It's My Life !

My First Snow

2008-12-28T08:38:00.000-08:00

I belive everyone's first snow experience is really unforgettable.

Mine was indeed unforgettable. For a person like me who lived in the Philippines all my life, a snow experience is something to look forward to. Mine happened three years ago in Chicago, USA. Me and my husband were visiting some relatives in Chicago then. We have at least five relatives there so we just stay with any of them at any time during our one and a half month stay in Chicago.

One reason why we went up to Chicago (from California) was that I was really hoping to experience snow there. And indeed I had a wonderful first snow experience there.

We were staying at one of my relative's house that time and my husband woke me up early in the morning and told me that it already snowed. At first I thought he was only joking. But when I looked out the window, I saw real snow for the first time. I went outside and had a picture taken beside our car which had thin snow on it. But by around 9 o'clock in the morning, the snow has melted down and I was a little frustrated.

However, a few days later, when me and my husband were touring the popular tourist spots in Chicago: the Navy Pier, the museums and others, and while we were still inside the Science museum, my cousin called me and informed us to stay put because a blizzard is coming up that night. When I looked outside the window, indeed snow has started to pour down.

Me and my husband decided to go outside and drove to the city. I was like crazy.. Even if there was a blizzard, I opened the car window and extended my arm to catch the snow. Later, we can't tell where we were anymore. We got lost in the city. We stopped by a Whole Foods outlet and ate there. When we came out, our car looked like a "halo-halo" with thick white snow on top of it. It was so much fun!

It was past 10 o'clock in the evening and we still can't find our way to the highway going to my cousin's house. We stopped by a gasoline station and asked for directions and finally, we we're on the right road.

My husband was really driving safe and slow. I think our car was cruising the highway at only 5-10 miles per hour. We could even see a few cars on the road-side, that previously met an accident.

Thank God we arrived home safe. My cousin was a little bit worried, considering that it was our first time to drive in the snow.

The next day, I woke up so excited. I went outside the yard and played in the snow like a little kid. It was so much fun. All I was thinking then was "how I wish I am playing in the snow right now, with my own kids".

I hope that my next snow experience will be spent with my own kids around.

Christmas Wishes

2008-12-19T07:09:00.000-08:00

Christmas day is only four days away. We always have wishes for Christmas.

My Christmas Wishes

These are wishes for the year 2009:
1. Continued good health to me and my family.
2. Peace and love among family members (they know who).
3. Am-am's passing the Nursing Board and for her to be strong and ready for her future.
4. To be a Doctor in Business Administration very soon.
5. More sales/earnings/additional income/blessings.
6. A pretty house with a beautiful garden.
7. Land titles and investment properties.
8. Settlements
9. Travels abroad
10. New car
11. Rolex watch/Diamonds
12. Revive my community projects

The list could be longer but a dozen is already much.

For my birthday and Christmas gift, I gifted myself an electric Brother sewing machine. I have been looking for a sewing machine like this for many years already and I was lucky to find one at Bohol Quality department store. So, I bought it as soon as I can.

This sewing machine is the kind which is portable. When one wants to use it, it will just be put on a table top and when not used, can just be stored in the cabinet.

With the availability of my sewing machine, I hope to have time to tinker with it and come out with some sewing projects soon.

My Christmas Tree

2008-12-16T07:42:00.000-08:00

Christmas is never the same without a Christmas tree. It is one of the Christmas symbols.

The Legend of the First Christmas Tree

The night of the Saviour's birth, all the living creatures, both flora and fauna, came to Bethlehem with gifts. The olive tree brought its fruit and the palm its dates. But the little fir tree had no gift and was so tired it couldn't resist when the big trees pushed it into the background and hid it from view. But then a nearby angel took pity and commanded a cluster of stars to come and rest on its delicate boughs. When the Baby Jesus beheld this lovely lighted tree, He smiled and blessed it, declaring henceforth that fir trees should always be filled with lights at Christmastime to please little children. (from www.morning-glow.com)

My Tree

My Christmas tree was bought about five (5) years ago at more or less P4,000.00 from the local store here in Tagbilaran City. It's an 8-foot tree. At this time, a tree as big as this is now more expensive than what it was priced some years ago.

Some trimmings that are decorated on my tree are recycled ones. Although, I had to buy some more trimmings this year since some of the once I had before are no longer pretty. With the current high prices of items now, I spent more than P3,000.00 for the trimmings and the lights alone.

It's been our tradition that the my children help in putting the trimmings on the tree. And as usual, it is my youngest son who gets the honor of putting the 'star' on top of the tree.

Just turned 43!

2008-12-14T06:24:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, December 13, 2008, I started another year in my life, looking forward to a new year of happiness and to enjoy God's blessings.

This is a special birthday celebration for me because this is my first birthday spent with my granddaughter - Babam.

How the day went?

I was still asleep when my husband kissed me and greeted me a happy birthday. When I woke up, the kids greeted me too.

I had to report to work early today. I delivered a welcome address during the Christmas party of the CWTS (Civic Welfare Training Service). Over 2,000 people greeted me a happy birthday by singing a happy birthday song to me. It was touching. Perhaps it was the biggest "birthday party" I have ever had.

Before we left for Panglao Island Nature Resort, I had to drop by Marcela Department Store to buy the rubber float for Babam. I also saw this cute Disney sunglasses for kids and I bought a pink pair for Babam too.

The Outing

We arrived at the Panglao Island Nature Resort and Spa at around eleven o'clock in the morning. Entrance fee during weekends is P400 per person. P300 of which is consumable (for food purchases) and P100 of it is chargeable as entrance or for swimming pool use.

We had lunch at the gazebo. I had fish and chips and four seasons drink. My husband and my children ordered their own choices.Food was fairly okay.

The weather that afternoon was good. At least, it was not very sunny. While my kids were enjoying the pool, me and my husband chose to just sit around and I read just the Reader's Digest.

I joined the kids later in the pool. The water felt cold the first time I dipped in the water although later it was okay.

We left the resort at almost 4 p.m. already.

We decided to stay home after the trip. I decided not the attend the Christmas party of our department because the kids were already very tired and I didn't want to go there without them. My husband ordered food from our favorite restaurant (Shang Me Nou) and enjoyed dinner at home with my family.

Although, me and my husband went out a little later after dinner. I had to buy my medications from Mercury Drug Store and my husband has to get new DVDs from his favorite DVD store. Afterwards, we went to Island City Mall (which was having a midnight sale that night) and just browsed stuffs there. I didn't get to find something interesting at my favorite clothes shop (Kamiseta) so, I didn't get to buy anything for me.

Who greeted me?

Arthur, Amam, Badong, Arjo, Babam, more than 2,000 CWTS students, CWTS teachers,Mandie Gloria, Reyna (off-line YM), Mama, Luane, Libya, my office staff, Mercury Drug store clerks, Kamiseta shop clerk, Venice (who called from Hong Kong), Ailyn, everyone at church (today) and many more...

Body Massage

2008-12-01T04:37:00.000-08:00

Today, was not a busy day for me. In the morning, I was just working on the website for the local newspaper and after lunch, I took a good nap. When I woke up, me and my husband went to the Tagbilaran City port to pick up my daughter who arrived from Cebu City. She was in Cebu for almost a week for her nursing board exams.

