee: Boy ka ba or girl?
Nanay: Beh girl sya
Yndee: ikaw din girl?

5. Christmas season and syempre this is the months for kids as they say "Kid's Month" or Kids's Christmas.. Every christmas Yndee has lots of gifts to open. This year 2008 medyo mas may isip na sya. Everytime she will open a gift she will read it out loud like "To Keyanna. Merry Christmas and happy new year! From Ninong/ninang" and then will say "Kuya I have a present again".

6. Setting: Me and Keyanna eating our breakfast together then out of the blue she told me:

keyanna: Nanay, alam mo we watched concert last tuesday. I cried.

Nanay: O bakit ka nag-cry?

keyanna: kasi Lovely song eh.

*actually it's not a blooper. I just want this to include in this list becuase her facial expression when she said "lovely" song it reminds me how sweet she is.

7. setting: inside our room

keyanna: Nanay I want my haircut because my hair is so ugly na.

Nanay: ok later after Tatay's basketball.

Inside the parlor

*Keyanna is expecting to have a shampoo session before her haircut. Pero dahil tipid mode ako we just have her haircut at focus salon ( inside the subdivision) and not at David's salon. While KC ( yun Badet na manggugupit ) is cutting her hair, keyanna is holding a mirror to check her hair and I noticed that she's not satisfied with her hair. So I told KC what keyanna wants --- Rihanna's latest hair style ( the one with bangs ).

At the parlor while KC is doing the right thing =) I heard someone said "aba marunong na bata" and they are all smiling at me. I told them that she just had her haircut last 2 weeks and this is the second

Will update and will try to remember all...

El Nido Planning

2008-10-29T23:04:00.000-07:00

Few more days and November is fast approaching... I've been so busy in the office ( what's new???!!!! ) I already have the contact number of the van that will take us to El Nido from Puerto Princesa. I've got the list of the accomodations available in El Nido.

Here's the list of the Islands in El Nido.

Tour A

Small laggon
Big Lagoon
Simezu Island
Intalula

Tour B

Snake Island
Pinasil
Cudungon cave
Inagbuyutan

Tour C

matinloc
Taiputan ( Secret Beach )

Tour D

paradise island
Ugbuyan bay
Commando

Well, the resort said that you can have a combination of all tours and of course a different fee....

I already have the proposal of Dos Palmas for our Puerto Princesa Tour. So all I need is to pay.... hmm.. payment?? I will wait till I got the extra money we're waiting.. hehehehe

I still need to finalize our accomodation at El Nido. Minoloc and Lagen is really a nice resort but definitely out of my budget.. ( Lee will not agree in case I will insist but he's targetting Amanpulo next time.. woohoo!!! ). El Dorado is nice and also on top of my list is Lally and Abet Resort.

This will be our last travel for the year.... Hmmm.. where will be our next???

No Connection for 3 months!!!

2008-10-29T22:58:00.000-07:00

I can't take it anymore.... I have so many things to blog.. I've been away from this world for 3 months... So many things happened... We moved in to our new house.. Yes our new house.. Finally we nailed it for the third time... Well you can't have everything.. We have a new home but then I have no internet... I've been calling globelines for 3 months and yet still counting.. no Internet connection at all. I'm blogging in our office.. I usually post in my blogspot account. But I can't take it anymore... I feel so burn out in the office for few long weeks... I need some diversion....

Tom yum fever

2008-08-02T20:05:00.001-07:00

Even before we went to thailand this famous TOM YUM soup is my hubby's favorite thai food. So during our stay in thailand been looking forward to have the ingredients that I can bring home. In their supermarket "Big C" there's a pack of ingredients for tom yum but since we're far away home and the ingredients I got is fresh I also get an instant buillion cube. Though I can't read it i know it's made by KNORR. I got 3 packs of it. And today I tried to cook this famous soup. We're happily enjoying the taste of TOM YUM soup of Thailand....

you know tea in the streets with milk?

2008-07-30T06:55:00.000-07:00

For three days in Thailand, I've been looking for the tea they are using in their milk tea... Since some of the Thailander can't understand English that well, this is the line that I'm using to describe what I want - thai Tea

There are two styles of Thai iced tea: with or without milk. Tea with milk is called cha yen. Tea without milk is called cha dum yen.

You will see small coffee/tea shops sprinkled all over Thailand. Thai people like their iced tea on the go and take it with them in a small plastic bag with a straw sticking out. Even buying softdrinks, it's in a small plastic bag with crushed ice. Very few people sit at the shop and drink it leisurely. In fact, many shops have no place to sit.

Woohoo.. I'm so happy to have 2 canisters of this Thai Tea...

hhhmmm... next stop Tagaytay

2008-07-30T06:32:00.001-07:00

Sitting in front of my laptop and got no rest from the airport... eto na naman ako thinking of the next getaway... On top of my list is Cambodia, next is Macau... Sagada, Caramoan, Bacalod.. and of course El Nido. But with these list I wanted to have a side trip to Tagaytay this August.. This place was been our favorite gimmik for the family not only for the COFFEE and Hopia at Sonya's garden.. But with busy time, with extra money and time we always like to visit this place to relax...

waaahhh I want cheese hopia.....

missing my cupcakes

2008-07-30T06:21:00.000-07:00

Been 5 days away with my cupcakes.. The time they saw me, my cupcake yndee shouted "nanayyyyy" she gave me a hug. Same with my cupcake Nathan.. Unlike before whenever we get back from out of town trip parang wala lang.. Maybe because they are grown ups now...

So touching to hear my cupcakes saying that they missed me so much...
But I also need quality time with my honeypie.. I really wanted to take my cupcakes with this trip but since this is our anniversary and MUST also have a time together alone with honeypie...

Some might say corny.... Some might raise their eyebrows on me... I love my cupcakes and I love my honeypie... Both of them is very special to my heart... Both have a different place in my heart.. Though I enjoyed the trip, there's still in me saying that I missed these two cupcakes of my life...

8-8-8

2008-07-30T05:47:00.001-07:00

This will be a very special day for us. Will be moving to our new HOME. Finally after 5 years I survived and was able to move on... To all my friends please share this happiness with me. You know who you are...

Thank you all for the support. I am happy to tell you that I SURVIVED!

7th year anniversary at Thailand

2008-07-30T04:36:00.000-07:00

It's been two months the last time I blogged. Last month we had our trip at Coron, Palawan. I really love the place. So relaxing. So worth of money. I highly recommend this place. Anyway I'll write a separate entry about this.

First Day in Thailand

Arrived at Bangkok Airport around 2 am in the morning. There was supposed to be a taxi driver who will pick up straight from the airport going to our hotel and it so happened that we had a miscommunication. After waiting for almost 20 mins at gate 3 of Suvarnabhimi Airport, I called Kasem and he's still sleeping so I decided to get a taxi airport. I was informed that from the airport there are lots of taxi so without hesitation we went to the airport to find a taxi but since it's already past 2 am I got the taxi for 400 Baht.

In our hotel which I booked it online and expecting that we can have a good sleep, the receptionist told me that they are fully booked. WHAT??!!! FULLY BOOKED!!! Since I am not in my country and since the receptionist speak a little of english I/We asked him to look for another hotel for us. Well, Ton ( from which I heard but hubby told me that his name is john ) booked us to Bangkok guest. A bit pricey but since I am so tired and don't know that much in bangkok I got no choice. We ride a taxi from Sukhumvit to petchaburi Road where Bangkok Guest house is. The hotel is nice of course with a thailand style. About 3am in the morning I can't still sleep I took pictures of the toilet which have a nice tub and shower and it really feels that I am a tourist from another country but with unexplainable reason the pictures I took was not in my CF. Maybe because I got drunk and I accidentally formatted my CF.

