Happy New Year!

I might be late for this post but I'm sure some of us still have some holiday hungover eh?

So how did you spend New year's eve?

As for me, I didn't spend it in Jaildah or above 35,000 ft or in a fancy hotel. I spent New Year's eve in a place very special to my heart, I spent it at home. Yes, I've been meaning to broadcast to the world that I'll be able to go home for New year's celebration since the day I knew it. But I've thought it would be happier if I'd surprise my family. Teehee.

Going home is always heartwarming for me. Imagine my Papa and Mama crying the moment they saw me standing in front of them. It was priceless.

I was very happy to be home. I really needed that time off from everything. I have been really blessed and favoured by God this 2012. I have been to some beautiful places I've never imagined I would set foot to. I've done some ridiculous things I'm not quite proud of but I've survived and now I'm wiser and better. I've learned a lot, spent a lot and even though I have my own lot now I know I have to save a lot. Okay that's too many lot's in one sentence. Haha.

This year has been AMAZING and it's all because of God's will. Looking back now at this first few days of 2013 I'm just really thankful for God for his 365 days of blessings. And that he granted my only wish before the year ends, to be with my family.

I guess it's a good start of 2013 for me.

And yes, I am now engaged to the love of my life.

Merry Christmas!

This is my third Christmas away from home. I'm a bit sad actually. I prayed hard for it that this year I would be able to spend the holidays with my family. But God has other plans. He will send me to a beautiful place and for sure I'll have a memorable experience, plus I might be able to be home before the year ends. Yes, God is really good!

To everyone who is at home and celebrating the holidays with their family, hug them tight and savor each moment because it really matter. You might not appreciate it but for others who are miles away, that's the best gift they could ever have. The gift of togetherness, the gift of time with family and the gift of love. It's more than any material things and any amount of money.

Christmas in Milan would be a ton happier if I'm with my family.

Anyways, here's to a meaningful and wonderful Christmas to all of us. Please don't forget to say a prayer and remember the reason why we're celebrating this day!

The birthday post

I am about to face another year in my life in just a few moment. And here are the goals for the past year that I have accomplished and I haven’t.

At 21…

1. I had finished college.

2. I got published thrice, in a nationwide magazine.

3. I had landed a job after graduation.

4. I had landed a job abroad before the year 2010 ended.

5. I ‘managed’ to be independent while I live alone and far away from my family.

6. I had ‘learned’ to sleep alone (but still with the lights on)

7. I had ‘learned’ to do my laundry (with the help of washing machine)

8. My current net worth amounts to more than 7 times of my previous salary.

9. I am travelling around the world. I get to work and see the world all at once. J

10. I had ‘learned’ to eat eggplant.

At 21…

1. I haven’t gotten a permanent savings account! I kept on opening and closing, opening and closing an account. As I go home this month, I have to have a permanent savings account. Really!

2. I wasn’t able to finish 12 books in 12 months. Boo!

3. I did not spend Christmas and New Year with my family and le boyfriend. L But I’m spending the holy week with them anyway!

4. There are still credits to pay!!!

5. I stopped exercising.

Now, as I turn 22, here’s my bucket list that I will turn into reality.

1. Increase my savings amounting to six-digits! Yes, let’s get it on! Goodbye shopping! Partly! :P

2. Buy my own car, with my own money.

3. Drive my own car, which means getting a driver’s license.

4. Think of a business, and save capital for it.

5. Find a good career fallback after December 2012.

6. To visit US and UK J

7. To buy two books every payday and to finish reading it all in a year.

8. To extend help in whatever form it may be

9. To increase domestic travels! Explore Philippines!

10. To be a better person.

The last one sounds poetic, yes, but don’t scratch it. Who wants to get worse every year of his life eh?

I am truly blessed for the past year and I believe that without God’s guidance, I couldn’t have been to where I am right now to begin with. So to Him, I offer all my praise and worship.

I have only one birthday wish, please always keep my family and my love ones safe, healthy, away from any sickness, accidents, and misfortune. Please fill their hearts with love, peace, and happiness. For that, I am truly grateful.

I am now 22, cheers! J

Everything's gonna be alright!

Day 16 of the 60-day blog challenge

That' what I'd like to hold on for now. I don't want to disclose what's happening right now to us but I'm asking for your prayers.

Yesterday, Jeff slept here at home. Papa was glad he came over. We had merienda, dinner, and breakfast together. We hugged and kissed all the time I can and I just have to say that I miss him sooo much!

I miss him already now. Sorry for this non-sense blahs. I'm too tired from work and other stuff. I promise to write good stuff tomorrow. Good night folks!

