random thoughts and more...

Sunday Meal

2010-05-02T21:55:00.001-07:00

Today was eating day Sunday!

Breakfast was a ham and egg sandwich and a glass of milk. This was the only relatively "light" meal of the day. The rest was just gluttony!

Lunch was in Seoul Oaks, a Korean eat-all-you-can restaurant. It was actually so-so. Not that good, not bad either. I just expected more since it had good reviews. For $19.95, the price was kinda high. So we had to make it sulit and we ordered a lot... and finished it! heheeh... Thanks Randy and Stella for the lunch treat! :) Until now, I'm still burping Korean bbq!

After a walk around Town Square or Town Center?, we decided to have dessert in Serendipity 3, this famous dessert place from NY that's now in Vegas. The take out line was long but we were eating there. There was a 10-minute wait. I absolutely loved their Fried Oreo dessert. I ordered Chocolate Blackout cake. What a huuuuge slice!!!! We were 8 sharing it but we couldn't finish it! Loved their fries too! But the coffee was terrible! One huge cup of tasteless coffee. Nevertheless, it's still a place worth going back to.

When we got home, Bric, Yaya Mila and I went to the park to burn a few calories. Then, it was dinner time again! Mom prepared char-siu back ribs and marinated squid. Gulp! Busog again! Had pomelos for dessert while Roc and Stella tried peach flambe! I had to control myself. Too much calories in a day. Have to practice self-control!!!!

On Line Shopping

2010-04-27T11:16:00.000-07:00

I was always the WARY on-line shopper the moment on-line shopping was "in". I've heard enough horror stories of identity theft and credit card charge frauds. But now that I've tried 'shopping' in Amazon.com, I'm enjoying this new way of shopping.

It's shopping without walking. Although it's still different to actually hold and touch and feel items in your hands, see with your eyes and smell with your nose, there are items that don't need the senses too much. Like books... and diapers... and items you already know and want. On line shopping is cheaper and quite convenient. Minimal delivery charge and cheaper prices too!

So far, I've been 'shopping' but I try to stop myself from buying too much. As Roc's hubby would say: Do you want this 'item' or money in the bank?

Of course, I much prefer money in the bank... :) Unless an item is too tempting. Hehehe..

Down Days

2010-04-04T14:45:00.000-07:00

I always thought being pregnant puts you inside a happy bubble, but this pregnancy is different. There are moments when I feel there's a storm raging inside my body, all those hormones just going around and around, whirling in my whole system, waiting for the time to blow, to burst.

There are times when I prefer to frown and look at the down side instead of looking at the bright side; times when I prefer to be alone and away from everything, everyone and yet there are times when I just wish all my loved ones were here with me.

Do I blame this state of 'depression' to my hormones? Is it really that? Or is it all a matter of attitude? I just pray and wish that my mood swings and my dark thoughts don't affect our Brody.

Life in the US is pretty lonely and there are times when I feel helpless. I am soo homesick. Nights I find myself counting the days til Brody comes out so that in time, we can all go back home to the Philippines. Even Mila feels lonely. For people in the Philippines, they have this American dream... but not all of the "American Dream" is even bright and sunny. I would never trade living in the Philippines for living here in the States. I just wasn't wired this way. I am a Filipino and I am at home in the Philippines... Here, now in Vegas, I feel like a fish out of water, I feel I don't belong. I feel so disoriented.

In time, I know I'll get used to this all over again. I just wish we weren't too far away from home and my stay wouldn't seem as long as it feels...

Then again, when my hormones have settled, I may feel better yet again and all these 'lonely' and 'sad' thoughts will be replaced by happy thoughts and wide smiles.

Sprite, Water

2010-03-22T17:18:00.000-07:00

We were having lunch in a dimsum restaurant in Vegas. Bric was enjoying his crispy shrimp wanton when he got thirsty. Yaya Mila was busy eating as well so she accidentally gave Bric her glass of Sprite instead of his water.

When Bric drank from the glass, his face crumpled and he spit it out! It was his first taste of softdrinks. Thank God he didn't like it! hahaha...

The sight was just so funny! :) Wish I had taken a picture! :)

Pancakes. Attempt 1

2010-03-20T13:31:00.001-07:00

It's our 3rd day in Vegas and for the 3 months that I'll be staying here, I have told myself to learn how to cook yet again. So today, I decided to make the simplest thing... ready mix pancakes for breakfast.

Did my mise-en-place. Aunt Jemima's ready mix, measuring cup for dry and wet measures, pan, butter, utensils, etc. Then followed the instructions of the box to a T! 2 cups of pancake mix, 1.5 cups of water, then stir!

Heated the pan, buttered it a bit then poured the mix. The mixture looked lumpy but ok. I wanted my pancakes fluffy. The pan cake mix looked flat when I first poured it and looked small so I added some more. I totally forgot that the mixture would rise. So I ended up with half an inch thick of pancake with a 6-inch diameter. Mighty too big and when I flipped it, because of its size, I couldn't completely flip it over without it folded in half. Sigh...

The 2nd pancake was slightly better. By the 3rd try, with my hubby's advice, I added a bit more water to the mixture to make it lighter. Then poured just one 'ladle' size of mixture. Turned out better.

Made a total of 6 pancakes. I ate the 1st pancake to destroy the 'evidence' of my kapalpakan. Oh well, I told my hubby, there's always a first time. It's so different having cooking theories in my head and actually getting to do it. But hopefully, I won't be content with just toasting bread and frying eggs. Wish me luck!

6 months

2010-03-01T17:58:00.001-08:00

We are anticipating a new addition to our family! A baby brother for Bric and another son for us. I'm already 6 months, 3 weeks and few days on the way. Baby is moving and kicking so much, as early as 4 months old, actually.

Can't wait to welcome him into our world! I pray he and Bric will share a special bond of closeness like my brothers, Jojo and Louie. I pray... I pray for a lot of things for him but I pray so much that he will be normal, healthy, happy, handsome, intelligent, straight, loving and kind hearted. I pray he will grow up to be a good Catholic boy and will bring pride and joy to our family especially to his Lolas...

Cory and Mom: A Simple Friendship

2009-08-05T07:15:00.000-07:00

I visited Tita Cory’s wake yesterday with my mom and 2 of her friends. My Mom was one of the chosen few who were asked to speak during Tita Cory’s necrological services.

Listening to some of the speeches brought me back memories of my days in Cebu and visits in Manila when Mom and I would be in Tita Cory’s company. Those were the days when I was Mom’s constant companion, her shadow. But Tita Cory never made me feel like one.

As the shadow, I saw how their friendship developed. I saw the common thread that tied both of them together – their simplicity, their joy in little pleasures, their ‘cheap thrills’ when they go shopping and find good bargains or when they get latest scoops of showbiz chismis. Most importantly, it was their shared love for family, for shared memories of their husbands who have gone before them and for their unquestioning faith in God and the undeniable power of prayer in facing adversities in life that solidified their friendship.

Together, they were mothers who consoled each other when their child went astray. They were doting grandmothers – they would ‘show and tell’ pictures and stories of their beloved apos. They were simply two friends enjoying one another’s company. With Tita Cory, you did not feel ‘small’. She was real. She was human and very, very genuine. She was pure. She had no pretenses. She was the good in every human being. You just knew that her friendship with God was real. You knew she had a direct line to Mama Mary.

I am fortunate to have seen how Tita Cory was up close and personal through the friendship she shared with my Mom. I am blessed that she stood as our Ninang during our wedding. I cherish her gifts. I am grateful that she considered Mom her close friend. I am thankful I was given the opportunity to have been touched by her… even only as a shadow.

After the Fight

2009-07-26T10:21:00.001-07:00

After the fight, Dad decided it was time to rest. And the day he chose was today. He went without drama, without tears, without goodbyes. He just passed... as if it was the most natural thing.

I am numb. But I am at peace. I know Daddy Boy really LIVED his life. Of course there were so many other things he could have done more, but in his 67 years, he had received so many blessings fit for many lifetimes. But he also had his share of trials, and they were many, especially physically. He was ravaged and torn but he fought the fight. His spirit was not diminished... despite two major brain surgeries when he was younger, despite his bout with colon cancer, despite his struggle with diabetes (and believe me, this was a struggle because how he loved to eat!), despite his aortic stenosis, his pneumonia, his bed sore, his multiple strokes, his kidney problems, and so much more. Though it seemed physically he was weak, his faith was unshakable.

I believe God made him His instrument of what prayers, faith and love can do. Daddy could've left us earlier. In 2000, he died for a few minutes, but he came back. From that day forth, we considered each day a blessing, a new lease on life, an extended gift.

I never saw Daddy as the unapproachable, dictatorial, authoritarian dad. When I was introduced to him as Boydee's girlfriend, he told me jokingly that they had Chinese blood, thinking Boydee's being Filipino would be an issue in my family. In the next few meetings, he would ask me 'O! Kailan mo ako bigyan ng the IV, referring to a son.' When Boydee and I got married, it took us 15 months to be pregnant. Imagine the pressure especially when Daddy would be in and out of the hospital. I prayed so hard to God for Dad to be able to at least see the birth of the IV. I prayed so hard for a son. It was like I dedicated Bric to Daddy Boy. True enough, when Bric was born, somehow, they immediately had a special bond.

When Bric was a baby, his Lolo Boy would visit him in our room, and even if Dad wasn't as strong, he would try to carry our heavy son. When we put Bric on Lolo Boy's lap while he was in his wheel chair, the highly energetic, hyper Bric knew NOT to move so that Lolo Boy wouldn't have a hard time. He loved Lolo Boy, was always generous with his kisses and hugs, was always ready to sing and dance for Lolo if asked. Bric could make Lolo Boy smile from ear to ear. When Lolo Boy could eat, they would have merienda of noodle soup in Chowking.

I, for one, have always been a Daddy's girl with Daddy Victor, and with Daddy Boy. He was a pleasure to take care of. Sure, he had his moods but you just know that his heart was pure and gentle. In his quiet and calm moments and I'd be holding his hand, he would look at me and tell me thank you for taking care of him. Sometimes, for no reason, he would say thank you. He'd say I love you. And to me, it was not just words, it was a genuine heartfelt conveyance. Dad knew how to make one feel special. When you are with him, one can not help but give as much love and care as he deserves. He was a big lovable baby, one I could make 'lambing' to.

I can not even begin to say how much Daddy Boy meant to Boydee. He was his idol, and that says a lot. Boydee was named after him and that is a responsibility my husband does not take lightly. He carries it with so much pride because he knows that his dad is a great man, because he has helped so many and loved so much.

I feel you're just here Dad, in our midst, that you're just in your room sleeping, or in therapy. I still don't want to think that you've gone away forever. So for now, I won't say my goodbyes. I know wherever you are, that you will always still be with us. We love you so much! Thank you for staying for as long as you could. Now, you can rest and eat all the food you want! See you in Hong Kong!!!

Facebook-ed

2009-07-12T19:23:00.000-07:00

After months and maybe even years of prodding from my hubby, sisters and friends, I've finally decided to join the bandwagon and open a facebook account. My anti-social and seclusion days are over and I am now "public property".

I just signed up a few seconds ago and what's supposed to take just a few seconds became quite longer since I still had a few doubts. Boydee was beside me, continuing to coax me to join. I think he's only after my new ingredient if I sign up in Restaurant City. Bwahaha...

But I am sort of convinced of it being a way of keeping in touch with friends old and new. When I left for Japan (Nagano), I made a few good friends. I couldn't just email every bit of little news that would happen my way right? That's when I realized Fb is a good way to keep in touch and be updated. As Grace Ang said, you already have a topic of conversation, an ice breaker if you're friends in facebook and you see each other. Good point!

So, add me... Let's be "friends". hehehehe...

Profile name: Olivia Lynn Dizon :) hehehe

Quick Post

2009-06-22T07:24:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to show off my newest scrap :) hehehe... This picture was taken a few months back when Bric was just about to start his swimming lessons. Bought him a swimming cap and goggles. This was his first 'fitting' of the swimming paraphernalia. A tad bit tight, don't you think? His face is all wrinkly... like a sharpei... :)

Connichiwa

2009-06-03T23:40:00.000-07:00

We're here in Nagano, Japan where Boydee's Conference Chairman of the Nagano Asia Pacific Conference 2009 of the JCI. I'm technically the "first lady", sort of. And the Japan COC has really been taking good care of me, of us.

This afternoon is the Opening Ceremonies. I had my hair done at the salon. Costed me ~P2,100 for hair alone!!!! I decided to do my own make up to save on an additional P1,250! Imagine! So, salon is only for the opening and all th rest, I shall manage. That's a deduction from my shopping money. (as if I have any... hehehe)

Nagano is known for its soba (buckwheat noodles). Just this lunch, Kazuko-san, my interpreter and Hideaki-san who drove for us, brought me and Shin-a, wife of VP Teddy, to Tokaguchi, a mountain shrine with a forest trail. The place is also known for its soba. We had Ten Zaru Soba - cold noodles served on bamboo (zaru) plate and tempura on the side. It was delicious!!!

Yesterday, we were VIPs all the way! Felix and Grace were friends with the JAL President and he took care of them. Uncle Cecilio and I were only too willing to walk behind as "bodyguards". hahaha... They/We were given preferential treatment. Felix and Grace were upgraded while Uncle Cecilio and I were seated in the front row of the economy class but with business class seats. The flight took 3.30 hours. We were escorted upon check in to immigration and were even given lounge access. When we arrived Japan, someone was tasked to assist us, even getting our luggage for us! Now that's what I call service. It was great since it is Grace's first time to be in Japan, and she's doing so with style. haha...

