5 THINGS TAG

I've been tagged by Inay

5 things found in my bag
- phones, keys
- wallet
- kikay kit, perfume
- small notebook and pen
- book

5 things found in my wallet
- atm card
- old receipts
- band-aid
- access card, ic card
- ezlink

5 things found in my room
- photos
- books
- important documents
- makeup kit and jewelries
- scrapbooking materials

5 things i’ve always wanted to do
- do charity works
- travel
- tattoo
- write my own book
- taekwondo or kapoiera *dunno the spelling hehehe search ko pa*

5 things i’m currently into
- blogging
- scrapbooking (wedding photos)
- reading
- yoga


5 people to tag for this
- joey
- mami s
- mami lily
- abby
- novyta

On MC

I called in sick at work today. I spent almost the whole day sleeping to make the pain go away. I was feeling ok when I woke up and ate my late lunch so as not to trigger my ulcer that could also trigger my dysmynorrhea. I just watched movie on HBO and couldn't even do one page of our wedding album. I gained a bit of strength at around 6pm so I decided to clean the room a bit and started finishing 3 pages of our album. Took a bath and soon as I finished, ffg came home from work. Time really was fast when you're just staying at home. Sleeping alone could eat up your whole day. Well at least, I've managed to finished 3 pages. Few more to go! Hope it will all be ready before the new year comes :)

Reverie of the Big House

I had a dream again of that same house for number of times. I don't know why but my guess was maybe most of my childhood's happy moments was at that house. The only thing I looked forward to whenever school vacation is close by. My Nanay's big house in bulacan. Whole clan was complete by then. Inang and Apo was still with us. We celebrate christmas or new year at that same house. Crossing over the small wall separating my Nanay's house to Inang's will only take a minute. I always see Inang with a big smile whenever she sees us. Dancing in a "lola" sweet kind of way. Talking in kapampangan as if we understood everything she was saying though we've learned to understand a few words or sentences.

I remember the new year's weve spent with our clan. It was a big family then. All cousins busy getting their hands on the sumptous food for the occassion. Chatting, laughing and just hanging out at the veranda or tagging along with my kuya boy whenever he goes out with his barkada. Enjoying the loud cracking of the fireworks that my tatay (uncle) deliberately spent his money on. Though I stayed inside because of my asthma, it was still a big celebration for us. Where food was shared after midnight. Laughter filled the house.

But that was years ago. Things happen along the way and before we know it, those times will only remain in our memories. And now these memories are part of most of my reveries. Im not complaning because it made me look back to the times that even once in my life, I had pure fun with my family.

ROCK n' SHOOT: Pinoycsers meets Philmusicsg

Actually, this isn't the first time pinoys in singapore demonstrates their talent and camaraderie. I've been an avid fan of these pinoy bands since GasHaus time. I was there at the BF1 and BF2. I'm amazed how these kababayans of mine took the time out of their busy schedule to do practice without getting anything in return. Well, maybe getting known by half of the community is one thing. But I don't think fame was their ultimate goal to waste their "rest time" plucking the guitar or beating the drum or playing the keyboards or shouting/singing a few songs just to be able to entertain hundreds of pinoys, where some, admit it or not, will do the best they can to say their not-so-good remarks. The way I see it, even if I want to be famous that bad, I won't be throwing most of my precious time not earning any single cent. I guess it's what most "real" artists called passion. And if I may say, saludo talaga ako sa inyo. Sana lang walang lumaki ang ulo. Rock and Shoot was held last saturday at The Arena in Clarke Quay. I was so proud of my friend Ulrik's success in organizing the event. I was also proud seeing my kumareng A on stage doing the introduction of the models. Hindi halatang kabado. Cuz, Ami and I just helped in the registration =) Di naman pala kelangan mag-mini skirt and backless para makarami ng sales eh hihihi. Syempre pa, proud ako of my friends who played on stage - the After Six. I never thought just handling the registration could be that exhausting. Ulrik treat us lunch and dinner. Helping him in this event wasn't that difficult. It's just so nice to see someone you've helped when they appreciate every single little things you've done. Shempre with or without the libre, we would always give you our support =)

Pinoycsers is a group of noypis photography enthusiasts in singapore.
Philmusigsg is a group of noypis music buff.

This joined event is really something. Asteegg!

Bands who played at the event:
Popoy, Toxic Inuendo, Cajooters, After6, Hybrid Kamote, Quiverpool, Mr Brosnan?, Tone Dev, Kernel Panic, Pop Machine, Transient Attack

And to the wonderful talented photographers of pinoycsers, astegg kayo :)

The Innocent Man by John Grisham

I love reading Grisham's for the fact that I get to know and understand few things about law. I wasn't that into watching news so I guess, what others already know may come as a new thing to me. After reading almost all of his books and surfing the net with book reviews about him, I realize that it's not fair giving him a review in my blog. I'm not a writer so I don't know what's good and what's to avoid. So this piece won't be focusing on review about the book. I think it will be more beneficial for others if I somehow convey what I've learned in reading the book. Pardon my post if it comes as an old news to you. Who knows, there may be others like me, right? So here's the tidbits.

1. I learned that there's a disease for excessive mood disorder or too much depression called Bipolar disease.

source: wikipedia
Bipolar disorder is not a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders defined by the presence of one or more episodes of abnormally elevated mood, clinically referred to as mania. Individuals who experience manic episodes also commonly experience depressive episodes or symptoms, or mixed episodes which present with features of both mania and depression. These episodes are normally separated by periods of normal mood, but in some patients, depression and mania may rapidly alternate, known as rapid cycling. The disorder has been subdivided into bipolar I, bipolar II and cyclothymia based on the the type and severity of mood episodes experienced.


2. I learned that this kind of things really happen in the execution.
August 11, 1995, a bizaare execution took place. Robert Brecheen, a forty-year old white male, barely made it to the death chamber. The day before, he swallowed a handful of painkillers that he had somehow smuggled in and stockpiled. His suicide was to be his final effort at telling the state to go to hell, but the state prevailed. Breechen was found unconscious by the guards and rushed to the hospital, where his stomach was pumped and he was stabilized enough to get hauled back to H Unit for a proper killing.


3. I learned that the famous line "you have the right to remain silent" that we always hear in the movies had an actual history back in the 60's. "Miranda Rights" was from the most famous case, "Miranda vs Arizon wherein the Supreme Court imposed procedural safeguards to protect the rights of the accused. It was decided in 1966 an became instantly famous.

4. I learned that not everybody in the prison especially in the death row are all bad people. There are few who are innocent. And that being in prison is harder than it is in the outside world. It makes me value my life even more.

I am blessed

I haven't read half of the book and it already made me realize how lucky I am to have all the material things around me and I really feel blessed. I realized how some things that I just took for granted were a luxury to some. I've become so obsessed looking at the magazines wondering why some girls are so perfect and I realized how many millions are out there trying to survive without set of hands or a lower body or one eye and yet they never put it on top of their list hating their life. I felt ashamed how at times I'm weak and very immature. Jolie's book have helped me acknowledge a few wrongs in my life and I hope I'll remain thankful and never forget the things I've read and never complain again about anything. I thank God that even my family weren't with me, I know they are safe. They have food, shelter, tv and water. There are a lot of blessings in my life that I never had the time to look at to be thankful for because I was busy counting the things I don't have and lost. I felt really bad that I don't have any means of helping those who need one. I don't have the money, the time or any resources. I am here in the comfort of my home. I hope the little help that I could give to some will be a start. It's not much but it could be a start. But I hope the time will come that I will be able to help and make use of my existence. I have the urge to help but only time will tell. At the moment, I don't feel any remorse with anyone. I felt ashamed that there are people I've let go just because of my immaturity. I felt sorry for those I continue to hold on to trying to shove to them what I believe in when I alone wasn't perfect enough. I hope there's still time for me. I'm 31 and though I now regret a few things in my life I know that there's still a lot of years ahead of me to make things right if possible. As I was writing this piece, CNN is showing the Genocide Trial and the pain of those survivors left from the hands of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. An old man was vividly telling the reporter what they've been through. He was crying and really in pain remembering those times. Kaiyak :( From Jolie's book: "The youngest amputee I met was a little one-year-old girl. She was three months old when they cut off her arm and raped her mother" The church genocide, "During a crisis, thousands of people hid from the rebels by packing into a church - thinking it would be the only safe place - a house of God. The rebels found them hiding there and threw in grenades. Then they walked over all the dead bodies, stabbing them to make sure they were dead." "I was about to throw ice out of my glass and he stopped me. Ice is very expensive here. You should give it back to the kitchen." I hope when I finished reading the book and go through reading another book, I won't completely forget this. The desire in me to help these people, to be thankful for what I have now in my life and never complain again about anything and continue to pray for these people that someday they will find a day where they will wake up finding themselves in a bed with pillows and airconditioned room and taking a bath with a hot shower and drinking a hot cup of milo. Or just pray to God to give me something that's been missing in my life that they have - the courage to stand amidst of crisis. They are to me, the real heroes.