Shoooooo! Go away!

Day 14 of the 60-day blog challenge

Dear God,

I am writing to you (and praying at the same time) to express my gratefulness for keeping this family safe no matter what. We have realized that we have been to far from you and we apologize for that. From now on, I will insist on keeping our old family values and push ourselves closer to you.

Please, please, always keep my family safe from harm especially my sister. I am asking for your kindness that you will look after her and never let her near any harm. Please send her angels to guide and protect her. Guide us Lord God, protect us from the evil.

With all your glory we thank you and praise you up there. Thank you God.

Sincerely,

Your retrieved lamb.

Grounded

Day 13 0f the 60-day blog challenge


I'm grounding this blog as of today. Sorry I can't post something worthy. Something has happened and I can't disclose it here.

Please pray for us. Much thanks.

To the best Father in the whole wide world!

Day 12 of the 60-day blog challenge

May you continue to be a loving son and remembering brother...

The husband who made my Mama the happiest wife in the world...


The provider and educator who made us siblings grew up responsible...

The Father who did not give me what I want but gave everything I needed...

The only alpha in the family who protected and cared all the girls in your life...

The Lolo who spoils Shannen all the love in the world...

And most especially...

Please continue to be the fun and lively man as you are always...

The most dramatic and emotional Father I've grown up to...

And the groovy Papa and Lolo Papa you've been to us throughout your 40 years and for the years to come.


Happy 46th birthday Papa. To say I love you is an understatement.
But I'll say it anyway, anytime, anywhere. I love you to the core!

Not just another manic Monday (because it was a rest day!)

Day 10 of the 60-day blog challenge.

How did you spend your Monday?

I spent it by waking up so late, around 10 in the morning. I made my bed, got up, and ate tortang giniling and golden fried rice cooked by my Mom. While enjoying home-cooked breakfast, I was listening to Barbara Streisand's greatest hits like Woman in love, I finally found someone, People, and You don't bring me flowers as played by Mama.

Papa, Mama and I are eating, in the same table, at the same time. I felt like it's been years since we had breakfast together. We chatted our lives off, told them some progress about my application, while they were giving me advices at work. Papa blurted out, "Masaya na ako kasi nagbunga ang pinaghirapan namin, hindi nasayang." I don't want to be sentimental that early so I just smiled. And in my mind, I was very overwhelmed. I told them what my plans are when I'm working abroad. I just want the best for my parents, my family. I already had the plans drawn.

This afternoon, I watched Kick-Ass. Oh, I know I'm tons late to react but I'd just like to say that it's so damn good. And to say that is an understatement. I have new favorite super heroes, Kick-Ass and Hit Girl. Poor thing Big Daddy died but it always happens, the good ones die early, and yes it sells!

Tomorrow I'm off to work again. And it seems like it'll take longer than I expected for my 'new work' to ask me to bid adieu to my KLM family. Patience dear, God knows the right time for everything.

Have a good week folks!

Gimme back my Sundays!

Day 9 of the 60-day blog challenge.

See, I enjoy my job. Time flies so fast. Adrenaline rush drives me to go beyond my limit. I meet a lot of people from different places all over the world everyday. I wake up, work, eat, go home, and work doesn't follow me nor bothers me when I'm around the house.

Perhaps the only thing I don't like about my work is that I work every weekends. I take my off at work every weekdays. Mondays to be exact. Sometimes, I feel sad that everyone is in their house taking their day's off in a Sabbath day while I have to get up from my sweet slumber and work my ass off. Boo.

Today, I spent my Sunday, well of course at work, and went to mass in the evening with Papa, Ate Ghelai, Sherwin, and their adorable kid Shannen. I was so sleepy and dizzy but I was the one who suggested Pop to go to the church so I have to walk my talk no matter what. Besides, I was having a bad day at work and I figured it's the exact place to go for my retreat. Plus, I owe Him lots of thank you prayers.

I miss my Sundays. There's a lot of things I used to do before, especially during Sundays. I used to have so much time during weekends. Sunday is a family day. When we were young and whinny, my parents used to take us to the church every Sunday and have dinner at Jollibee or McDonalds after wards.

When we were still in Manila, we used to go to a very cozy pancake house (it's beside Sta. Cruz church) after the mass where I play with the statue horses while I lick maple syrup on my fingers. I miss my childhood days when my parents used to have more time for us. I guess the more you grow up and the more responsibilities you have, the less time for pleasure or even some time off from serious stuff. Since my parents started paying college tuition, we seldom go to church.