Outside the airport, we were met by Yuki, who was holding a bond paper with my name on it. She was to accompany us all the way to Nagano. She was very sweet... Kaye, on the other hand, joined us in the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano. She was funny and spoke with an American accent which she claims she learned by watching movies. At each stop, we were met and welcomed and assisted by the Japan COC or the Japan International Affairs. They were very hospitable.

When we arrived Nagano, Tomomi, a volunteer with a British accent, met us and brought us to our hotel along with 2 COCs. Mona, Boydee's interpreter/pa, greeted me at the entrance of the hotel. Then, I went to our room, then went back down to plan the next day's itinerary with them.

We then had dinner with Yuki, Obibi-san and Torizo to Torizo's restaurant specializing in chicken, chicken and chicken. We had chicken appetizer (drumlet simmered with soy sauce), then grilled chicken (yakitori), then chicken omelet and lastly, chicken in hot pot. It was yummy! Dessert of chocolate ice cream with frozen berries on the side was the perfect way to cap the meal. Obibi spent 6 months backpacking in Cainta during his younger days and he still remembers a lot of tagalog words. It's funny that his favorite Filipino songs are from Eraserheads. Usually, foreigners mention Freddie Aguilar's "Anak".

Anyway, we called it a night after that. I felt kinda woozy already. I unpacked, looked for Boydee and we went up together. Worked on his speeches a bit, chitchatted a bit and said our goodnights! :)

Oyasuminasai!

Discovering Discovery Shores Boracay

2009-03-05T06:20:00.000-08:00

Honeymooners...many times over...

February 22-24, 2009. Boydee and I took advantage of the super sulit promo of Discovery Shores Boracay. For only P18,887 net per person, one can avail of a 3day-2night stay in Discovery Shores, Boracay inclusive of roundtrip airfares via Seair, a 50minute Qi Massage in Mandala Spa, transfers to and from airport, and daily breakfast at Sands. How can you pass up an opportunity like that?! Normally, a night in Discovery costs $350!

Touted as our mini-honeymoon, Boydee and I excitedly headed off to the Old Domestic airport.
After our 30-minute flight, ~15minute ride to the dock, ~30minute boat ride on a PVC? boat, 30minute ride on an extended golf cart, we arrived Discovery.

Our Junior Suite

At Discovery, there are endless pleasant discoveries. They sure know how to pamper their guests. Little things go a long way. I was really impressed at the tiny details the management thought of in terms of service.

Welcome to Boracay sweets!

I loved... almost everything in the room. Boydee especially loved their shower, so much so that on the first day, he took a shower three times! I loved the personal touches to make us feel welcome. I loved the location and the beach front. I loved the spa serviced by the multi-awarded, world-recognized Mandala Spa. I loved their adobo for breakfast.

Sunset at the shores of Discovery

I loved the location. I loved the staff who were so warm and accommodating. I loved their welcome foot massage. I loved the free wifi! I loved the experience of staying at Discovery.

How can you NOT feel pampered?
When you go back to your room after a day at the beach,
your bed is turned up to invite you to sleep.
Even the slippers aren't left to chance!

I didn't like the noodle station for breakfast. I didn't like the position of the swimming pool. It was right in the middle of the property. Most of the guests can see the pool, and the swimmers, in their rooms.

Our trip to Boracay was a rediscovery of this beautiful island we've visited quite some time ago. While it had become a tad bit too commercialized for me, I still wouldn't mind going back over and over again. One of the main reason is the beautiful discovery of Discovery Shores... IF they have that package again. Hehe...

Visiting my Teachers

2009-03-05T05:52:00.000-08:00

On February 13, a day before Sister Rose's birthday, I finally visited her in Tahanan, Manresa. The last time I saw her was when I was about to get married. I brought Boydee with me then, to introduce her to my future husband. Now, many years and a 2-year old son after, I visited her again. It was a long overdue visit! It was timely too since Sister Yang, my Chinese teacher, had just moved there from our school a few days ago. I was hitting two birds with one stone.

Sister Rosario Justiniani, for most Sacred Hearters who graduated in the late 70's up to the late 90's, is THE terror English teacher of our school. Surprisingly, she was well-loved and not a few graduates of our school would always go back to our alma mater and never forget to thank Sister Rose for imparting to us her knowledge of the English language and instilling in us the discipline to study and master our lessons. For elementary students who were not under her yet, she was the nun who would always nag us to keep away from her garden. In my senior year, I was finally given the opportunity to be under her. She helped me with my Valedictory address, editing what I had written and guided me during its delivery, telling me when to stop, when to make hand gestures, when to just pause. She was a mentor and the best part, she gave me high grades!!! Hehe...

Sister Teresita Yang, on the other hand, was one of the most gentle teachers of our generation. The story of her life can be summarized into one sentence: I go where God takes me. I submit to the will of God. Make that two sentences... :) Sister Yang reminds me of St. Therese, her namesake. She is humble, meek, soft-spoken and a very faithful follower of God.

On that day, I was supposed to be with Julie Christy, my high school batchmate but her son Josh got sick suddenly so she had to back out at the last minute. She sent her barbecue tho while I brought bilaos of pancit palabok. I brought Bric and Robyn with me. The sisters adored the babies!

I didn't know that Sister Georgette was already Provincial Head of the congregation. That means she's in charge of all the schools of Hijas de Jesus in the Philippines. When she knew I was there, she dropped by to say hello. She was in the middle of a meeting with Mother General - as in the head of the whole Hijas de Jesus in the whole world.

Sister Georgette was also one of the terror nuns when I was still in High School. I remember in Junior year, I was one of those she called to see her in her office to ask if I was sure I was ready to take the retreat. Of course I was. Hehe... That's when I realized I wasn't one of her favorites. Haha... Perhaps she thought I was talkative or didn't have my priorities straight, I'm not sure. Anyway, when I was serving as an officer and then president of our Alumnae Association, we were already quite close. By then, she was already Head of our school. From what I've seen, she was an upright and forward thinking Principal who achieved a good balance between what the school wanted for her students and what the students and parents wanted from the school. It was evident that her wisdom, management and leadership skills would get her places. And it did. She's now Provincial Head right? All for the glory of God.

I spent an afternoon with our Sisters. This was a first time in a long time that I got to be with them again. I promised Sister Rose I'll call on her again!

Back for Good

2009-02-24T07:21:00.001-08:00

It's been a month of 'iwan Bric' trips this February. Went to Cebu for an overnight to work during Valentine's day with Boydee at Chateau, then went to HK with muy chikas and chico for an eating spree, and then finally, today, got back from Boracay with Boydee for a mini-honeymoon. Imagine, Bric picked me up from the airport three times this month. Now, with no trips in the near future being planned, I am glad to be back for good, temporarily, til another destination comes along. So, I told Bric no more iwan for now. And he was happy :) Heheh...

It'll take a few blogs to talk about our trips. That will have to wait (again) since I'm getting sleepy. Zzzzzz.... Will head to bed :)

RaNdOM ThOugHts on...

2009-02-10T04:28:00.000-08:00

Passport Renewal... I had my passport renewed and I am VERY impressed with this on line service - www.passport.com.ph. They provide a stress-free, very efficient passport renewal method. You apply on line, choose dates for pick up and for personal appearance to the DFA. When you get to DFA, you're received by Teletech/Teleserve agents and are treated like some VIP with your own waiting area. It practically takes all of only 15 minutes for the wait, the stamping of your thumbs and your signature at DFA and then you're all set to brave the Manila traffic. I just got my passport today. Just as they had promised. So, for stress-free passport renewal, log on to www.passport.com.ph!

Passport Picture... While I am impressed with the site I just mentioned, I am utterly frustrated at why DFA imposed the rule of 'no smiling' on our passport pictures. I mean, don't we all look much prettier if we had a smile on our face? So, now, my passport picture has me looking like a school teacher. :(

Ayala Museum... Last Tuesday, a few MVC staff and I went to get some inspiration for our Ecclesiastical Museum. First stop was Ayala Museum, and my, am I proud that we have something like this! The museum was very well-maintained, technologically advanced and quite informative. I especially loved the essaying of Philippine History through the dioramas. Of course, the Amorsolo exhibit I reserve for the next paragraph. :)

Amorsolo's Women Exhibit in Ayala Museum... Just walking through the gallery of paintings by Fernando Amorsolo takes my breath away. Studying his painting, taking a closer look, I am whisked to a different time and place. His strokes are melodic. It seems like there is a rhythm, a music to his paintings. Sometimes, it isn't in the subject itself but the emotion that is so vivid in his work. It's magic. What a genius!

Bahay Tsinoy... A unique museum meant to bring about a deeper appreciation of our culture - the hybrid Tsinoy - descendants of local Chinese who know only of one country, the Philippines. Tsinoy... that's what I am, and so are countless Fil-Chi in the Philippines. We may be 'Chinese' but we're just as Filipino as the true-blooded Pinoys. The exhibit mentions heroes of Philippine history who were Chinese-Filipino. Jose Rizal, Emilio Aguinaldo, the martyrs Gomburza, and so many others. We're as much a part of shaping the country as our kayumanggi brothers and Philippines is OUR country. The 3D hologram on the 4th floor is a must see!

Boxing... This is our current form of exercise. My right ring finger is constantly sore but my, what a work out!

Well, that's it for now :) hehe...

Mini Reunions in Cebu

2009-02-07T06:10:00.000-08:00

Cebu will NEVER be completely 'home' and 'familiar' without my precious friends. I met up with a few of my dearest ones while I was there.

My ZJC Mares. Grace will be leaving us to join her hubby in Perth, Australia so we had a despedida for her. A few days before that, we also met up because I was visiting. We had lunch at Cyma, then the despedida was at Golden Cowrie, all in the new Terraces of Ayala.

ATOM-D. For most of my college life, I shared my 'soul' to two friends - May and Dexter, who eventually ended up with each other. Hehe... And, who stood as my Matron of Honor and Honor Attendant during my wedding. Well, the friendship remains despite time, distance, children, pounds lost and gained (mostly gained). Of course, there's also Thomas and Leslie, our eating and our "corny, old-fashionably boring and wholesome" outing buddies. Well, again, since I flew in, we had to meet... this time with children in tow. We had a potluck dinner at Thomas and Leslie's place where Tiffy shared her gazilion toys. Here we are about to go home for a souvenir photo :)

Simala, Himala

2009-01-20T05:48:00.000-08:00

19 Jan 2009. This is Simala, a church dedicated in honor of the Miraculous Virgin. Here, the image of Mama Mary is seen to have shed tears. Located in between Argao and Sibonga, this monk-run shrine used to be a small shanty but because of Her miracles, devotees have donated so much that in its place is this huge edifice but holy, nonetheless. We went - Mom, Tita Aida, Tita Lucy, Tita Flor, Bric and yaya Mila on the Monday after Sinulog. There were quite a number of pilgrims but not as crowded.

To kiss the Virgin, we had to fall in line. While waiting, I lit colored candles representing different petitions, took snapshots, prayed, played with Bric and took in the magnitude of the church. This was built on donations alone! If God wills it, it will really come. This has never been more evident here.

After a few more minutes, we finally reached the image of Mama Mary where Bric and I whispered our hearts' prayers. We left the church soon afterwards, knowing our prayers wouldn't fall on deaf ears. But more than the prayers of petition which we lifted to our Mother, we also asked her to bring our gratitude to God for showering us with His love and friendship in this lifetime.

S-l-o-w-i-n-g Down in Cebu

2009-01-16T22:05:00.000-08:00

I would never have thought I'd get to the stage when I'd not feel "at home" in Cebu. This was my home for a good 30 years of my life and yet, now, I realize, I'm not completely 'home' anymore. Things change. I've been away for four years and this morning, driving from the beach house in Mactan to our house (to borrow Audrey's high chair for Bric), I feel like I'm half home, half not in this city. For instance, I consider our bed in Manila as our (Boydee's and mine) bed and the bed I feel most comfortable in. Our room in Manila is the one that brings me comfort and rest. And more importantly, I feel Bric is most at home in the nursery in Manila. Given these facts, I still would NOT abandon Cebu. NEVER. I will always keep coming home and I am only too happy and feel most fortunate that I can offer Bric two worlds, two homes and two 'cultures'.

I have gotten quite used to the pace in Manila, though. In Manila, it takes 30 minutes just to go from the house to the office. Here in Cebu, it's just 2 minutes or even less. I could actually run to go to our office and be here in a minute since it's just next door with just a hole in the wall acting as the gate. Hehe... In Cebu, what takes me 30 minutes is the drive from our house to the beach, or even less. Or the drive from our house to Chateau, or even less. Yes, Cebu is just a small city but complete with all the cosmopolitan comforts. The pace though is just kinda making me sleepy. You accomplish so much in a day that you actually run out of things to do. No wonder I had so much time for badminton when I was here... or golf... or my extra curricular activities.

Here, it's so easy to organize get togethers while in Manila, I'm too lazy to even contact my friends since I have to plan my route. Here, everyone knows everyone while Manila is just tooo big. Traffic is bad in Manila. Cebu's is better. But what I love in Cebu is our food. Aaahhh... lechon, barbecue, Fely's cooking, Chateau's spaghetti. And I love how it's just so easy to spend a day at the beach and be close to nature.

I am glad and mighty proud to be a Cebuana. And even if Cebu isn't exactly my home anymore, a part of me will always feel that way, a part of me will always insist that I always visit, a part of me will always be Cebu. A huge, important part.