Hmmmm

im furtively contemplating whether i should do it again or not. it's been three years with the first one, ten months with the second. if i do it again for the third time, will i even be satisfied and will promised myself that it will be the last time? what others may think of me is the last thing on my mind. i just thought that if i do it, will it be the same as the first two when i did it? no uncertainties of any kind? though i am aware of the consequences of my actions, there's not a single day that i regretted my doings. so, the question that's been bugging me that i don't have the guts to ask any of my friends, should i do it or not? when is too much counted as way over the limit?

Looking back

My thoughts brought me back to my college days as I gaze upon the students in front of me at the bus. It was, for me, one of the memorable times in my life. Unlike others, I don't have the brains to get a full scholarship or a silver spoon in my mouth in order for me to finish my college. But, I was lucky enough to be admitted in the Ozanam Grantee - an organization for student assistants where students worked for at least 40 hours a week in the school while maintaining a passable grade. My university days were monotonous. From Monday to Friday, starting at 6.30 in the morning and going home at 10 in the evening, I juggle my work and classes. As soon as I got home, rest was done only after I've done my assignments or projects. Sleep was a luxury for me that time. On saturdays, I still go to school to work half day and spend the afternoon for my laboratory classes which was really impossible to do on the weekdays. Sundays were usually meant for the org's events like sports activities, charitable activities, induction, etc. It was tiring but I guess the adrenaline of juggling everything was what pushed me to finish that responsibility. Though it sounds like boring as hell and no fun at all, it has its own perks that I did enjoy for 5 years that I was a grantee. Like being the first one to choose a good schedule, and enroll without the hassle of queuing and rubbing elbows with thousands of regular students. There's also a chance of getting the good side of most of my professors since I almost see them my entire university life. But of course, there are professors who just hate us and doesn't have the sympathy on what we do. A chance to have a peek of most of your grades is also one of the perks though it was always done discreetly. And the best of all is doing the charity works. The chance to do "apostolate" where all grantees will visit one place (juvenile delinquency, old people, squatters area, etc) and distribute the goods donated by the grantees from their measly allowance was one experience I couldn't forget. It's a chance for poor to help the poor. We were taught not to limit ourselves on helping others just because we don't have enough money. Every month, at least one saturday, we spend our whole day playing with the kids, chatting with the parents of how they live their life and at the same time giving hope to those who needs one. We were the perfect model for them for we know what it's like to live having one meal a day, what it feels like to hear your stomach growling, to have only few pesos in our pocket, to know the difficulty of coming from a broken family, to have a piece of apple as a luxury and experienced what it's like to have their electricity cut by the meralco for not paying the bill. But everytime we were there, you would never see a soul without a smile on their face. It's not because of the food we bring but because of the hope they see in us inspite of every trial that's sited on our shoulders. I've learned a lot from them. I've learned many things that even the best school couldn't teach me. I've learned that one man's quandary could be another's strength. Their only reason for living is their family. Their only bliss and dream is to have enough food for everybody. Maybe it's not bad to go back a few paces so I could learn to accept the things I cannot do and be thankful for the things that I have knowing how many millions out there who doesn't have.

HP and the Deathly Hallows

Finally, I've managed to finish the seventh and last book of Harry Potter, and yes I know it's a bit late to finish the book. Rowling had managed to end all of Harry Potter's agony deliberately without trying to squeezed in side stories just to finish the book. A very good ending, I must say. Each chapter were carefully laid out and i love the chapters that had some connections in the past books. And of course, what's not to love in the way every scene was vividly described making you feel like you're part of the story. Reading the book resembles the idea of the pensieve minus the visuals. This, of course, was my personal evaluation of the book. I love reading it and I love not getting bored on each chapter. =)

Notes from my travels

I've always admired Angelina Jolie for all the charity works she'd been doing and how she'd shown to the world how only one person can have that power to make a difference. Of course, I couldn't just wish to be like her because that would be too far-fetched from the reality of where I am now. I just wish that I could have that attitude to do goodness to others. That's why I was so glad to see that Angelina have a book about her travels. And as soon as I finish reading the Innocent Man, I'll start hunting for her book :) Btw, Angelina Jolie is the Goodwill Ambassador for the UN. Idol!

Music and Me

you have to admit that music was created to speak what your heart wanted to say to the world. may it be about different levels of pain you're having or the happiness you're reeling in. millions of songs were created to either make you sulk even more to your world of loneliness or tell the whole world the amount of ecstacy youre feeling. isn't it great how one can collate words and put them into one meaningful song with a melody that helped you express your feeling? isnt it ironic how many songs speak of that feelings and yet it looks to you that it isn't enough to fully and vividly describe what you're going through? and then you pick up that piece of blank sheet and pen and started scribbling what you thought would most depict the road you're travelling to. funny how most of us stumble upon the same pain and rapture and yet it feels different. it makes us feel that what were going through right now is nothing compared to what others have gone through. most of that times, it felt like ours is the worst and no one can fathom the reasoning we have at the moment. i guess this is what music could do to me. put meaning into something even if it doesn't have any. or what "not much load" at work means.

One's assessment

i've reached a quarter of my life 

and i thought of what have happened in the past 

the things ive done, 

the things i didn't do 

the dreams and achievements 

and the endless quandaries 

what have i become in all those years? 

have i done things that could make Him proud of me? 

did i make my mom proud? 

did my family felt the warmth of my love for them? 

have i failed to show my love for the people around me? 

in all those years, each time i looked back 

i saw things that i failed to be a better person 

things that at times deprives me of my willingness to go on 

things that i blame others for not understanding me 

when all sides of it is really wrong 

things that made me lost a lot because i let them happen 

and yet there were things too, that made me stronger 

things that i always looked forward to each day of my life 

things that at times make me proud of what ive become 

things that made me greatful for what others have done to me 

those precious little things that make me see the goodness of life 

maybe life isn't just how you make it to be 

it's already designed the way He wanted it to be 

it's up to you how you would play your part 

and how you would live things the way it's all laid up

Jeffrey

I'm so fond of reading novels but I have this thing for reading almost all of the titles from the same author. It's really rare that I will get one from the shelf with no idea of who the author is, unless, of course, it will be on the best seller aisle. So, when we move in to our new place, I had the chance to assess all of the books that I have at home and realize that there were some that I haven't read yet and forgot that I bought it on one of the book sales I always go to. And one of them was Jeffrey Archer's "A Twist in the Tale". I didn't know he was good too so when I saw in Carrefour that they were having a book sale and saw another Archer's, I immediately grab it. And I really like the way he vividly describe each event in the story and you'll feel like you're part of it. I'm reading now the "False Impression". It's really good. I don't know if being in Serangoon now is a good thing because I've finally got myself back into reading. On my list of books to buy/read... 1. John Grisham's The Innocent Man 2. John Grisham's Playing for Pizza 3. Harry Potter's last book *though I've bought it months ago, haven't got the time to read it yet* 4. James Patterson's Cross

The Ceremony

We arrived 30 minutes earlier before the mass. I was told to stay in the car so no one will see me yet. I was getting nervous and very much high in anticipation. I thanked the Lord for He have helped us fulfill the only wish I couldn't let go - to have our closest friends be with us in the church. When everyone was inside, I was left outside thinking if everything back in the reception is ok. If we didn't left anything out that's too important. I know that there are a lot of things that didn't go as planned but there were no regrets or resentments for that matter in my heart. He showed me that the significance of the event is not just about the material things. When the door started to open, I see a glimpse of what my future would be. And at a pace of taking one step at a time, walking towards the altar, I see nothing but the sparkle of the soft light at the altar and the smile of the people i love looking at me with much happiness in their hearts. Halfway through, I saw my parents waiting for me. Just like how they've been with me through all the events in my life. Ready to give up their first-born child. But what God made me really see that time was the person on the other end side of the church. The person who can't looked at me, busy trying to hold up his tears. The person I've shared unforgettable moments with for nine years. The person I was about to spend the rest of my life with... more kodak moments

A year of preparation

We started booking for the church in July 2006 and started scouting for possible suppliers in september. The wedding date that was suppose to be august 25 became september 1. We managed to book the church, reception venue, caterer and coordinator at this early stage. I was really excited and started collating the flyers I got from the wedding expo when we went home for a short vacation in manila. We initially wanted to have a budget wedding where guests will enjoy themselves and remember the wedding as fun yet elegant affair. I never liked games that abashed the singles whenever I attend a wedding and I initially want this out of the program. I want our program to be just meant for dinner and dance without the tiring traditional cake cutting and toasting. I don't want any of our family to talk in front to make us cry. We want it to be purely fun in the reception. Emotional scenes should be left in the ceremony only as this is where the solemnity of the event truly lies. I started doing the save-the-date cards with a wishful thinking that it would help us save a big part of our wedding. Little things that I wanted to add in that small card that went unnoticed by others had amass a huge amount in our budget. So the idea of doing the invitation by myself was rejected by Rommel. Still, the year of preparation have given us enough time to prepare financially and mentally for what we're about to face.