I know my daughter feels tired and soar after that challenge, I treated her to a body massage at Nua Thai Foot and Massage Salon. I accompanied her and also treated myself to an hour-long body massage with oil. Mine was a traditional Thai massage. It was my first time to have that kind of massage since I usually have the Swedish or soft massage type. The one who did the massage on me didn't ask me what type of massage I wanted and I just pressumed it was my usual Swedish.

I like the way the 'bed' is being set-up - think matress on the floor. Their pillow is soft. The lighting inside is soft too. The place is clean inside.

But anyway, it was good enough. A Thai massage is full of pressing, pushing and pulling session, which I found a bit painful in some instances. But it was okay anyway though I found it not to be relaxing.

Although I enjoyed my body massage session at Nua Thai, I still consider the massage routine at Le Spa more relaxing.

Tips:
- when you go for a massage, don't go to the salon wearing make-up.
- it feels good and fresh when you get a good warm bath before going to the massage salon.
- it is advised that you bring your own pajamas if you don't like to wear their service pajamas (although washed and smells fresh, these were being used by other clients too).
- don't bring bulky purses or even your cellphone.
- wear slippers in going to the salon (your Havaiannas won't get lost anyway)
- don't take a bath after a massage session (some say so)

Wishes
- I wish other clients in the salon would observe silence religiously. If they wish to chat with their companion or with the service crew, they just do it in the coffee shop and not inside the massage salon.
- I wish hooks or something decent used to place our clothes will be provided so we won't leave our clothes on the floor.
- I wish they would provide newer and fresher pajamas
- I wish I extended my body massage session to two hours.. hahhahaha

Related post: Spa and massage salons in Bohol

Grandma at 42!

2008-08-24T06:42:00.000-07:00

I haven't updated my blog for sometime now due to my being so busy with a lot of things - work, school and being a first-time grandma. The last as being the most exciting though.

Yes, I am already a grandma at 42! How do I feel about it? It feels very good! And I thank God for this new chapter in my life. Not all women will get to experience what I am experiencing right now.

Normally, when we hear of the word grandmother, we always picture an old wrinkled woman. Oh no, not me! A lot of people even think that I am the mother of the baby I am carrying, who is my grand daughter. Well, being a grandmother is something a woman should be proud of. Being a grandmother is another level of fulfillment.

I am creating another blog for my grand daughter so I can share my experiences about being a grandmother and to share updates about my granddaughter. I may sound corny but I am sure grandmothers like me will be able to relate with me.

The new blog that I created is "My Girl". Although, pictures of my girl can also be seen at the website my daughter created for my grand daughter.

Through my new blog, I hope mothers and grandmothers like me will also post comments and share their feelings and experiences being one. Afterall, being a mother and grandmother is indeed a big deal.

Family Pictures

2008-05-20T07:39:00.000-07:00

My parents recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and it was a great opportunity for all of us to be together again to bond with my parents in this very special event of our lives. My brothers and sister who now live in other countries came home just for the occasion.

Having moments like this again, made me recall of the times when our family was still young and we were still small and few. This could be better presented through our family pictures which were taken during different times.

This family picture was taken sometime in 1966. I am the one seated on my mother's lap. We were only six children then. Some years later, the family grew in numbers.

This picture was taken sometime in 1994, a few months after I gave birth to my youngest son (he is 14 years old now). This picture must have been taken during my father's birthday anniversary.

We decided to have a picture taken with all of us in white tops and jeans, very casual. My youngest brother, who recently got hooked in photography hobby, took this picture at my sister's house yard.

The succeeding pictures were taken during the golden wedding ceremonies, in Ubay , Bohol and in Tagbilaran City. The family members has indeed grown in number, kids have grown bigger and we have matured, since my parents started a family by sealing their love in three wedding ceremonies 50 years ago.

Blissful 50 years

2008-05-16T07:31:00.000-07:00

My parents recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and I sent the following article to the local papers:

Tirol-Reyes Golden Wedding Anniversary
Former Bohol Governor , Atty. David B. Tirol and his ever lovely wife, provincial board member Dr. Amalia Reyes-Tirol, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last May 10, 2008 in Ubay, Bohol and on May 11, 2008 in Tagbilaran City.

Fifty Years Ago

It was indeed true love for Atty. Tirol that he and his family went to Ubay, the hometown of then Miss Amalia Maboloc Reyes, seven (7) times to ask the hand of the beautiful Ubay lass into marriage. This was also during the time when marriage of couples with different religions was a still a very big issue. When the Reyes family finally agreed to the marriage proposal, the wedding was arranged.

However, the marriage was not just sealed the usual way. Atty. David B. Tirol and Dr. Amalia R. Tirol actually got married three times (Beat that!). First was a civil wedding rights on April 28, 1958 then on May 11, 1958, in an early morning Catholic church wedding in Ubay, Bohol and followed by a late afternoon wedding ceremony held at the then Graham Memorial Church (now Graham-Leopando-Belarmino-Tirol Memorial Church) in the Tirol compound in Tagbilaran City.

The Celebration

To re-enact what transpired fifty years ago, the Tirol children, lead by the eldest, Dr. Mutya Kismet Tirol-Macuno, prepared a double grand wedding celebrations.

In the Ubay celebration, held a day earlier on May 10, 2008, invited guests were mostly relatives of Dr. Amalia Reyes-Tirol, public officials of Ubay and its 42 barangays, municipal mayors and vice mayors of the 2nd district of Bohol, provincial officials of Bohol, faculty and staff of Bohol Northern Star College, and friends. The wedding ceremony was held in the afternoon at the Sto. Niño Church in Ubay and reception (prepared for 1,000 persons) followed at the President Magsaysay Center.

The ceremony was celebrated by Msgr. Margarito Gonzaga, who also officiated their wedding fifty years ago. Close friends of the Tirols stood as principal sponsors. They were Gov. and Mrs. Erico B. Aumentado, Former Gov. and Mrs. Rolando Butalid, Former Gov. Gelacio Gementiza (of Davao del Norte), Mrs. Daday Reyes, and Mr. and Mrs. Alex Gaviola (representing the family of the late Justice Ramon Gaviola).

The secondary sponsors were Jovencio M. Reyes and Mrs. Araceli Reyes (cord), and for the veil, Martin Reyes and Maxilinde Reyes.

During the reception, guests were served with sumptuous foods prepared by Cainget Fish Grill and Restaurant (partly owned by Dr. Macuno) and entertained by the Sidlak Dancers of Bohol Northern Star College (where Dr. Amalia Tirol is school president). A huge five-layer gold-colored wedding cake, adorned with fresh flowers, was enjoyed by everyone. Guests were also served with slices of the freshly roasted calf (from the D & A Tirol Invisible ranch).

May 11, 2008 was another big event at the Tirol compound. The renewal of vows at the Graham-Leopando-Belarmino-Tirol Memorial Church, was officiated by brothers-in-law of Atty. Tirol, Revs. Daniel Bernaldez and Victor Casabal. Mrs. Taciana Belarmino and Mr. Casimero Bompat stood as principal sponsors. The Tirol family members, Belarmino family relatives (from Cebu), some faculty and staff of the University of Bohol (where Atty. Tirol is president) and friends were present to witness the affair.

The church was beautifully decorated with fresh flowers (liliums, gerberas, Malaysian mums, carnations, dendrubiums) which were flown in from Manila. Ms. Melita Jala Andoy who is a member of the World Flower Council International (Philippines) meticulously did the pretty flower arrangements both in Ubay and Tagbilaran affairs.

