Get Together

Though I couldn’t say that last night was our first ever get together after months of being pregnant, I’ll say that it was our first get together over bottle of vodka, wine, martini and baileys hehe.  This was the first time I’d had a drinking session with my friends after being pregnant. It feels good and relaxing after days of battling things at work. BUT I do made sure that I won’t get drunk but enough to feel that alcohol in my veins. Funny how we all forgot to take this kodak moment :) Nevertheless, it was really a fun night. Thank you friends for the visit!

Torn

Jusko I feel like my age is slowly turning back when I always have those kilig moments. This twilight saga is really hitting everyone, and of course that includes yours truly. I felt like someone who’s not double the age of these yummy and hotness kids. Makalaglag- eherm. Eeeeekkk. I’m really a team Edward if I based it on the character in the book and I’m so not into Jacob even after watching him flex those sinful abs. But with this photo - I don’t know. Man, if I’m Bella, I will definitely overly fall for these guys – vampire or werewolf – who cares???? *tulo laway* Why oh why do God create such very very beautiful people and not ever having that chance. Life is really unfair! Sigh and double sigh.

Venting Out

This is something that I’m telling you to skip. I just had to vent out.

It’s been really tough for me the past few days. A lot of production are going on, a lot of must do things at work and a lot of lows. I did a lot of mistakes, though all have been resolved, but still mistake is a mistake. Let me correct myself – it should be mistake with a big “S”. I so wanted to bail out but I can’t. I know it’s not easy to be someone I envy but sometimes a girl like me had to think what i think. There is really no justice in this world. BUT in spite of it all, I have things to be grateful for. Most has been resolved though damage has been done but still. I get to go home to a baby girl with a very warm smile and eyes that looks at you like she really knows what you’ve been through that day. She doesn’t even give me a hard time waking up at times when I needed my sleep very badly. A best friend who took me out to a movie date after months of movie-less and date-less and not just any other movie but NEW MOON! And the last and hopefully not the least, friends who never fails to make me laugh and buy my corny jokes relieving me from my stressful day with only just a few hours of time to spare for a simple dinner and a glass of my first wine *after a year!!!!* No matter how bad and awful my week seems to be, GOD will always make a way to lessen if not removed all these things that’s making my heart really heavy. I’m so thankful!

My 2009 Wishlist

Since it’s already 1st of December, like many other excited ladies, I’m listing down my wishlist for 2009. All of them are just material things of course. It might be too cheesy to list down the things I “really” want not just for this Christmas but for whole year round. So I’ll just focus on the things that money can buy and let me reiterate – only those that my Santa can afford. I wasn’t hoping to get everything on the list. One is enough but who am I to complain? So for those who’ve been asked by my Santa, asked him to read my blog. *which he never did!* Ok here goes my list!
If I can’t have everything, I’ll be very very happy having no. 2 on my list because it seem realistic to me. But if I can have no. 1, I’ll be the happiest person alive *hahaha*

1. Louis Vuitton Neverfull or Canvas Galliera
 
2. Replacement of my lost Elsa Peretti Tiffany necklace
 
3. New Mitch Albom “Have a little faith” book

4. Kate Spade baby bag

5. A BUMBO seat for my princess

6. New shoes of any brand
7. New hair *rebond muna ulit from curls*
8. Le Sport Sac Baby bag


*to be updated everyday hihihi

LTVP-ness and Farewell

I'm so happy that after days of thinking about it, it's finally over. Mom's long term pass was granted few weeks ago and after putting much effort into the requirements, seeing her ID this morning made me happy. She's now legal to stay here with us! Having Cheska around surely brings us much blessings. Though not all that we desire, we know that there are reasons behind it. Lose some, gain some. Life is not how much you lose and how much you don't have. It is how much you gain and how much you have. As bunso puts it, God has reasons for everything. I've been so busy thinking about a lot of things that it just hit me (with Mars' sms) after four months of kulitan and lakwatsahan, back to what it used to be ulit. I wanted to ask questions but I'm just letting them be for the meantime. Tonight, we'll be sending off bunso. I hope there will still be a lot of answered prayers that will come our way especially in her life. We'll miss you Mama Cris :( See you on thursday again.