Civil Wedding

In Singapore, church wedding is very very rare to happen. Aside from the fact that there's not much catholic here, it is also really expensive to do the church wedding. Though they have one option which is the civil wedding or ROM (Registry of Marriage). We agreed to have one only for the purpose of getting the marriage certificate in preparation for our church wedding since we don't want any hassle of applying one in manila. So on the 25th of January, year 2007, we took a cab, half an hour late, and went inside the Registry of Marriage, and was out 15 minutes later. Ceremony was only 10 minutes, the other 5 was for I don't know what. It was still fun. We had dinner with friends after the ceremony and things happen really fast. =) Here are the Kodak Moments

Much awaited proposal

After numbers of countries we've travelled together, friends who got married, had kids, and 8 years later, we finally decided that it's now time to take our relationship into the next level. Though for us, this is still a big step, some doesn't have that much enthusiasm as we do. For some, they feel like it's a project way overdue and doesn't feel like celebrating it. Some, especially our families, still share the same excitement. Still, we took things at its slowest pace to fully appreciate the taste of the ecstacy it will bring. It was January in 2005 that we decided to choose the date for the big day. Proposal came only in December of the same year. I was busy preparing my things at their place when he asked me to go with him at the rooftop of their home. The moment we got there, I instantly asked him to go back to the room since it was the middle of the afternoon and it was really humid. No idea, really, that I have ruined part of his plan. When we got to the room, he pointed a box on top of the pillow and asked me to open it. For years, whenever I see a box I always felt agitated, thinking that it contains the ring that i've been waiting for. But that box, never made me feel that way. Maybe because I was expecting a candle lit dinner and a romantic ambiance and not in his sister's room in the middle of the afternoon. I opened it and looked at the ring twice and asked him a couple of times if he's serious. He asked me to marry him and of course, I said yes with eyes full of tears and heart filled with gladness. Few months after, I asked him if he could do the proposal in a romantic way thinking that it will be the best story I could tell to my children and grand-children. He took back the ring and didn't say a word. I'm really a pain his ass :P August of 2006, he surprised me with a cable car dinner in sentosa and did the proposal again for the second time. And I realize, though it's romantic, the impact of the surprise is more on the first time. Well, at least now, I have two stories of the proposal to tell my grandchildren :) Btw, he told me that he didn't do the proposal over a romantic dinner because he knows that it's what my expectation is and the element of surprise won't be there. And yeah, he's totally right. =)

The story of us

I have once lived in my fairytale fantasy of finding my own prince charming. One who will take me out of my solitude. One who's so perfect in the way he talk and the way he smile, who's so blessed with all the richness of the world and intelligence that could make me learn a lot of things and of course, a prince wouldn't be a prince if he's not good-looking. But as I grew up, I realize that none of the qualities i was looking for could be found in one person only. I've been in relationships but none of it made me look forward to spending my lifetime with them. I guess, back then, I was still looking for my prince charming. Until I started working for a company I had no idea how my resume managed to land in the HR's desk. I noticed him on my first week and just became friends with him only after few months. We became close only after exchanging lyrics of songs through internal email and chatting in AOL and number of times we went out for a friday gimik with our other friends. Almost everyday, I was always looking forward coming in the office, always expecting him to touch my cheeks which he always does whenever he pass by on my cube. He was sweet and thoughtful giving me chocolait and crackers which he knows were my favorite, lending me his own jacket, and greeting me good morning through email everyday. We became closer and closer though back then we're still trying to be as discreet as possible, afraid of the office tsismis and of course the office regulations. But after all the struggles we've been through, we only became official in January of 1999. We were both offered a job in Singapore a year after and from then on, we continue our lives together. And I figured out, that finding your own prince charming isn't just about the looks or the intelligence or the palace he lives in. Your prince charming is that someone who could give you "kilig" moments, whom you could talk to and listens to you, who could give you strength when youre weak, who could be your only friend when everyone turns their back on you, who could have that patience when you're throwing tantrums, who encourage you everytime you're confidence is at its lowest and who could make you feel like a princess and the fairest of them all even if your own reflection doesnt think so. And I was glad and thankful to God, for I have found my own prince charming. :)

Marge Simpson

I like this! I think first time I see Marge Simpson in a really skimpy dress and it look so good on her. I just saw it from chuvaness blogsite. Hope you don't mind, girl.

Hey you!

If you're within the circle and you know that's something's not right that is happening around you, what would you do? Would you take an action about it? Would you take the initiative to confront the things that's making not just you but everybody else seem uncomfortable? It doesn't need you to talk to the others, it just take one look to see what's really happening. Sorry, girl, but I can't stop it. I may not have the right to say nasty things about you, but you as well doesn't have the right to make things uncomfortable for your friends. Think about what you're doing now. Think about what's it's causing everybody else. If you really know me, do you think it's right for me to confront them. Or just be nonchalant about it? Do I have the right? Hell, yeah. I always have the right if something's making me uncomfortable. It may be their life to run only if they try not to be so obvious about it, I wouldn't mind at all. I won't really care. And I don't think anyone would mind at all. I'm really a bitch, am I? :D

Mizunderstood

Honestly, I did or still am a bit puzzled. Your actions remains a puzzle to me. For something that may really mean different to you but to us, at least to me, it's like re-reading the last chapter of your life. I tip toed and tried to really stretch my hand for you *yoga ito* to reach it out but I guess I don't have that "factor" you were looking for. At a distance, I am observing. Few had tried to do the same thing as I did but I guess none of us fits the description. I don't know why it matters to me. Maybe because there's a reason I alone can't explain. I guess this is what muggles called "concern". I just hope that I'm wrong and being bitchy the way I really am.

Thoughts

How often do we met someone, had fun with them for a few moments and bid adieu after a few months of realizing you're really enjoying that person's company? Was it how ironic life could get? When you were having a hard time finding bliss to few who's gonna be around for a long time and enjoying so much with another who won't be able to stay for so long. Or was it just because you're truly having fun for now because you haven't had the time to really know the person? Which one you'd rather be? You're truly missed, your royal highness :)

Happy Birthday, Bebi!

Wohoooooooooo! Feeling spcial day din ang araw ko hehehe. We went to Raku Zen lunchtime. Libre nya ko hehehe. It was a good place to eat but really expensive. We ordered their special lunch promo of $12 which is not bad because it can be shared by two people, with sushi, rice, tori karaage and unlimited glass of hot green tea. But when the bill arrives, $25 inabot. Only additional we had was the strawberry ice which was frozen with vanilla ice cream inside. But food-wise, it was all worth it. It's just not the everyday kind of meal because of the price. After work, I changed into a dress to surprise rommel and although I know that he's expecting it, I was glad that he enjoyed the food at The Oriental. We had dinner which I reserved few days ago. We were there at a little past 8. It wasn't as romantic as Swissotel or the Four Seasons BUT I will definitely recommend this place to my friends. This was the most sulit buffet we've ever been to. Although the main course was kind of limited to asian food like indian and thai, you'll get too much satisfaction from the other things they served. They have barbeque, sushi and sashimi, oysters, shrimps, salad, unlimited supply of fruits and dessert, choco fountain, waffle with ice cream, and the best part is, unlimited supply of coffee which was a really good coffee. Hayyy, just thinking back about it makes me hungry again and craving to go back in there. The service was really tops of excellent. They took a picture of us together and a minute later they gave the envelope card to ffg as their birthday present to him. And they served a small cake which I ask them to, foc. We were super happy with the food and the service. Bondat kami when we got out around 11. Almost 2 and a half hours of eating and eating. Waaahhhh, sira diet. We went to clarke quay, afterwards to meet joey. After half an hour of walking around and trying to find a good seat, we manage to find a good one at the kandi bar, smoking area. Huhuhu, back to yosi ulet ako. I asked Joey to try the mojito drink which was served with mint leaves, rum and lime. Sweet and Sour combination which I'm glad he like naman. I ordered white and bebi had bottle of beer. Before we finishes up our glasses, petit frere and Nadia came and then Kaoutar. We went to Taboo afterwards inspite of Rommel's super no hehehe. He gave in after everyone look at him with a puppy eyes look hehe. It was my first time to be there and at first, I was kind of hesitant and shocked hehehe. It's the first time in my life that I've ever been to a bar with 95% men and not a single one looks at me. The first time I've danced like hell with a guy and no one took advantage. Ang saya! The music is reaallllyyyy good and everyone was so nice. BUT, I don't think I'll be back that soon. Hehehe. I think I'm getting old that the thing I love the most which is dancing slowly deteriorates in front of me. I'd rather have a glass of wine now at Que Pasa than go to louder places. I'd rather have a cup of coffee and people watch or talk to my friends than look at them amidst of a very loud place but couldn't talk to them in a soft voice. Well, I guess that means, I've had enough of my gimik days. Time to move on to a more of an "auntie" ambiance hehehe. Went home a little past 3.