We woke up around 7am in the morning. We had our breakfast nearby the street of phaya tai station. I don't know what noodle is that but one thing I like is the Thai Tea you can buy in the streets. I have difficulty telling the vendor what I want and how much. They cannot understand english. For 5 days this pointing finger is our buddy. Use the charm of this pointing finger in order to survive in Thailand. Thai tea is around 15Baht and the noodle is 35 baht After having our breakfast we look for a foreign exchange booth coz I don't want to withdraw from an ATM machine.

Second Day

We headed to Chatuchak by taxi around 100 Baht but we had a stop at Gems gallery. If you have a money (literally money!) I think this place is for you. You can find the most beautiful stones ( as the tourist guide is saying ) in the world. The cheapest price I saw is around 35thou Baht. So didn't spend too much time coz CAN'T afford.. hehehehehe

In Chatuchak, my eyes pops out. Of course, TIANGGE!!!! so ikot ikot ikot.. as usual napagod si hubby.. I can say that medyo same as greenhills. Of course much cheaper kasi from Bangkok naman galing mga clothes sa greenhills. I got lots of insense, rugs, clothes at small kikay stuff for my kids and home. We ate at this called something like "Boat noodle". The noodle is really good. Around 35 Baht. I got pictures of the noodle and the cheapy restaurant pero as I said earlier I got drunk at Pattaya and I accidentally formatted my CF.

Around 430pm the tourist van pick up us from the hotel and we go straight to Pattaya. About 2 1/2 hours away from Bangkok. From there ang unang bubungad sa iyo is bar with "Lady Boy" gro. So si hubby medyo busy ang mata sa pagtingin tingin. The van dropped us to our hotel around 7pm and they will come back around 8pm for the Alcazar show.

In the Alcazar show, the first spot you can see at the entrance is the beautiful lady boys smiling asking for a picture of course with TIP! If you're really a nice guy hihilahin ka talaga nila and will force you to give them money. Well I feel so pity for the girls in pattaya kasi maganda naman talaga sila. Pag naman di pa sila gumanda sa paggastos ng 200thou Baht just to have a P#ssy eh ewan ko na lang. Sobrang puti, sobrang sexy so impossibleng di mo sila titignan. We enjoyed the show. Mala broadway ang dating. Photos are not allowed inside pero dahil matigas ang ulo ko nakapag picture ako.. Pero again nakarma ako.. I got drunk and I accidentally formatted my CF... huhuhuhu

After the show we had bar hopping. We went to a dancing club.. Daming girls na nagsasayaw not Lady boy... Medyo nakakalungkot kasi sobrang bata... and wala lang sa kanila kung wala silang suot na top... After from this dancing club, we tried another bar with lady boy gro. Would you believe that there's a girl asked my husband "You like to fuck lady boy?" ugh...

We were at soi 15 and our hotel is in soi 11. We planned to take a taxi but the taxi is asking for 200Baht. I said no way. I can walk.. But then didn't know na malayo pala.. hehehehehe so around 100meters from our hotel, I saw a signage "Thai massage 200". Yun 200Baht na taxi naging 400Baht.. hehehehehe

Third day

Woke up around 7am. We ate our breakfast at the hotel. They had this fresh juice which I really like miski sa street may nagbebenta ng fresh juice na nakalagay sa plastic bottle like yun sa mga mineral water. After our breakfast we had parasailing around 600Baht each. A nice experience indeed.

Around 1130am, the tourist van is waiting at the lobby. We headed back to Bangkok for shopping again... By the way, around Pratunum and Bayoke Sky hotel is the best shopping area. Doon pa lang ubos na oras mo... Every day and every tour I wanted to go back straight to the hotel earlier than 5pm so that I can still have time for shopping.. hehehehehe in Siam Square shopping is so expensive.

Fourth Day

Woke up around 6am. I only took 5 mins to take a bath coz the pick up time of the tourist van is 630am. We went to Ayutthaya - the ancient city o f Thailand. In order to see the headless buddha under a tree cost me around 100Baht by Tuktuk. We went back to Bangkok by a River Cruise... We had a sumptous lunch... Site seeing... Saw the golden buddha which is 24K gold as they say. Went to china town to look for Thai Tea coz for 3 days I really want to have that tea.

Fifth Day

To be continued......
.

Testing my Aurora 300 watts

2008-05-25T06:45:00.000-07:00

Pie is so busy with his work and I'm in the house can't think of anything to do but to test this 300 watts strobe lights... I set it up then my kids volunteered to be my model... so what happened is I just enjoyed clicking my shutter with my kids doing the pose. I didn't give any instructions to them they just position their self and then click click click. Keyanna is not contented so she went down and change her clothes then borrowed my sunglass then pose!

Happy mother's day to my Dad

2008-05-11T02:20:00.000-07:00

since wala na akong mommy and si daddy ang tumatayong mommy namin at daddy ngayun...

We love you dada!!!

missing my friends

2008-05-10T13:15:00.000-07:00

They are all in Singapore. Only me and richard left here in the Philippines...

MOMO

2008-05-10T13:09:00.000-07:00

I have a strained neck due to this Logitech MOMO racing wheels installed in our desktop table.... Can't complain since my son is using this. We bought this for nathan as a gift and for extra activity here at home during summer.

Feel every bump, curb, pothole, and fender-bender with realistic force feedback wheel technology. Enhance your control with the realistic shifter and foot pedals—designed by the racing pros at MOMO®.

I'm now a mother

2008-05-10T13:01:00.001-07:00

ang bilis ng panahon. Parang kailangan lang na wala akong isipin sa buhay kung di ang mag laro, mag aral at "sumilay" sa crush. Ngaun halos anim na taon na akong ina. Di na ganun ka simple ang buhay. Daming isipin, daming asikasuhin trabaho, pamilya at bahay.

Ganun pa man walang halong pag sisi na piliin ko maging isang ina. At gagawin ko sa lahat ng aking makakaya na gampanan ang tungkulin ko bilang pie ni Honeypie at nanay ng aking mga cupcakes.

To my Honeypie and cupcakes, you're the reasons why I am here and thanks for making me complete!

Happy mother's day

2008-05-10T12:51:00.000-07:00

351am and I'm still in front of my laptop.

Happy mother's day to all the mothers.

Hundreds of dewdrops to greet the dawn,
Hundreds of bees in the purple clover,
Hundreds of butterflies on the lawn,
But only one mother the wide world over.

Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs... since the payment is pure love.

I miss you so much mommy!!!!

Blogging for Dummies

2008-05-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

beens spending almost 4 hours googling about blogging... Yup I'm a design engineer but don't have the brain in blogging..

I found some interesting widgets and want to share it with you...

Camera-shy = disliking being photographed

2008-05-10T11:43:00.000-07:00

Jampong

2008-05-10T10:51:00.000-07:00

On the way out of the gym last Wednesday, after our bonding time at fitness first Pie complained that he's huingry. I offered chowking which is just near the bonifacio hightstreet or mcdo or jollibee. Pie got attracted again with the pictures of Korean food in the small resto beside the gym. So with my empty-bellied hubby headed to the so called Korean resto instead of the all time resto of Filipino's.