Without Bric

2008-12-31T15:03:00.000-08:00

Today, I found the time to pack up half a balikbayan box and update, sort of, this blog. Bric is with Mama Rona and Papa Japa shopping in Belz Factory Outlet. He CHOSE to go with them of HIS own FREE WILL. Hehehe... So, I have a little more freedom today, except that I'm kinda missing him a lot. Hehehe...

Yesterday was the first time we left him with Daddy Dic and Mommy Lai for one afternoon. Again, it was HIS choice, he was wanting to be with Robyn, Riley and Ranger. Lai convinced me that it was really ok for them to take care of Bric. I was hesitant... not so much because I thought Bric wouldn't be ok, but more because I was worried for Dic and Lai. Hahah... Bric is such an active kid and such a teaser. He will test his limit.

So anyway, while we were out for a few hours to a car dealer with Rod, Zhar, Ate and Japa, Bric was with Lai and Dic. When we got home at around 8pm, they were filled with funny stories about Bric.

They talked of how Bric wailed for "Mommy" when he woke up from his nap. Prior to that he was a good, manageable boy. Post nap and realizing I wasn't around, he was "nagwala". Poor baby... I mean, poor Rondic and Lai. They were trying to appease him. Then there was once he squatted and let out a loud, foul smelling fart that Dic and Lai thought he made poo-poo. When they checked the diaper bag, there was but a single wipe left. hahaha.. Panic time for them. Lai told Dic to improvise. Ooopss.. til next time.. Bric just stepped inside the door.

To friends, happy new year!!! :)

With A LOT of help from Family

2008-12-18T19:09:00.001-08:00

It's 7:09pm, Thursday and it just snowed yesterday in Henderson, Nevada. Bric and I, together with Rod and Zhar, arrived last Saturday, December 14 and so far, I'm surviving without a yaya but with a LOT of help from family. Thank GOD for family!!!

Boydee is set to join us on Saturday. Counting the days...

Bric turns 2

2008-12-13T05:27:00.000-08:00

We're all packed except for Bric's sterilizer and my night kit. We're off tomorrow for MAJOR Mommy-Son bonding to the US to spend Christmas with the Dizon family. I have butterflies in my stomach since I will be yaya-less for almost 4 weeks!!! The long flight alone is making my tummy jumble. But I will have faith!!! And I prayed to God for stamina! Heheh... :)

I am quite excited to spend time with Bric. He is such a bundle of energy! Today, he turned two! We had lunch at Choi Garden with his Ninong Rod and Tita Zhar who kindly bought a birthday cake for him. Ate, Japa and the Gavinos sang the birthday song for him on the phone but they couldn't make it to lunch since they were on their way to the airport to catch their flight to Vegas. Bawi na lang sa States in Chuck E Cheese :)

After lunch, we headed home and Bric took his nap. Boydee and I fixed our Christmas list and gifts. At 4pm, I brought Bric to the Doctor for his check up and typhoid shot. He was such a brave boy!!! Didn't even cry nor whimper when he was injected. Tita Doc was so impressed. She was also impressed that he can identify numbers and letters now. But what really got to her was how heavy he's become. In just two weeks, he gained almost 1 kilo! He is now 16kg!!! And he's only 2!

At 6pm, we (Boydee, Rod, Zhar, Yaya Mila and myself) heard Mass in Dela Strada and asked the priest to bless Bric. Then we bought food in Chow King for the house help and drivers. They sang Happy Birthday for Bric and Bric, on cue, blew the candle! He was so overwhelmed, he wanted to blow the candle again. So we lit it up for him... again. Hehe...

Turning a year older really has a lot of developmental milestones for babies. Last year, before he turned 1, he learned how to walk already. This time around, a few days before he turned 2, he's learned how to say 2-syllable words! He relishes the sound he makes when he calls me "Mam-mee". It's music to my ears!!! Just today, he's saying "Da-dee". He can also easily memorize songs.

In fact, we've rehearsed Jingle Bells for Christmas.
Mommy: Jingle
Bric: Bells
(repeat)
Mommy: Jingle all the
Bric: Way
Mommy: Oh What fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh!
Bric: Hey!
And that goes on and on. His super favorite song is Old McDonald and he'd be the one to give us which animals Old McDonald had in his farm. Although with the animals he mentions, it's more of a zoo than a farm so he calls that song, Zoo. He tells me, Mam, sing Zoo. :)

I hope Bric had a fun birthday. As for us, I can only thank God for giving us this energetic bundle of joy to us. He is one not-so-small package of ultra-huge love! Happy Birthday Baby!!! We love you very much!!!

Kikay Day

2008-12-09T08:02:00.000-08:00

Today was Kikay day for me and Bric.

Bought Bric a stroller yesterday after bringing Mommy Nonie to the airport. I got Bric a Maclaren Triumph in a beautiful brown color with blue accents. This will be most helpful for our trip to the US. I mean, I can't be carrying our 15.2kg baby in my arms the whole time while carrying my hand bag, his diaper bag and my laptop bag. No, no, no. So, Lai was right! I do need a stroller in the airport. Hehe... And Zhar heaved a sigh of relief when I told her I'll be bringing a stroller. Rod and Zhar will be our travelling companions and I am thanking them in advance for okaying that we, Bric and I, travel with them. Hehe.. They'll help me take care of my energetic, hyper, lovable bundle of joy. :)

It was high time for Bric to have a trim. His curls were growing too long. So we broke in his stroller and went to Kid's Hair Salon for a trim. He sat on this black car and watched tv at the same time, I had to soothe him to keep him on his seat. A few minutes after, he was sporting a neat trim and we had lunch at KFC with Yaya Mila. He gorged on KFC chicken. Hehe... I think his favorite part in eating at fast food restaurants is that he can sip his water in the bottle with a straw. He looves playing with the straw and gulping with it. Hehe...

After his haircut, we went to our office. Then, he went home for his nap. I did some office work and proceeded to my appointment with Louis Kee. If there's anyone I trust with total abandon with my hair, it's Louie. He was introduced to me by Tita Margot Osmena and from then on, I have my once a year hair appointments with him. He's a bit pricey but he cuts and colors really well. He has that special ability of making his 'cut' look even nicer as your hair grows. He has his own salon finally at One McKinley Place in Taguig. It's behind McDo and UCC.

A few hours after, I was on my way home, hot headed from being hungry. I ate bihon and turbo'd chicken while watching Dyosa and Betty La Fea. Then, I semi-packed for our trip. Ordered Yellow Cab Pizza and am blogging now.

Will zzzzzzzz soon. :)

Christmas Shopping

2008-12-08T20:48:00.000-08:00

I'm all frantic what with Christmas Day coming up and we're almost leaving for the States. So, Boydee and I worked on our, mostly his, list while I did most of the shopping.

My favorite Shopping place for kids is Rustan's in Edsa. They truly know how to make me feel like a queen. Now, there's a store that champions customer service! They really take care of you.

Another recent discovery of mine is Makro. We went there to scout for Christmas baskets for our staff. Robert, the one in charge of the foods section, was so efficient and helpful.

Thank goodness we already have stores who make customer service a priority. It takes a load of pressure off especially with the Christmas rush.

To Rustans and Makro, keep up the good work!

Birthday and Christmas Gift Suggestions for Bric

2008-12-05T09:14:00.000-08:00

This post should read... What Mommy Wants for Bric on his Birthday and/or for Christmas. Hehehe... So, for all of Bric's Ninongs and Ninangs out there who will be reading my blog, this one's for you.

Educational toys - may include books (hard pages), coloring books, blocks, etc.

Clothes - His size is anywhere between 3T-4T. And he's only just about to turn 2 this December 13.

Shoes - His feet is already 6 inches... Not sure what shoe size that translates to.

What he's loving right now: Animals!!!, Sesame Street characters, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Lion King (he can memorize the songs in this film but can't pronounce them yet. hehe)
Runners Up: Pooh and Santa Claus :), Dora

There! That should make things easier :)

And again... hehe...

2008-11-28T08:21:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

I Elfed Us!

2008-11-28T08:14:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Thanks to Ate Rona for featuring this site in her blog and to Lai for viewing it this afternoon. After our laughing session, I just had to try it tonight... and it was hilarious!!! :D

Control

2008-11-26T23:27:00.000-08:00

I received a bit of news this morning about someone I dearly love (no, it's not Boydee! Whew!). My heart literally dropped, then started pounding so hard out of sheer frustration and exasperation. Another boo boo committed, as if we haven't learned enough, as if we haven't seen enough. I couldn't understand how it could happen again. There goes another complicated life.

Sometimes I so wish I could control the actions or the choices of loved ones... just so they live their life right, so they live their life according to God's laws. I wish the wrong choices that have been made are reversible, or as in a book, editable; that one wrong decision can be corrected by perhaps a good one, or that it can be erased. But life isn't that way. Reality is what it is, sometimes good, sometimes overly complicated.

If we take life too seriously, especially the problems that sometimes really aren't our own but of someone dear to us, we still carry it in our hearts. The heaviness, the pain, the anxiety, even if we really aren't directly affected. Our hearts are connected... by friendship, by blood, by ties. It is a good thing to feel empathy towards someone but if it only also stirs feelings of frustration and hurt over that person, then we're better off not 'feeling' too much.

When I was a child, I'd hold counseling sessions with our helpers in the dirty kitchen. They'd tell me their problems and I'd tell them what to do. As a child, my views were black and white, right or wrong. No grays, no in betweens. It was simpler. I wanted to be a counselor after those mini sessions, feeling I'd always have the answers to everything, confident they'd always take my advice, so sure their lives turned for the better because of it. At that age, problems were petty, not life changing. In my little world, I had control over it.

Now, my world has grown wider, bigger; and the problems graver and may be life changing. And I am no longer in control. At least not of the lives of my loved ones. I can only control my life - my thoughts, my attitude. Everything outside it is beyond me. I can only control how I react to things, to news. I've had my heart hurt a couple of times. I've had frustrations over things or people beyond my control. Just this bit of news this morning was one deep frustration. I can only trust God that He allowed it to happen and that there will always be good that will come out of this, no matter how dim it may seem. And I always have to remind myself that there are so many things, really, that are beyond my control. Just let go and let God!

On Inja

2008-11-15T06:38:00.000-08:00

Boydee giving his campaign speech for the JCI EVP position.
Of course, as a biased wife, I'd say he wowed them :)
Boydee is now 2009 JCI EVP assigned to Area B.

Here we are, back from India, Boydee and I. On our 4.5 hours flight from New Delhi to HK via Cathay Pacific, 2 hour lay over in the airport, and the 1.5 hours flight from HK to Manila, I couldn't hold my excitement of seeing Bric again. After immigration, customs and getting our luggage, I took fast steps outside of NAIA 1 and who do I see peeking out of the car?! Our darling baby with a smile that was from ear to ear!!! Aahhh... home at last!!! :)

Here are some random thoughts on India before I forget all about them.
...It's winter in November in India so apart from the smog, visibility is low because of the haze.
...the HQ hotel of JCI World Congress was overpriced at ~P14,500/night!!! So imagine the hole in our pockets since Boydee had to stay for 9 friggin nights!!! There goes my kikay allowance.
...Indians love getting TIPS! Nope, not helpful advices or notes but TIPS as in moolah. For instance, our hotel's housekeeping personnel for our floor would be right outside our room and smiling at us, saying they were the ones who cleaned our room. One of them would say he'll be off duty by 2pm so if we check out early, we might not see him again. Parinig... But then, the consuelo is they give us unlimited water bottles and whatever toiletries we ask for in excess, like moisturizer, vanity kits and soap.
...AVOID local taxi cabs as much as possible. They'll try to cheat you however way they can so they can earn an extra buck! Once, I took a ride on this dilapidated mini van of a taxi all by my lonesome since Boydee was in a meeting and the shuttles were already off at 5pm (grr...). The driver insisted on bringing me shopping or around even when I already stressed that I wanted to go back to our hotel! In another instance, we asked this driver to bring us to Karol Bagh, a local market. He said he'll charge us R300 roundtrip. Of course, it was apparently too good to be true. This driver took us to this tourist shop. We found out it wasn't the place we wanted to go. When we insisted, he in turn insisted that we pay him R500 one way or R1,000 round trip! The nerve!!! We lost our appetite for shopping and asked him to bring us back to our hotel. We paid him R250, after asking help from some of our Indian friends.
...Zoo animals can be seen on the road. Camels pulling a cart, elephants, monkeys and huge cows.

Bargain sale on the streets. This isn't even crowded yet.

...If you think Philippines is poor, wait til you see India. Their sidewalks are like tiangges that are densely populated.

At Bukhara, rated Top 50 Restaurants of the World

...Indian food are either red, green or yellow. Hehe... Seriously, while some of our friends were sick and tired of Indian food, I was ok with it. Thanks to Moti Mahal Deluxe and Bukhara. :)
...McDonald's in India does not carry hamburgers! Only chicken, veggie burger and filet of fish!

Authentic Roti, made by hand on a burning 'oven'

...I had my fill of roti!!! Yum!
...Most Indians do not have a sense of personal space and they're very vocal. They push, shove to get to where they're going. They also speak their minds. They're not shy to ask people for 'favors'. On our first night, several Indians asked me to have a picture with them. Boydee was on the side and saying, 'hey, that's my wife.' The Indian misheard and said, 'Ah yes, smile!'. That same night, a LOM president of a chapter in India took me from my table at the diner for a picture. He was waving his ribbon that said 'LOM President' and asked me to put my hand on his right shoulder saying that it's customary in India as a sign of friendship. I said 'No thank you', smiled at the camera and said goodbye.
...When shopping, always haggle. Even at more than 50%

It took my breath away knowing I was actually seeing one of the
Wonders of the World with my own eyes.
Taj Mahal is beautiful!!!