Dinner reception followed at the residences of Atty. and Mrs. David B. Tirol and Capt. and Dr. Marlon Macuno (nee Dr. Mutya Kismet Tirol-Macuno). Sumptuous foods, served in four buffet tables, for at least 500 guests were prepared by Jj’s Seafood Village. A roasted calf was also made available.

Thirty one (31) wedding cakes (representing the number of grandchildren) were also specially made by Inday Ramirez of Ramirez Cakes and Pastries. The design of the specially made individual cakes was chosen by Dr. Macuno herself, after searching in the Internet for the appropriate cake design. The cakes in assorted flavors: ube, orange, mocha, strawberry, pineapple, chocomarble, vanilla and special chiffon were decorated with almond slivers (specially flown in from Australia and the US) and slices of fresh mangoes. Everyone also got their slice of the cake as each table was served with a layer of cake.

The guests were entertained by the cultural dances performed by the University of Bohol Dance Troupe. The forty five (45) very talented members of the Loboc Ambassador Youth Band, awed Atty. and Mrs. David B. Tirol and guests with their spectacular musical performance during the program emceed by Atty. Adri Anne T. Montes.

Guests at the next-door residence of Dr. Macuno saw what transpired at the main house through a video feed. Video and photograph coverage was done by Ed Cañuto of Exquisite Photography and David ‘Cocoy’ Tirol, III.

For the wedding attire, Atty. David B. Tirol wore a pure piña hand-embroidered barong and Dr. Amalia R. Tirol looked so elegant in her hand-embroidered Filipiniana dress which was beaded by EJ Relampagos.

The entourage also wore specially ordered from Manila, barongs for the gentlemen and embroidered modern kimona and pañolitos, for the ladies, which were worn over a base gown made by EJ Relampagos.

The Family

Atty. David B. Tirol and Dr. Amalia R. Tirol are so happy that they are celebrating this very special moment of their lives with the presence of all their eleven children and thirty grandchildren and soon to come great-grand-child.

The children with their respective families, were also dressed in Filipinana motif:

The eldest, Dr. Mutya Kismet Tirol-Macuno, married to Capt. Marlon Macuno with their son Miguel Carlos;

David Rey R. Tirol, based in Tagbilaran City with daughter Hannah, and wife Josephine Jabinez and other children Ryan Josuah, Joseph Rey, Raja flew in from Brisbane, Australia , for the occasion;

Australia based Engr. Carpo R. Tirol with wife Nicole and children Kristoffer Jon, Kieren James Carpo, Samuel William David flew also flew in from Brisbane, Australia for a month-long vacation and to be with the family for this occasion;

Dr. Ammon Denis Tirol, CPA and wife Luaren Ramiro-Tirol with their children Laurence Elliot, David Ammiel, Ammon Johnvic, Luther Dean, Ilia Ursula;

Honor Tirol and wife Manuela Inting-Tirol and children: Frances Uma, Mikel David Andre, Lemuel Moses, Leam Andrew ;

Dalia Melda ‘Leah’ Tirol-Magno with husband Arturo Carlos G. Magno and children Amalia Karla Loise, Arthur David and Arturo Jose.

Apolo Tirol and wife Cindrella Fe Gingoyon-Tirol with Shirley Loi Angeli and Shine Ella May

Homer Ariston Tirol and wife Cheryl Marie Yap-Tirol with children Arizza Nancy Jule Y. Tirol and Marthe Justin Illu;

Reyna Catherine Tirol-Clavano (nurse) and husband Richard Clavano (chef) with children Katrina, Saul David, Preston Isaac came home from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA;

Youngest son David R. Tirol, III (respiratory therapist) with wife Melotte Uy-Tirol (nurse) and children David Val, David Matthew and David Allen also flew in from California, USA;

And youngest daughter, who is a nurse, Cindy Tirol.

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's day to all mothers!

Everyone us would say "my mother is the greatest in the world!". Each one of us have our own reasons why we consider our mother to be the greatest! And each one of us have their own stories to tell about their mothers too.

MY MOTHER

My mother will turn 75 years old this coming July 10, but she doesn't look like her age. She still looks very beautiful and regal. My father used to tease us (me and my sisters) that although we are beautiful daughters, our beauty could not surpass the beauty of our mother. And we agree to that.

I have a very special attachment to my mother. Some of my siblings would say I am “sip-sip” but they just can’t understand that special invisible bond between me and my Mama.

My Mama told me that of all the ten children she bore, giving birth to me was the easiest. I was only 4.2 pounds when born, full-term. I was so small and frail that she gave me special attention and much tender loving care. She breastfed me until I was almost four years old. When I asked her why she did that, she told me that every time she would attempt to stop breastfeeding me, I would not cry but tears will just roll from my eyes and seeing me that way would melt her heart and would then let me lie on her arms and let me suck her breast for some milk or for whatever reasons I needed that for. But that breastfeeding stint stopped when my mom got pregnant with my younger brother, who unfortunately didn't enjoy breastmilk from my mother anymore.

I got my 'talent' for cooking from my mother. She exposed me and all my other siblings to the kitchen (we have a very big kitchen)and taught us how to choose and buy the good vegetables, fish, meat, etc... She taught me how to peel potatoes, slice tomatoes, juliene carrots, and all these stuffs, properly. She told me the secret of the proper steaming of leche flan.

My mom taught me how to clean a comfort room properly. She would tell me that those who don't know how clean a comfort room can never own a beautiful comfort room (maybe she is right). Thanks to my mom, I will never cry everytime I don't have maids in my house anymore.

I got my business inclination from her. She would always encourage me to go into business.. sell stuffs, etc.. When I was in high school, I would always complain why I was not allowed to go out with friends but is compeled to stay and watch the store. Never did I know that through that, she was already instilling in me something that one day I would be very thankful for.

My mother is not very demostrative about her emotions and affections to us but I know she dearly loves each one of us. Her patience, hardwork, love and sacrifices poured to rear me and my other siblings are immesuarable. And all these is not limited to our family alone but she extended these to other people. She is into public service and active in many religious andcharitable activities.

But despite her stature, she remains to be my dearest mother, whom I can call or text if I need be refreshed of a 'secret' of another recipe. And she is always there and she is always in my heart.

I love you Mama!

Excited to be a grandma

2008-04-27T09:12:00.000-07:00

In about a month from now, I will already be a grandma and I am very excited about that. I and the whole family is looking forward to seeing our very dear Babam (short for Baby Amam) and have her in our loving arms very soon.

Babam would be the first "apo sa tuhod" in the clan and so everybody is excited of her coming too. We are praying always that she would come out a healthy, smart and beautiful baby. As early as now, we play with her even if she is still inside her Mommy's tummy. She would respond to our voices by moving hard and fast. She would show-off her "tsunami" and "stretching" stunts.

Last Thursday, my sister arrived home from Las Vegas, USA, with her three children. She brought with her many baby stuffs for Babam. We can already imagine her looking so pretty wearing those cute pink baby stuffs. My sisters and I will host a baby shower this coming weekend. Baby showers are not commonly done here in Bohol. I hope that this one would start the trend of throwing baby showers.

Babam will be calling me Mama and not grandma though.

How to Recognize a Gifted Child

2008-03-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

I was on one my my frequent trips to Cebu City last week when while waiting for my trip back to Tagbilaran City, I got busy myself reading the February 2008 Reader's Digest issue.