Pie ordered Bibimbap costs around P180 and ice tea with slice calamansi pretending to be a lemon.. hehehehehe when the waitress gave his plate we were amazed with the serving coz as if he ordered for a kiddie meal.. hehehehehe The taste was good but the serving is not enough so he uttered that we need to pass by mcdo for a fried chicken meal. I ordered "jumpong" which I'm expecting a real noodle soup but then an instant noodle soup is coming on top of her tray... Since Pie finished with this kiddie meal I requested to take out my jumpong. By the way it costs around P70 but for take out P50 but I was charged P70.

A taste of Itali at Amici

2008-05-10T10:08:00.000-07:00

Don't let its nondescript facade, canteen-looking interior and affordable prices fool you.There's great value for food. Big servings and can compare to other italian resto and a lot cheaper.

The entire resto has a canteen feel to it, and one thing that makes this eatery unique is that, everything is self-service.This would mean you have to order from their respective counters and they will give you a number. Even water and ice is self-served.

Pizza costs around P240 while the pasta goes from a range of P120-P170. The gelato (Italian for ice cream) is so delicious! I ordered mango jubillee gelato. It’s not your usual ice cream from the supermarket or ice cream house.

Amici di Don Bosco is located along Pasong Tamo Street, near the Walter Mart. They have now branch in Tomas Morato.

Bon Apetit!

Amici, Don Bosco School
Don Bosco School, A.Arnaiz cor. C. Roces
Makati City, Metro Manila
(02) 818-4444

Summer Cut

2008-05-10T08:05:00.000-07:00

This is his first time to have a summer cut and I feel so sorry for him coz its stressful for them to have him groom in a pet salon.

Hearing his shrill bark tells me that he hate his barber coz the barber is pulling his beard just to be able to hold him still... grrrrrr

Anyway I like the new scent they gave him. It's not the usual pet cologne but too expensive - 650 pesos.. But I will buy it next time coz I just got a new cologne for him which was on sale... heheheheh

Good thing that they didn't put any ribbon on his ears coz the last time I have him groomed they put tiny red ribbon and I told them "Bakit may ribbon? Ginawa nyo naman bakla" but to tell you honestly he's cute with that ribbon.. hahahahaha

I'm a PIMP

2008-05-10T07:48:00.000-07:00

having a sleepless boring saturday night so I decided to sit down in front of my desktop and start googling around. Was supposed to upload and edit my so so late pictures when I accidentally read Rochelle's blog. I saw from her blog about - PIMP.

check yours!

APRIL = PIMP

APRIL means that you're really good looking. Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharp thoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deep feelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm Standpoint. Needs no motivation. Shy towards opposite sex. Easily consoled. Systematic (left brain). Loves to dream. Strong clairvoyance. Understanding. Everyone loves to be around you. You always attract attention. You are definately the sexiest and good looking of them all. You know how to get what you want. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Good imagination. Good physical. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts. Loves travelling. Dislike being at home. Restless. having many children. Hardworking. High spirited.

Well one of the reason why I am now blogging is because I feel bored! Everybody is sleeping at around 900pm! I want to go to out have some snacks and coffee at Starbucks but who will drive for me and have some chitchat?

Pie's bday @ Antonio's Tagaytay

2008-05-09T05:04:00.000-07:00

Pricey but then I love the place and their bottomless dalandan juice.
I like their sherbet ice cream. It taste like homemade ice cream of fruits and their Antonio's sampler. The salad is not as good as sonya's salad.

Breakfast at Antonio’s
National Highway, Bagong Tubig, Tagaytay City
(046) 413-0975

My First Vigan Trip

2008-05-09T04:10:00.000-07:00

2 months in the making birthday gift

2008-05-08T00:20:00.001-07:00

After 3 years in photographay I got my first professional tripod - Manfrotto head and a carbon fiber tripod. I chose carbon fiber due to my scoliosis and also because para di mahirapan ang tagabitbit :D

My first tripod was also a gift from my friend. Phew! I'm now more brave to take a picture with me of course and can smile while my camera is not in my hands when it clicks the shutter.

to upgrade or not????

2008-05-07T23:59:00.000-07:00

again I'm in a dilemma of gear itch.. hahahahaha yes gear itch again. The first time I got my first DSLR someone asked me "After how many months you are planning to upgrade?" I told him "Ngek... Baka first and last ko na ito!" but then after a few months I was holding my new D200.

But know after reading some reviews an idea of upgrading is trying to pop out!!! I hate reading reviews coz it triggers my "rashes". I have this commandment since D300 came out in the market "Though shall not read any review" but I failed!!!! I hate for not having task at work coz I can't help it to not googling around in the internet. And now look what I got???? gear itch and "TL" with D300. I don't even tried to check out some of my friends D300 because I'm avoiding temptation....

So help me God.

Bangkok Trip Planning

2008-05-07T03:13:00.000-07:00

This will be our 7th year anniversary celebration and for the first time abroad. Before I was able to finalized this trip sobrang daming discussions.. hehehehe Originally Macau but if Macau kailangan side trip ng Hongkong but then for Hongkong trip KIDS must go with us which is our promise to them if Yndee reach her height of 48inches we will go to Hongkong Disneland. 48 inches because it is the minimum height limit of some rides but since Yndee is exactly 48 inches and there will be a possibility that in some rides requires higher than 48 inches so finally Bangkok.

So far, I already have the confirmation for our transportation. The taxi driver's name is kasem. I had a difficulty with my conversation to him but then with much patience and talking slowly I was able to finalized the date and time of our arrival.

I aslo got a map of bangkok and the list of the tourist spot. I also have the list of possible accomodation and will just decide a few days or weeks from now.

Hoping to have a great anniversary in Bangkok... but of course SHOPPING!

Manners, manners, manner

2008-05-06T21:10:00.001-07:00

Why there are people na di marunong mag isip??? Simple lang naman gumamit ng oven toaster. When you want to cook HOTDOG in the oven alam mo naman na may tutulo di ba? You don't even bother na ilagay yun pan para di messy. Ayaw ko sana sabihin na TANGA ka pero anong tawag sa iyo?

Even after you eat di lang yun drippings ng sauce ang iniiwan mo sa table pati pinag kainan and used tissues. If you have angels at home you know the word CLEAN that's why you hired your angel. Or maybe you don't have angel and this is your opportunity to leave your mess and act as a princess or better spoiled headless brat.

Sigh Sigh Sigh...

Fair or Unfair

2008-05-06T20:35:00.000-07:00

I was supposed to blog the time I got my son's entrance exam schedule at Ateneo pero I just decided na wag na lang but for this time I want to vent out how I feel.

He took the exam last March 31 and April 1. Day one is for IQ and Reading and Day two is for math and science. I'm confident that he can pass the exam. He's been a consistent achiever in school. Though I'm confident I still ask for HIS guidance.

I've been anxious for the past few weeks and I can't wait to get hold of the test result. They said that not later than April 18 we will receive the mail. April 25 I called the school to ask the result.

"Hi. Good morning. Just want to ask the test result of my son who tookd the entrance exam for grade one."

"Sorry maam but his name is not in the list."

After hearing those words I just say "ok thank you" pero as a mother I felt so sad for my son. I don't know what will I tell him if he ask about it. For a few minutes I was spaced-out.