...TAJ Mahal is really a sight to see. Our guide was right when he said that the photograph can not capture its beauty. It stands serene and beautiful, a monument and testament of love - of a King to his wife, and the vision of the architect and its laborers who arduously labored over each minute marble inlaid detail. Shakeel said everything was symmetrical and to think they only had their eyes and a really long string to measure everything. No computers, no measuring tape, nothing!
...We had a "welcome to India" experience going to and in Agra. On our way from Delhi to Agra (4.5 hours without traffic which is impossible), we had a flat tire. In Agra on our way to the Agra fort, our car was hit by a tanker. Our driver was so outraged especially since the tanker driver ran off. A policeman who was in the vicinity rode on our car while we sped on trying to find the tanker. Sadly, we couldn't find it so we went on with our tour. I was glad I was travelling with Boydee. In times like these, he's my security blanket.
...Most of our time was spent in our hotel since Boydee was running for JCI EVP and there were GAs, meetings, events to attend, we really didn't get to see much of India. But the trip wasn't wasted since it was a good time for the Philippine delegation to rediscover, renew, build friendships with each other. Wink wink...

Colorful saris worn by Indian women as they stroll along Agra Fort

Would I go back to India? Yes, definitely. But unlike some places in Europe especially where it's nice to immerse in a country's culture and 'do as the Romans do', India is better left explored in luxury as a tourist. The sites are just waiting to be visited but going there, I'd so much rather ride on a bus or a private car, in a 5 star hotel and purely escorted by an Indian English speaking tourist guide like Shakeel, our guide in Agra.

In-Ja

2008-11-04T04:57:00.000-08:00

I'm all packed and ready to go but my heart is just sooo heavy. I'll be leaving Bric behind for a week to join Boydee in India for the JCI World Congress where he's running for JCI EVP. Torn between my two boys. :(

Already psyched Bric that Mommy will be going to "In-Ja" where Daddy already is. I guess he understood it because he's been ultra clingy the past two days. My heart breaks each time he cries. So, I made a mental note NOT to leave Bric this long. A week's kinda pushing it but I have to support my DH in his campaign. Hopefully, this is the last trip this year where we have to leave Brickoy-koy. He's getting to be really smart. I just wish his yayas and cousins will keep him preoccupied.

Boydee is in Delhi waiting for me with the 57degree heat and the overpriced hotel room. Tomorrow, I shall be all yours, Love! hehehe...

Prince Rogan

2008-10-20T05:36:00.000-07:00

This is a LO I made of a picture that was taken a few months back in Tanay.

LO Challenge

2008-10-03T10:15:00.000-07:00

Ate Rona referred me to the WLO project after she saw my extraction. If we submit an entry with the few conditions set, we'll receive this amazing In the Zoo Kit! Here's the link and here's what my entry looks like :)

Watching the Experts In Action

2008-10-02T11:28:00.000-07:00

The 2 weeks that passed were a daily ritual of office-hospital-house as Dad was confined at the Medical City since September 14, a day after his birthday. He was discharged only a few days ago, was it September 30?

While at the hospital, Ate Rona and Lai would bring their laptops and work... NOT!!! Hehehe... They would SCRAP! But of course!!! And it was a treat to watch them express their 'creativity' and I got a few tips and techniques here and there. Nothing like watching the experts at work!!!

Anyway, we're still in the middle of our Baby Album but in between, we're doing our Disney albums. I think Lai's in the lead with having the most finished pages. I just started two days ago and here's what I have so far. :)

This is my attempt at 'art noveau' style... hehe...

This is, of course, an extraction - one of my favorite techniques!

Spoiled by templates!!!

My attempt at using 'sweet' colors :)

Trying my hand at white space and 'earth' tones

Well, this one, I got carried away with the cute animal elements :)

That's it for now!

A Long Process

2008-09-09T08:45:00.000-07:00

Hey Sisterhood! What do you think of this LO? I've been at this for 5 days already-changing kits, re arranging the pictures. So what do you think? Suggestions are open! :) hehe... I just HAD to scrap this series of pictures of Bric and Tyler. It's just hilarious!!!

Muscle Strain

2008-09-05T03:03:00.000-07:00

Hehehe... That's what it was. And the paranoid me was thinking along the lines of menengitis or mumps. So, major whew. The doctor gave me a muscle relaxant and pain killer. Let's hope this works!

Still Clueless

2008-09-04T11:15:00.000-07:00

No luck with the doctor today. She didn't go in. Hopefully tomorrow the Internal Medicine Doctor will go to his/her clinic in VTMDC and see me and give me answers as to my headache.

Lonely day at the office tomorrow since my two officemates will be going to HK for a short vacation with their families. Happy trip to Japa and Ate Rona, Rondic & Lai and Randy & Stella and their kids and yayas tomorrow!!! Have fun!!!

Incessant Migraine

2008-09-03T20:35:00.000-07:00

Ever since I recovered from the flu and diarrhea, I've been having these incessant head aches. When I stand from sitting down, I get these throbbing sensations on the right side of the head all the way to my neck. Why???!!!! What's wrong with me?? :( Waahhhh....

It's been almost two weeks and it's still with me. I've researched in the internet for possible causes. And God forbid it's anything serious. So finally, I'll be going to a general doctor today. Hopefully, she'll give me answers. Wish me luck and pray for me.

Here's a photo of Bric and Lolo Boy before they went to VWL two days ago. Yaya Mila took this picture. When I saw it, I was astounded as to how our baby has grown! He looks like a little big boy now. And he looks like me when I was younger. Uh-oh. Would've wanted him to look like his Daddy :) hehehe...

Down & Out

2008-08-24T09:23:00.000-07:00

Been down and out for three whole days with stomach flu and fever. Had stool exam and CBC counts done and all yielded normal results. Thank God! Now, my 3rd day, I'm feeling better although there are temporary and occasional bouts of weakness and wooziness emanating from my joints or my intestines!!! But overall, I think I'll live! :)

Just came from watching Cinderella in CCP with Boydee and Mommy Nonie. The rest of the Dizon clan watched ahead of us but since Mommy Nonie was watching today with Marissa and Elvira, we decided to accompany her.

Cinderella has always been MY favorite fairy tale of all. Somehow, when I was a child, I was enamored by the thought of being swept off my feet by a Prince. When Boydee and I were just in that sweety-sweety stage, I gave him a Cinderella book with the dedication that went: Here's hoping and praying we are each other's missing pieces and that we're both holding on to our glass slippers - hoping and praying they're the right fit! Fast forward to today, and guess what! The glass slippers still fit smugly!!! :) Now back to the play!

Save for the poor vents of the CCP Theater which were aimed directly at my newly healed head, I enjoyed the show. Nevermind if Lea Salonga was way too short for Prince Chris or was the Prince too tall for Lea (as in their song: Are you wonderful because I love you OR do I love you because you're wonderful); nevermind if Lea's wig needed much improvement; nevermind if I already know the story by heart and not one song sounded at all familiar.

The props were wonderful, the cast save for the major ones were exceptional, the stage was magical. The lighting was awesome, too! During the curtain call, everyone gave Lea a standing ovation. I got teary eyed. My heart swelled with pride as I watched her graciously receive the applause. I was so proud that she's one of our own... a true blue Filipina!

Congratulations to Bobby Garcia, the director, and the entire cast and crew of Cinderella. Hope you wow'em all over Asia!

Back from El Nido

2008-08-20T07:47:00.001-07:00

Just got back from El Nido where we spent three days of pure leisure and relaxation. It was a much needed break from all the work, 2 weddings, and stress in the city. More pictures in the next posts. For now, it's time to zzzzzzzz..... I'm sooo sleepy :)

Finally, My Despedida de Soltera Album!

2008-08-11T10:20:00.000-07:00

I have finally, finally finished my Despedida de Soltera album. After 4 years!!! Hehehe... I started scrapping them this year and now here it is! Will have it printed into an album soon! :)

Here are some sample pages :)

PJ Party for Ate, Boydee & Zhar!

2008-08-10T20:23:00.001-07:00

We've been having theme parties to celebrate Boydee's and Ate Rona's birthday since 2005 when I started organizing their birthdays. Of course, Ate Rona didn't have much choice since she celebrates the same birthday as my hubby, only that she was born a year earlier. Hehe...

We had the Kamayan party in 2005, Spanish in 2006 and Mexican in 2007. It was in the Mexican themed party when we started to include costumes. Our guests had to come in a cowboy, or mexican outfit. The best part is, everyone played along!!! I LOVE organizing parties with the Dizons!!! If I organized one for the Uys, only Mom and I would be dressed to the nines. Hehehe...

Anyway, this year, Boydee thought of the concept. Yup, my hubby, the celebrant... And I think it was a fantastic idea. Since I wanted to order The Plaza's delish Ham with pan de sal and Fresh Corned Beef and vegetables, we decided to feature an all breakfast menu. We had aside from the 2 mentioned above: chicken and pork tocino, arroz caldo and tokwa't baboy (Lai's request), fried spaghetti bolognese (Ate Rona's request but Melinda decided at the last minute NOT to make it fried!), fried eggs, eggs benedict sauce, then Mom couldn't resist adding pork tocino and bacon. Rondic added chicharon and dinuguan and puto from Kusina ni Virginia. The chicharon was a hit! Even Bric loved it!!! Hehehe...

For dessert, Michelle Hechanova, our wedding cake supplier of Dad and Mom's Ruby, gifted Ate Rona with a Choco cake since she felt really bad that Ate wasn't able to partake of the choco layer in the wedding cake. Sweet of her!!! I also ordered Delize's Pistachio Sans Rival which was devoured in a matter of 1 day and a half. Mom also bought Hizon's ensaymada since we were serving HOT chocolate. That was our feast!

With the help of Zhar, we executed her idea of the bedtime set up. All the rectangular tables were lined up and topped with bedsheets. Our centerpiece was a pillow, a stuffed toy and a children's book... all courtesy of Mom's and, of course, Bric's, collection. Hehe... Here are some pictures of the party.

Baby Tyler, our newest nephew, surrounded by chicks and mother hens. Hehehe..

Tita Zenaida with Zeena!

All ready for a sleep over!!!

Our Mini Family (before Bric went to bed...)

Hugh Hefner and Jet Li! hehehe...

To Ate Rona and Zhar, happy birthday Sisters!!! Love you both!!!

To my one true love, 38 years ago, you were born for me! I love you with my life!!! Mwah, mwah, mwah!!!

40 Loving Years

2008-07-31T21:01:00.000-07:00

Was it Father Anton or Father Benny who said that while life begins at 40, for marriages, the love peaks at 40. This has never been more true in the case of Dad and Mom.

It was finally THE day we've all been preparing for. July 27, 2008. On that day, Dad and Mom became the newly married couple - Dad, the proud groom, and Mom, the blushing bride. There is something that is just so heart-tugging at watching an 'old' (not of age, but of longevity) couple walk the aisle, or hold hands or kiss.

Make of our hands, one hand...

Unlike young couples who get married (yes, for the first time), we, married people, know that yes, they may be blissful now, but every now and then, the happy bubble will burst and there will be trials ahead. We pray that this new couple's love would be able to withstand all trials.

As for old couples renewing their vows, we, married couples, can only look with awe and admiration at the journey this couple may have gone through. Upon seeing the spark, the glow still evident in their eyes, we know that it is indeed true and real love... one that has weathered storms, one that has seen them through the best and the worst of times, one that will last for eternity. We can only pray that God grant us the same fate of eternal, infinite love with our spouses.

It was exactly that feeling with Dad and Mom. We have seen how their love remains strong and steadfast despite trials especially in relation to Dad's health. We have seen how, even with no occasion, Dad's eyes would lighten up at the sight of Mom, or how he, despite his sometimes weak state, would still reach out and strain his neck just to be able to give Mommy a kiss. We have seen how Mom, even when she's many miles away, would faithfully and consistently call Dad to check on him without fail. We've seen her patience, her strength and her faith. We've seen Dad's deep, deep love for Mom. If he could, he would do ANYTHING for her. And vice versa.

My Love, My Life

Watching Dad trying his best and on his own volition, walk down the halfway mark with Mom in the Shrine, with one hand in his pocket and the other arm holding Mom's, was, for me, nothing short of a miracle. We know Dad has been struggling with his walking, but on that day, he outdid himself! And it wasn't because he was pressured because so many people were watching; it wasn't because his children begged him to do so, or his nurses cajoled him to stand. No! He did it out of love for the one person he loved the most in his entire life. He did it for the love of Mom because he knew how much it meant for her.

The Ruby Couple

And that was for me the highlight of the whole celebration. Not our dance performance, not our speech, nor all the preparations. It was that one single, powerful moment. It will be that scene I will keep, I will cherish forever because it was a picture of perfect love.

Happy Anniversary Dad and Mom! We love you very much!

Thanks for Making the 40 Special!!!

2008-07-27T09:34:00.000-07:00

Sore feet and a cup of noodles after, I still can't get the Ruby Anniversary Celebration of Dad and Mom off my mind. Just seeing the smiles on Dad's and Mom's faces, and a few tears here and there (maybe tiny sobs from Dad), was enough satisfaction for me that we did a good job.

I'm sure my sisterhood, cousinhood and even perhaps our fatherhood (Benny) will blog about the highlights.

For me, for now, many thanks to many people are in order. So this is my litany of thanks for those who made it special.