Back to my hullabaloo, after church we ordered food in McDonalds and took it to eat at home. Today was a bitter sweet day. Again, thank you God for the blessing. I wish you'll add more blessing by giving back my weekends' off. Or I just have to wait until the end of the month for a whole week of rest in preparation for 'that'. :)

Now, I'm off to hug my bed. Good night everyone. Sweet dreams. Don't let the bed bugs bite. Zzzzz.

Quick check

I've been through a lot lately. Work bullies, heart aches, trust issues, family problems and other personal stuff I dare not to write about. Two words. I'm exhausted.

It's like, reality slapped me on the face, burst my bubble and I, the gullible and vulnerable gal, was hurt, and too bad, I never saw it coming.

Work. Delayed flights. Hotac. Rebellious passengers. I was excited at first like a child holding her first barbecue. But gad, twas a day to endure and remember. Too many lessons learned that day. Too much points to ponder on. And the room is so big for improvement. I'll fire away.

Heart aches. I was hurt by the people I never expected would turn their backs on me, accused and prejudged me. Sigh. I don't want to remember every deets of it. What's important now is Jeff and I are together (yes, we've been on a rough road lately), and that's what counts. The fact that we have each other at this time that we're almost hitting rock bottom, we still have the world to hold on to.

Family. I can still put up with heart breaks but when my family is on the line, it's as if my heart will come off my chest with sadness. It's the first time my father has been rushed to the hospital. When I was told by my sister, my tears started to fall in a heartbeat. Tears kept running down my face while I'm on my way home from Mall of Asia to Cavite. When I saw Papa in the ER, I tried to be calm and refrained myself from crying. I tried to make the aura cool and fun by joking him. I'm glad Papa is recuperating well. Not so long after that, I was told that my uncle was rushed also in the ER. He had a mild stroke. Oh, it really pours when it rains. Uncle Globen is my favorite Uncle in the world. I remember how fun my childhood days were when he teases. Please, please, help my family dear God.

Oh, too many bad vibes. Shoo. shoo. shoo. I'll doze it all away. Good night. And beware of the bed bugs that bite.

The joys of first pay day

Disclaimer: There will be no figures declared in any part of this blog due to...uhm, well, I might burst your bubble. Hee.

Oh! I've got my first salary. The feeling is nice actually. I felt like I can live alone without any support from my parents, buy a car or a beautiful house with a spacious garden or put up a salon and spa. Okay scratch the last idea, but seriously, I felt independent. It's like I've reached a certain point in my life where I leave every immaturity, tantrums, petty fights, and childhood cries behind. It's like embarking on another phase of my life where I am held responsibly for every actions, and of course, for every expenses I am going to make. It really felt special when the polished and crisped bills I worked for a week or two landed on my bony hands. It feels good knowing that you get paid for working hard, or maybe not really. This is my initiation to the real world, I think.

Anyways, here's what I spent with my measly pay. Lol.

1. I bought cosmetics! Because I always have to look good, I've purchased Mary Kay Blush on and Liquid Foundation from a good friend.

Then I can be beautiful...
With these stash. I wish I could complete this, but I'm such a Clinique gal. (Sorry no actual pics)

2. Chocolate cake for everyone in the family.

Imagine this because the cake was all gone before I can take a shot ;p

3. And of course, of course...I gave some moolah to my Mama and Papa. It's a different feeling of, not pride but proud, that after soo many years of my parents' financing my needs, I can now actually repay them for everything, albeit in just small ways and, small amounts. Although they are not asking me nor oblige me to give them a portion of my pay, I feel like it's the right thing to do. I feel happy with the fact that it's now my turn to give them. I know everything they gave me could not be paid by money, but I'm sure I could put a down payment on it. :)


The rest of my measly pay, well, is sitting inside my wallet. And waiting for their friends until the next pay day.

Mondays are love.

Back in college, I use to hate Mondays because then, it signals the start of another crazy week of paper works and work loads, which means, sleepless nights and drained wallets. But today, Mondays are love, love, love for me. It's my rest day so I get to avoid a lot of things that other people hate in this first day of the week; the rush day of commuting, heavy traffic, people traffic and all that. Yeah, I get to avoid all of these. Hooray for me!

Anyways, work has been making me lose pounds and blood counts. I've got a part-time job since last week. I'm a private tutor to a Korean. The work is okay, since I teach 2 hours a day. But the nitty-gritty part is tiring; preparing lesson plans, making exams, and of course, studying the lessons I'm going to teach. Well, I'm not only after the pay but I also want my student to learn A LOT from me.