Last sunday monday, May 5 Lee decided to tell nathan about the result. I can't take it to see nathan cried and saying "Nag-isip naman ako tapos may mali pa". Di ko alam kung malalalag ba ang puso ko or ano. I don't know kung paano ko i-eexplain sa kanya kung saan sya nagkamali kasi as stated:

The actual test scores of the applicant are confidential. Needless to say, they
are not released to the parents.

He even had a sticker like BRAVO and STAR during his exam so expected nya siguro ok ang exam nya. I even asked him how's the exam sabi nya madali lang naman. As a mom di ko alam kung paano ko talaga mae-explain sa kanya. Para nga naman unfair kasi di ko masabi kung ano mali nya. It would have been easier for them to accept if they know what they did wrong kaso wala akong proof. Sobrang excited sya sana lumipat. Before the exam we let him see the campus para ma-inspire. He saw the soccer field, the basketball court and other school facilities.

Unfair for my son pero school rules kasi but then I know we still have the right to know the result to gauge my son's performance and to know where we should focus for improvement.

Don't worry anak though we didn't make it, it doesn't mean that you're not good. I still believe na you're still the best.

I'm hesitant if we will try again next school year. Let's see. But for now nanay and tatay will make sure that you're the BEST. I love you anak and I'm very proud of you for doing good last school year. Keep it up!

Coron Trip Planning

2008-05-06T05:13:00.000-07:00

It's been a while the last time I posted and puro pictures pa...

The past few days I've been busy googling around to check what to look forward for our Coron trip this coming May.
On the top of my list was: Calauit Safari, Coron Island hopping which includes Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoon, Maquinit Spring and Siete Pecados. But now here's my list:

Banol beach, Barracuda lake, Black island , Calumbuyan island, Cconcepcion falls, Coron town, Culion town, CYC Dibutonay island, Dicalabuan aka banana island, gunboat wreck, Kakachuchi beach, Kayangan Lake, Lusong coral garden, Malaroyroy beach. Malcapuya island, Maltatayoc island, North cay island, Panlaitan village, Sangat island. Siete pecados marine sanctuary, South cay island, Twin lagoon

MY GOSH!!! Is my four days enough to see all these? hmmmm.. let's see.

Second problem accomodation

Club Paradise
Princess of Coron
Sangyat Resort
El Rio Y mar
Busuanga Island Paradise

I'm thinking El Rio Y mar because of the infinity pool, second Club Paradise for the next still undecided but why would I spend money if I will not stay in the resort??? If I want to see all the islands I listed above I will be opted to check for the cheaper accomodation. I already texted Mang Fred who is the bangkero I got from other sites.

My last escapade in Puerto Princesa which is also in Palawan is really great and I'm planning to take my kids this December. I haven't had hard time to decide where to go since Dos Palmas is really a nice place and it's really bang for the buck - the food, activities, relaxing and the service.

celebrating my birthday at Tagaytay

2008-04-13T00:12:00.000-07:00

Tagaytay was been my favorite nearby place so Pie and I decided to have our breakfast and lunch here in our favorite place.

Bag of Beans

Bag of Beans is the coffee place to be in Tagaytay. A small cafe located just after the Tagaytay Public at 3650 Aguinaldo Highway, Mendez Crossing West, Tagaytay City. Here you will find the most expensive coffee that is proudly Philippines made! What makes this amazingly expensive is that the coffee beans are digested by the Philippine civet (a cat) which ferments the coffee beans and excreted as whole beans. If you did not get that, these are beans harvested in the civets waste by farmers in the wild forrest. It became known when it was tasted by Oprah who was surprised to know about the origins of this delicious coffee.

We are fond of the rich strong taste of the Baraco Blend. On every trip, together with hot chocolate and blueberry cheesecake. A bit of variety is always good.

Bag of Beans also their own Arabica Robusta Blend for Php235.20 for a 500 gram bag but for cheaper Coffee alamid it is also available at Aling Maria - a small pasalubong store known for their buko pie and cassava cake which is for 400 pesos one small plastic jar.

This is the escapade that I truly enjoy because we get to go some other place far from the polluted and congested city of Makati and Rizal.

My Maternity Shoot

2008-02-24T14:31:00.000-08:00

Been into the photography for 2 1/2 years. I started photography for my family. When I started I don't know on what kind of photography I want. But now I'm doing portraits. Portraits to start a family.

But then just this year I'm planning to start other fields like wedding.... Let's see if I will succeed... hehehehehe

Holy Week @ Dakak

2008-02-24T09:02:00.000-08:00

Looking forward for the holy week. I got our reservation fully paid. This will be the first holy week that we'll be spending not at our home. For the past few months been too busy so we all deserved this vacation.

Big school for my kids

2008-02-24T08:01:00.000-08:00

Went to Assumption and inquired about the addmission's requirements for Prep. We found out that the age limit for PREP is 5 years and 6 months. So Keyanna should be in Kinder. They said that they are so strict in terms of age but we ask them to let my baby take the exam for prep and if she fails then we can't do anything about it. The registrar told us that if she passed the exam the committee will talk about it first.

March 15, 2008 Keyanna took the exam and during our interview Teacher Pau told us that SHE PASSED the exam for PREP and she really did well on the exam. I'm so proud of you anak!!!

Keyanna's Bloopers

2008-02-24T07:02:00.000-08:00

1. Scene: Auntie Lay is playing her PSP. I forgot the game but it's for adults
Yndee: Autie pag big na ako pag may dede na ako pwede na ako play nyan?

2. Scene: I scolded yndee for not wearing her slippers so he ask her kuya to get her slippers for her
Yndee: Kuya pakuha nga slippers ko sa babay
Kuya: ok.. wait....
Kuya: Be ( shortcut for baby) nde ko makita eh.
Yndee: Hmpf! ako na nga! ( going down with heavy footsteps .. )

3. Scene: Celebrating new year's eve
Yndee: Tatay new year na... big na ako.. pwede na mag crush?

4. Scene: I will attend a party and ask my "BEAUTICIAN" to help me to be look alike of Beyonce. Yndee is quietly observing and she ask:
Yndee: Boy ka ba or girl?
Nanay: Beh girl sya
Yndee: ikaw din girl?

5. Christmas season and syempre this is the months for kids as they say "Kid's Month" or Kids's Christmas.. Every christmas Yndee has lots of gifts to open. This year 2008 medyo mas may isip na sya. Everytime she will open a gift she will read it out loud like "To Keyanna. Merry Christmas and happy new year! From Ninong/ninang" and then will say "Kuya I have a present again".

Will update and will try to remember all...

Valentines @ Tagaytay

2008-02-16T06:56:00.000-08:00

Went to Tagaytay with kids for our post Valentine's celebration. We ate our lunch and merienda at Sonya's garden. Of course not a favorite food for the kids but they do have breads and cheese for them to love.. hehehehehe Honeypie doesn't like to eat veggie salad but sa kaswertihang palad kumain naman sya and guess what nabusog sya sa mga DAMO DAMO sa sonya's... After eating at sonya's as a reward to Honeypie we went to Bag of Beans which is one of his favorite place at Tagaytay... We went home with our favorite food Cheese Hopia from Sonya's and Cinnamon with raisin Loaf from Bag of Beans and Buko Pie and Kapeng Barako from Aling Maria

Yuck!