Cleaning Out My Closet

For all those years I've stayed here in Singapore, I've accumulated a lot of things - from clothes, movie ticket stubs, restaurant tissues, print out of e-tickets and plane tickets that most are already fading, concert tickets, magazines, unused CD's, coins, cutesy stuffs and paper bags to work experience, friends and acquaintance. Name any trash, I have or had it for sure. Not that it is something to be proud of. Some I've learned to let go and some I still hang on to. I remember I even had a pringles can full of bus tickets *that was before ez-link* and a big box of clothing labels from known stores which I've thrown with a heavy heart. Few days after I did that, I've learned that I can move on with my life without those unnecessary things. Still, the "trash-princess" never learned her lesson much. Until now, I do keep things that of no use. And still continue to waste my money and time and effort getting new "trash". I guess I keep them because I felt like I was throwing away the memories that comes with it. This may be the best time to declutter and do some housekeeping. And I'm talking in generality of life. I just hope I'll find the time. Now I'm wondering what could be the best way to throw away stuffs without rethinking of the memorie. If I only have a hard disk installed in me, I would keep them and replayed them in my mind whenever necessary. OR maybe that's the reason why our mind doesn't work that way. Because the only thing we remember are those things that really hit us. Those that made us soooo happy and those that hurts us the most. Whatever purpose one may serve, time will come that we have to let go to make way for the new things in life. I'd say keep those that made us happy. And for those that may have hurt us, keep only the lessons learned. Less is still beautiful.

On H1N1

This “issue” has been going on for months now and a lot of countries has been reporting a lot of cases, although considered to be mostly mild cases only, a lot of precautions were laid out. Yesterday, at the office my boss called me and asked me to go home right away as there was a confirmed case of this H1N1 in our floor. She was the sister of my seatmate :) My boss asked me to go home just for precautionary measure as I’m pregnant. Today, I’m still working from home. The infected person came from the Philippines last Sunday via Tiger and came to office Monday morning and had a fever. I’m now afraid for habiga and me. Hopefully he won’t catch any of the symptoms when he came back from Manila on Tuesday. This is even worst than the SARS event. It’s been going on for so long now. Hayyyzzz, hirap pa naman work sa bahay. Remote connection is really slow.

Message from God

Just want to be reminded from time to time.

 

... that doubt is the greatest gift, - it's the space between two certainties.
Any change on its way from one place of stability to the next one, passes through a period of doubt. Your old perspective has to disintegrate, and doubt comes in for a visit - even if only for a moment, before the new perspective takes root. Doubt is your greatest gift, because from doubt you can go anywhere.

Solutions are coming one at a time

God is really good! All those dilemmas that stressed me out few days ago were one by one finding it's own solutions. They may not be what I’ve expected, but they still are what I called “answered prayer”. Most of them were not final yet but I am seeing the small glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel. I’m just happy that baby chesca won’t be feeling the stress that Mommy had for a few days :)

In a related happy-mood matter, I was able to have my pedicure yesterday *finally* after months and months of getting delayed. My feet, though somewhat swollen, looks a lot nicer now hihihi. Adding happy points to my mood :) Vanity, indeed, put up a lot of points to our mood especially for insecure-preggy mommy like me :)

Last night, I was able to chat with my family. Saw little “kulit” Aom again. She was about to sleep when we were starting to chat then shriek instantly when she saw me. So cute! If I can only go back  home that instant, I would.

Today, I got a good news from my boss when I called him. They will allow me to work from home if ever I still need a longer bed rest after my check-up tomorrow providing I’ll produce to them my MC signed by my doctor. So happy!

With regards to our problem regarding the room, there’s some progress that I’m seeing just hoping and praying hard that it’ll go through.

Also, we were able to find a new “Ate” who was able to help us with our “gabundok-na-palantsahin”. Thanks to Fongki, Hansel and Jim for the recommendation. Ate Leni is such a big help.

Then this afternoon, I had my first visitor from my “long-term-quarantine-at-home”. Someone I didn’t expect hahaha. Ally’s little sister – Kiki. Thanks for that visit! She brought baby chesca a stuff toy “Wolf” and a Merci chocolate for me. I so love this kid hihihihi.

 Finally, just an added happy points, Joey is finally home. With my favorite goldilocks Mamon!

 

 

Pahabol na blessing:

The new housemate just paid half for security in replacement to our other tenant who’s moving out by end of june. Without Joey’s knowledge yet, we already have a new housemate. Everything happens so fast. Thank God!