Although the wait at the terminal was long, I enjoyed reading (as I always do) my ever favorite RD. One article caught my attention : How to Recornize a Gifted Child. I read it and I was amused that my second child (who turned 16 early this March)possesses all the characteristics of a gifted child.

When I arrived home. I asked my eldest daughter to read the article and she smiled. she said, she has some of the characteristics but still thinks that her younger brother (my second child) has all the characteristics identified.

I let my second son read the article and after he read the it swiftly, he gave an ear-to-ear grin and said " Hehehehe, I am a gifted child afterall!", and we just smiled. I told him that this is nothing to brag about but to thank God for.

The following are the characteristics of a gifted child as printed on the Reader's Digest February 2008 issue:
1. They generally walk and speak before their first year of age.
2. They tend to use very rich language and adultlike vocabulary.
3. They easily understand and remember the information they are given.
4. They generate a great quantity of ideas and solutions to problems.
5. They have a well developed sense of humour.
6. They have a great deal of curiousity, which make them question everything.
7. They usually worry about the problems of the world.
8. They adore reading.
9. They like complicated board games (chess)
10. They are leaders.
11. They persevere (they concentrate on a task and persist until they finish it)
12. They make a high levelof self-judgment, demand much of themselves, and tend to be dissatisfied.
13. They prefer to work independently and do not need much help.
14. They are vulnerable to the rejection of their classmates.

With my recent discovery, I thank God for the GIFT.

Phobia : Claustrophobia

2008-03-09T06:49:00.000-07:00

Surfing the net on the topic PHOBIA, I found this : "A phobia is a form of anxiety disorder in which someone has an intense and irrational fear of certain objects or situations. Anyone suffering from high levels of anxiety is at risk of developing a phobia. One of the most common phobias is claustrophobia, or the fear of enclosed spaces. A person who has claustrophobia may panic when inside a lift, aeroplane, crowded room or other confined area like cabinets, tunnels and others."

Watching an episode of Fear Factor last week, I saw one of the challenges contestants has to overcome. It was where the female contestant needs to go underwater and go inside a small tunnel to get a human skull. However, inside the small tunnel is a seven-foot crocodile facing towards the other end of the tunnel (in reality, the crocodile couldn't turn around to attack the contestant anyway). However, this situation would certainly be too much for someone who has claustrophobia.

Seeing this scene reminds me of my own fear of small tunnels. Even the thought of myself going into a small tunnel gives me shivers. I really don't know why I developed this fear, but in one way or another, I learned to overcome this fear in some situations.

Have you experienced going into a CT or MRI machine? I have, for three times already. But I survived! I overcome my fear. How I did it? Prayers and doing a research on how these machine looks like and how they work, before my MRI and CT scan appointments happened.

My first CT scan experience was at National Kidney and Transplant Institute (for an angiogram) in Quezon City, Philippines and the other two were at the National Institutes of Health (for more detailed tests) at Bethesda, Maryland, USA.

I was able to overcome my fear of going into these tunnel-like machines (not mentioning the irritating noise while you are in there)by keeping my eyes closed and never attempting to open them while I was inside the machine. And while undergoing the "ordeal" of being in the machine, I kept my mind busy thinking of things that I love to think about - my family, a beautiful and relaxing scenery or humming my favorite songs.

We can really overcome our fear on something. If we don't learn to overcome our fears, we can't tackle certain challenges in our lives too. And just like what the contestants in Fear Factor also did, they faced and challenged their fears and they succeeded. Afterall, fear is only in the mind.

Are you crazy?

2008-02-20T05:36:00.000-08:00

I regret I said those words to someone today.

I was busy pounding my laptop keyboard today, finishing a power point presentation which I have to present before a group of managers in two hours. A former student approached me and I asked " what can I do for you?" and she told me that she needs my help so she can get her transcript of records. I asked for her student file from one of the office assistants, so I can check myself what seems to be the problem with her records.

When I saw her file, I found-out that there seems to be no problem at all and that her records are ready to be released. However, she told me that she needs a transcript that would say that she graduated from a degree/course. I told her that it is not possible because she hasn't not complete a course in the school and besides, she already transferred to another school. And she said the words that triggered me to say those words which I shouldn't be saying to her... She popped the unpleasant question, which was something like : " Is it just possible that I will just pay someone so I can have the records that says I have graduated?" Grrrrrrrr....

Should you blame me for saying those words?

Christmas 2007

2007-12-25T17:12:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to one and all!

It's been four years now that me, my husband and our three children has been spending Christmas away from Bohol.This year, we are spending it again at Waterfront Hotel & Casino, Cebu City.

It's always a moment to treasure to spend Christmas with the my whole family. We have this kind of bonding that we always treasure.

Christmas morning, the kids were still asleep, then me and Arthur came down from our hotel room at the 7th floor and we ate breakfast at the hotel's breakfast buffet. Wohhhh.. if I were not on a diet, I could fill my plate with so many foods. The food served looked so tempting. I had a plate of fruits - Ormoc pineapples, watermelon and papaya; crispy bacon (yummy); egg omelet with ham, tomatoes, onions, salame; cold cut; buns and butter; boiled eggs; chicken aroz caldo; fish sweet and sour; and fresh mango juice.

I had a chance to have a picture taken with two of the chefs. I always admire the talents of chefs.

After the late breakfast, we went to the hear mass at the Redemptorist Church then went to the mall then back to the hotel.

42 and going.....

2007-12-13T06:09:00.000-08:00

It's a special day for me today. I turned 42! I thank God for my life and my family who loves me so.

I decided to take a lazy day, reported to my office very late as almost everyone in the office were going out to take their lunch breaks. My beloved Mom treated me, my family and my sister to a wonderful lunch at The Prawn Farm at the ICM Mall. The manager at the restaurant, Audie, gave us a complimentary platter of fruits.

After doing a quick browse at the clothes shops at the mall, I had to hurry back to the school for my classes, then drove home to cook the pancit for a snack treat for my office staff. It's always my pleasure to share my little blessings with them.

Dinner was another date with my family and few new friends, at Jo's Inato Payag. We had our usual favorite barbecue chicken, binakhaw, pancit molo and kare-kare.

When I got home, I found the gifts and goodies given by my friends (the Yap family who owns Bohol Tropics Resort Club)who are so sweet to remember my birthday.

Spending this day with my family is the most wonderful part. The least most important thing that happened today is buying a red Ferrari (more of it next entry) as a birthday gift for myself.

God is indeed wonderful!

A Touching Love Story

2007-12-05T05:13:00.000-08:00

While having lunch today with the TV left on, tuned in to Wowowee, the interview by Willie Revillame of one of the contestants' partners caught my attention so I decided to watch what is showing. Today's featured contestants are those who are getting married this month of December.

The partner of one of the contestants related about the love story of her future bride, whom he is marrying on December 29th.

The groom to be narrated that he and her girlfriend (bride-to-be) went to study in different cities that caused them to be apart from each other. His girlfriend met someone else and had another boyfriend but he never stopped loving her. He still kept on calling her, pursuing her. There even came a time when it was the boyfriend of his former girlfriend who answered the call and told him not to bother his girlfriend anymore. But still, he kept on loving her.

Eventually, the girl broke-up with the boy with whom she bore a child. He still pursued the girl and eventually won her and finally accepted his proposal of marriage. And now, they are getting excited for their coming wedding and they promised each other, infront of millions and millions of Wowowee viewers, to love each other as long as they live.

-------

I do admire the persistence of the guy's love towards the girl. Some may think that he is crazy for pursuing and marrying the girl who bore a child of another man. But one can never understand how crazy love is.