Bebi's Birthday Eve

After the movie, we went to the Loof, which by the way, is my first time, to celebrate the eve of my bebi's birthday. On our way, I was so ecstatic to see Kaoutar that I think I over reacted calling her name in a higher note to which I think really scared her at first hahaha. I was just excited to see her because I was still high from the fun times we had during my hen night. At the loof, it was so cozy and the drinks are not that expensive. As long as it won't rain, it will be so fun to hang out there. We toast for Rommel's birthday, game him my gift and call it a night after few hours. I am so blessed with someone who doesn't ask for more. I am blessed with someone who's so happy receiving a gift from me even if you know that it's not what he really wants. *maybe because he knows that if i gave him that gift it will make me rob a bank first hehehe* This is the first time that I think I didn't plan anything special or surprise for him. Due to deficiency in the finance department, I was limited to few choices of making his last birthday as a single a truly memorable one. And from this, I learned that no matter what my gift costs, to him it's always special. From now on, I'll buy cheap ones na lang hehehe.

Happy Birthday, Bebi! Aylabyu to bits!

The Simpsons

Homer Simpson must save the world from a catastrophe he himself created. First scene pa lang, it was soooooo funny na. Though, I admit that I hate watching itchy and scratchy scenes because I hate gory stuff and I don't find it funny when a head is being literally ripped off. And yes, even if it's in cartoons. BUT, I find Simpsons so funny. It eases my tension just laughing and laughing. Of course, it's not just Homer's stupidity that's making it a blast, each character contributes to the hit of the show. Each have something uniquely different and funny. Don't worry, there's nothing cheesy I can relate it to a real life. Haven't met any family like that. Wonder how it feels to know someone who is a good wife with a brilliant daughter like Liza, a crazy, attention seeker son like Bart, a baby who does crawl and shows in her own little ways that she's smart but never said a word for years that I've been following this show, and a can't-find-anything-good husband like homer. Or a neighbour like the flanders and a community like springfield with lots of crazy people. I don't know why it's so funny. You have to find out for yourself to fully appreciate it. What's making it funny and all. I was sooooo glad that I share the same interest with Rommel and what's more with my friends Joey and Halil.

Last Thursday . . .

The last few weeks, I've been too busy to blog. I've missed documenting some happy moments that came my way but at least I got pictures that will help me remind of those things. When I find the time to upload it, I will definitely post it here. Well, I don't know how you look at it, but in my opinion, I blog because I want others not to just know things that's happening to me and somehow reach out to friends who I rarely talk to, but to somehow, maybe, they would see their self in a position where I am and somehow try to learn something. Who knows, right? Anyway, just this week, petit frere along with Nadia and Rommel, planned a party that's so different from the ones we had in the past. It's a celebration of three birthdays with a them - a hollywood theme where everyone will be dressed up in formal attire. At first, I'll admit, I was like, wtf???, though I know that dressing up is my most favorite part, it still occurs to me that I'm dressing up for a birthday party, in our house! And at first, I thought none of our friends will come since it's not the pinoy style to have this kind of party. I give in since I don't have the right to say no, anyways. So, since wednesday, I've been spending my lunch hours and after work searching and searching for a cheaper dress. I forgot, that I'm living in Singapore. The cheapest elegant dress here you can get is about hundred bucks. Thursday night, finally had the courage to accept the fact that I'm really spending money for this occassion. *nag-share naman si ffg hehehe, whew!* I tried on few dresses and found one that's really simple yet elegant dress. But wasn't that excited about wearing it. It makes my tummy looks so big and I don't feel that comfortable in it. As I was waiting for ffg to see the dress that I've chosen, I've found one dress that exacly matches what I have in mind. Though, it's again in black, I think black dresses are elegant and really safe in matching any accessories and shoes and any occassion. After buying the dress, we went to Plaza Sing for dinner, then went to the Cathay to meet Joey and Halil to watch "The Simpsons". This one has to be on a different post. Basta it's so funny that there wasn't any minute that we weren't laughing. Katawa talaga. Well, super funny because all four of us were a die hard Simpsons fan talaga. I have to ask those who will tell me "Who was homer again? But it was really funny." Mga ganyang efek hehehe. I have to stop at this post, and continue with the others since the rest are all that special to post separately than writing it into one long post. I don't want to get blamed when your boss calls you and ended up laughing so hard because you're already cross eyed. Ngek, so korni. Believe me, it's funnier if I deliver it in tagalog. Err, what the hell nyehehehe. Be back for the next post!

When it rains, it pours

May mga oras na gusto mong tumakbo palayo sa mga bagay na nagbibigay ng bigat sa mundong ginagalawan mo pero hindi mo alam kung saan ka tutungo. May mga panahon na ang isa o dalawang suliraning nakalagay sa tig-isang balikat mo ay di pa sapat ang bigat at madadagdagan pa. May mga pagkakataong gusto mo ng sumuko pero ang pagsuko ay di kayang intindihin ng mga taong nakapaligid sayo. Ang pagiging mahina ang nakikita nila sa katauhan mo hindi ang mga sugat na pilit mong nilalabanan. Haayyyyy, ang drama. Lord, bigyan mo pa ko ng lakas at tibay. :(

Hen Night

It was held at our place in Aljunied. Hosted by my very beautiful sweet friend, Kaoutar. I just knew her from Vinh and been together on few parties but we both felt like we're really connected. Such a sweet gal, I must say and it was so sad that she'll be leaving singapore soon and go back to holland. Anyway, the party was sooooooooo fun. It was only Sangeeta, Nadya, Fiona, Kaoutar and me and it feels like there were too many of us enjoying and dancing the night away. When I got home from orchard, they asked me to change into my swim wear and asked me to wear a sarong. I felt like a hawaiian hehehe. They put make up on me, tied my hair, made me pretty for the night. It was so great. I didn't know being the star in a hen night was so much fun hehehe. They ordered pizza *flavored super mega spicy and tuna*. I like the tuna pizza and not bad for a first time "weird" flavor of pizza hehehe. We finished up 3 bottles of wine, and were dancing like crazy to every song played. Saya. And it was the first time I ever felt so drunk with wine. Maybe I just hit my limit and had too much. But it doesn't matter. We really did enjoy the night. Around 10, we went out to hit the bars. We went to Taboo first but didn't go in as the cover charge was too pricey. Sayang. It was a gay bar pa naman and I've never been in a gay bar hahaha. While we were walking, Kaoutar was really funny telling every person we met that I'm getting married and tells them to pose for a picture with me and give me kiss. And since we were in the gay area, as soon as she tells them that I'm getting married, she would ask them first if they're gay. Hahaha. One of the girls needed to go to the loo so we went inside a bar where there are a lot of ladies around. Nadya, Kaoutar and me dances with the pole when we saw it. The girls in the bar were all game and dances with us. *wild night hahaha* I recognize the other girl's accent as noypi. When we went out of the bar and said our goodbyes to the girls, I saw the bar's name was paro paro. Hehehe. Sus! We didn't had drinks so yeah we went in there just to dance while our other girl is in the loo. From there we went to Insomnia. No drinks but no one asks us to place our order. We were in the middle and dancing. My feet was starting to hurt but it was all ok. Kaoutar tells the cute singer, PJ, to congratulate me. Goodness hehehe public announcement. Yaiks. But fun hehehe. All the girls find PJ so hot. Maybe it's the wine, though I admit he was kinda cute hehehe. After the set, we went out and walked across the street and bought a bottle of water for a dollar and twenty which was being sold at seven dollars in insomnia. Buti na lang mga lumen mga kasama ko hehe. From there we went to Brix in Orchard and went back to Insomnia again when we found out that there is also a cover charge of $25 dollars. This time, there were only four of us minus Nadya since she have to go home. I kinda felt tired and was so sleepy. But too embarass to ask them if we could all go home. Kaoutar, being my nice girl, noticed how tired I am and told the rest if we could go home. She's soooo sweet. I love you girl :) She and Sangeeta went home with me to finish off the pizza. Unfortunately, I'm getting old that I feel the tiredness easily no matter how hard I tried not to. Kill-Joy, inis. I bid them goodnight and thanked them and hit the bed in less than a minute. It was really a fun night and I can't thank my gurl Kaoutar enough. It was the sweetest anyone has ever done for me. Muah! I'm going to miss you girl! Luv yah! And no we're not gay's or lesbians hehehe. Hmmm, are we??? Nadya was also sweet and I didn't know that she's so fun to be with. She was so quiet when we met her when she's still with Ally. And we never had the chance to party with her 'till now. It was a great pleasure meeting them. Though there's gap between our ages *2 years only? hahaha*, you can't seem to know by the way we make fun. Unfortunately, we can't show all the pictures as they were too "fun" hehehe. I'll be posting few as soon as Kaoutar sends me the pictures.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

As his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry approaches, 15-year-old Harry Potter is in full-blown adolescence, complete with regular outbursts of rage, a nearly debilitating crush, and the blooming of a powerful sense of rebellion. It's been yet another infuriating and boring summer with the despicable Dursleys, this time with minimal contact from our hero's non-Muggle friends from school. Harry is feeling especially edgy at the lack of news from the magic world, wondering when the freshly revived evil Lord Voldemort will strike. Returning to Hogwarts will be a relief--or will it? There were a lot of good movies shown in the cinema this month, and most of them were too good to miss. It was already past 9 when ffg and I met at suntec for dinner at kenny rogers (both coming from work waaaaa) and the best way for us to relieve stress is to watch a movie so we decided to go to Cathay after dinner. Good thing there's still good seats left so we grab it. HP is not as exciting as reading it, they still managed to do a very good movie and I really love it. Though there were part of it that will bore you if you haven't watch the HP2 or read it. But for the enthusiasts, seeing it in flesh and not just imagining the things happening to Harry, is really something. It gives more life to the story or almost close to it. And my, they've all grown up so fast. Now I can't wait to see my favorite funniest and wackiest family on big screen. - The Simpsons!!!