God’s Blessing

Yesterday, I received an sms from Mom asking me to check the PICPA site. When I saw the sms was from Bunso with a smiley at the end, I knew it was a already a good news. She just took a gruelling days of taking that exam and today she got the news! SHE PASSED!!!!! Thank God!!!! We have been praying for this blessing like forever and now that it’s here, it’s the sweetest thing that ever happened to our family. I called them immediately just to congratulate her and was laughing and crying at the same time. Tears of joy. We’ve seen her study so hard. She was the one who even pleaded us to give her one more chance. I am the happiest! Congratulations bunso! Love you to bits. I just hope we were there to celebrate this joyous moment with you but I’m sure you know how happy we are. Thank you Lord for this enormous blessing! May CPA na ako!

On Joey Velasco’s eye-opener

"Akala ko nga dati balewala lang sa kanilang buhay maralita dahil sanay na sila. Ako pala ang nasanay na sa kanilang Kahirapan" – Joey Velasco

Sometimes we thought we have been hit so hard with quandaries and questioned God why do we have to suffer. We usually forget how we are still lucky among other people. We usually forget how so many people would still like to be in our shoes and face the many problems of our life than facing what they have. The truth is, after watching this video, I felt like I don’t have any right to whine about anything that’s going on in my life. I can eat anytime I want and anything I desire. I can go to places where my budget can take me. I’ve been thinking of a lot of things to buy just to satiate my “wants” and not because I truly need them. And them, what about them? Few hundred pesos would make them ecstatic. Three meals a day would make them feel like a millionaire. Sana pare pareho na lang pinanganak ang tao. Walang mahirap, walang mayaman.

Stress . . .

This day has given me a lot of stress not just because of work. Thank God I can still handle work stress. I hope baby chesca won’t feel that bad vibes. I don’t want her to feel the bad vibes mommy’s facing right now. Recent event was the worst one. I don’t blame mars if he got mad or his tone got higher. Kakainit talaga sya ng ulo. Pero kakaiba to. Parang galing jungle. Nanunugod. Salita lang ng salita na ang puro sinasabi mga reasons nya. Bakit kaya di muna sya tumahimik ng konti para marinig nya sinasabi ng kabilang linya? It’s always about misunderstanding lalo pag tinake mo as negative whatever the other person’s saying. My heart was really pumping. But I still managed to finish my ice cream hahaha parang nanood ng sine. Naku kung hindi maiiyak na talaga ako. Money is always an object para mag-away ang tao pero that always depends on each party on how they take the other party’s concern/reason. Wish ko lang umalis na lang talaga sya by end of this month. Bawas stress level. Wish ko pa sana mabalik ang kaisa-isang inaasahan kong pampaanak. Pero I won’t dwell too much on these kinds of anxieties. Hormones din siguro pero there were times that I felt like though I have a lot of friends, only one or two is really concern about you. Looking forward to the long weekend na tuloy para ma-destress kahit papano. And sana lang talaga umalis na si Lola Boba. Para good vibes na sa house. Hugzzzz kay Mars!

Naomi Ayesha's Christening

Went home for more than a week since I didn't had the chance to go home last Christmas. I had to see Aom while I still can. Habiga's so supportive in every way. He lets me use his miles and I had the chance *finally* to get on a busines class via Singapore Airlines. Yay! The experience is so overwhelming :) One can really get used to it especially the pampering part. Although much of the fellow passengers you're with are a bit looking snobby but who cares? I'm pampered and given a priority and greeted by my name by the flight attendants! What more if this is a first class???? Ok enough about my fab experience hihihi. Although I missed for the first time our anniversary, I think I wouldn't trade it for anything to be at my favorite niece's christening. Good thing we we're still able to squeeze in all those things on January 25th itself :) So it's still like celebrating the anniversary without ffg. Here are some of the pictures:

   