***

So, how to spend your rest day with a blast (and not be dead tired the next day)? Here's how?

1. Once you hit home, hit the sack.
2. After 15 hours of good night/morning sleep, start your day, still, on your bed.
3. Watch the replay of your favorite show, as for me, my favorite reality cooking show, the Top chef. Yeah, I make myself hungry with those meals.
4. After feasting my eyes (and starving myself) with sumptuous meals, I get up and eat home cooked meals, imagining those were foods cooked by the chefs. Hay, I wish I get to sit with the judges' table too. -_-
5. Bond with family. Watch a tear-jerker movie, like Toy Story 3.
6. Watch a feel-good TV show, like Glee.
7. Go to friend's house, invited or not. Lol. Friends make me soo happy. :)
8. Ask for a body massage, either from your Mom or your Dad. In my case it's always Mom :)
9. Spend time with the boyfriend.
10. End your day with a prayer.

The graduation post (Yes, a late post)

My birthday week and birthday trip is officially over!

I'm back here in the country and enduring the scorching heat of summer. As I have all the luxury of time to rest, read, browse the net and all other things a bum can do I might as well start to blog about things that I've been meaning to blog. And so, I will start it off by my graduation day.

Well, nothing's really special that day. I was happy but not that pretty great. Maybe because I know that my friends and I will meet again because of paper works that we have to finish and other academic requirements we have to comply prior to exit. Or maybe because I know I will not receive my diploma but only a pretty piece of paper as remembrance. Anyhoo, I dressed up and went to school with my parents, grandmother, cousin, and Jeff. My youngest sister was also there as her graduation ceremony took place in the morning. The ceremony was fast, about an hour and a half. After that, almost all of my friends disappeared with their families. And so am I.

This photo was taken by my sister after the graduation ceremony.

And this is me with my Nanay, Papa and Mama. (from L-R) Look at Papa! Haha!

With the so-like-me Dad.

With my hunny bunny who skipped his work in the afternoon just to be there in my graduation. He wouldn't miss it for the world eh? :)

With the gang. :)

Well, of course, my sister who graduated from Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.


My prutty sister with Mama. They look very happy and pretty.


Ivy and Nanay. :)

Right after the ceremony we went home and and ate dinner. I just felt nice that finally, I have accomplished something which made my parents very proud, I think. As of this very moment, my plans are vague. I am planning to take a detour on my career, well you can read it here, because of my dream of building a bank, a salon, a publishing house or my own TV station. Skip all that. I guess I'll be a practical, independent woman who knows what she wants and does everything to get it. I can, I am, and I will.

The birthday post

Today is April 3.
Today is a black Saturday.
Today is I-pad D-day...
and today is my birthday!

I feel old, not because of my age but of some changes. I used to look forward to summer. Aside from it's the month of my birthday, summers are sembreak from the whole year-round of schooling. It's a refresher. As I celebrate my birthday I fly away from paperworks and school loads. I get off the beach or elsewhere-- unwind, swim, party and get crazy.

Starting this year summer will look differently to me. As I celebrate my birthday, I won't look forward to a new semester, new professors and get reunited with my bestest friends. Summer will mean another month of workload, paychecks and maybe, if lucky, a week's vacay! Sounds not collegey eh?

Oh well, as my friend told me, I have to grow up as I age up. And the ranting will stop here.

Insert thankful here instead.

I am thankful for the 21 years that our good Lord have provided me good health, wealth, peace of mind, education and for a supportive, loving and caring family.I am thankful for all the best things in life he gave me and my family, and all the worst things in life that have made me an insightful, cautious and decisive person. I am really thankful because I am surrounded with lovely people who are always there to love, teach and guide me as I create my life. I am thankful for my parents who always make both ends meet for our siblings' needs. I could never be where I am right now and I could never be this person if it weren't for you. I love you. Thank you to my sisters and my Lola, to my cousins and family in and out of the country who keep on believing on me, even if at times I don't believe on myself.

I am soo thankful to Yok Han, my future love, who continuously put up with me, no matter what, who gives me so much love sometimes I can't contain and felt that I deserve it the least, for loving me albeit my tantrums are out of this world, for inspiring me to be better and wiser, for teaching me that I can't be always right, and for the constructive criticisms you comment on me now and then. I love you to bits.