Eyeglasses

2007-12-02T07:01:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I posted an article about sunglasses. However, I forgot to mention that I might be starting another collection of eyewears - this time eyeglasses.

When I was a child, I was so proud that I have a very good eyesight. I could thread a needle in a jippy and I never had problems with my eyesight ever. Oppssss.. but since last week, I started to accept the fact that it's really more comfortable to read wearing a pair of reading glasses. And, cleaning my fingernails and toenails can be done with ease while I am doing that wearing my new pair of eyeglasses.

While I go for authentic and branded pairs of sunglasses, not this time for my reading eyeglasses. I bought mine from the local eyewear shop at only P199.65! The optometrist (who appreciated my Gucci 2775) was trying to sell me the branded readng glasses which were priced from P1,500 - P 3,500 per pair, I kept on telling him that this time, I will go cheap. Afterall, this is my first reading glasses and I still have to get used to using one and I am not yet too conscious of how I look (I look like a Lola) while wearing one.

Maybe someday, I will also be buying the kind of eyeglasses that my parents wear (Christian Diors)which cost at least P12,000 per pair. But not for me this time.Hehehhehe.

My reading glasses has a grade of 100 for both eyes. Beginner's grade indeed.

Sunglasses

2007-12-01T00:34:00.000-08:00

Collecting sunglasses is one of my vices. I think I have already bought about ten pairs of Ray Ban sunglasses, since I bought my first pair. I have lost more than two pairs already and oh well, that's life.

I don't go for copies or fake pairs even if they are much cheaper. I go for the real and authentic pairs. Expensive but authentic indeed.The most expensive pair of sunglasses that I possess is a pair of Cartier.It was my favorite until I got my new pair.

My recent splurge is a pair of authentic Gucci 2775 brown/gold sunglasses which my sister bought for me when she was in the US. Regular price of this pair is about US$350 and I got mine at a bargain!

It is hard to find pretty branded sunglasses here in Bohol. I can't just buy any pair that looks pretty on the webpages in on-line stores. The right pair must be tried on. So, what I do is I try on as many sunglasses as I can everytime I go to Cebu City (which I do at least once a month due to my doctoral classes) , at optical shops at SM City Cebu and Ayala Shopping Center Cebu. Once I found a nice pair, I write down the brand, model number and price of the one that looks good on me. Then, I look for it on the Internet and get to find the one at the least price.

I browsed my favorite on-line store Amazon.com and of course Ebay.com and finally found the one at a good deal. I emailed my sister (who was in the US then) the link of the item that I found and asked her to buy it for me. Since the item is breakable, I don't want it shipped direct to Bohol. I asked my sister to have it shipped to my friend in San Francisco, USA, who was coming to the Philippines that time. Bohol wasn't my friend's first stop when he arrived in the Philippines so I asked another friend to pick up my Gucci sunglasses from my friend who was staying at the Manila Penninsula. And I was so excited, like a little girl excited about her new toy, when I finally got hold of my pretty pair of Gucci sunglasses.

Now, I am looking at another pair -- a pair of black Versace 4070 with swarovski crystals. Well, I still have to work harder to earn more Internet income for me to be able to afford another pair of expensive signature sunglasses.

Halloween !

2007-10-29T05:52:00.000-07:00

I won't say happy halloween because I don't see anything happy about halloween anyway. I don't consider it happy since on this day, a lot of people wear something scary and they decorate things around their yard, inside their house with stuffs that look so scary.

Two years ago, me and my husband actually experienced halloween in the US. We were visiting a friend in San Jose, California and children, wearing interesting costumes, were knocking at our friend's house and we went out to give them candies and chocolates for their trick or treat. It was fun in a way though.

In Bohol, we don't have something like that. Our children don't go out wearing crazy costumes and go from one house to another for a trick or treat. However, families go to the cemetery on November 1 and 2, to visit the tombs of departed family members, relatives or friends. Family and friends gather around at the cemetery, eat, drink and be merry, reminiscing the lives of the departed loved ones.

Halloween is always related to something scary though. How about sharing scary or spooky stories?

I don't have a personal scary or spooky experience. I am not like other people who got a 'third eye' or has the 'sixth sense' that they experience spooky incidents more than once.

A spooky story

Story #1. In one of his political trips, my father was travelling from one of the municipalities of Bohol. Tired from the day's activities, he was sleeping in the car when suddenly he was jolted due to the sudden stop of the vehicle. He asked the driver what was happening and the driver told him that he had to stop the car and has to drive very slow this time because there are many carabaos walking in the middle and on the sides of the road.

My father, who was half awake didn't realize at first if what the driver was saying was true but when he opened his eyes, he saw with his own eyes WHITE CARABAOS all over! He estimated that there were more than a hundred of those carabaos. He was wondering where these carabaos would come from and where they are going. They were on the part of the road where the road is between a cliff (of a mountain)to the right and a cliff (along the sea) to the left. They were then driving somewhere in Dimiao.

After several minutes of slow driving and with goose bumps on their skins, my father and his driver suddenly saw the white carabaos disappear from their sight. The were both wondering where did they went to and why were those carabao white? Spooky eh?

Story # 2. Just few weeks ago, my father called me to help organize the 'remembering' activities for my Lolo and Lola (their birthdays are November 2 and November 15) because my Lola 'reminded' him (again) through some spooky ways.

It was early in the morning and my father passed by our library. He looked toward the big table and the opened album on the table caught his attention and he looked at it. There, he was surprised to see the picture of my Lolo and him and on the next page, my Lola and my mother. He was wondering how come his attention was directed to the open album? Why was the album open already? Why was it open on the page where the picture of my Lolo was?

He wasn't scared though because he is already used to these happenings that my Lola would some sort of 'remind' him about the upcoming activities.

A little spooky huh?

How about you? Do you also have a scary or spooky story to share?

-------------------

Read also - Remembering the departed

I am a child of God

2007-10-14T06:10:00.000-07:00

I attended church this morning and my dad delivered the Message. I always love it when it's my dad who delivers the Message.

Today, he was preaching that being a child of God, one don't need someone else to relay his concerns to God. Being His child, one can just directly ask from Him for anything. Pray to Him and not to or through anyone else. And I believe in that.

In my case, being a parent myself, even before my children ask for the things that they need, I already know and I have even already provided for what they need. God is like that. He provides our needs even before we ask for them. How much more if we ask for those?

But all the things that we need must also be added with our exertion of efforts. Like water, which has been provided by God for all of us to use it. However, if we don't do anything, like even exerting an effort of filling the glass with water and lifting the glass of water to drink the water, we won't be able to quench our thirst.

Man proposes and God disposes.

And in our own lives, being children of God, we will put all our trust in Him and He will take care of everything.

Are you a child of God too?

I am envious!

2007-10-10T19:52:00.000-07:00

Being envious means having a feeling or showing envy. And I admit I have this feeling.

However, the kind of envy that I am feeling is not a feeling of envy over materials things. I don't feel envious when I see others holding their expensive LV,Tod's or other high-in signature bags (although I don't own any of them) or seeing rich gals driving their Mercedes-Benz or Jaguars (my dream cars)or mestizas flashing their diamonds. These materials things are only riches on earth. My riches are stored in heaven (naks).

So, what am I envious about? I feel so envious when I see someone jogging, jumping over a cliff to the water below, dancing, biking and other physical activities. I feel envious not because I am physically challenged.