Let's start with the Wedding Ceremony and its parts:
...Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus for allowing us to turn the aircon on earlier and for acquiescing to our request of holding the 5pm mass at the Remembering Chapel
...Tita Vkyh for recommending the cleaners for the Shrine who did a tremendous job of cleaning the Shrine; for recommending Tito Jun Marcelino, our rush-rush costume maker and his main mananahi - Manang Anette :)
...the Choir - University of Sto. Tomas Singers, especially to Sir Fidel Calalang, their conductor and Pinky, their president for filling the shrine with their powerful voices and their beautiful rendition of "Ikaw" - This was a great song replacement and kinda made Mom's entrance more dramatic and emotional... sniff sniff....
...Bishop Tumulak and the priests concelebrants - all 15 of them - for blessing Dad and Mom as they renewed their vows of love and commitment to each other.
...to Tony Rodriguez, our florist, who moved earth to get those pale pink peonies for Mom's bouquet and for decorating the Shrine, and the ballroom of Shangrila Makati with his beautiful creations. The fruits baskets could've been bigger, though :) and the votive candles more decorative.
...to all the readers, offerors whom Ate Rona assigned... for doing a good job :)
...to Rielle and the grandkids who did a fantastic job singing On Eagle's Wings. I didn't sing the response because I just knew I'd just ruin my eye make up yet again.
...to Susan and Dorie for being our coordinator at the Shrine

Wedding Reception:
...Andrew's team (Happy Events) for the stage set up, lights and sounds and event coordination. I was very OC-OC so I have to thank you for putting up with our countless meetings, emails, calls and texts. Thank you for helping us mount a good show!
...Andrew, Jess and Beth, yet again for shooting and editing our opening spiel AVP.
...Shangri-la Makati through our event manager, Ina Alcuaz. There were a lot of major boo-boos (maybe because she's kinda new) but it's hard to get really angry with her because she's so sweet. Hopefully, in time, she'll be more adept. We were also kinda meticulous :)
...The chef of Shangrila for whipping up such fantastic gastronomic delights!!!
...Michelle Hechanova for her fantabulous!!! cake creation that just can't wait to be eaten.
...our La Vista staff - Rod, Randy Kalbo and Nora for assisting Ate with the Wedding gown Exhibit by the cocktail area.
...our office angels and staff - for helping out in the registration, logistics, and more!
...Margot Esplana, Noli and Miles for their patience, kalogness and hip choreography of our dance performance... We are sooo looking forward to practicing with you guys again!!! We miss you and our practices already! You were great, Lola! hehehe...
...our dancers!!!
Tito Rey - our last minute James Bond - Thanks super Tito!!!
Tita Tinggoy who was so present in almost all the dances (6 dances total!)... and for coordinating with Shangri-la for the Specialty Suite and Mel, the best butler ever!
Gelo for lending a hip hop flair in all the dance moves... hehee
Avic - ah... the model dancer for the kiddos and especially the angels!
The Ungco's - Tito Monching - Mr. Give na Give!!! hehehe, Tita Vkyh, RJ and bouncy Mavie who was such a trouper even if she seems almost about to pop! haha.. and Monique
Carlo Papa - Mr. Now you see him, now you don't.... But despite that, he memorized all the moves for James Bond and Boogie Wonderland! Thanks so much for showing up for Tito Rey's last minute practice :)
RJ Sargan - Mr. James Bond and couldn't resist Grease Lightning guy! hehehe...
Tita Paloming who couldn't resist the Tango!!! And who got all the moves in just 2 sessions!
The Angels - Bechay, Letty, Elma, Nora, Fe, Agnes - you guys surprised Mom!!! Thanks for being game and oh so helpful! :)
The PACEM priests!!! led by Fr. Alex - Wow! You guys brought the house down with your YMCA performance. Dad and Mom and even Bishop Tumulak were shocked that you were dancing! Thanks so much for joining us!

Lastly, to our brotherhood and sisterhood! We make a GREAT team! Hehe...
Japa - for the beautiful, touching AVP tribute to Dad and Mom... It never fails to make me cry!
- for being MY chief AVP guy - the avp movie quotes intro of Dad & Mom; the US greetings; and for introducing me to Mr. Ken Burns. hahaha

Ate Rona - our designated printed collaterals in charge and in-house designer.. hehe
- for the gift wrapper damask design, the missalette, the novena cover, and the labor-of-love guest book for the Ruby :)
- for coordinating the rehearsal participants :) and for taking over when I was vacationing for 2 weeks... hehehe...

Boydee - ahhh... my dance partner, my lifetime partner! hehehe... for being the sounding board when I was stressed and tense
- for being my co-conspirator of the program details, and other details...
- for being in charge of anything and everything in the Shrine; and for choosing the well-wishers who gave touching speeches!
- for never failing to move up the notch of the rehearsals with your malandi giling moves and feel na feel dance steps and matching emote-emote. haha...
- I love you forever!!! Hehehe...

Rondic - Mr. "Hyyyyydromatic" hehehe...
- for taking charge of the wines and hard liquor (where's my martel!!?? heheh) with matching wine tasting to boot!
- for the donation boxes!!! Hehe..., and glow sticks!
- for opening Monte Vista as our official dance practice venue!; for the food and drinks...
- for singing "The Prayer" a la Kalbocelli! hehehe... I'm sure Mom was moved!!! :)
- for taking care of the logistics on that day and for making sure our waiters were happy! hehehe... :)

Elizza - THE overall food in charge from beginning to end - meaning from practices, to the actual event itself! - tough job but you did it oh so gracefully! :)
- for the hilarious movie posters!!! We should have the original Shall We Dance poster of Dad printed... and framed!!! Bwahahaha...
- for taking charge of the giveaways :)
- for almost single handedly organized Mom's shower and making that touching AVP!
- for singing The Prayer at the last minute. With a voice like that, it just has to be heard!!!

Randy and Stella - What can I say but Wow! You guys were just professionals! hehe... Thanks so much for arriving on time!!! As in!!! hehehe...
- for dancing the tango flawlessly!!!
- for shooting the US well-wishers despite your hectic schedule in the States :)
Randy - for singing What a Wonderful World with matching piyok! hahaha...

Stels - for helping choose the mass songs, for coaching Randy - I'm sure it was you, not Randy who was leading the dance. (hahaha... sorry Rands!) and for singing "The Prayer" live!!!

Rodney and Zhar - for still helping and offering to help despite being busy with your upcoming wedding
- for choosing Jaime Tee and Jason Magbanua as the official photographer and videographer
- for sharing your wedding suppliers especially Jong of The Write Impressions for the beautiful invitations and Michelle Hechanova for the heavenly cake!!!
- for providing comic relief during rehearsals... hehee... just kidding :)

Rod - for being in charge of the Rockwell tent refund... hehehe...

Zhar - for being my 'partner' in wedding styling. hehehe...
- for the beautiful, customized cord used in the Wedding ceremony of Dad and Mom

For everything and anything (including those I may have failed to mention), thanks so much for everything! It's great to be part of this family!!!

Drained

2008-07-22T09:27:00.001-07:00

The past two days have all been about wedding stuff. With a few good laughs here and there mostly because of our costumes, all the hullabaloo on the Ruby has kinda taken a toll on me today leaving me drained.

We just came from practice where I'm a non-participant. And now my head is blank and my mood is blah... Too tired...

Pressure's kicking in!!! :I

One More Week

2008-07-20T10:45:00.000-07:00

It's 1:49 am of July 21. I have been trying to sleep for the past 30 minutes but my attempts have been futile.

We have one more week to go before the Ruby Anniversary of Daddy Boy and Mommy Shalene. I know it's not going to be perfect but at least whatever we can do to at least make it close to perfection, we do whatever we can and we do it within this week! Crunch time!!!

I went over the checklist, emailed our brotherhood and sisterhood, updated files, edited missalette, finalized some content for one avp, listed my to-dos for tomorrow. I thought I was pooped but when I lay down on the bed, closed my eyes, all that happened was my mind thinking of more wedding stuff!!! Gosh, the tension!!! And to think this isn't even my wedding!!! Hehe...

It's just a great thing that our siblings all kinda know our strengths and weaknesses. One fills in where the other one needs help. One does what one does best. One does what's asked. Hehe... All of us do what we can to make the Ruby special... all for the love of Dad and Mom.

It's also just great that we have a talented family, a cooperative and equally gifted support system in our relatives and co-workers.

One more week guys and gals!!!

Thank yous are in order but that will wait til after the Ruby... Lest Mom spots this site... although I know she doesn't... but I can't risk anything. So, til the next few posts...

Oooh-some Massage

2008-07-19T06:46:00.000-07:00

This Saturday was a full day. Had to wake up early for our 10am practice, then had a children's party at 3:30pm. What made it worse was my bum stomach. It felt like some invisible hand had grappled and squeezed my insides so tight. I'd have spasms every so often.

So Boydee and I, with Bric and Yaya Mila, decided to go home earlier than usual from Zeena's (Bric's future wife... hehe...) 1st birthday party. I was actually already drooling on the spaghetti at the kiddie's buffet spread but my stomach was just churning and grumbling. We did manage to smuggle a few chicken nuggets... thanks to Zhar and Rod for choosing a strategic table. Hehe...

When we got home, we asked Marivic to call Manong Romy. A few minutes and a spam & egg sandwich later, he was here. I was sooo weak, I plopped my whole body on the massage bed and let his hands do the work. And it was pure magic. He hit the painful spots, the achy joints and the hard muscles. Today, he did a fantastic job. I oohed and aahhed from pain and pleasure in between dozing off to sleep only to be awaken by my snore. Hahaha...

I have a funny view of hilots. Somehow, there's something mystical about them. They know which pressure points to hit if you're having a tummy ache, or a cold or a head ache, and sometimes these points aren't near that particular achy body part. I know it's reflexology but I betcha they didn't read text books on that. Perhaps this gift was passed on from generation to generation, or learned through experience.

I see them as psychic because they seem to know what's wrong with you just by feeling your body. I'm eating too salty food, or there's something wrong with your kidney, or I'm drinking too much cold water that's why my tummy's acting up.

Perhaps the believers and practitioners of science and medicine are skeptical on this alternative, all natural healing method. But whatever works for me, I take. So, whether it's magic or a studied profession, the manghihilots are here to stay... and I am just so glad that they're still in existence.

Thanks to Manong Romy for my two-hour massage. My tummy feels so much better now!

Believe it or not! :)

HK Disney (Part 4)

2008-07-11T20:02:00.000-07:00

Day 2, June 17, 2008. We woke up early to catch the 1st seating of the Disney character breakfast buffet at Enchanted Garden Restaurant. Here, Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Pluto hopped from table to table to give all the guests a photo op with them. Bric quickly memorized their names and called them (Mickey Mouse - Bout, Goofy - Pee, Pluto - Toe) but when any one of the characters really came near him, he would cling to us ever so tightly and cry if they touched him. Hehe... But when they walked away, he would start calling them again. Hehe...

We devoted the whole day today for the park. But it was such a rainy day... It practically rained the whole day!!!

Talk about bad timing. But despite being drenched, we still had loads of fun. The paranoid Mom wanted to go back to the hotel, scared Bric might get sick, but the adventurous Dad prevailed. And good thing, too, because then we were able to ride "It's a Small World", not once but twice. Bric loooved this ride!!! No pictures here, only videos. Hehe...

After watching a few more shows and posing with mascots, we took a glimpse of Hollywood Hotel.

While HK Disney Hotel is Victorian, Hollywood Hotel's style is art deco. Very modern, and quite full of people at that time. After a wet day, we finally settled back in our hotel. Boydee and I had a date in Crystal Lotus again and bought some more Disney shirts. Then, we went back to our room to pack. We were going to go home tomorrow.

HK Disney (Part 3)

2008-07-10T08:19:00.000-07:00

HK Disneyland Hotel...

We finally had our room at the end of a long afternoon at the park. Bric woke up to an unfamiliar but very tempting to explore place... So, he forced himself up from his nap and ran around our room.

HK Disneyland Hotel is one of the 2 hotels in the Disney complex. The other one is the HK Hollywood Hotel. It's an experience being in a Disney hotel. There are cute Disney accents in the most used furniture or items.

Take this Mickey Mouse-shaped catsup.

Or their Seven dwarves toiletry kit:

Even their mirror had the Disney characters at the corners.

Being a family hotel, the hotel also had cribs available upon request at no additional cost. We got one for Bric.

But what took Bric's breath away was the telephone by the toilet bowl. He was so amused by its presence there, that it became his favorite place to play. He'd go there and lift it and say "Hello, hello". Hehe...

We had a late dinner at Crystal Lotus, right after catching a few minutes of the fireworks display of Disney from our hotel.

We went back to our room and slept... Amassing energy for the next full day in Disney.

Like a Virgin... Tagged for the Very First Time!

2008-07-08T08:43:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged... by Ate Rona... on her blog... Since it's public, it leaves me no choice but to accept the Tag. Hehe... So here goes...

The Rules: Answer the questions using only one word. Then tag four others.

1. Where is your cell phone? BATHROOM
2. Your significant other? BOYDEE!!!
3. Your hair? HIGHLIGHTED!
4. Your mother? AWAY
5. Your father? HEAVEN
6. Your favorite thing? LOVE
7. Your dream last night? SNORE...
8 Your favorite drink? WATER
9. Your dream/goal? HAPPINESS
10. The room you’re in? BOYDEE'S
11. Your hobby? THINKING... hehe...
12. Your fear? LOSS
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? PHILIPPINES pa rin!!!
14. What you’re not? DUMB (haha)
15. Muffins? CUPCAKES
16. One of your wish list items? BABY GIRL! :) oops this is 2 words: DAUGHTER... there, that's better :)
17. Where you grew up? CEBU!!!!
18. The last thing you did? BLOGGED
19. What are you wearing? PJS
20. Favorite gadget? CAMERA
21. Your pets? NONE :(
22. Your computer? MAC
23. Your mood? HAPPY
24. Missing someone? BRIC (he's sleeping with Lolo Boy til MamaLyn comes back)
25. Your car? CEFIRO
26. Something you’re not wearing? FISHNET STOCKINGS
27. Favorite store? CHOWKING!
28. Like someone? FAMILY
29. Your favorite color? WHITE
30. When is the last time you laughed? TODAY
31. Last time you cried? TODAY (from laughing so hard!)