To everyone who greeted me, thank you and God bless your beautiful soul. To God, thank you and I will not lose my faith on you. I pray for more blessings for my family, good health, long life and outpouring love. I pray that our Hong Kong trip will be safe and sound until we come back here. I'm not as happy as a bee perhaps because I'm not with my family. But I know I will have a very good time with Yok Han and his siblings. Someday, we can travel altogether Ma and Pa. I will provide and God will :)

Now, all my bags are packed and I'm ready to go! Ciao!

Chasing the money trail

Tomorrow is our graduation day. I was watching "Shakespeare in Love" at this very moment before I decided to skip the film and start scribbling my thoughts here. I am bothered. No, just confused, well, which makes me bothered too!

I was supposed to take copy writing examination today in one of the country's leading networks (Yep, that's a clue). I applied for the writer position and came for an interview and exam last week. I passed the screening and the HR endorsed me to take the copy writing exam with the station's media asset department, supposedly today. But I didn't come. I know, I know, it was bad and unprofessional of me. And I missed the opportunity. But, ugh, in my heart of hearts, it's not what I want NOW.

Okay, so I'm making myself more confused. I was born to be a writer. My mind thinks a lot of crazy, smart and innovative ideas. I am not a good speaker so I channel it to writing. But I think I grew tired of it. No, not really. Not seriously. I'm not saying I don't want to write anymore nor want to waste my four years of education and let everything past the drain. Hey, it's all I've ever dreamed of. Writing is in my blood, in my heart. But i just don't want it to be my profession right now, right away.

When I was still young and whiny, I'd always say I want to be a writer and I want to be rich. But I've never realized then that I couldn't get rich if I am a writer. Yes, some writers are rich because they were rich to begin with! Some writers get rich because of their genius novel they labored for how many years. And in this bad economy, I am not both or can't do both. I am not rich to begin with. My parents just valued education so badly they sent us to a premiere University. I'm not that genius but not below average and I am not saying that I can't be genius! It takes hard work, hard work and hard work! And this is not the time to be unpractical! I don't want to be a starving artist and of course, I want to repay my parents with all their hardships they made just to send us to school.

Yeah, I want to get rich. I want to earn well, really well, to support my family and the lifestyle that I wanted. And I've already laid the blueprint on how I will travel my way to the penny lane. And I am ready to be a cut-throat bitch if the situation requires it! :)

After a year of earning cold and thick cash, I am ready to go back on my first love and pursue my dream of writing for magazine/TV shows. In that way, I won't really care how much I am going to earn because by that time, I am contented with my lot.

I will get rich. I will get rich. I will get rich.
(Insert prayers, hard work and cross fingers too)


"Whenever you want to achieve something, keep your eyes open, concentrate and make sure you know exactly what it is you want. No one can hit their target with their eyes closed."


I can, I am and I will! :)

A Happy baby makes for a happy family

Since Shannen stepped into this world, our life really changed, a lot. Our family grew closer, stronger and bigger! We always have a reason to look forward going home because of Shannen. We made time to take Shannen to theme parks, malls and even to her pedia visits! It was when I realized that we made time for the family, for ourselves.

See, Shan is the first grandchild of my parents. And so, we have given this little child all the love that she needs suffice to fill the not-so-affirming-presence of his Father.

Oh well, family can be complete without him. And we'll make sure that we'll arm Shan all the knowledge she needs to survive this world and grow up to be a fantabulous person without a trace of imperfection, if possible. That's how we live this kid, really.

Hello Shannen! Smiling giddily with her Chinese birthday dress! Isn't she lovely?


Shannen and I. She's trying to pout her lips like I did, but she can't compete. Haha!

This is Shannen pointing towards the horses, cars and buildings as we travel to Manila.


She got scared of the fishes at first, climbing to her Lola for protection. After 5 minutes or so, she eventually get the hang of it. Welcome to Ocean park baby!


Lolo to the rescue! Eventually, Papa was the only person that made Shan come closer to those aquariums. Lolo's girl indeed!

My dear Sister Angela and her little angel.


Afraid? Not anymore!

Hey baby, what are you excited of eh? This picture makes me want to pinch your button nose!

Apparently, Shan's favorite food is fish! Haha! Maybe she's hungry at this very moment! Yikes!

This child is in very good hands, really!

The Mom, Dad and Shan.

Oh well, it was a tiring day but we went home soo happy. Guess it is true when they say "A happy mommy makes for a happy baby." But in our case, a happy baby makes for a happy family indeed!

I have the bestest parents ever!

I am soo happy because I have the bestest parents on the planet...ever!

I love you Mama and Papa. Soo much! As soon as I get back here, I'll start working my ass off to provide you the lifestyle and the leisure time you have never had for yourselves! Promise!

Indeed, that vacay is finally on!