Die Hard 4.0

On the July 4th holiday, an attack on the vulnerable United States infrastructure begins to shut down the entire nation. The mysterious figure behind the scheme has figured out every modern angle -- but he never figured on an old-school "analog" fly in the "digital" ointment: John McClane. No mask. No cape. No problem. Yippie kai yay. Oooohhhh, I so loved Bruce Willis. No matter how good or not so good the movies is, as long as it's his movie, I will definitely watch it. Well, aside from the fact that both me and ffg were solid movie addictus. Justin Long did a pretty good job being funny and scared at the same time. He's perfectly fit for the role and he's really adorable. Saw him first at the TV series, Ed, Crossroads and Jeepers Creepers. I love Maggie Q here. She's so pretty and oh so sexy. But i'm just beginning to get tired of hollywood films with asian women who were mostly sexy and pretty and knows how to kick some ass and die in the end. Just my two cents hehehe.

First Week High

Been busy and neglecting my blog for quite a while. But I will try to keep up, promise. From the parties and food trips and movies, I promise to try to remember them one by one and blog them. It's also for my own sake so I can look back to all the happy moments in my life, spending it with people who make me smile. But this one particular topic I want to blog about is how I survive my first two weeks at my new work. This was one company which didn't make it on my list of "want-to-work" place, but life is really ironic. Now that I'm here, I'm praying so hard to stay here for a long time hopefully, at least a year maybe? Hehehehe. I was given a workplace that was so far different from my first job here in singapore, was surrounded by those I really dreaded to be around with, but found myself not complaining about it. At least not bad for my first two weeks of stay there. Maybe because I really love what I'm doing now. Of course, I thank God for this another blessing. I have just a little bit of complain hehehe. Most of the people were too busy to say hi to a newcomer? Hehehe. Not that I want them to welcome me big time, it's just what most would expect if you know that 1/4 of the population is the same race as you. Oh well, maybe there's always an exception. Good thing ffg's working in suntec so at least 2 days out of 5, I'm not by myself. And now, mame ces and I talked about eating together every wednesday. I was so happy to see her again :)

Friday Night Out

I was so happy to finally brought along my friends at one of my favorite places to hang out here in singapore. We were suppose to go and try the Swiss-German restaurant in Bukit Timah, Stammtisch, but when we called for reservation, it was closed for the month of july. So we went to Que Pasa instead, and end up having the best time. Only four of us made it to our usual get together fridays. Kulet, Ami, Cuz and Me. We ordered beef stew, yummy pizza, mini burger and sausage, lime juice for kulet and a glass of wine for cuz and me. It was so funny that we're the only table that's so full of food hahaha. All of us were hungry and finish up all the food. It was so great that they liked it there. And of course, a dinner wouldn't be complete without a cuppa brewed coffee. Went to coffee bean along orchard for a coffee. It was a bit late when we headed home. We were so unmindful of the time because we're all having a good time. We talked about it of course, because this kind of "trip" is a bit heavy on our pockets so we agreed to have this luxury *hahaha* at least once a month. Well, let's see. As what most people say, once you've tried a gourmet coffee, you wouldn't want to go back to a kopi-c or kopi-o. :D Anyway, it's only on fridays that we get to meet up and catch with what's happening to each one of us. And even if I am so mindful of my budget and promised not to spend too much, which I already did in shopping area, I can't pass on this because being with friends and laughing so hard about any joke is priceless. Tsisi!

Christina Aguilera Concert

*It's been a busy day so pardon me for the long post.* I made a money out of my trash collection. I've sold out my Harper's Bazaar magazines through yahoo auctions. All 19 of them. Though it's not that a huge amount, still, Im so happy that I made a few bucks out of the things that I so wanted to throw away for so long. Truly, a man's trash is another's treasure. Few minutes after, the uncle came to fix our washing machine. Finally, after two weeks! Tons of laundry is already waiting hehehe. During our late lunch, vinh told us about his lost handphone. Sad. He felt depressed. :( We went to Sentosa afterwards for the MND Family Day. Never miss a year of it from the day I started working in hadaba. We went there too late to enjoy the games, or the heat of the sun though so we just took our souvenir from Kulet, peek at the oh-so-famous cafe del mar (we have to go back there really to enjoy cafe del mar at night. seems like a really cool place to hang out), did a little bit of walking, and after an hour, we were on our way back home, leaving ami and the rest for the Christina Aguilera concert. We arrive at the Kallang Stadium at 30 minutes late. We just arrive exactly on time Christina show up. No show band or anything. It was by far the earliest one that started. Usually it's an hour after before they show the artist. Anyway, we really did enjoy the concert. I used to admire her for her fashion sense and her powerful voice but I never was a fan. But now, I proudly announce, that from now on, I am a huge fan of hers. She got a real powerful voice. Great performer. Each song, she added something to her outfit to make it a little different from the one's she's wearing previously. All her backup singers, dancers and musicians, seems to be enjoying and not just performing. You can see that she's really enjoying what she's doing. Basta, words isn't enough to describe vividly how this concert of hers rocks. I enjoyed each concert that me and ffg went to but this one is really the best of them all. We didn't actually notice that it's been an hour and a half already. Whe she said goodbye, I felt like please please at least one more song. If she will do another concert here in Singapore, I'll make sure that we'll be down near the stage. I got a few shots out of my camera phone, it's not good but it will do. We're seated on the farthest but they have a big screen that shows closely all that's happening on the stage. We bought a cd at hmv afterwards. Good thing it's still open. And in my opinion, CD's doesn't do justice to Christina's voice. It was really good hearing it live. She's beautiful, she's got a really good body, and very very talented. So far, from her album "Back to Basics", my favorites were, "Oh Mother", "Hurt", and "The Right Man". After the concert, we were still high on Christina's notes, we went to Que Pasa for a glass of wine, beef stew and pizza. And yes, we were that hungry as we didn't had a chance to take our dinner. Today's High: A concert that really rocks, and a bottle of wine

7 Random Things

I've been tagged by mami s. I must post the rules, 7 random things about me and then tag others to do the same. Sound fair enough, right? These are the rules… each player starts with 7 random facts about themselves on their Blog. People who are tagged need to blog 7 facts about themselves and post the rules as well. At the end of their blog list 7 people you are tagging. Let them know that they are tagged by leaving them a comment. 1. I love drinking coffee. Back then it was only cappuccino. But with cuz's influence, i now enjoy and appreciate the goodness of a brewed coffee. 2. I have this thing for organizing things. I want everything to be in order that there are times that I get disappointed when things didn't go as planned. 3. When I was in elementary and high school, i've owned slum book each year. And I have a diary! It's a good thing, there's blogging now. 4. I don't hate pasta or chocolates. I'm not just a big fan of it. 5. I love watching Travel and Adventure channel. I love traveling. I love going to places that I've never been to. 6. I adore kids. I don't know if I just want to have one. But since I was a kid, I love taking care of babies. They have the sweetest smile that took away your problems for a minute. 7. I love bags than shoes. I love dressing up. I love going into signature shops even if i don't buy one hehehe. I love looking at the models and admire the way they dress up and walk. I love fashion even if the fashion hates me. Now, I will tag Bebit, Joey, Novyta, Khendz

Kahilingan

"for a lot of times in your life you asked for that "time". where you'll be able to rest and sleep, catch up with all the things you wanted to do. now that you had it in your hand, why can't you feel the blessings of it? because you worry too much about a lot of things. now all you ask is to take back that busy-ness in your life. because that would mean so much not just to you but to your family. that you don't deserve to rest because if you do, it will cause too much chaos. yes, we have to be really careful for the wishes that we asked for. better asked for blessings that He know is best for us."