Now, I tag:
1. Father Benny :)
2. Carlo Ejercito :)
3. Joel Pascual :)
4. Mavie Ungco! :)

Hehe...

HK Disney (part 2)

2008-07-07T06:28:00.000-07:00

Still Day 1, June 16. The weather was soo hot and humid, we were all sweaty and sticky by the time the Water Parade ended. We headed off to watch Lion King and since we were too early, decided to buy Disney shirts to change as we were just drenched.

It wasn't long before it started to rain so I took out my bandana and put it on Bric. We were on our way to watch The Lion King.

Bric was enthralled at The Lion King. He sat so still in Boydee's lap just watching the performances of the animals unravel before his very eyes. The show, after all, was indeed entertaining.

By the time we finished, it was pouring outside so we got our yellow Disney raincoats which Boydee and I bought in Anaheim Disney during our honeymoon for the Jurassic Park Ride... hmmm... or was it at Universal Studios? Anyway, Boydee and Bric wore them while I opted for my blue bandana.

After that, we had our usual photo ops and while walking around the park, Bric dozed off in the stroller. So, we decided to head back to our hotel.

And It's Rafa

2008-07-06T14:00:00.001-07:00

It's 5:00 am. There's a new Wimbledon Champion and it's Rafael "Rafa" Nadal. The match took more than 4 hours of heart pumping, finger biting, throat drying action.

I was rooting for Federer, 5 time Wimby Champ, because he's known to be one of the nicest guys in Tennis and I always want good people to win... not that Rafa isn't one. I just wanted Federer to break records and make history.

But I have to admit, the better player won tonight. Rafa was just unstoppable although Federer did his darnest best, and almost won it. But Rafa's raw energy and athleticism won the game for him. Roger just had too many unforced errors. Although he did have 25 aces!

Oh well, I'm not sad nor disheartened that Roger didn't win. I'm happy for Nadal. Both of them are amazing players and great champions. Rafa deserved that trophy tonight with the way he played. What a match!!!

Mini Family Bonding (HK Disney!)

2008-07-04T09:28:00.000-07:00

June 16-18 saw our mini family off to HK for a stay in HK Disneyland Hotel. It was just Boydee, yours truly, Bric and Yaya Mila. We scheduled this months in advance since we had miles expiring from PAL's Mabuhay Miles Program. It wasn't the best time of the year to go, what with the rainy forecast but we were all so looking forward to this break and bonding session with Bric that we pushed on so off we went to Disneyland.

We took the 10am flight and arrived around 12. Yaya Mila thought of putting Bric on top of our luggage. That's him down there sitting steadily on our Samsonite bag :)

We took a cab going to our hotel since the ticketing officer for the train advised us that it was less expensive than the train. We got to the hotel in less than 30 minutes. Bric was excited to explore the lobby. He was running, not walking.

Check in time was 3pm. We were there around 1 something. So we decided to have late lunch at the cafe. That's Bric h0lding his favorite-french fries (pronounced dai-dai) with his pinky sticking out.

I have to say the 3pm check in time of HK Disney Hotel sucked. It totally destroyed our schedule especially in terms of our outfits. Hehe.. Good thing I decided at the last minute to wear flat shoes instead of heels during our flight. Because we didn't have rooms yet, we couldn't change into more comfy outfits (shorts & shirt & rubber shoes). There was a scheduled Water Works Parade at 3:30pm so we decided to just go to the park wearing what we were already wearing. We brought out our rain coats tho since the forecast was rain.

Oh, that stroller we rented from the hotel. Lai, best to rent from the hotel since from the shuttle drop off, it's still quite a distance for Bric/Robyn to walk to the park entrance. The park rents strollers too but it's inside the park only and you can't bring it out of the park. Rental of stroller is HK$50 per day.

That's my two boys watching the water parade. Don't they look like they're enjoying the show?!? Hehe... The weather was just sooo hot and humid!!! And there were some Chinese people in front who couldn't care less that the people behind them (us) couldn't see the show since they were standing, even after we asked so politely.

To be continued...

And I'm Hooked... Again

2008-07-02T20:02:00.000-07:00

Scrapping with Ikea Goddess' blogsite is just sooo addicting. After my trip and a brief respite from all the downloading of kits and elements, I got back and checked on her site. And I'm hooked yet again. It takes patience to download but I am extremely thankful that there are kind hearted, talented artists there who give away freebies. So, my addiction for downloading started officially again last night. Hehe...

But I have to say, I'm a neophyte still compared to my SIL, THE ultimate digiscrapper/downloader/blogger... Ate Rona!!! Hehehe...

Back to the Daily Grind

2008-07-02T07:31:00.000-07:00

I was thinking of taking the day off today from work, having just survived a gruelling 20 hour flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg to Doha to Cebu to Manila but there was 1st Wednesday Mass today so I just had to go to the office. Besides, Bric was coming along so we could do more bonding time.

After work, we rushed to Apitong for our dance practice. I so badly need this exercise because I've gained weight (yes, yet again!). It was fun and tiring, but satisfying as well. I got tense for awhile since the PACEM priests said they decided to just sing for Dad and Mom instead of dance. To think we've already prepared a number for them. After much lambing and convincing, my charms worked. Whew... Much credit of course goes to Margot, our game na game choreographer for making the dance steps easy and fun. So, off goes the harana number and in comes our dancing priests!

Of course I shan't forget to mention Father Benny who'll be dancing in our family circle. Hehe... I can still imagine his karate... I mean hustle moves. Hehehe... But thank God for family, relatives and friends who patiently attend each practice just so they can be part of our little tribute to our parents. Personally, all the work, effort and sacrifice for the Ruby is just my own little way of giving back, however little and humble, all the love, acceptance and affection Mom and Dad have shown me. I'm sure they've shown that to all those who are part of the dance. They are indeed much loved.

Now, it's time to rest my ACHING feet!

Off to HK Disney

2008-06-15T06:02:00.000-07:00

We'll be off tomorrow to Hong Kong Disneyland. Three days of Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters... three days of bonding pleasure with our baby Bric!!!

So excited except that the weather forecast shows thunderstorms!!! :(

Hopefully, the winds will change...

Love in the City

2008-05-29T07:42:00.001-07:00

Last night, the lonely duo (that's me and Lai) and our youngest sister, Zhar, watched the private showing of Sex and the City, thanks to an invitation by stylish, svelte and sweet friend, Grace Ang.

So we went, me and my sisters. Dinner was at Cafe Bola where I practically devoured my Parma ham mongo and crispy dilis rice meal; Lai, Rod and Zhar weren't able to even get a taste of the dish. Until now, I am still craving for another serving of that. I'll try to revive my other blog and write more extensively about Cafe Bola... which means, I need to go there for a second visit. Hehe... Excuses...

Over at cocktails before the movie where we had bite size servings of portobello mushroom canape and calamares by Sala, we got to talk about the TV Series. Among the 3 of us, I think it was Lai who watched most of the episodes. I, for one, having been 'brainwashed' (and thankful for it) by the nuns at Sacred Heart School-Girls wasn't really a huge fan of the tv series. For one, I thought it was a sin to even watch that because it had sex in the title. So, I would sneak to our TV room and pretend to scan channels on a Tuesday night at 10:00 (that was the schedule way back then), and 'just happen' to pass the HBO channel which was incidentally showing Sex and the City. Haha... After watching one episode not smoothly (I skipped channels every so often for fear of being caught watching what I thought was an x-rated tv series), I began to wonder why it was even called sex and the city. Sure, they talked about it and implied it, but I guess the censors did a good job of cutting the graphic scenes. Despite that, I didn't really change my sked to watch it.

When I got married, we had a collection of Sex and the City DVDs per season. I tried to watch one season but after 2 episodes, I kinda got "disgusted" at all the making out happening. It was just too much for me to watch the same girls with different boys and men. The Catholic in me couldn't swallow the liberalism of the series, where virginity was antiquated and sex was soo in. I didn't continue watching the dvds.

With my history of Sex and the City, I really wasn't expecting much from the movie. So imagine my surprise when even at the beginning, I was glued to the screen. Midway, I wanted to pee but I didn't because I might miss something funny, or heart breaking, or some quotable quote. The 3 of us laughed, sneakily wiped a tear or two, and related to the girls. It was a beautiful film that any woman who had ever been in love and who had ever experienced the joy of female friendship/bonding could relate to.

We are all a little part of any one or all of those characters in the movie. I'm Carrie for being the hopeless romantic; I'm Charlotte for being a prude; Miranda... for the brains (hehe... whew, a whiff of air there); and Samantha - well, I'm like Samantha when she had a big tummy. Hahaha...

It was a heartwarming movie with an "and they lived happily ever after" ending. (oops, did I just give the ending away? hehehe). In Sex and the City, there are happy endings, not because of the sex, but because there is love. When there is love that's pure and true, there will always be a happy ending.

Just Checking In...

2008-05-23T22:39:00.000-07:00

No week round ups, no stories. Just dropping a line to say hello.

It's been a busy week with tons of work, lots of unfinished business and to-dos waiting to be done. I've issued out many memos (not scary ones), just work flows since we're introducing cash cards in our payroll and commission systems. There are plans to upgrade our cashiering, I'm working on the workflow of the new company, thinking of ways to improve collection, etc... Things are pretty full in the office and Bric had just recovered from a four-day fever with his temperature reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius!

There's also a Ruby Wedding Anniversary to plan. We've finally decided to hold the reception at Makati Shang. Best choice, really, considering the convenience and the freebie rooms. Now, we're working on the program before I leave for South Africa care of Mommy Nonie. (I hope the violence will have been resolved by then) But before Cape town and our safari, I am soooo looking forward to going to Disneyland HK with our mini family :). It'll just be me, Boydee and Bric and yaya Mila. Aahhh... a welcome break!!!

But before the break, have to make sure all's how it should be and make plenty of bilins. So, just thinking of everything leaves me a bit drained. But I'll manage :)

Round Up for Week (May 3-May 9)

2008-05-09T20:28:00.000-07:00

This week I call the Glutton Week. Here's why:

May 3 (Saturday):
Dad suddenly got called in for a sleep test in Medical City because a slot got freed up. So, Mom grabbed the opportunity for the earlier appointment... which meant we had to keep Dad awake the whole afternoon until he is tested for sleep at 8pm. So after Boydee and I swam with Bric, we trooped to Edsa Shang with Mom, Dad, Rielle, Rogan, Raine and Bric, of course, to 'enterain' and distract Dad from dozing off.

It was Bric's first carousel ride in Edsa Mall and he was scared at first. He wouldn't ride the horse nor would he let go of me. But when his cousins arrived, and a little warmed up, he chose to ride the horse but still wouldn't let me go. Sadly, we didn't have nice pictures for this :(

Dinner was at Crustasia beside ClawDaddy. It's now a Thai themed resto and wasn't so bad. I kinda lost my appetite though because Yaya Mila brought Bric around and weren't within my sight. The paranoid in me got me so tense. I just made himay the crabs for Boydee and Raine.

May 4 (Sunday):
Dad couldn't sleep last night with a cpap machine on his face. They had to give him sleeping pills which kept him groggy and sleepy the whole morning. We heard mass at 1030 in Dela Strada and had lunch at home.

I got bitin with my crabs the other night and was psyched at eating out on Sundays, I asked Boydee if we could eat out for dinner... which we did. And in Zensho. No crabs there but my, my... what a treat we had. Here's what our tummies digested: seafood fried rice, buttered shiitake, oysters teppan, steak teppan, assorted sashimi, 15 pieces of ebi tempura, cold noodles, clams in the shell, fish on a clam shell!, bean sprouts teppan, chicken teriyaki, asparagus and tofu teppan. All these between Boydee and me! Hehehe...

May 5 (Monday):
Monday being an office day is supposed to be gluttony-free but we had a scheduled Columbarium meeting that morning. I step inside our Board Room while Japa was listing down our lunch menu from Mr. Choi!!! Now who could resist Chinese?!!! (Well, Ate actually... hehe.. but not me, definitely!) So we had.. yang chow fried rice, hakao, chicken feet, fish fillet with garlic, tofu with mushrooms and minced meat, taiwan pechay, mushroom with lettuce and brocolli. Yummeee... :)

May 6 (Tuesday):
Ate and I shared a rotisserie chicken for lunch. I had on side of thigh, drumstick and wings while Ate had 2 sides of the breast. We gave the other half of the dark meat to Letty and Elma.

It was today when I recommended the 'termination' or the 'non renewal' of one of our newly-hired staff. Although she had shown some improvement after I had a one on one with her, her growth and either her mental capacity or lack of focus was a deterrent in doing her simple job well. Add to that her innate talent for finding excuses and answers for every issue, question or fault, whether valid or senseless, which is most often the case.

I hope she'll find work in a company better suited for her talents :) I wish her well.

That was not an appetite-inducing activity. No gorging out today.