2008-01-15T07:30:00.001-08:00

For editing

I was on my way to office ( of course alone kasi "I" because Honeypie is on a business trip) didn't eat my breakfast. I just brought my baon and this Mango Torte from a bakeshop ( forgot the name but it's in San Jacinto in Pasig ). In the middle of C5 I was really hungry so I opened my lunch bag and foung this Mango Torte but then I found out I DON'T HAVE A SPOON! hmmm... I put it back and pretend that I am not hungry.. Pero di ko mapigilan!!!! I grabbed it and tasted it with my fingers... hmmm.. yummy... I just noticed na naubos ko na pala withnout using a spoon!!! YUCK!!! nakakahiya pero wala na akong magawa naubos ko na eh.. hehehehehe

What is the meaning of FRIEND

2007-11-28T04:16:00.000-08:00

I never imagine that someone would say that "I was betrayed".
Never in my life would do such thing to betray a FRIEND.

betray: bi'trey
1. Reveal unintentionally
2. Deliver to an enemy by treachery
3. Disappoint, prove undependable to; abandon, forsake
4. Be sexually unfaithful to one's partner in marriage
5. Give away information about somebody

For just nonsense thing to me I didn't know that I betrayed my friend.
Maybe I was too insensitive. Maybe for me it's not a big deal. Yes it's not
a big deal to me the fact that it does not involve our friendship.

I just can't accept why would a friend used that word. I'm not a perfect person
nor an angel with a halo. I'm just MARO who also enjoys nonsensical things sometimes.

Do I really know what a friend is? I may have hurt you but never in my life want to betray a friend.
I love my friends... really.. someone can attest ( I hope so ) to this...

After hearing this word I can't help it but cried. Can't described the pain. I felt that I am such a loser.
I konw it is his right to get mad. But I just hope that he didn't use this word to me. I can accept the fact
that I hurt you but I cannot accept that I betrayed you. You've been part of my life especially when I'm down.
Do you think I'm capable of doing such thing that will let you go away?

I'm sorry for what I have done. I'm sorry if I hurted you but I cannot accept that I betrayed you.

God defend me from my friends; from my enemies I can defend myself.

Preggy

2007-10-25T20:29:00.000-07:00

Did some shoot for my friends.

to be continued.........

Nathan's 6th birthday

2007-10-25T01:39:00.000-07:00

Today is nathan's 6th birthday. No grand celebration coz he have class and Pie is in Ireland. His tatay gave him a birthday call this morning around 6am ( his wake up sched ). We're going to celebrate his birthday on saturday pero sa house lang ( to be safe! ). To you anak WE love you so much and I'm so happy to see you day by day....

Carlo's angels

2007-10-25T01:16:00.001-07:00

I'm happy to see a simple smile from Carlo's face today. I can still see the pain pero at least he is better than the last time I saw him. We didn't have the chance to have a long talk with Carlo but before his interview someone asked him "Did you get any sign?" I'm not sure what kind of sign medyo 3 seats away kasi ako but then Carlo said he asked for it and he got a text message "a ringing tone" from smart and the song is "fallin" na sobrang na-touch ako... This is one of my favorite song and di ko natiis na medyo tumulo luha ko...

and this is the lyrics of the song:

our litle conversation
are turning into little sweet sensation
and they're only getting sweeter everytime

our friendly get togethers
are turning into visions of forever
if i just believe this foolish heart of mine

i can't pretend
that i'm just a friend
'cause i'm thinking maybe we were meant to be

chorus:
i think i'm fallin', fallin' in love with you
and i don't, i don't know what to do
i'm afraid you'd turn away
but i'll say it anyway

coda:
i think i'm fallin... for you
i'm fallin' for you...

whenever we're together
wishing that goodbyes would turn to never
'cause with you is where i'll always wanna be
whenever i'm beside you
all i really wanna do is hold you
no one else but you has meant this much to me

i cant pretend
that i'm just a friend
'cause i'm thinking maybe we were meant to be

..the pain never truly goes away, it just gets smaller and condensed, tucked away in a corner somewhere in the deep recesses of the heart. There it remains at a constant low level ache, which with time may be overridden. There may be times when a site, a smell, a place, a song, an anniversary or birthday will trigger the old memories and the intensity of the grief and loss will return again. These feelings often arrive without warning and can be just as painful making one feel as though he/she was experiencing the loss anew.

You will embark on a fair sea,
and at times there will be fair weather, but not always.
You will meet storms and overcome them.
You will take it in turns to steer your boat through fair weather and foul. Never lose courage.
Save harbour awaits you...in the end.

A Letter from Carlo Cruz ( husband of Leslie )

2007-10-23T00:46:00.000-07:00

Got an email from Carlo Cruz a friend of mine in Lawson. Take time to read and Pray for all the souls who died in that incident.

Let us continue to pray for Leslie and to those she left behind.

Subject: From Carlo Cruz

Good day everyone,

I wish I were writing under different circumstances.

I would like to inform you that my wife Leslie Cruz
was part of the casualties in the Glorietta 2 Mall
bombing in Makati City, Philippines. She was supposed
to have a minor out patient surgery at Makati Medical
Center at 230pm.

I had taken a leave from work to accompany her there.
We dropped off our daughter, Amber, at my parents
place in QC to babysit at around 10am. We then
proceeded to Makati and was there at 1230pm. Since she
had been fasting in preparation for her procedure, she
wanted to move around and listen to some music while I
grabbed a bite to eat. We parked at the basement of
Park Square 2, and headed for the Glorietta 2
entrance. We parted at the top of the escalator, she
turned right towards Filbar's while I went left
towards the restaurants. That was the last time I
would see her.

Around 120pm, she had called me so that we can meet at
the Glorietta 2 exit just in time to make her
appointment. As I made my way there from Glorietta 1
through the connecting hallways, and was about to turn
the corner, I heard 2 deep thumps and the shock-wave
from the blast hit me. At that moment my heart dropped
as I knew that the origin of the blast came from the
same place where we were supposed to meet. I tried
getting to where my wife was, but the dust was too
much and it was as if I was staring at a white wall.

I still tried to convince myself that she was able to
make it out, and that after ringing her mobile without
a response only meant that she dropped it in the
confusion. After 6 hours of searching from Makati Med.
to Ospital ng Makati, the blast site, and back again
to MMC - with the help of all the people I could get
hold of, that I was able to get confirmation in what
the state of my wife was.

My Dad and Uncle signaled me in from the ER of MMC. My
Uncle (who's a doctor) asked me to describe Leslie's
appearance to another group of doctors. I saw in the
eyes of one that the description made sense. Instead
of confirming it to me, they huddled together, then
brought me to a small examination room. It was only
through a digital camera that I was able to confirm
(and deny) that she was indeed gone.

I have so many regrets. I should have met her sooner.
I should have ran instead of a brisk walk. I should
have not chose to park where I did. I should have
braved the dust and went in the blast site. I should
have ...

Today's the 4th day. It is still terribly difficult to
breathe, let alone wake up realizing that your source
of strength, your best friend doesn't lie beside you
on your bed. That my deepest worry is when Amber
starts asking for her Mama.

I am glad that Amber's too young to understand the
loss and pain. In time I would like to tell her the
details of how her mother died, but more importantly I
would like to raise her as how her mother lived - a
loving person, strong willed, decisive, caring, and
nurturing. She has always cared for her family and
friends, and sacrfied her career for being a full time
mom and home maker.

As with all couples we had our ups and downs - none of
which I regret not going through. The sweet is never
as sweet without the sour. For almost 4 years of
marriage, we've finally hit our balance in life only
to be taken away in an instant. I have no regrets
about our marriage. She has loved me and Amber beyond
her capacity. I will always love her.