Senti

When I was in elementary and high school, I always thought it's so cool to be a grown up. You get to do a lot of things on your own without your parents help. You can drink beer just because you're having fun with your friends and not because you're only pretending to be cool just because you can do stuff that grown ups do. You can buy things with your own money without worrying what your parents might say. You can stay up late and sleep whenever you like. You can go to parties without having any arguments with your mom just to make her let you go. You can date anyone you like without worrying of getting pregnant with a kiss. There were tons of reasons I had back then which makes me eager to be a grown up right away. Assignments and high grades made me itch to get out of my school days. I thought that it'll be super to be a grown up because I could finally do things on my own and make decisions for my own life. But now that I'm here on this stage I can't see those reasons as enthusiastically as I saw them many years ago. Now, I long for the simple life I had back then. The times I look forward to the most simple things my family and friends gave me. I love where I am and who I am now. I love the people that came into my life even those who just passed by. And i am not complaining from all the hardships I've gone through. But I wish grown up life is not that complicated. I wish it was as simple as a 10 year old's. I wish that a fight between two people who love each other only lasts a day. I'm not asking for these life's complications to eradicate. I just wish for them to be over sooner without the need of changing too many things in your life. I wish it was easier to talk about things without the need of someone to die just to prove their point and killing too many innocent life. I wish it's easier to compromise on things we all had a different views about. I wish there were only healthy competitions without the need of saying mean things about people you truly don't know. I wish I have simple wishes in life but I guess life is not that simple. Or maybe it is. Maybe it's the people who make life complicated. I hope when these kids grow up they won't face the same world I am facing now. Or if they do, I hope it'll be them who will change it.

Point of View

 would like to air my own opinion with what’s happening nowadays. As what I’ve said before, I do not mean to be harsh or opinionated or bias. I guess this is just my way of being heard. And this is my blog. You’re free to skip my blog or create your own and bash every little thing around you. I don’t want to be despicable but I guess I’m becoming as one so pardon me.

Being away from home, thinking of something entertaining to pass up the time and get a little bit of relaxation is one necessity for foreign workers like me. There are barely ways in this small country. Usually I’m satisfied with dinner or night out with old friends on Fridays and watching movies and strolling around Orchard road on Saturdays and mass on Sundays which has become monotonous after eight long years of doing it. Of course there’s a budget airline to thank to each time you want to get away from the stress and see your family back home but it’s still a little extravagant to do every month or so. I had that time in my life where I spend a lot of time at one bar where the band that plays we’re all “kababayans”. It makes you feel at home while enjoying the music.

Now, I got more choices to spend my dull weekends since this pinoy entertainment started. I was so happy that I was able to see familiar and favorite Filipino bands here in Singapore. I’ll say that this was a brilliant idea which I’m sure many had thought of even before but couldn’t find enough resources to fulfill this tremendous task. I was sure back then that there will be many following this kind of idea once it has been established and tested on the “market”. I felt like Jojo Acuin’s descendant for seeing that prediction in reality now. I’m not saying this is bad and sorry there are no buts after this statement. I love seeing how not just one group of people are thinking of ways to help the Filipino community have their own way of relaxation. As one of the Filipino sayings, “tangkilikin ang sariling atin” really says it all. Though the intention is pure, you can’t help but hear awful rumors about each other. I am quite sure that this “word bashing” didn’t came from any of the group as I believe that an individual who has the objective of doing something for the good of everybody is a mature and intelligent person. And as for that person who apparently the only purpose in life is to cause chaos, why can’t you be decent enough to let each group do their own thing. Just let me or anybody who wants to watch the shows decide which we wanted to go to. Please spare us the blahs how the other is not good and the other is not. All we want is to see the show and our favorite artists and have a very relaxing weekend. Don’t make us take sides just because of so many reasons. Let’s take this as a window to see how we can support each other as noypi’s working thousand miles from home. It’s just sad to see how one’s ability to create such commotion can divide one community. And as mature individuals, I guess our part is to not listen to any negative comments from someone. Let’s take this as an advantage on our part that now we had more choices to choose from. I hope we always look at the other side of the coin. There’s not a single soul who doesn’t like peace specially this coming Christmas. =) I’ve said my piece but of course who am I to influenced what others think?

Lunchie lunchie

We went to Buangkok for Ichu’s bday and had a late lunch. I really love going to their place as its very cosy. Kainggit they all can sing hehehe. We went to nearby church then went back to their place. I’ll call it the “white house” ala US President’s residence hehehe. We had a photo op with Kakai before her flight and was able to get an interview with her. Handwritten by her since our recorder was spoilt at that time =( I handed the questions to Telay for our interview with Industria and Sheree. Telay was Kakai and Sheree’s manager by the way. Went home late again but fully enjoying the moment. This may go on for a while but like every other good thing in life, this will not go on forever so might as well enjoy every minute of it. The best part that I like here is finding new set of friends.