May 7 (Wednesday):
1st Wednesday mass and Father Benny's a day late birthday celeb at the office. Since it was our suki and fave priest, Father Benny's birthday, we had a more than the usual lunch. That day, it consisted of: Spaghetti Carbonara, Chicken Flambe, Roast beef, creamy brocolli and cauliflower, steamed fish fillet, pork asado AND chocolate cake and Rocky road ice cream.

May 8 (Thursday):
Today is the twins' birthday and Rod arrived in the early morning from the States. Zhar planned for them to have breakfast. More details of this in Ate's blog. Suffice it to say, I had one major meal. Skipped lunch because we would be having dinner at Choi that night.

Mommy Nonie arrived today too for an overnight before she'd depart for SanFo the next day.

In Choi, we had hotpot, fish and tofu hotpot (yum!), rich man's fried rice, hakaw, siao long pao, sio mai, beef with pepper, birthday noodles for the birthday boy, roasted duck, fried taro duck, eggplant with minced meat (not yummy this one). For enders, I had white almond puree while the rest had taho. Stuffed was the word to describe us after dinner.

May 9 (Friday):
Brought Mom to Mamou for lunch and had the following: Batac Bolognese spaghetti, Roasted slab of steak with red steak rice and creamed spinach, cuban spiced pork and chicken with white steak rice. It may sound like a little but they came portions good for sharing. Their iced tea was flavored with anise for that bit of 'spice'. Good meal with Malou Fores adding that personal touch.

Dinner was here in LV for Rod's surprise party catered by Las Paellas. On the buffet spread were: Paella Valenciana, Roast pork, grilled blue marlin, thinly sliced roasted angus steak, vietnamese spring rolls, baked macaroni, calamares, canonigo and fresh fruit mix plus cakes coming from Rod's friends. Loved the mocha cake from Hizon's brought by Keri.

That was my week. Happy birthday to the twins Randy and Rodney! Happy Birthday to Father Benny! And belated Happy happy to Japing! (last week).

To sum up my week in one word: burrrpppppp!!!!

Round Up for Week (April 26-May 2)

2008-05-02T20:39:00.000-07:00

Since I'm not always in the mood to write and yet I want to keep (or at least try) to keep my blog updated, I'll be doing bullet points of my week's highlights per day. I call this the Round Up for the Week. At least since my memory is regressing (blame it on the epidural, as Lai would fondly say), these entries will help me remember. So I hope my memory won't get so bad that I won't even remember I have a blog. Hehe... (Boydee kind of joke when he's busog)

April 26 (Saturday)
Attended JV's son 's baptism where Boydee stood as one of the 25 Ninongs and that's not counting the 23 Ninangs. This is a highlight NOT because I saw Richard Gomez and Susan Roces during the baptism, but because of 2 things:
1. The Plaza Miranda ham with pan de sal and fresh corned beef with brussel sprouts!!! Oooh, I am literally salivating now and I am looking for an excuse to have a party in La Vista so we can order from them. Their ham is deliciously pink and very lean. They have a variety of sauces you can choose to 'glaze' your ham with. I chose the traditional honey glaze, but there were wasabi flavored sauce, garlic sauce, and 2 or 3 more. Ate this with the soft, yellowish pan de sal, and I was in ham heaven.
The corned beef was tender and flavorful. For me, this was a healthier option instead of the canned corned beef. I've been looking for a resto here that served fresh corned beef because I was missing this one from Eddie's Log Cabin and Cebu Country Club. Now, I've finally found it. Thanks to the baptism! :) hehe...
2. The centerpiece - I am NEVER one to take home centerpieces or decor from weddings and children's parties. The only thing I had ever brought home that wasn't a giveaway or a lootbag were balloons for Miggy then and now for Bric. But I broke my record that day. I couldn't resist asking Rhina's permission if I could bring home this cute ferris wheel of a centerpiece, despite Boydee's embarrassment. But once I had put Bric's pictures on it, I totally think he felt it was soo worth it! Hahaha...

April 27 (Sunday)
Mass in Holy Family at 11am; lunch at Il Pirata. Love their parma ham something. Japa devoured the osso buco. Had DQ dessert with the kids! :) Walked in LV with Boydee and Bric but had to cut the route short because Bric was getting restless and I suddenly had the urge to poo.

April 28 (Monday)
Nothing much going on except that this is the day Boydee made an account in Face Book simply to play Who's Got the Biggest Brain. This is the "IT" game for the Dizons now. Of course, I'd have to brag... my Love currently has the biggest brain with 3079 points with Japa and Rondic not far behind. Emphasis is on the word "currently" because all of them are breathing down each other's necks for the number one spot. I am by the sidelines cheering Love on :) As they say, behind every successful man is a woman. Behind the man with the biggest brain is his coach of a wife. Hahaha... Just kidding :)

April 29 (Tuesday)
My much awaited concert date was tonight. Boydee and I first knew of the singing group, Angelos, when they sang during the Silver Anniversary of Ninong Cecilio and sweet Auntie Irene. This is our version of Il Divo with F4 looks. Can they sing!!! Lea Salonga, who was a guest, gave them a standing ovation. After their performance, they announced that they had a concert on April 29, so Boydee and I marked our calendars.

That night, Boydee and I along with Mom, Ate Rona, Rondic and Lai converged in CPK, Greenhills for dinner then proceeded to Teatrino for the Angelos concert. Charo Yu, the group's gracious and accommodating manager showed us to our seats but then we opted for the balcony - our own private box! Hehehe... As usual, we were wow'ed by the group when they sang together. Beverly Salviejo provided comic relief. I could hear Lai laughing her heart out :) She's one talented singer-comedienne. We're considering getting them for Dad and Mom's Ruby. The Angelos, not Beverly, although Rondic immensely enjoyed her spiels and suggested in jest of getting her instead.

April 30 (Wednesday)
Office day for me while Mom, Ate and Lai brought our kids to Tatang to have their measurements taken for the Ruby Anniversary.
2 meetings in the office: Mona and Andrew Q. for work and Ruby, respectively.

Bric now knows how to nod his head to mean 'yes'. Hehe...

May 1 (Thursday)
Labor Day, meaning Holiday. This is one of the few holidays GMA didn't move for that long weekend, domestic tourism pitch.

Did some cleaning - sent 2 boxes from our room to the attic. Bric's overgrown clothes filled up a whole large plastic organizer. Baby Tyler will have a lot of hand me downs from his cousins! :)

Our sink pipe leaked and we found out it was because it cracked. Good thing Jess was here to fix it. But not after my big bag of paper and plastic bags were soaked. Sharlyn had to hang them to dry.

That afternoon, we (myself with Melinda and Elma) went to Farmer's market to buy seafood and meat for Bric and the house. Despite the smell, I enjoy going to the market. It's fun to look for what's fresh and think of what to do with it. Melinda cooks a variety of dishes but I still long for the food in Mabolo like the tanghon, chinese lumpia, bihon soup and the longanisa from Ramos market.

That night, we had steamed pampano, manila clams with black bean sauce, sauteed spinach in garlic, and spaghetti vongole while Bric had fish head soup with fresh noodles. All fresh from the market :)

May 2 (Friday)
2 meetings again today. One with Aida, one of our sales agent who's either a poor manager of money, or who's really unlucky with her staff. This is giving her the benefit of the doubt. I hope she'll manage to fulfill her obligations. Second, second presentation of our existing ad agency who offers personalized service but sorely wanting in the creative and copy department. This one's up for evaluation with one start-up company as its main rival. Judgment day on Monday, perhaps.

Then, we attended the Ruby of Tito Joy and Tita Bambi Ramos. There's always something sweet and endearing watching an old couple still holding hands and dancing, swaying slowly to the music even after 40 years. I wish Boydee and I will still be up and active 40, 50 years from now and loving each other more and inspiring people with our love and through our families. To the Ruby couple, happy anniversary!!! To their kids who prepared for the party, congratulations!

That was my week in a nutshell.

Bric's Bag of Tricks (April 2008)

2008-04-22T07:37:00.000-07:00

Bric is now 1 year, 4 months and 9 days old. I totally believe that when nearing the one year old mark, babies become like a sponge, absorbing and assimilitating, observing and imitating everything (or almost) they see and hear. It's amazing how Bric has learned so much already. Sometimes, I am just so surprised and amused with his antics and actions. It's soo endearing. I wish I could capture these moments on video but they happen so spontaneously, there isn't enough time.

Of late, these are his bag of tricks and developments:
- Knows and calls us by our names:
-Daddy Boydee - "Dee"; Mommy Bangbang - "Babam"; Ama - Ama (he got this right!); Lolo Boy - "Dodo", or "Dodo Bon"; Mamalyn - "Mama"or "In"; Mama Rona - "Mama"; Daddy Rondic - "Dic"; not quite sure how he calls Japa and Lai :)
- Yaya Mila - "Yaya"; Yaya Sharlyn - "Yaya" or "Ning" because Yaya Mila calls her "Neneng"; Sinny - "Ni"; Lovelyn - "Dabdab"; Mirafe - "Pe"; Melinda - "Da", Lolo Willie - "Wiwi", Pulido - "Bo" for Kalbo... etc... :)
- Vocabulary for the moment - "bobot" for big bird; "ming" for swimming; "dob" for dog, "bips" for fish; "ayts" for ice
- can make the sign of the cross by putting his hand on his hand and tap tapping til he says "Men" for Amen and clasps his hands together
- "Yes Sir" salutes by raising his hand to his head
- dances to almost any song!!! :)
- kisses... yehay!!!
- when I say "Love you" to him; he says "Mwah!" - Awww... my heart melts each time he does this! :)

Caffeine Overload

2008-04-11T08:33:00.000-07:00

We had a working lunch today - Boydee, Japa, Ate Rona, Lai and myself - while discussing about the columbarium management company we're setting up. Since I didn't have dessert, I asked Bang-boy for coffee. Somehow, Bang's coffee more often than not makes me hyper and restless. Today, its effect was negative. Somehow, caffeine doubles up whatever I might be feeling that day.

We finished our meeting and I proceeded to do some office stuff. Had a quick meeting with cousin Fritz to discuss about Sister Cel's vault inventory. Then it was back to work for me. My office table now is in such a messy state. Too much work this time. Isn't it funny how sometimes there's no work to be done, and all of a sudden, they all come and all at the same time. Pressure, pressure... plus the frustration of having to deal with inefficient people and the effects in the whole system thereof. Sigh... Hopefully, my pep talk and a few meetings can somehow improve the whole scheme of things, even if just a little.

Caffeine made me 'mataray' today. Or at least, that's how I feel because here I am feeling guilty again. It's hard to be an angel especially when I want to get things done. It isn't something that's 'for the sake of', but rather, it's driven out of passion. Sometimes, you just wish everyone had the same work ethics as a few of our staff. But then, it's reality that all men weren't created the same. For us, it's our duty and responsibility to at least lead them towards efficiency and dedication, although the latter is a little hard to teach. I just thank God that despite a few who make work a little harder, there are still a handful that make the job so much easier. So now, instead of being frustrated at those who test my patience especially during caffeine loaded days, I look at the brighter side and think of the people who give their heart to their work.

Moral lesson for the day: Don't drink too much coffee... especially Bang's even if it really, really tastes good, when there's a lot of work to be done to avoid collateral damage. :)

Bric Floated!!!

2008-03-23T08:22:00.001-07:00

This afternoon, after a full lunch, I wanted to move around just to shed off a few calories. I was thinking of walking outside to buy sweet corn for tonight's dinner. Before I was about to go out, I played with Bric. Then decided to take him for a swim. Melchor bought the corn for us. Hehe...

Bric changed into his trunks and we put on his floating vest. We dropped by our room to show Daddy Boydee while I changed to my swimsuit. I urged Boydee to at least watch Bric in the pool because it isn't often Boydee's here when Bric and I take a dip. I told Boydee he doesn't even have to swim, just watch. He said he'll follow. I took his word for it.

Bric and I went inside the pool. His floaters went up to his face. It was too big for him but he didn't mind. He kept on giggling and smiling. After a while, I decided to switch his vest to arm floaters. So Yaya Mila and I took his vest off and put on his Pooh arm floats. He loved it. It was then that we saw Daddy Boydee come up wearing his board shorts. Daddy was joining us!!! Yehay!!! I was sooo happy!!!

We played around in the water and Boydee held him. When I did one lap, he let go of Bric. And to my delight, he floated!!! On his own, and he was still smiling!!! He would spit the water out of his mouth or cough. But he was treading water and kicking and giggling and smiling and laughing. Oh what joy I felt! I was soo excited and proud! So was Yaya. She couldn't contain her excitement and took A LOT of pictures!

So today is a milestone for Bric. Our baby can float on his own without fear! My! Maybe I'll enroll him in swimming class. :)

Happy Easter

2008-03-23T07:58:00.000-07:00

Just finished 'celebrating' easter with the family. Our Easter Egg Hunt started at 3:30pm. This year was different. Instead of the eggs all hidden in the garden and with a particular color assigned to each kid, Japa made it scavenger hunt style. That way, the kids had to work together. They still had assigned colors but they had to help each other. First was the sample egg with clues inside that would lead to the next 'eggciting' destination which was the garden. Other venues were the nursery, the living room, movie room, game room, chapel and swimming pool. The hunt left the kids temporarily eggshausted! Hehe... But the lootbags Lai, Rejy and I prepared were so well worth the effort (I think!). I, for one, enjoyed playing with Bric's toys. And I'm sure Yaya Mila and Yaya Sharlyn will have a field day eating Bric's candies. Hehehe... Rejy set up the photo corner and we had our usual pictorials before and after the hunt.