I do have complete limbs to do all these. When I own pairs of running/walking shoes that could be used for jogginb or walking. I am not afraid of heights that I one of my fantasy extreme activity is to do bungee jumping or hand glide. I used to own a mountain bike which I used to use for long drives along the roads in Panglao Island. When I was much younger, I took ballet and jazz dance lessons and could really dance very well. I was even the main dancer during our ballet and jazz dance recitals.

So, what am I really envious about? I am envious because I can't do these physical activities anymore. Why? It is because my hormones act weird if I engage myself in these kinds of activities. Others may thought this condition might be just imaginary. I wish this is just imaginary too. But I have undergone a battery of tests, I have seen almost 20 doctors, I have been tested and admitted at different hospitals (which includes Ramiro Community Hospital in Bohol, National Kidney and Transplant Institute of the Philippines, St. Luke's Hospital in the Philippines and National Institutes of Health in Maryland, USA). And sad to note that what is happening or what has happened to me is NOT imaginary. It's real.

I still need to go for another round of stress test to determine how far can I go with regards to physical activities. The last time I had this test, I could even hardly reach Level 2 (highest is level 7). My cardiologist had to stop me because my BP was already at 170/100 upon entering level 2. Whew! I don't feel the pain, but the BP level was just scary. So, because of this condition, I can't do the physical things which I would love doing.

But having my kind of condition doesn't make me sad or bitter. At least, what I have is classified as RARE. Hahahahahhaa. Who knows someone would be envious of what I have anyway?. But please, don't be.

(picture above is that of NIH in Maryland, USA. My room was located at the 5th floor on the front right side of the picture)

Skin Whitening Craze

2007-08-19T08:10:00.000-07:00

Majority of us Filipinas are born to have light to dark brown skin tone. Majority of us also wants to have fairer skin and thus the skin whitening business is booming.

You can see giant billboards showing the faces of some celebrities endorsing whitening products/services. When you read magazines, there is at least 5 ads promoting whitening products. On TV, advertisements about these products/services are always visible.

Who among us here haven't tried a product or service, in one way or another, just to make our skin whiter/fairer?

I am also hooked to this. Although I am not really a morena, I think I am not as 'white' the other girls/women. However, last year, I discovered something effective for making my skin whiter and fairer. A high school friend of mine introduced Kojic Soad to me and it's been almost one year that I have been using it and it shows visible results already.

A lot of my friends asked me if I am taking glutathione. I am not. Although I haven't asked my doctor if I am allowed to take such, I am not used to taking medications/tablets which might harm my delicate body. My friends noticed my fairer skin!

And I always share with them my little secret. I use Kojic Soap!

Kojic Soap

The color of this soap is dark orange. It is plain rectangular in shape. Packed in ordinary clear plastic with a white oval sticker with the label "Kojic Soap".

To use this, do not rub the whole soap to your skin. But just touch the soap with your fingers and rub your fingers to your skin (whole body) to make a thin lather. Rinse your body thorughly then repeat the procedure but this time, leave the lather on your skin for about 3 minutes before rinsing it off.

You can also use the soap for your face but don't let the lather stay on your face too long. Rinse off when your face starts to feel tingly.

The soap is not that expensive. Although not readily available in most department stores, I got my supply through order only. Each soap is sold at P100 per piece but if you don't leave the soap wet in the shower cubicle, the whole soap could last for 3 to 4 weeks.

To make your Kojic Soap last longer, keep it in dry place. You have to place it in a covered soap dish.

The first time I ordered, I think I bought about 100 pieces for the first time and until now, I still have some pieces in my cabinet. My duaghter and my sons use this soap too that is why I decided to keep stock of this.

How about you? Do you also want to have a fairer/whiter skin? Try this Kojic Soap. If this has been effective to me and some of my friends, this could also be effective on you.

For more information about this wonderful Kojic Soap, you can email me.

Papa

2007-06-17T07:16:00.000-07:00

It's father's day today. However, I didn't even greet my own father a "happy father's day" today, although he is just a call away.

But not sending him a message on this day doesn't mean that he is not special to me. He is and will always be.

My father is a very busy man. On the year I was born was the year he started his political career. From municipal councilor, he rose to become provincial board member, vice-governor, assemblyman, congressman and governor. But despite his being a property of the public, he was always there for me when I needed him.

I remember when I was still a little girl, I would always run to kiss him everytime he arrives home. I take his shoes off and give him his slippers. I give his vitamins and medications during his meal time. At night, I would pretend to be sleeping in the living room and it was a great feeling when he picks me up and carry me to my bedroom.

He composed my oration pieces and spent time from his busy schedule to train me for the oration contests I participated in. Even if he is busy in his office, when I come in, he would stop what he is doing and would acknowledge my presence and ask what I need.

Being a college freshman at 15, I couldn't decide which course to take up so it was my father chose the course I took up and finished. He together with my Mama was always there to guide and support me when I was taking my CPA review and passing it was a sweet success for everyone in the family.

There was a situation in my life wherein my fahter let me choose between him and someone else. And of course, I chose my father. And it was a happy decision.

When he was a congressman, I (with my older brother) was the one who acted as his personal secretary. I keep track of his appointments, do shopping for him, cook his meals (he was a vegetarian then) and even prepare his clothes.

I grew up being very close to him but he always kept enough distance to let me grow up emotionally, academically and spiritually by myself too. But he always make me feel that he is just there, anytime he is needed.

Now, that I have a family of my own, he is still always there if everytime I need to consult with him about something related to work, business and profession. He would always return my call right after I make a "miss call" to his number.

He might not be a perfect but for me, he is the greatest father!

Happy father's day Pa!

(Photo above shows my daughter Karla and my Papa)

Election Experience, Part I

2007-05-19T20:56:00.001-07:00

The 45 days of campaign activities was indeed an great experience for me.

House To House

This is an activity where we, the candidates will visit voters at their residences, meet them, shake hands with them and if lucky will get to talk to them too. Our campaign assistants will also give away our campaign leaflets.

Everyday during the campaign period, I had to wake up as early as 5 a.m. to get ready, and go to the assembly area for this activity. I did a lot of walking with the other candidates and our campaign assistants. Most of the places we have visited were new to me because it was my very first time to go to those places.

After 1 or 2 hours of walking, trying to visit the most number of houses and shake hands with voters, the breakfast portion is the most awaited for and much enjoyed portion of the morning. Our campaign coordinator , Ms. Arlene K, always see to it that everybody is well-fed during for breakfast, after the toiling house-to-house activity. At least 40 people each morning ate together at the breakfast-host-house-for-the-day. And the eating experience was always fun.

What do we usually had for breakfast? Hmmmm. scrambled eggs, fried dried fish, tinola, adobong nukos, inun-unan, hotdogs, coffee, bread, pancit,rice and many more..And after the filling breakfast, we get to sit and relax for awhile.Then, go home, take a shower and take a nap.

A Learning Experience

2007-05-06T18:49:00.000-07:00

This summer has been a very busy season for me. Me and my husband have to wake up very early each morning to catch up with the first campaign activity of the day - the 'house-to-house',which starts at 6 o'clock in the morning. In the afternoons and evenings, we also have to attend campaign sessions at different barangays in the city.

The campaign activities has been a very good learning experience for me and my husband since through these, we are able to meet a lot of people from all walks of life and we get to visit places in the city where we haven't even visited ever since we lived in the city.