Pipo & Pipa's Wedding

Philip and Phylis 16 June 2007 The Legends, Fort Canning Different cultures. Different beliefs. Different worlds. Naks pang telenobela ang quote. Huwala lang. I love attending weddings lang. It's the only place where you can see love overflowing from the eyes of all the guests. Happiness for the couple. Not just a reason to have a free meal or booze. Well, maybe for others hehehe. An intro lang since I never had the chance to take a photo of the couple because they kept on moving around. Di ko mahuli. Philip is a swiss who work with ffg. Phylis is a local who used to work with them din. We witness how they became a couple. The wedding reception was held at The Legends, Fort Canning. We arrive just in time for the cocktails. Ngek andaming swiss. Bulong ako kay ffg wag ako iwan hehehe anlalaking tao kasi. Baka matapakan ako. Tuwa ako bumabaha ng wines and sodas. Wish ko lang we can do this sa wedding din namin. The place is great. Food was a 8-course chinese cuisine dinner. Wine kept on pouring. There was a live band. Most of the guests stayed until almost 11pm. There's not much of a program except for the grand entrance, cake cutting and "yam seng" or toast for the couple. They showed avp of the usual chinese tradition where the groom will go the bride's place to fetch her but before this, he has to drink or eat whatever the family of the bride asked him to do hehehe. Funny din how you see traditions of different cultures. For the grooms side naman, a common swiss tradition for a stag party pala was the friends of the groom who'll be organizing the party will let the groom to be do the usual things he do. Like for Philip's case, he likes going to the gym, swimming and then partying. They did all these except, they asked him to do everything in girl's clothes. Yaiks hahaha. Bilib ako cause he was so cool about it. Everyone was laughing at the presentation. The night didn't end there. We went straight to MOS where the couple's friends reserved a place at Club 54. Naks VIP lane ito. There's drinks everywhere. Sana laging may wedding mga swiss hehehe. Here are some of the photos I got. Sensya na pangit reso. Im only using my N70 phone hehehe. Wala na ko digicam huhuhu.

The Arena

We took Sheryl, Oying's sister, who works for Star Cruise Libra, last night at boat quay for dinner. We had chilli crab, cereal prawn, sambal kangkong and fried rice. Sarap. After the dinner, we went around clarke quay to check for a place where we could have a drink. I accidentally bumped into Jhude and saw her there with her friends and hubby. Aba, buntis na gumigimik pa. We were surprised to see a lot of bars now in clarke quay. There's one called CLINIC, complete with hospital gurneys that double as lounge beds outside. We didn't get to see inside, though. Maybe we'll check it out next time. We went to Arena instead because the performers were all europeans - like spice girls. And yes, since Rommel's the one who's paying, he had the final say where to go. :D We saw our friends dennis and benjie there. It was a good place actually. Specially for guys hehehe since there were girls dancing in sexy outfits. Drinks were cheap. A jug of beer of housepour costs only $SGD18+++. Just don't order the screwdriver because you can't seem to taste the vodka at all. All the staffs were really friendly though. We did enjoy the night, and we hope that Sheryl did too. These were the only photos I got from my camera phone. Sheryl had a lot of pictures but unfortunately we weren't able to read her memory card on our computer.

Last Day in Manila

My flight is at 6 pm but we're all awake by 9am. My dad came by and we all went to Mall of Asia for lunch. It was complete sana but Kendz had to go to work :( We went to MOA with my big luggage in tow. Good thing daddy was there hehehe kung hindi naku kawalang poise kaya yun. And buti na lang din SM allow big luggages at their luggage counter to be left. We had our lunch at Bangus. Sarap grabe. All food were good. Nakaikot ikot pa kami ng konti and bought a CD of kasal kasali whatever hehehe. They insist on me to watch it so ayun hehehe. Went to NAIA after where we said our goodbyes. It wasn't that really sad because I know in 3 months I'll be seeing them again and this time it will be one of the grand moment in my life. I was happy that this was the first time my Dad went with us to see me off. :)

7th Day in Manila

It's my first time since I went to Singapore to work being here on a friday, at this grandiose church in Quiapo. Mom and I usually go to Quiapo church every first friday of the month and 9th of january, during the feast of Nazareno. Before we left home, I was waiting for a good news. I have asked Him a lot of things in my life that even one single thing, He never failed to give me. There may be few that wasn't given to me at the exact moment that I asked for it, He still gave it to me in some sort of way. God is really good. There may be ways that I've been tested to lose my faith and hope and blame Him for the things that happened in my life, but He made me stronger and made me hold on to what I believed in. He gave me my family, my Mom especially, and Rommel so I could have someone to lean on when I was about to give up and being weak. This is one of those usual times that He had proven to me His love for me. Just before we reached the church, He gave me another reason to give glory to His name. He gave me a reason to be happy and thankful being inside Quiapo Church once again and not just be there weeping and asking him for another grace. Even through the homily, it looks like He was also speaking to me. Im sorry for some readers if I have been boring you with this. I just can't help it. After mass, we went to Robinson's Manila for late lunch. We walked around and waited for the event stylist that we hired for the wedding. We signed the contract, pay the dp, went straight to wack wack after the call we got from our AE. We saw the beauty of pavilion B in action. From there, we went to Megamall, had dinner at jabee with bunso and called it a night.

6th Day in Manila

This day, aside from wedding related stuff - dry seal which we had it done in recto, mom and i just relaxed but still did some shopping in sm manila. It's really humid in manila so the best place to hang out is at the mall.

We went to Punchline @ Quezon Ave with the newly wed couple - Ronel and Mel, Kendz' new suitor, bunso, me and mommy. It wasn't that obvious how mom really did enjoy being there. She was really laughing so hard and loud with about any jokes those fantastic performer is saying. Very recommendable talaga to go there. JUST remember to seat at the back area hehehe. Baka mapagtripan ka.

6 days had passed and im already feeling the tiredness from running around but i enjoyed every minute of it especially that my mom is by my side :)

*I was suppose to go home today but managed to changed my flight to saturday instead. Monday pa sana but i think we need to pay extra na. Sunday naman was already full. At least I still have 1 more day to be with my famiy hehehe.

5th Day in Manila

Mommy and I went to Strabucks at Bluewave in Macapagal Ave to meet our Bridal Car Supplier, Don Robert. I didn't know he's still young hehehe. The plan of getting jaguar for my bridal car was changed to Mercedez Benz hehehe. I don't think it will matter what kind of car I'll be using hehehe. It's just one of the want-to-haves on my list. Though like many others, im also the kind of bride who wants all the good things happening on her wedding. But im also the kind who can live giving up a few things. Anyway, since my coordinator had an emergency with his father, we have to ask Robert to go with us to change my money since I didn't bring any peso. The downpayment is with Grace kasi. After handing the payment to Robert and signing the contract, since we're already in the Mall of Asia, we had lunch at Max's, both my and Mom's favorite. Sarap talaga to the bones hehehe. Naempacho ata kami hehehe. After the delicious lunch, we tour around Mall of Asia. I was able to buy my Dad's tie, our bible, unity candle, bear that our flower girls will be using, and a gift for our male principal sponsors. Ikot ikot lang, naubos na oras. We got home almost 7pm and called Edward Teng's office right away if I could still drop by to do my first fitting, which they said I can, yeyyy. I tried on the gown, and it was absolutely beautiful even without beads yet. Mom kept on teasing me that it wasn't pretty and it was too simple hehehe. Well, I like it the way it is though she's right that it's really too simple :) Im still thinking if i'll be posting the picture hehehe baka wala ng surprise. :)

4th Day in Manila

At 7 in the morning, I'm up again ready to take a bath. Daddy, Mommy and me went to a tailor shop near our place to have my Dad's measurements for the suit. For those who doesn't know yet, he wasn't "back" to our home yet. But he's always welcome to visit us. And yes, he will be there on my wedding day. So, after the measurements, we went straight to Ninong Luis shop in Cubao. We wanted to get him to be our principal sponsor for the wedding. After an hour, we went straight to Megamall, had lunch at Kenny Rogers and bought my Dad's shoes for the wedding. From Megamall, we went to Ate Minnie's place in pasig. It was weird being there without Nanay and Tatay (they were in London at the moment with ate che. susyal!). We had a second batch of lunch because ate minnie cooked something for us. Answeet :) We went to the market of pasig to check on the giveaways that she was telling us. It wasn't on our must-be-really-nice list so, anythign was fine. We got a "divisoria" aura of the giveaways which i really can't describe hehehe. It wasn't that bad but it wasn't that nice either. At least it was cheap hehehe. We said our goodbyes afterwards to ate minnie and her beautiful kids, reine and raissa. Went to Richmonde Hotel to check on the bridal suit room they have. It was cheaper than other 4-star hotels so we booked right away. They don't require any deposit naman eh. From there, we went to Glorietta to meet my 3 sisters to watch a movie. We bought 3 tickets of Shrek and 3 of Spiderman. Kukulit hehehe. We had dinner at chowking before the movie. This is one moment in our life that I really appreciate and thank God. Life has been hard for my famiy but we managed to survive little by little. It's bittersweet to have Daddy around. I see the happiness on my family's face maybe knowing that in a way just for today, our family's complete. It has a way of bringing back the past but today is what's important in our lives. And each time I go home, as much as possible, even if I know that my 2 sisters were already tired from work, I always plead with them that we get together even once having dinner and enjoying. Because, for me, one time sure makes a lot of impact :) A happy memory that forever I'll cherish.

3rd Day in Manila

Vacations are meant for resting. But in my case, whenever I'm in Manila, I always see to it that I make use of all my time. If only malls were open at 6 in the morning, I would be the first one in line, having my breakfast at jabee or max's with my family. I never went to Manila and spend a day with my friends, and not because I don't like to. I never had more than 2 weeks of vacation in Manila. And since it's usually 3 days or a week at the most, I spend it all with my family.