Sexy-Comedy Night with Sheree, Kakai and Industria

The show started with Industria. Their genre is RnB and their voice were really amazing. This is what we pinoys need here in Singapore for relaxation. Industria was then followed by Kakai’s piercing shriek on the stage. She’s so funny and her voice was really mind-blowing! I mean in a good way. I didn’t know she had this beautiful voice in her. She can do beyonce and regine velasquez songs while seating or dancing. I love listening to her voice and it gives me goose bumps every time she hits a high note. Galing talaga! Sheree was next and I saw the guys drool hahaha well not literally. She’s wearing a very sexy outfit. She danced and sang. She’s a got a pretty voice too but I think it’s Kakai who first captured my heart by singing. We had photo ops afterwards and dinner at Gluttons. We danced till morning at The Arena. Wow, this is really great! I’m getting the hang of it. It’s pretty tiring but to be honest, I’m really enjoying myself.

Dinner with Sheree and Industria

I was too lazy to go to the dinner with PS team for Sheree and Industria but was tempted to go anyway. Maybe “lazy” is not the correct term for what I was thinking that time rather “insecure” is the more appropriate word for it. Sheree was known as the Viva Hotbabe and modeled for numbers of magazines like FHM, Maxim, and many others, a simple girl like me couldn’t help but feel inappropriate wearing only a very casual jeans meeting someone like her. I know it shouldn’t matter but it does to me hehehe. I still did went to that dinner. Call of duty hehehe. When habiga and I got there, I was expecting to see someone tall, pretty, sexy and a bit snobbish named Sheree. She disappointed me in that snobbish *and tall* part. She’s very friendly with a very warm genuine smile that even melts me. She had a really cute pretty face. Haayyyzzz kainlab. Industria members were shy individuals but they all look very friendly. After the introductions I got too much excitement seeing our magazine finally in print! Yipee! Our fruit of labor! Thanks to our contributors and photographers and those who’ve helped a lot in making this a success. Thanks to RonJohn for this opportunity hehehe. Feeling speech sa Oscar. Proudly presenting to you the first Pinoy Sunday Magazine! Go and get your copies now! Sheree, Kakai Bautista and Industria will be performing live tomorrow at DXO. Get your tickets before it’s too late =)

Day 4 – Manila Vacation

I woke up alarmed by the way Sister A is calling bunso. I guess this is just my intuition being the “dad” to them.There’s no panic in her voice or anything. I just felt like something was off. And I was right. The moment she said there were a lot of water coming out from her, I woke up my mom, brush my teeth, wash my face and wore something better than the one I had from sleep. We were all done in 10 minutes tops. I was so scared and my heart was beating twice faster than its normal rate. Eventually, we’ve managed to get a cab and went straight to Fabella Hospital. I know, what you’re all thinking. My mom was so opposed to it but my sister wants to give birth there so we let her. She’s had all her checkups at UST’s public rate which is quite ok. When we got to Fabella’s emergency room, I was stunned to see about 10 or more pregnant ladies waiting in line *to give birth????*. No other companion was allowed in there but I was still able to ask the nurse about Sister A’s situation. She’s not contracting. She’s not experiencing any other kind of pains or signs that she’s in labor. It’s her water bag that got me so worried. What will happen to the baby if it dried out? What if from that amount of water coming out from her, the baby comes out? Eventually, the nurse took her inside where I saw numbers of beds – are they going to let her give birth there??? We were not born with a silver spoon or anything but it’s so damn scary. I was so willing to sell my soul to anyone who could just give me enough amount to let my sister give birth to at least a decent hospital but she won’t let us. And adding more insult to our injury, the bitch who I assume was the doctor but doesn’t look like one and doesn’t act like one, we’re asking us in a higher tone of why are we there.

Bitch -> Bakit kayo nandito?
Me -> *in a nicer tone* Eh miss, pumutok na kasi yung panubigan nya. Worry ko baka delikado na sa kanya. Hindi pa ba sya manganganak nun?
Bitch -> *about 5 levels higher* Eh kaya nga dalhin mo dun sa labas para mainterview yan eh.
Me -> *shocked. About 3 levels higher na.* Kailangan mong magsungit? Nakita mong nagpapanic mga tao ditto, magsusungit ka pa?