It is always a humbling experience for me to meet the urban poor. I get to see how they live and how they look living in their simple lives. The more I see people like them, the more my heart is touched, moved and encouraged that I need to work harder and so my share of doing something to help them live better lives.

When I see the kids, I see their innocent happy faces. They look so naive but yet these little creatures are the future of our country. They are the ones who must be given priority in the government's thrust and programs - that would help them live better lives and brighter future.

The more I am involved in this campaign, the more I learn what the people need most and the more I come to think how they can be helped.

Bohol's Internet Princess meets Miss BP World '06

2007-04-06T17:01:00.000-07:00

I finally met Miss Binibining Pilipinas World 2006, Anna Maris Igpit last March 10, 2007. She was one of those who graced the Bohol Youth Day held on that day.

My friends D'ers and Leo formally introduced me to her. And when she saw me, she shouted "Oh my! I finally met you in person!" I was awed and didn't say anything but smile and we posed for a souvenir picture together.

When she won for Miss Binibining Pilipinas World in 2006, I was one of the thousand of Boholanos who were so proud of her for getting that title. And in my own little way to give support to a fellow Boholano, I made her personal website : www.annamarisigpit.com .

The meeting indeed confimred that Anna is a loveable, very pretty lady. And she is also very proud to be a Boholano.

Bags... bags.. bags....

2007-03-26T07:07:00.000-07:00

To ladies out there. Are you a bags bug too?

I got bitten by the bag bug when me and my husband went on tour to the US in 2005. I ended up buying five pieces of Coach bags and one Prada. I got a couple of Nine Wests, Liz Claiborne, Dooney & Bourke too. Last year, I rewarded myself with a red Lacoste bag which I bought from the Lacoste shop at Ayala Mall in Cebu City.

My eyes popped and was salivating when I saw the LVs, the Guccis, the CDs, the Fendis at the signature boutiques at the shopping center at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. But all I can do is appreciate those awesome bags and wish I can also afford to buy them.

When talking about bags, I am still an amateur compared to my best friend. She owns about a dozen each of LVs,Guccis and Pradas (her favorite signatures), a couple of Balenciagas, countless of Coach bags and some more of other brands. She buys most them them online. Some from Amazon.com and others in other websites.
. I am learning a lot from her too, when it comes to bags lessons.

Others may not understand why some would prefer the expensive and branded bags over the generic bags. Some doesn't care if their Prada or Coach is a fake but some do really care and will NEVER go for copies but the authentic ones only.

How to identify a fake from a copy?

PRADA - Of course, the one you bought must bear the violet-black colored small envelopes containing the authenticity cards and other slips. The letter R of a fake Prada is straight and doesnt look like an slant elongated diamond shape. And of course, the hardware used as handles, locks, slides of an authentic Prada looks sturdy and is obviously made of good quality metals. The nylon used is of course of good quality and turns violet-black when sunlight strikes on the bag.

COACH - an authentic Coach bag of course bears those aunthenticity cards also. The leather and hardware used is of very good quality. The C logos of an aunthentic Coach are properly arranged. Fakes have incorrect Cs.

You can also learn how to spot fake signature bags from www.handbag.com, about spotting fake Coach too and you can find more articles online about these topics.

Well, admit it. You too might love to have bags too. But of course never wish to have eye bags.

Q & A part 4

2007-03-03T08:26:00.000-08:00

*is your hair wet?
~ no.

*is your cell phone right beside you?
~ yes...

*are you wearing makeup:
~ not now. i already washed it off earlier this evening.

*are you wearing chapstick:
~ not now. i was during the day.

*are you cold:
~ nah..

*are you tired:
~ if i am staying this late, then i am not tired at all.

*are you excited:
~ about what?

*are you watching t.v:
~ right now? no.i will later, after this.

*are you wearing pajamas:
~ no.

PAST
*recently done anything you regret:
~ for not answering an email from a client.

*ever stuck gum under a desk:
~ i used to do that when i was still a student.

*ever kick someone:
~ i think i did.

*ever trip over your own feet?:
~ often.

*ever cried so hard you almost threw up:
~ i think i already did.

*have you yelled at someone:
~ i have.

*have you gotten mad at someone:
~ i have too, but not for long.

*have you cried:
~ a week ago.

*have you called more than 3 people:
~ today? i think i called more than 3 people.

*have you im'd more than 3 people:
~ newp. hehe.. i jsut got online. wa pa ko ka chat sa ym.

Q 01: is there a person who is on your
mind right now?
~ yeah.. my husband.

Q 02: where is the last place you went?
~ to BQ supermarket.

Q 03: who is the last person you called?
~ my husband.

Q4: who do you like more, your mom or
dad?
~ a lot of people say i look more like my mom.. hmmm guapa diay ko?

Q 05: do you have any siblings?
~ got 3 sisters and 7 bros.

Q 06: do you smile often?
~ all the time.

Q 08: do you wish on stars?
~ sometimes.

Q 09: do you untie your rubber shoes every time
you take them off?
~ i don't wear rubber shoes.

Q 12: are you a friendly person?
~ i am.

Q 13: who's bed did you sleep in last
night?
~ my bed.

Q 14: what color shirt are you wearing?
~ light blue.

Q 15: do you have any pets?
~ we got goldfishes right now. we used to have great danes.

Q 16: what is the color of your bed?
~ it depends on the bed cover on it.

Q 17: what were you doing at 9 last
night?
~ sleeping.

Q 18: i can't wait until...
~ all my children are all grown up and pursuing happy and fruitful lives of their own.

Q 19: is tom on your friends list?
~ i dont have a friend named tom. though i wish Tom Cruise is a friend of mine. hhahhah

Q 20: look to your right. what's there?
~ an open window.

Q 22: ever cried yourself to sleep?
~ yeah.. several times. im a cry baby.

Q 23: ever cried on your friend's shoulder?
~ i think i did.

Q 24: song that makes you cry?
~ Pasko Na Sinta Ko.

Q 25: are you normally a happy person?
~ i am always happy.

Q 26: has anyone ever said 'i love you' to
you?
~ of course. i always get it from my husband.

Q 27: is your self-esteem extremely low?
~ average.

Q & A part 3

2007-03-03T08:11:00.000-08:00

1. have you ever thought you were abnormal?
~ i always consider myself normal.

2. how many months to go before your birthday?
~ from now? 9 months.

3. last movie you watched with your husband?
~ The Promise .. and it was soooo boring! hahahhaha

4. is your landline listed in the telephone directory?
~ i think so.

5. do u eat alot?
~ no. im a light eater. although i don't eat light bulbs huh..

6. are you reading anything right now?
~ my blog.

7. do you have any frustrations?
~ i wanted to be an artista. hahahhaha

8. what is the time now?
~ 12:15 a.m.

10. if given the chance, will you join pinoy big brother?
~ no. i havent watch a single episode of PBB anyway.

11. if someone called you right now, would you take the call?
~ yeah. it might be a call from a client abroad.

12. do you have a favorite nursery rhyme?
~ jack and jill?

13. do you like your handwriting?
~ yeah. i guess i have a very good handwriting.

14. have you ever trespassed someone else's
house?
~ my parents'? my sister's?

15. do you want to be justin timberlake in your next life?
~ i dont know who he is.

16. have you ever gotten drunk?
~ yeah. many many years back.

17. do you think someone thinks of you every night?
~ of course.. my mom and my husband.

18. how's your health right now?
~ very good!