It is my first time to write to egroup as I've lurked
and watched emails being sent to and fro. All I want
now is that for each of the couples here is to cherish
each moment that we spend with our loved ones. Pretty
simple to say, very easy to take for granted.

Thank you all for the prayers. I would still like to
ask you to please include Leslie in them until her
40th day so that the path to God's kingdom is well lit
and she is no longer in the dark.

Sincerely,

Carlo Cruz

PRANING!!!!

2007-10-22T21:05:00.000-07:00

After what happened to Carlo sobrang takot ako na di kami magkita... kaya miski di ako makatulog I always see to it na safe home si Pie sa condo nila... kung kaya ko lang hilahin ang araw para mag November 15 gagawin ko.... For the past three weeks na nasa Ireland sya sobrang abnormal ang araw ko... I can't even go to the market and buy foods to eat. Last sunday we spent the whole day in my sister's house... sobrang wala akong gana...

Hope that my day will be back to normal soon...

Gloriettta 2 bombing

2007-10-22T20:29:00.000-07:00

This is not the first terrorist attack but then this is the first time where I really felt sadness in my heart. Aroung 1:45 pm October 19 my officemate/friend announce there was a bombing in Glorietta 2. I ignored it and continue with my work. After a few minutes one of my officemate announced that one of our officemate Carlo can't find his wife. I heard it but it didn't sinked in coz I'm really busy with my work but after a few minutes I stopped and I realized that Carlo's wife is missing coz they were at Glorietta 2 and there was a bombing at Glorietta 2. I grabbed my phone and gave Carlo a ring. "Hi Carlo. Anong nangyari?" that is the first word I asked Carlo... "Di ko makita si Leslie. We were supposed to meet at the entrance of Glorietta 2 kung saan yun bombing..." Carlo asked for our prayers na sana Leslie is safe. We called at the hospitals to check if Leslie was admitted and we also checked at the internet the list of names injured on the said bombing... Pero WALA... Every now and then I'm trying to call Carlo para malaman kung nakita ba nya si Leslie. after 4 hours wala pa din... around 7pm when I called Carlo he's really crying and I can't understand any single word from him. All I know is she can't find Leslie. I tried to listen to him and gave him some words that might help him to calm down. BUT HOW??? how can I help the person who can't find his wife? He ended up our call by saying "Sige Maro baka kasi tumatwag na si Leslie" after 10mins tumawag ulit ako... By this time he is calm but still blaming himself of what happened. While we were talking, I heard a voice coming to Carlo and said something... I didn't hear the exact words but Carlo shouted "Whaaatttt??? OH MY GOD!!! ............." and those words confirmed that Leslie died. I was shocked and didn't notice that Carlo hanged up the phone... Seconds bago nag sinked in sa akin na wala na si Leslie. I was driving and I stopped and cried out loud. Iba pala feeling pag may kilala ka na nakasama sa ganun na tragedy. I can't believe in an instant mawawala sya. Few hours ago before the bombing magksama pa sila.

I drive fast going home to see my kids and hug them.... Sobrang natakot ako na mawala mahal ko sa buhay... I wanted to hug Pie but then he's in Ireland. I just prayed and ask his grace to make us safe everyday and may we always have a happy life with each other.

May God bless all the soulds of the innocent died and may they find peace.

Condolences to Carlo and his family. God will always be there for you and for Amber. Just keep your faith and you'll never go wrong.

Fieldtrip

2007-10-10T06:50:00.000-07:00

I was still lonely missing PIE and trying to go wid my normal days. Tuesday evening around 930 i sat in front of my pc then 'googling' till 3am or till my eyes drop. I was still busy downloading when my son woke up and said "Nanay today is my feldtrip. Sabi ni teacher be at school by 630am." and I said "Kunin mo yun diary mo." Nathan gave his diary and I confirmed that he should be there by 630.

So I prepare his things and take a bath and since coding ako I go straight to the office then trying to take a "nap"....

Testing my new phone

2007-10-09T16:59:00.000-07:00

From Boracay to Sta. Lucia.....

Nagha-hang na kasi phone ko so Pie decided to get a new phone for me kasi baka daw wala pa akong kitain sa phone na ito pag di ko pa pinalitan. So after dropping off my sister and her husband we go straight to sta. lucia. After almost 4 years say byebye to my 6630 phone. I bought this phone around 30+++ but then binili lang sya for 4 thou!!! my gosh!!! That's why I decided not spend money for just a PHONE... Now I'm using Ericsson k550i cybershot daw... sobrang hirap magdecide what phone.. Before gusto ko PDA/phone pero napapaisip ako kasi super mahal and isang lens na yon.... tapos sabi ko kay Pie Motorolla na lang kasi pang text and twag lang naman... kaso pag bumibili ako 3 months warranty lang binibigay... ( ang arte noh! for the price of 6thou hahanapan mo ng warranty ) anyway I end up buying this ericsson kasi nga cybershot daw... hehehehehe

What a nice feature in this phone is I can post straight from my phone... hehehehehe

2007-10-09T16:29:00.001-07:00

WIG

2007-10-07T16:40:00.000-07:00

Yndee keep on asking me if pwede sya magpa cut ng hair and Everytime I asked her "ano gusto mong gupit?" she always answer "yun short na parang wig" and this is it. Her new hair cut. This is the second time she had a hair cut.

Off to Boracay

2007-09-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

waaahhhhh it's so UNFAIR!!! Lahat sila pumasok ako lang nde... While they are in school and office I was here getting ready all the things we need. Syempre nanay so lahat ng kailangan ikaw talaga mag aasikaso. After packing all the things at 1015am I need to fetch Yndee at school then go straight to Mandaluyong to fetch nathan and ate geraldine then to Makati to fetch tatay and before that I need to buy food for our lunch....

Anyway will continue later.... i need to take a bath and get ready....

I'm so excited for them because first time ng kids to see Boracay and to ride in a plane and also with their auntie and "Lula".

Puzzled

2007-08-22T02:05:00.000-07:00

"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense."

An inspirational quote I got from the web. What a day!!! Well what's new with that. From day one I joined lawson I've been so busy. Got no extra time for my extracurricular activities. But today I'm puzzled with the situation. I'll not be in details but I'm really hoping for the better. I really feel sad with the others and I'm always asking why they are doing it? I know that you're also puzzled on what I'm saying. I guess I'm just a bit affected but I know I should not.

"Nanay sinabi nang tama na picture eh"

2007-08-19T22:54:00.000-07:00

The words I got from my 4 year old daughter when I persistently taking pictures of her while she's making "poop". Three to four shots she's smiling at me then after that she said "nanay stop na" but then I didn't not stop since I want to get the best shot using ambient light inside the rest room. I was shocked when she said "Nanay sinabi nang tama na picture eh. Napupupu na ako". I just smiled to her and stop and said "Ok. I'm sorry".

Nathan's speech milestone

2007-08-18T07:14:00.000-07:00

This is Teacher Trina. Speech Pathologist of Nathan when he was 2 years old. I was so paranoid that year when nobody understands what nathan is saying/babbling. As a mom I feel sad for him so what I do is ask for expert's advise. For 2 months, I patiently and diligently bringing Nathan to teacher Trina and with her findings she said after one year and I can see no improvements we need to go back. March 2005 Nathan graduated as Bronze medalist though he's speech is not that straight as others are time will come for his own time to bloom. I love you anak... I love you so much and glad to see you grow day by day..