So, for today, I woke up at 7 in the morning, which never happens in singapore, and was amazed to see my mom up and all set. We went to baste first to enroll bunso for her final year in accounting as she's taking her OJT. OMG, i didn't know that it feels different to see those digits in person than just sending the money to my mom. It's highway robbery! Hehe overreacting sorry. Anyway, it may be that expensive but at the end of each year seeing or hearing how my bunso was among the top of her class, it's all worth it. Thank God, final year na hehehe. It was really humid, and it's the first time that I've finished a bottle of mineral water in a few minutes.

From baste, we walk along Recto and checked on one store for invitation then we had our lunch at Goldilocks in Isetan. It was really heaven to see those food choices and always have the urge to order almost everything on the menu but settled for the chicken barbeque, porkchop steak and dinuguan. Mom had laing. We both had pineapple juice. Sarap! Yummmm! Grabe! Empatso ata kami. After lunch, Mom insist on me that we should check out the invitation supplier in recto who did bunso's invitation on her debut. Plan was to go to Unifair in Binondo for the famous supplier. But as we haggle, we managed to get a really affordable price per invite. And I was happy that they agreed to almost anything I specifically say. It was documented and a receipt was given to us though no contract was presented. Im just crossing my fingers and really praying that the invites would turn out ok. Im not expecting to get the best result. As long as it looks like an invitation, it's fine with me. Invitations and Giveaways were not really that important in our wedding. I mean, of course it should look ok, but as long as it is an invitation and it's something that has our name on it, it's fine. We are choosy on some things and we could let go of few. And something that will be thrown away after the wedding isn't something that we really want to spend much on. No offense to others. To each his own, right? :) Reality is, we've spend much on the big things hehehe kaya wala ng budget for the little things hihihi. Soooo, invitation - check!

From recto, we hailed a cab to divisoria on the lookout for possible giveaways. From tutuban mall, we walked towards Tabora. We were able to buy sinamay wine bags and butterfly for decorating the bag. I know that Divisoria is famous for almost everyone in manila. I wasn't aware that it will be a huge nightmare! Aside from constantly checking on your phone if it's still inside the front pocket of your pants, it was really crowded. When I say crowded, it's like rubbing your elbows to another person. Imagine being in the packed MRT in the morning only the sun's ironically smiling at you. Fun, huh! I forgot that the start of school is in June that's why every mom was outside bargaining for the ready made uniforms, variety of school supplies and school bags and vendors constantly making noise out of the big roll of plastic cover. But I did have fun because I was with my Mom. It was like the old days when she used to have me around whenever she goes to wet market. Alala ko pa those times that I am always excited going with Mommy buying new things for school. It doesn't matter if it's the cheapest notebook or if I'll be wearing something from Divisoria, as long as it's new, Im as happy as a bee. And spending the last few days of my school vacation removing the springs from my notebook and "sewing" it back, covering it with a plastic cover. Sharpening all my pencils and putting it in a pencil case. Putting every new school supplies inside my new but really cheap bag. From going down to the memory lane, we ride a jeep on our way home.

We went to the cake supplier at 6 pm, talk about the design and signed the contract.

2nd Day in Manila

RONEL and MEL's WEDDING
St. Pancratius, Paco park
City Garden Hotel

Mommy and I woke up early preparing for Nel's wedding. The wedding is at 3.30 pm but we have to go to the salon for hair and makeup and manicure and pedicure. Grabe the price of both mine and mom's Hair and Make-up, manicure, pedicure is only the price of my manicure and pedicure in singapore. We had beef shawarma for lunch hehe. Sarap! We were done past 2 na! We took a tricycle, good thing the salon is just near to our house. Bihis na then dali daling umalis and took a cab on our way to Paco Park. Forgot to wear my CL pa. When we arrived, we thought it was already starting. Ngek, groom wasn't even there yet. Then it hit me, this was my second and would be my last to be a bridesmaid. The first one was in 97 pa ata on my cousin's wedding. Buti na lang talaga umuwi ako hehehe. Mom was one of the Ninangs. The wedding was not that organized because it was only prepared by the couple, but when I see the happiness on my friend's face, nothing makes sense and seem important on that day. Their love for each other shows on their faces. Saya saya. The wedding ended past 8pm. We had fun taking wacky pictures hehehe. Congrats, Nel and Mel. May God bless both of you.

First Day in Manila

I was able to wake up early for the flight. Di naman excited hehehe. Check in early, had BK breakfast and went inside after. It's really different taking SQ than any other airlines. No long queues, you can check-in online if you don't have much luggage, you can choose your food and your seat online, systematic, and fast. Not to mention the FA's of SQ. They were all accomodating and provides really good service. This doesn't mean you can't do this on budget airlines right? FA's could be more "respectful" of the passengers. I had witnessed few experiences with budget airlines's FA's katarayans to some passengers. Although, I haven't experience it personally. Umbagin ko sila pag ako tinarayan nila hehehe.

I settled on my seat where the middle one is still unoccupied and the other with a pinay. The one who occupied the middle seat was an Indian. I said to myself, shoot, I hope wala syang amoy. I almost told the pinay na malas naman natin napagitnaan tayo and good thing I held my tongue. Turns out he speaks tagalog very fluently and been in and out of philippines for almost 16 years. Yes, I spoke to him because I'm not rude hehe. He said I'm really nice *righhhhttt* and that he can see the goodness in me *ngek*. When the plane landed, he asked for my no bec he said he wanted to treat me for a coffee just bec Ive been nice to him *yeah, right*. I told him, whenever I go to manila, Im always busy so I just asked him to give me his number. Hehe. That way, I did not just give away my number and save myself from headache, I have not been rude by acting violently. He may have pure intentions no. *ubo ubo* Eniwey, we arrived manila on time at past 1 but got out of the immigration at past 2. Super daming tao and naku ewan ko ba why it's taking so long for the immigration officers to stamped on the passports. I queued wrongly pa on the foreigners lane hehehe. Buti di ako pinagalitan. Saw my mom and bunso waiting for me :) We hailed a cab, went home and rested for a while then went to jabee for late late lunch. When you haven't tried jollibee for a long time and you're in front of the counter, lahat talaga halos gusto mo orderin eh. Kung pwede lang hehehe. Went to Divisoria afterwards. Bought few dresses for my sisters went home around 9pm. Grabe kakaikot lang ng divisoria yun ah. I had trouble sleeping because it was really humid. Had to take a bath with a COLD water which I've done like really really seldom??? Hehehe. I was preparing to go to bed when 'Nel arrives. He had dinner and we were teasing him that he's having wedding jitters hehehe. He went home past 1 in the morning and I dozed off to sleep after we consume half of the bottle of wine which Mommy got as a gift.

Manila, here i come!

My good friend Ronel is getting married on Sunday and for the past weeks, in as much pleadings and numbers of calls and sms i got from him, i decided not to go because cebupacific and jetstar's fare both gone up to SGD 500+++. Even if i love my friend that much, there's no way im spending that much just to go to manila for a few days vacation. Sorry 'nel hehehe. But last night when I got another sms from ronel again, i showed it to ffg, to which ffg said why not i use his miles. Woah! Singapore Airlines! It's been three years since the last time I take SQ to Manila. Of course I decline at first, medyo hinayang din ako kasi I'll be staying in manila for a few days lang. Ffg insist. Sayang daw dahil it will be expiring this month na. Wopeeeeeeee. Kahit biglaan, I give in hehehe. So, tomorrow, my flight will be at 9AM. Will be in manila and i'll be on leave from blogging until thursday. Yipeeeee! I'll be able to do some wedding stuffs din like invitation and kung ano ano pa. Tenchu ffg! You're the best! Muah! Btw, SQ's fare was SGD 599 including taxes. I paid only SGD 99 since his miles isn't enough for the whole trip. Alright!

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Went to Bugis to buy some chocolates to bring home to manila. Got dizzy. Bugis was really crowded. So went to McDo and rest while I was waiting for cuz. Thanks for the notebook from thailand cuz! Muahness. Good to see you again :) I miss our friday gimmick. :)

From Bugis, went to Starbucks city hall, and decided to drop by and meet the girls. Good thing i dropped by kahit sandali lang. It's good to see them again. Super saya pa rin and walang sawang kwentuhan at tawanan. Though ffg and I have to leave early, still, it's all worth it. Oh, and of course, tenkyu tenkyu tenkyu soooooooo muchhhhhhh Tin for the Hoodie! Will be posting the picture of the hoodie next time. Love love love it. Muah! Kat and Chard, super congrats! And to Jen and Fred, forgot to congratulate both of you! God bless!

From city hall, we went to sommerset to find some late late dinner. Then went to my happy place - Que Pasa. Had a glass of white, red for ffg, and the yummy yummy beef stew. Then went home and prepare my things to bring for tomorrow. Shucks, it's already 2 in the morning!

Stammtisch, Bukit Timah

From the cruise, we went home and rest a bit and went to Bukit Timah by 6pm to meet ffg's friends. Stammtisch is a swiss/german restaurant owned by a germany chef and is personally serving most of his customers. They brought us here so we could try the cheese fondue which is my first time to hear and try. When I asked Barbara, she said that the interior of the restaurant looks like a typical swiss restaurant. The place is really cozy and not like those fine dining restaurants.