19. what did you want to be when you were
young?
~ a lawyer

20. how many languages can you speak?
~ english, bisaya, tagalog. think that's all.

21. has anyone made a poem for you?
~ no one.

22. are you hungry?
~ no, im not.

23. why do you answer surveys like this one?
~ interesting and fun.

24. last food you ordered at mcdonald's?
~ what's it called? the fish fillet stuff?

25. the last person who called you on the phone?
~ my daughter.

26. can you speak straight english?
~ of course. and most people hate my American accent. blame it to too much watching of Sesame Street. hahahaha

Q & A part 2

2007-03-03T07:45:00.000-08:00

Who would you want to be tied to for 24 hours?
~ would/nt it be boring?

Have you ever seen a dead body?
~ of course. would you believe it? I did the make-up of my Lola when when died.

What is something scientists need to invent?
~ i can't think of one right now.

Do you watch local news? Why?
~ sometimes. i want to watch what's the latest chika in showbiz.. hahahah

How long do you think you will live?
~ it's in God's hands.

Do you prefer chatting online or on the phone?
~ chat online. my fingers are so good in chatting.

Would you consider yourself political?
~ i am maybe. but im not yet so vocal about that.

Do you think it's okay to make out with someone else even if you're taken?
~ hmmmm.. that is kinky.

Is someone stalking you?
~ i dont think so. but i think i used to have some when i was still a movie star.. (char)

Do you watch cartoons?
~ i hate watching cartoons.

What's your normal BP?
~ hahhahaa. don't ask me about it. I take Norvasc 10mg regularly.

Do you like cotton buds?
~ i look for them every after i take a bath. i must love them.

How often do you cut your nails?
~ yeah.. they feel eeeeky when they are too long.

What deodorant do you use?
~ secret....

What color are your nipples?
~ ask my husband.

Something you want to do lately-
~ a whole body massage at the spa.

Paper bills or coins?
~ paper bills. bundles of them! hahahaha

Former Superwoman

2007-03-03T06:54:00.000-08:00

In my About Me portion, it says there "A self-confessed Internet addict and a former superwoman". I am actually an Internet addict and I am not ashamed of that because I have learned to make use of the Internet in better ways. But the "former superwoman" thing, I am sure you are wondering what is the story behind that.

I am a working mom with three wonderful kids. Being a mom would really make one a superwoman, right? When my kids were still growing, I had yayas for each one of them, I had house helpers to do the house chores for me and so on. However, came the time when house helpers became so rare and if I am able to get one or two, they don't stay with us forever. They also have their own reasons of leaving. But mind you, I am a very good "amo".

Well, one day I decided not to cry anymore everytime a house helper goes home or leave. I told myself "why would I cry over such situation? Who are they by the way that they would make me feel mesirable?", "why do people living abroad can live without these house helpers around?". Since then, I declared myself to be a superwoman.

I do most of the stuffs at home, although my husband and kids help around too. Cooking, cleaning, dishwashing, etc.... are a routine. And in addition to this, I do report to office also. That stint as a superwoman went on for about 3 or 4 years. However, something happened in 2003 (watch out for this in my future blogs) that stopped me from being a superwoman.

Now, being a former superwoman, I am back to having house helpers around to do most of the stuffs here at home. But, I decided to keep the things I enjoy doing - cooking (I do it most of the time) and shopping.

Being a superwoman was something but being a FORMER superwoman is even something else.

It's My Life !

2007-03-02T18:39:00.000-08:00

This blog is created to let me know more about myself. One way of doing that is to ask myself some questions which I need to answer and make me recall of simple things of which answers have been in my wholelife.

This is my first Q & A blog. I got these set of questions from my cousin: Here they are:

1.whose picture is it that u keep on
ur wallet?
:: a picture of my family

2. what time do u go to bed?
:: it depends. sometimes, as early as 7:30 pm and sometimes, as late as 3 am.

3. what was the last thing u did b4 filling this survey?
:: doing an Internet lecture to 96 students from Corella High School.

4. who's the one u always meet the most?
:: at work? my secretary - Ms. Monding. at home? - my helpers Charlene and Besing.

5. who's the person ur gonna call if u need help?
:: my husband - Arthur

6. what's on ur mind just now?
:: would i be able to answer all my emails?

7. who's number on ur speed dial?
:: my husband, my daughter, my sons, my dad, my mom, my sister, Mia..... my phone can accomodate a lot of numbers in my speed dial

8.with whom do u wanna have fun?
:: arthur, my kids, cousins

9. what's the latest movie?
:: would you consider 24 a movie? we just finished watching the whole 1-5 seasons of 24! i sleep and wake up with Jack Bauer! hahahhahahaha

10.when was the last time u went out?
:: yesterday. i went to Eskaya resort in Panglao to meet up with a client. Lunch at Asiatika with a guest too.

11. what/who do u hate the most for now?
:: lack of time to do all the things i want to do.

12. when was the first time u slept alone?
:: i cant remember anymore.

13. what do u wanna do for now?
:: blog. reply to emails. go to the hair salon later.

14. what do u do everyday besides eat and sleep?
:: work. internet. cook.

15. fave pet?
:: none for now. we used to have great danes. planning to get another great dane soon.

17. colors that make u happy?
:: green and red.

18. most fave in ur room?
:: my square pillow (for my head) and my regular pillow for my legs.

19. what was the last thing u bought for ur room?
:: more pillows

20. any instruments in ur room?
:: hmmmm. what sort of instrument?

21. do u cook?
:: of course! i love to cook.

22. miss someone?
:: my pamangkins living abroad. my mom (seldom see her). my sister.

23. plan to buy something?
:: a new cellphone for my son. another car?

24. are u satisfied with ur life now?
:: i'm a happy person. i could say im satisfied, although i always have dreams still to be realized.

25.do u like seafood?
:: of course. we had 2 giant crabs for lunch the other day. we will have prawns tonight.

26. breakfast or dinner?
:: both. but im a light eater.

27. what do u usually eat for breakfast?
:: quaker oats, fruits, low fat milk.

28. did u eat breakfast today?
:: yes. pan-desal with no cholesterol butter. salt-less fried danggit.

29. do u recycle?
:: yep!

30. do u have a laptop?
:: of course. it's my work-mate. its an IBM x40. it's a very cool stuff.

31. what's ur favorite fast food?
:: chowking

32. cats or dogs?
:: dogs

33. salty or sweet?
:: sweet nalang. i can't have salty foods.

34. city or country?
:: country

35. what's ur favorite kind of cake?
:: carrot cake or any cake with nuts.

36. Is kissing normal for our age?
: yep!

37. are u athletic?
:: i can't be one.

38. do u swear?
:: rarely.

39. would u ditch your friends for a date?
:: nah...

41. what do u wear to bed?
:: would you really like to know that?

42. ever had a crush on a teacher?
:: my teacher in Marketing during my MBA stint at DLSU.

43. coke or pepsi?
:: coke light. diet pepsi.

44. sugar or spice?
:: spice

45. can u use chopsticks?
:: yep. it also helps one to eat less. hahahhaha

46. do u like to read for pleasure?
:: i do if i can afford the time.

47. do u care about getting good grades?
:: i don't but i always get good grades even without trying. hahahahhaha

48. have u ever fallen asleep in class?
:: never.

49. get a job or ask ur parents for money?
:: i got a job, but i don't think there is harm if my parents will also give me money. hahahhahaha

50. is ur dad strict?
:: he isn't to me.