Family time on weekends

2007-08-18T07:05:00.001-07:00

On weekends pag walang office as much as possible we like to be with our kids. Kain sa labas ng lugaw or goto or jollibee, mcdo or chowking.

i love the weather after the rain

2007-08-17T23:47:00.000-07:00

"egay, egay, egay"

what a peaceful day for me... not so cold and not so hot... i spent the day blogging around.. :D busy editing the format of this blog ( while my kids busy playing (kuya: psp; bunso: walang kamatayan na drawing; Pie:as usual basketball ) and yet di pa din ako kuntento... ang hirap ha!!! as if I'm learning a new language... so many elements to add in your blog.. nakakatanga... hehehehe

4th Day @ Palawan

2007-07-30T17:45:00.000-07:00

We're heading to Dos palmas.. I'm not scarred now coz as the tourist guide told us Dos palmas have a strict security now. Unlike before it's really open and nobody imagine it would happened since puerto princesa is a quiet city. For me quiet and Clean city. Would you imagine that you will pay penalty for just a candy wrapper? first offense 200, 2nd offense 500 then next offense JAIL for 2months... and also for smoking they strictly implemented no smoking area. anyway going back to dos palmas regarding their security if there's a boat which is not registered to them they gonna give you warning. In case you did not listen to them and do what they instructed you they gonna shoot you right away... so I'm not scarred now.. :D

3rd Day @ Palawan

2007-07-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

We're late!!! The receptionist told us that 730 is the call time but then around 710 the shuttle is
waiting for us. Well I just grab the necessary things without thinking what's else to bring but of course MY CAMERA!!!

Sta. Lourdes is the baranggay where the honda bay port is. Our tourist guide choose the larger boat in case for any changes in the weather. Which is more safe for us!!! and MORE IN FAVOR!!! our first drop off "pandan island" there you can see a small community. Less fortunate but then better that the families i saw in Mt. pinatubo.

Would you imagine that island was sold by someone then in a month or 2 no tourist are allowed
to stop by here because of the construction. same as the Luli Island. before it's part of the island hopping but then it was sold to a korean who married a filipina then decided to build a resort.

Starfish island is also sold by the owner of Dos palmas. They gonna built a first class hotel there so next month no tourist is allowed to drop by... oh well.. 19 islands is part of honda bay maybe
after how many years all islands are exclusive to the hotel guest...

By the way in snake island i really enjoyed feeding the FISHES!!! There are school of fish like the one we saw in movie Nemo . The one telling nemo the direction going to sydney... It's really exactly the same I've seen in the movie. When one goes left the school of fish goes left.. I can't help it but i just shout ( of course I took of my goggles ) then pointed Pie what I just saw.

I'm holding 3 monays then patiently waited for the hungry fish but then group of fish came in and started to byte the bread bit by bit.. But then I got scarred cost even a big fish like the size
of tilapia what my officemate is eating at our office. It's different experience from the snorkeling I did in Batangas or Boracay. Just so fantastic. and would love to do it again my my kids.

2nd Day at Palawan

2007-07-28T17:30:00.000-07:00

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

We traveled for about 3 hours from downtown Puerto Princesa City. (Sabang is still in Puerto Princesa). The paved road only lasts for about 30 mins and the rest is dirt/bumpy/rough and winding roads: a back-breaking yet immensely enjoyable trip. Package tours range from P1,200 to P1,500/pax depending on which agency you book. This already includes ride to Sabang, lunch, boat and entrance fees. If you wish to arrange for your own tour, the boat is rented for P600 ( maximum of 6 person ), entrance is P150 per head, rented van costs P3000. You provide for your own lunch. Restaurants at Sabang is limited, not much choices. Aside from the boat ride, another way to reach the underground river is by "monkey trail".

When we arrived at the entrance of underground you can smell the "poop" of the bats...then later on we got immune with the smell... We waited for almost 30 mins before our turn. In each boat only 10 passengers are allowed. The one sitting in front of the boat will hold the light. The "bangkero" will instruct you where to point the light. It's a bit creepy inside... What will happen when the battery is gone??? Any accident might happened. What if there's something unusual under your boat like a big whale or something like the character in Ice age 2?

Too childish idea but we'll never know. I haven't heard someone tried to dive inside that river and check what's under it. Before going in the cave we saw a group of fish but what else under the when your inside the cave???

Deep within the limestone and marble peaks of Mt. St. Paul flows the Underground River, one of the Palawan's most famous spots. Outside the river's mouth is a beautiful lagoon with crystal clear waters that teem with fish. Running eight kilometers inland, St. Paul's Underground river is easily navigable for at least four kilometers. Quietly, the banca pushed through the dark caverns. We saw but a single beam of light, heard nothing but the rowing of our boatman, in unison with the calm flow of waters. Occasionally, the boatman would motion the light bearer to highlight a particular mineral formation. Every turn and bend reveal huge stalactites, delicately structured columns, irregular caverns, and huge awesome chambers merging at the water's surface and reflecting colors from yellow to reddish brown. Dripstones glittered with amazing rainbow colors, caused by the impurities that created what seemed like a perfect work of art even in the dark. Esitamated to be 15 to 20 million years old.

6th Anniversary @ Palawan

2007-07-27T12:30:00.000-07:00

As usual late ang cebu pacific.. we arrived at puerto princesa around 945am. Then we saw our name written in a bond paper then sakay sa shuttle and the driver dropped us in front of the hotel. The room is nice and big and with “y-py” ( as stated in the email for our hotel reservation ). Then we rested for a while and get ready for our lunch. We ate at ka Lui restaurant. It’s a native restaurant made out of bamboo. We didn’t know that slippers are not allowed…

We ordered “Ka Lui Special” — Blue marlin with coconut cream, sizzling tuna, shrimp, talong ( deep fried coated with flour and with tiny bits of squids ) and with fruits placed sa “bao” ng buko. After our sumptous lunch we get back to our hotel and waiting for our scheduled city
tour.

City Tour
Stop #1: Palawan Museum

At around 1pm we got a call from the receptionist telling that the tourist guide is now waiting for us for our City Tour. We went to Palawan Museum.

An institution that showcases the history, culture, music, art and crafts of Palawan. Its exhibits shows the archeological, ethnological, collections, such as jars and porcelains, hunting and trapping tools used by the early ancestors, musical instrumental and brassware, some artifacts from Tabon Caves. We're in a group four from camp crame ( as I can remember they are lieutenant ). Anyway got no time to shoot since we're in a group kakahiyang magpahuli.

Stop #2: Iwahig Penal Prison

The Iwahig penal colony is a low security work farm. Over a thousand prisoners live and work around a central village square. Iwahig is a very different concept in penile confinement from the traditional prison system in most places. This colony has no major walls or barriers to keep prisoners in. The main security precaution was gathering all prisoners together in the village square three times a day for head counts. The small size and remoteness of the island of Palawan is the primary factor which discourages escape. Transportation off the island is almost impossible for a prisoner to arrange on his own and fleeing to the remote mountains of Palawan would mean almost certain death from malaria. For these reasons, escape attempts were rare at Iwahig. A factor which encourages prisoners to stay are the living conditions. They are every bit as nice or nicer than any other remote village we visited in the Philippines. Prisoners are even welcome to bring their wives and children to share their incarceration. If it weren't for the guards with shotguns walking around, we would not have known this was a prison.