Stephan ordered a bottle of white wine for us and it was really delicious. I drink mostly red and the white in insomnia is really bad compared to what we've had here. It was gloriously good. Recommended for first timers hehehe. I heard from Stephan and ffg that the bottle was a bit expensive. Stephan paid for it, though. I think it was $70+. For the food, we ordered 2 sets of Cheese Fondue@SGD24+++ each set. For a group, the price is already worth it as it's heavy and you'll feel full after 5 to 6 dips of bread on the cheese. Im not much fan of cheese but this one I really loved it. Nicole suggested that the swiss way to eat fondue is to dip the bread into the Kirsch (Swiss drink which tasted like tequila - nicole ordered separately and asked me to try it) then dip into the cheese. Kirsch drink is only @ SGD 9+++. She and Stephan was also suggesting that next time we should try the Rivella, also a swiss drink which is like a soda. I heard they were selling it at SGD 5.50+++. I saw from most of the diners' table were pork knuckles. Hmmm, next time i'll order that. I hope I could bring my some of my friends here :) Of course we tried the sausages. Ffg and I had the grilled bratwurst sausage. A nicely browned foot long sausage with rosti potatoes and onion gravy with a bowl of salad for only $19 :) This is faarrrr better than the ones in Marche or the Vilage now. They get the meat and sausages from a Swiss Butchery, a gourmet butcher in Greenwood Avenue.

This is one experience I'll definitely blog about and let friends tried it. Although a bit expensive, one time experience is not bad. Sometimes it's good to try different kind from the usual that were having everyday.

To go there, we alight at the Newton MRT and took a cab to 6th avenue. The fare costs us only SGD 5+++. Although, you can take a bus 66, 170 which is 14 stops away from the Newton MRT. The address is 6th Avenue Centre #01-04 805 Bukit Timah Road. Dinner is from 6.30 to 10.30 and they are close on Mondays.

Four Blind Mice

Four Blind Mice is one of James Pattersons great books. It's full of suspense, will keep you guessing though some of the murder scenes are a bit graphic. I've finished the 400 page book in just one day because it's really that interesting and im so glad I took this book with me on our cruise.

The main plot revolves around a team of ex-Vietnam Ranger villains who are hired assassins with a twist. The wheels of justice move more quickly in the military than the rest of the civilized world, evidently.

Other good and must-read books from James Patterson's collections that I've read were:
- 3rd degree
- when the wind blows
- maximum ride
- the lake house
- sam's letter to jennifer


Alex Cross returns in the most harrowing case of his career—one that risks the life of his closest friend and partner, John Sampson.

Detective Alex Cross is on his way to resign from the Washington, D.C., Police Force when his partner shows up at his door with a case he can't refuse. One of John Sampson's oldest friends, from their days together in Vietnam, has been arrested for murder. Worse yet, he is subject to the iron hand of the United States Army. The evidence against him is strong enough to send him to the gas chamber.

Sampson is certain his friend has been framed, and Alex's investigation turns up evidence overlooked-or concealed-by the military authorities. Drawing on their years of street training and an almost telepathic mutual trust, Cross and Sampson go deep behind military lines to confront the most terrifying-and deadly-killers they have ever encountered. Behind these three highly skilled killing machines there appears to be an even more threatening controller. Discovering the identity of this lethal genius will prove to be Cross's most terrifying challenge ever.

On his visits home, Alex must confront another, more harrowing mystery: what's the matter with Nana Mama? As he explores the possibility of a new relationship with a woman who offers him new hope, Alex must also confront the fact that his beloved grandmother is only human.

The return of Alex Cross in Four Blind Mice also marks James Patterson's arrival at dazzling new heights of mind-bending suspense, explosive action, and lightning-fast plot twists. It is sure to be acclaimed as the best novel yet from the author the Associated Press says "writes thrillers as if he were building roller coasters."

A Moment in my life

There are moments in our life that shatters us and somehow made us change most of our perspective in life. We cry 'till there were no tears left hoping that it will lessen the pain or make that moment go away for a while. But God always gives us choices to make. To see things either in a way that could make us more miserable or still look forward with what could be in for us in the future. We may look back only if we're strong enough not to let this affect how we see things now. It's always difficult to be positive when you're hurting. I always say that. It's always intricate to put into action now what you've advised to others. It's not easy and it's never been.

I couldn't blog about what im facing now but im definitely looking at it optimistically. At least, that's what Im trying to do now. It's hard but I know this will pass. Im holding on to God's promise that He never intended us to get hurt. He might took away few things that matters to us, but you'll know that this may be for your own good. I hope I'll remain strong. I hope I won't let my weakness get into me.

The Phantom of the Opera

The plan of watching a play or opera in Esplanade has been long overdue. It remains a plan until Cuz Eram was nice enough to take care of the booking for us. So on the 3rd of May, all 9 of us, went to Esplanade. Went home, change on a nice dress (i love to dress up and this is one occassion that i don't want to miss hihihi), went to City Hall and meet ffg. Quarter to 8, we were already at the esplanade and calling cuz because they were still having dinner somewhere. It was a first time for me to watch an opera and honestly, I was never a fan. It was a fabulous experience, though. And it always give me great pleasure and excitement doing things the first time. *hope no one will interpret this in a 'green' way hehehe*. For a first timer, it was indeed great to start off with Broadway’s longest-running musical - The Phantom of the Opera.

The Esplanade Theatre's interior was really beautiful and very elegant. It has four levels and our seat was located on the fourth at the circle 3 with a clear view of what's going on on stage. They don't allow photos to be taken even on mobile phones but I managed to steal a few shots hehe. 10 minutes to 8, they were already closing the door, and the opera started at exactly 8pm. Neat! Never been to any show that started exactly the time they print it. Although cuz and the rest didn't managed to get on time, they were still able to watch the next scene. It was really different to watch it on stage than watchin it on a big screen. The musical started off slow, like a gentle giant waking up. It was really breathtaking. All the stage props were amazing. Candles rose out of the stage when the Phantom was rowing his boat with Christine in it. And it all looks so real. The dungeon was magnificently constructed, the shadows giving it an eerie and menacing look. The ballet dancers were splendid. The costumes are all colorful. The grand staircase at the Masquerade scene is really something. I didn't know or notice that they used mannequins until Novyta told me :) I was actually thinking where did they get those extras. I love the songs. It'll make you fall in love over and over again. The actors are great. Although there were scenes that I got a little bored, but hey it's my first time. It was one hell of an experience. It was really fab.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is the heart-wrenching story of the mysterious "Angel of Music" who lives beneath the Paris Opera House. The hideously disfigured Phantom falls in love with the young singer Christine, devoting himself to creating a new opera star while exercising a reign of terror over the Opera House's occupants.

The casts, as I've done my research on the internet and not wanting to shed that $25 bucks for the booklet, did a fantastic job. Brad Little being The Phantom, Rebecca Pitcher as Christine, John Bowles as Raoul, Ana Marina as Alternate Christine, John O'May as Firmin, Anders Sohlman as Andre, Pauline Du Presis as Carlotta, Jackie Rees as Madame Giry, David Rogers-Smith as Ubaldo Phangi, Nadia Komazec as Meg Giry, Andre Strijdom as Reyer, James Skinner as Passarino, David English as Auctioneer/Lefevre, Rouel Beukes as Joseph Buquet, Sebastian Zokoza as Don Attilio, Sean Andrews as Marksman, Ben Kaslauskas as Slavemaster (In 'Hannibal'), Matthew Overmeyer as Soldier, Chris Wright as Porter/Tin Soldier, Mons Botha as Princess/Mirror Bride, Sophie Viskich as Wild Woman (in 'Hannibal'), Jennifer West as Wardrobe Mistress, Hamlee Louw as Madame Firmin, Nomasande Webu as Innkeepers Wife (In Don Juan Trumphant), Simon Pryce as Lionman, Donna-Maree Dunlop as Gauloise, Deborah Annable, Sarah Bakker, Marianna Baltadano, Mietta Gornall, Catherine Leppingwell, Maggie Purr as the Ballet chorus of the Opera populaire, Sharyn Winney as Ballet swing, Kurt Hapt, David Sommerville, Deborah Caddy, Amy Holder as the Swings, and Sharyn Winney as Dance Captain.

The ending part was great. Audience shows their appreciation by giving the casts a round of applause from the time each cast was introduced, although no standing ovation :( But if i were to ask, I would give them much appreciation than just applauding. It was really beautiful and you can't say that it is an easy work. Oh, I just learned that Sarah Brightman used to play Christine. Wala lang. We took picture from my camera phone afterwards.

The first act lasted for 1 1/2 hour with an intermission of 20 minutes. It ended around 11 pm. After the show, we had dinner at the Gluttons Bay where we saw Brad Little having his dinner too. If it were only me and ffg, I'll come up to him and ask for his autograph. Sayang, dxo band was there with us nashy ako hehehe.


The show will still be aired until the 20th of May so you still have time to catch up.