Honestly, I was waiting for her to say something in return so I can convince Sister A to go to another hospital. But since she didn’t said anything, she queued outside and waited for someone to assist her. When I was outside with my Mom, I looked at her face and she was so freaking calm. She’s scaring the hell out of me and my mom and she’s just calm. But knowing her, among all of us, she’s really the strongest one. That’s one of her traits I really admire the most. I never thought of her giving birth. The way I look at them is the way what I always remember of them. What I always see in her is that pretty little girl in a kindergarten uniform with a long curly hair and blushing cheeks and a smile ready for everyone to see. She’s the apple of everyone’s eye. She’s always been the apple of my eye. The little sister I was always proud of. But looking at her now, she looks like she’s the one who’s 5 years older than me when it comes to situations like this. With that walking down the memory lane 10 minutes moment I was having, she came out of nowhere with an announcement I was truly thankful for.
Sis A -> Ma, ayoko na po dito. Dun na lang ako sa UST.
We hailed a cab to UST while listening to her about the reason she walked out of that forsaken hospital.
Sis A -> Sabi nung bwisit na doctor, bakit daw ang sungit ng sungit mo ate eh hindi naman daw ako dun nagpapacheckup.

Well, she’s got a point there. I guess I was so worried that time. And she did started it! Hay, so mature of me! ‘Niwey, as soon as we got to UST, although most are interns who are taking care of her, still, it’s a different feeling that someone who knew a lot of things better than I am is taking care of my little sister. The guy took her to the IE room *dunno what IE means???*, examined her and took out the dreaded “silver quack”. They kept on asking her questions which I almost answered for her but held my tongue, luckily. I let her manage her own situation and just sit at the side where she can see me. I was praying so hard to keep her and the baby safe. Another woman doctor came in who’s really nice. She explained to me and to my Mom on what’s happening. She eyed me suspiciously when I told her I was the elder sister so I called my Mom. She explain the expenses and how are they gonna do with the baby and my sister. She’s only 2 cm dilated at that time. At almost 3PM, she was still in the delivery room. I was too worried to go but thought of just using the money to pay to the hospital instead of paying $250+ bucks for another day’s extension. This was the very first time I went to the airport without anyone hugging me goodbye =( Surprisingly, I didn’t cry. I’m just too worried about my sis and the baby. But I prayed and prayed. I was able to sleep the whole flight maybe out of exhaustion. As soon as I got out of the plane, I called my Mom. She’s still in the delivery room and still on 4cm. The moment we got home, I cried. I wasn’t planning on sleeping so I waited till I received an SMS that she’s having a CS. She’s about 8cm but the heartbeat of the baby is slowly deteriorating. At about past 1 or 2AM, I received another SMS that both Sister A and the baby are healthy and sleeping. I thank God for everything, for the blessings, for that enough amount in my pocket so they could be in safe hands. I was so happy that they’re both alive and in good health. God is really good all the time =)

Let’s welcome our little angel. Our baby Naomi Ayesha.

Day 3 – Manila Vacation

We went back to divisoria to change the shirt we bought for Ronielle and Ramuel.Buti na lang wala pa kong pera when we got inside. Nagpapalit pa ko hehehe. We had lunch at McDonalds pero take out ako ng Jabee syempre. When we got home, we rested for a bit, then we attended mass. Kakaiba yung priest. Andami nyang sinabi na hindi related sa Gospel pero ok lang. There were bits na pwede mo pulutin and learned something. We went straight to Pure Gold para mag-grocery. Andami naming napamili =D I was exhausted pagdating sa bahay. Dinner is fried tilapia again and natirang sinigan plus additional lutong ulam na nabili naming. Sarap pa rin ng tilapia kahit ulit ulitin! I ended up eating two pieces *hiya* Then we’ve watched two films straight. Yung kay John Lloyd and Sarah Geronimo and When love begins Aga Muhlach and Ann Curtis na medyo dragging ang story. Ayun. Day 3 ubos agad. But at least most of it I’ve spent with my family alone lang talaga. Enjoy ako sa new house hindi maalinsangan =)