The functionality of Iwahig seemed communistic in design. All the labors of the prisoners went to support the institution. Through farming and export of handmade crafts, the colony is financially self-supporting. Prisoners also make craft items on their own time and sell them to purchase items from the colony store.

The store was small with half the stock devoted to living essentials for the inmates and the other half hand-crafted goods for sale to tourists. Everything from woven plastic hats to some of the finest crafted hardwood items were on display. Camagong is the most sought after of the wood crafts. We later learned that deforestation has made the camagong a rarity. Its export and import have been limited by the government in order to ensure its survival. This wood is very dense and a dark brown, almost black in color. Boxes, canes, and pointers were fashioned out of camagong and inlaid with mother of pearl.

Stop #3: Crocodile Farm

Stop #4: Baker's Hill

I thought Baker's Hill would be an old-fashioned hut where the smell of wood-fired, oven-baked Palawan pastries would be wafting through the air the entire day. After all, everything in Palawan that I had seen so far has been "authentic" . To my surprise when we arrived at a modern cake-colored house with figurines of Marilyn Monroe, dinosaurs, Snow White & the Seven Dwarves and countless slides and swings littering the garden.

party planner

2007-06-13T17:56:00.000-07:00

a three year old girl plans her birthday where there should be cake, party hats, balloons, spaghetti, chicken and games.

so she got her party as she planned. My cousins gave her a cake and her "lula" gave her a balloons as their birthday present. I cooked the foods she wanted and this is it... Let's have party!!!!

What to do when you're bored?

2007-05-23T17:46:00.000-07:00

Kulitan days

2007-05-19T17:41:00.000-07:00

my good friend

2006-10-22T22:18:00.000-07:00

it's a different experience when you're shooting is your friend. I was very conscious on what to instruct my friend and I'm a bit excited too since this is my first time to have a maternity shoot by my own. Well gladly that it turned out well and she liked it. It was so rewarding to see that your friend appreciated your effort and glad to do it again with her. Thanks Cynths!!!

Cynths is a very good friend of mine since elementary. She's now in Bahrain happily with her husband and Raya ( my inaanak ). God Bless cynths and I miss you!!!

Maki

2006-09-24T21:58:00.000-07:00

Singing Yndee

2006-08-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

First time for yndee to celebrate Tatay's Birthday. Watch her as she sings a sweet birthday song to his tatay.

Mt. Pinatubo

2006-06-20T21:01:00.000-07:00

Draw your world

2006-01-21T00:49:00.000-08:00

how children how to hold a pencil while they draw and write with you. I worked with my son to help him develop the correct pencil grip when he was age three and same with my daughter. The first few days were challenging. The proper grip felt "funny" and he had less pencil control, but it wasn't long before we saw improvement. Whatever the age of the child, the following approach can be taken, just remember that it may take longer to change the habits of an older child.

The reason

2005-11-28T16:44:00.000-08:00

He is the reason why I am here. He's the reason of my happiness, my strength, my tears, my smile and my life. I love you always Lee my Honeypie.

Water Glass --- Half Full or Half Empty!?

2005-11-23T17:00:00.000-08:00

Whose water glass is it anyway?

I love you

2005-11-22T16:55:00.000-08:00

How do I begin to tell you how lucky I am to have you in my life? I'll start by saying what an honor it is for me to be your honeypie. You're my best friend in the good times and my rock in times of sorrow. You're the reason for sweet yesterdays and my promise for tomorrow. I never thought I could feel this loved until I became your honeypie.You made this year and every year the best one of my life.

Mother's Love

2005-11-21T00:03:00.000-08:00

"A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path."

Happiness means Togetherness

2005-11-17T03:47:00.000-08:00

In a relationship, there are chances that it sometimes becomes stale and tends to die. When a couple stops doing things together misunderstandings crop up and distances grow. The key word here is TOGETHERNESS. As a couple we need to do things together like eat, have children, go out for movies or simple thing like buying a cooking oil in the sari-sari storre. You have to be together in order to be happy. Prioritizing in life is very important, so time has to be taken out for the family.That's when the couple can be happy. Happiness is an awesome feeling, which cannot be described. It is about being together and enjoying every moment to the fullest.

Sunset At Boracay

2005-11-15T03:49:00.000-08:00

Our first sunset at Bora

Travel of Bora

2005-10-28T17:10:00.000-07:00

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

Boracay Escapade

2005-10-24T03:52:00.000-07:00

Our little boy

2005-10-10T16:52:00.000-07:00

Isn't nice to have a little boy like this. He's energetic LITTLE BOY. Though he used to roam around the school he got an O - outstanding and VS - very satisfactory. I just hope that he will mature in time.

Our little girl

2005-10-10T16:48:00.000-07:00

A sweet smile....... Nanay you're so kulet! Can't you see I'm playing?

Ok. Nanay wants me to pose... SMILE!

I feel blest!

Flickr

Condom Testers???

My christmas mug

2008: a busy life

job security? What's the game plan??

New toy

Recession nga!

integrity and honesty in all of our relationships

Keyanna's Blooper - updates

A MUST READ

Worth a lot

Fear

Christmas weather

knotted for 7 years

Economy crisis... Travel Crisis

Lucky that I have you!

Keyanna's Bloopers

6. Setting: Me and Keyanna eating our breakfast together then out of the blue she told me:

keyanna: Nanay, alam mo we watched concert last tuesday. I cried.

Nanay: O bakit ka nag-cry?

keyanna: kasi Lovely song eh.

*actually it's not a blooper. I just want this to include in this list becuase her facial expression when she said "lovely" song it reminds me how sweet she is.

7. setting: inside our room

keyanna: Nanay I want my haircut because my hair is so ugly na.

Nanay: ok later after Tatay's basketball.

Inside the parlor

At the parlor while KC is doing the right thing =) I heard someone said "aba marunong na bata" and they are all smiling at me. I told them that she just had her haircut last 2 weeks and this is the secondWill update and will try to remember all...

El Nido Planning

No Connection for 3 months!!!

Tom yum fever

you know tea in the streets with milk?

hhhmmm... next stop Tagaytay

missing my cupcakes

8-8-8

7th year anniversary at Thailand

Testing my Aurora 300 watts

Happy mother's day to my Dad

missing my friends

MOMO

I'm now a mother

Happy mother's day

Blogging for Dummies

Camera-shy = disliking being photographed

Jampong

A taste of Itali at Amici

Summer Cut

I'm a PIMP

Pie's bday @ Antonio's Tagaytay

My First Vigan Trip

2 months in the making birthday gift

to upgrade or not????

Bangkok Trip Planning

Manners, manners, manner

Fair or Unfair

Coron Trip Planning

celebrating my birthday at Tagaytay

My Maternity Shoot

Holy Week @ Dakak

Big school for my kids

Keyanna's Bloopers

Valentines @ Tagaytay

Yuck!

What is the meaning of FRIEND

Preggy

Nathan's 6th birthday

Carlo's angels

A Letter from Carlo Cruz ( husband of Leslie )

PRANING!!!!

Gloriettta 2 bombing

Fieldtrip

Testing my new phone

WIG

Off to Boracay

Puzzled

"Nanay sinabi nang tama na picture eh"

Nathan's speech milestone

Family time on weekends

i love the weather after the rain

4th Day @ Palawan

At the parlor while KC is doing the right thing =) I heard someone said "aba marunong na bata" and they are all smiling at me. I told them that she just had her haircut last 2 weeks and this is the second

Will update and will try to remember all...