Dinner was Kamayan with an all Filipino menu consisting of JT's manok and liempo, Melinda's prawns sauteed in garlic, palabok and lechon sponsored by Tito Rey. Halo Halo was the only dessert for that night. When all the guests left, and the tables cleared, the kids, or was it Tita Zhar proposed to play sack race. All kids joined and the 'adults' did cameos. At first, the kids were grouped in 2 teams of threes. Then, Zhar and Lai challenged the winner. I had no choice but to join since it was women vs the kids. Embarrassingly, we lost. Couldn't believe how slow I was! Lai was fast but mid way she couldn't resist the urge to pee. That's the result of having 4 kids. Hahaha... Go figure! :) Zhar, well, Zhar didn't finish because she kept complaining that the sack wouldn't fit her. So much so that she actually fell! Hahaha... It was a fun 'first round'. The next round, our men challenged the kids. It was Rod, Rondic and Japa. My hubby sat beside Dad and kept him company. The men won. Third round, it was adults vs kids. We won!!! Whew... We, the women, redeemed ourselves. There were many rounds thereafter but it was just kids. We grown ups were too tired already. It's just great how our kids have so much energy!!! The momentum waned when Mommy Lai asked the kids to help look for her missing gem from her shoe. She promised to reward P50 to the kid who'd find it. None of the small kids could find it in the garden. By that time, all the action of the running races caught up with the kids so they decided to rest. I found Mommy Lai's Nine West gem in the living room floor. So I earned P50 for tonight. hahaha... After a while, it was home bound for the Gavinos and Dizons and Carbonells.

Now, Boydee and I are in our room waiting for Mom and Ate Rona to arrive from their brief France trip. Today was a fun day. It's supposed to be the biggest celebration of the Catholic Calendar but the preparation and the hype isn't as big as Christmas. But it doesn't matter. What's important is what happens inside each of us. For kids, Easter is cool because of the Easter egg hunt and the prizes. My Dad used to hide eggs in the garden too and we'd get P100 for each egg we'd find. As I grew up, I learned more about the significance of Easter. It is Jesus' resurrection. Today is the day Jesus conquered death and sin and rose to heaven. With His sacrifice, we are saved. We have hope of going to heaven, of living forever. Today, we rejoice and celebrate Christ's resurrection and our salvation. Today, we thank Jesus for making that ultimate sacrifice of giving up His life to save us from eternal damnation. We better make His sacrifice worth it by doing our part too. Happy Easter everyone!

Scraps, finally!

2008-03-20T08:10:00.000-07:00

After a pretty extensive hiatus from digiscrapping, I've finally returned to creatively keeping memories through these scraps.

Some are old pictures of Bric, some new ones. Kits are freebies from ikeagoddess' finds. I have to thank all these wonderful designers who give their beautiful kits so generously. Their kits alone inspire me to scrap again. Well, here's what I've done so far.

BRIC'S 1ST EASTER
Credits: Kit: Shabby Princess' Promise Collection

BLADES OF GRASS
Papers: Landscapes by Fran
Kathy by CanDesigns
Elements: Flower doodles by SJWright
Sun and clouds by Foxy Designs
Chick and Tulip by Coralee Evans
Bird by Spring Caprice by Cinnamon Designs

CHILD OF NATURE
Credits: Just for You by New Life Dreams

BABY: GOD'S BLESSING
Credits: Scraplift from Miam Miam by Gwadatiti
Papers: Bluish by Fei Fei's Stuff

WE GOTTA WEAR SHADES
Credits: Papers: A Work in Progress by Vicki Parker
Polkadots Papers by D'nia Stella Acauan
Circle Tags from Jump Kit by Digitreats
Hand Cut Paper Alpha by Lili
Template 014 by MadeByMitzie

ON LOLO BOY'S LAP
Credits: Relax kit by Summer Driggs
Template 101 from Templates N More by Trish Heffner

So far, these are what I have. :) Hope I can scrap some more this Holy Week. It's Thursday night and we just went to 7 churches for the Bisita Iglesia and had early dinner at Gloria Maris Hotpot. Burp...

Precious Moments

2008-03-17T02:05:00.000-07:00

There are those moments when you are just happy with the world... and content with your life. Moments when your heart is just exploding with overwhelming joy; or instances you want to capture in your mind and heart forever. Priceless moments. And yet they don't even cost a thing.

These moments are what makes life worthwhile. Moments like:
- an unexpected wet kiss from my darling hubby. Even after 3 years of marriage, this one still doesn't fail to give me butterflies in my tummy.
- Bric hanging on to me while taking our first shower together since he was a few months old. This happened today and he wasn't scared of the water drops anymore. In fact, he loved it!
- swimming or water time with Bric in the pool!
- my hiking sessions around La Vista with my party of 3 or 4 namely Yayas Mila and/or Sharlyn, Melchor, Rod or Oca... and of course, Bric on his stroller or in our arms.
- morning cuddling sessions with Boydee underneath the comforter. This is rated PG :) Just hugs and more hugs with a shower of butterfly kisses. :)
- Jesus time. There are times when even if the world outside is noisy, it is silent within me and it's just me and Jesus. There aren't even words in my thoughts. Just feelings in my heart which I know Jesus "reads". It's like lifting to Him my heart and knowing He knows what's in it.
- 'connections' with my family, individually or collectively - with Mommy Nonie, Ahia Jojo and Dhia Louie. Even if we talk on the phone, it's still different not being with them physically so I am just thankful that when we're together, the bond somehow is still there, or if not, we're rekindling them and building new memories especially with Ahia and his family whom we've missed for a couple of years.
- Daddy Boy's 'thank you's'
- Daddy Boy's big, big smile when he sees Bric. His face literally lights up and I'm just so thankful that our son is so loved by his Lolo Boy and that Bric can make him happy.
- bonding sessions with our family (the Dizons) who are like barkada: the sisterhood, the brotherhood, the parenthood... and all of us together!

Little Way

2008-03-13T08:42:00.000-07:00

Therese's relics just left our country. She was here for 58 days travelling all over Luzon and Visayas, performing miracles, touching hearts, inspiring lives and renewing faith. To those whose lives she has affected, her relics may have left us but her spirit, her miracles and most especially her teachings will have definitely stayed.

I may not have been as attached to her Pilgrim Relics as the entourage was especially the likes of Mario, Allan and Oel, but in her own little way, she has reached out to me. I do not cry tears of joy because of enlightenment, nor tears of sadness because of her departure. What I have is a quiet, humble joy. Joy at understanding her little way to spiritual childhood and at the renewal of her doctrine of the little way.

LOVE. The past few days, especially when we were busy with the preparations of the relics' farewell, I would find myself doing 'manual' labor like making flaglets, staying up late at night for some last minute stuff, braving the dust and pollution at the shrine (due to construction) and going up and down the stairs in heels just to make sure everything went well and errands had been done. Ate Rona and Elizza had their share of crunch time as they painstakingly 'designed' the photo exhibit of the Philippine tour of the Relics. Boydee and Japa went beyond the call of duty just to ensure the success of the relics visit. Our staff worked hard, doing overtime, handling tempers of bosses who were tense and stressed of the job ahead. But we all pulled through and with smiling, happy faces. That's because Therese was working her way in us. We did it out of love - for her, for each other, for our company, for our work.

I adopted a work mantra some time last year: If it's worth doing, then it's worth doing well. Through St. Therese's teaching, I have added an 'ad lib' of this mantra. "And doing it out of LOVE."

Any little thing that you do out of love is "like a petal, a flower that you offer to the Lord," this is what St. Therese's Mom, Zelie, instilled in her. I will try my best to offer petals to God by doing things out of love. I hope I will not stray nor forget this resolve.

Sacrifice and Suffering. When I was in elementary, our Christian Education teacher told us about St. Therese's teaching: that of offering your suffering to the Lord. She said, if we had a tummy ache, for instance, to offer it to Jesus if we love Him. At that time, I couldn't understand why I would want to offer or give or pass on to Jesus my tummy ache, but I did it anyway because I loved Him. I was thinking what kind of gift am I giving Jesus and if there were a lot of people who had tummy aches and offered it to Jesus, how tough it must be for Jesus to be suffering for us. Would it mean that Jesus would forever have some kind of ache?!

For years, that's how I thought. Give your tummy ache to Jesus so it will go away. Give your head ache to Jesus. Offer it to the Lord. Would you believe that it is only now that I fully grasp the concept of "offering" our suffering to the Lord?!? (blush blush).

To offer it to the Lord isn't to give it to Him. It is to embrace the suffering that our aches and pain entail and give to Jesus our sacrifice for bearing the pain. We take and endure the pain and dedicate it for our petition - be it for conversion of sinners, salvation of souls, healing of a loved one, or peace in the family. The pain will not go away but it will have made the suffering worth it.

Anything done out of love is an offering to the Lord. Love. It is the most important thing of all.

God doesn't call all of us to be heroes, martyrs or missionaries. He has different plans for all of us. Our universal calling is to love.

Therese said, 'My vocation is LOVE.' So is ours. Any simple thing, done out of love. That is her little way. To love God with abandonment like a child totally dependent on his parent. To use every opportunity to praise God. To be humble, to be little, to be selfless.

This is her path to God. It may sound simple but it is hard. There will be temptations. It will be a struggle. But I will try to live her teachings.

St. Therese may not have performed a great miracle in my life. But she showed me, taught me, made me realize the child-like, relatively do-able and accessible way towards going to heaven. This young girl who became famous only after her death; who was proclaimed Doctor or an Authority of the church even when she didn't earn a degree in her life; whose life story and teachings reached the whole world even if she was a cloistered nun from 15 years old til her death at 24. She taught me this.

More than a hundred years after her death, she is still very much alive, working her miracles in our lives. Thank you St. Therese for visiting us and sharing your Little way.

Bric's Bag of Tricks

2008-03-11T09:05:00.001-07:00

Bric is now One year and Three months old. He's growing up to be a big, happy, talkative, curious, smart, healthy and lovable boy! There's hardly a dull moment with him. He is just so full of energy. I am also very impressed at how fast he can pick up on things. Just for my remembrance (and his too), I'll be constantly updating my blog for the latest things Bric has learned and does.

At 1 year and 3 months, Bric:
- can get his diapers from the drawer so that he can change
- can get his shoes so that he can wear it
- knows how to "love"; he leans on you in a lambing manner
- waves Hi and Bye on his own. He waves to animate and inanimate persons, statues and posters with people.
- points at his ouchy if he has any and when we ask him to
- knows his nose
- loves to ride in his stroller and go walking around the village with Mommy
- looooves the water and swimming with Mommy
- calls "Dada" everytime he sees Daddy in pictures
- knows how to call Melinda "Da" and Mirafe "Pe"
- sits still and behaves well when he sits on Lolo Boy's lap while Lolo is on his wheelchair
- mimics us
- knows the animals dog, horse, cow, cat, bird, duck, pig and sheep
- doesn't cry during vaccinations and blood samples
- still knows 'nam nam' for eat and 'nana' for banana
- says 'no more' when things get 'lost' with matching twisting of hands
- likes Barney and music and songs
- loves to dance
- made a walk like Lolo Boy's walk (on his own!!!)
- loves to clap and be applauded (actually solicits applause!)
- pats himself when asked 'who's guapo?'
- pronounces dog 'doog'
- moves his forefinger when we say 'no' or 'hala ka'
- favorite words "nam nam", "baby", "mam"
- favorite food: pancit or any kind of noodle

Out Where the Action Is

2008-03-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

We just got home from the Welcome Mass of the Miraculous Pilgrim Relics of St. Therese at her Shrine in Manlunas. Before that, we joined the Procession starting from the Barangay Hall towards her shrine.

It was well attended and joining it gave me an insight of the Filipino culture. We walked ahead of the Therese mobile with the Wang wangs, the Talulot Winners contingent with their festive drum beating and the pick up of GMA's Jessica Soho Reports (no, Jessica wasn't there, only her crew).

As we were walking, we distributed white and yellow flaglets to represent the colors of the Catholic Church. This was so that when the relics pass, the people would wave at her as a sign of our warm welcome.

As a group of children passed by me, I gave one of them a flaglet. All of a sudden, like piranhas eating their prey, my flaglets vanished in a second as the rest of the kids grabbed them from my grasp. A girl, perhaps around 10 years old, belonging to their group, asked if I had any more. I told her I had none anymore. She then curiously asked me what was happening. I told her the relics of St. Therese had arrived. She gave out a grin and said, "Oh I thought there was a fire!"

I guess we Filipinos always go where the action is. Just like a band of blind mice, we go where the tide takes us not knowing exactly where we're headed.

We also more than always are curious if there's anything happening. I remember when I was a kid. A factory that was several blocks away from the house was on fire. As if there was anything I could do to stop the fire, I still went out of our gate just to see what was going on.

Lastly, we are a festive people. If there is the slightest reason to go out and dance, we would. With the coming of the relics, people were out on the streets. They were standing with their candles and flaglets. The kids were shouting Viva St. Therese. The people were dancing to the beat of the talulot drummers. A group of kids even followed the GMA pick up just shouting, "GMA, GMA" (not the president, but the tv station).

It is all these characteristics and more that make our people unique; and make planning a procession easier. You just know our kababayans will not hesitate to stop what they're doing when they sense a commotion or a parade and come out in the streets. What more the coming of a great Saint as St. Therese?

Brainless Activities

2008-03-09T08:10:00.000-07:00

The title should've read 'Brainless Activities but Enriching Nonetheless' but it would've been too long. I'm talking about what I do when I come home from work and stare in front of the computer. By then, Bric's already asleep and Boydee's already into his game, all attention on his PC.

Since I don't like lying on the bed by my lonesome, I try to extend my sleeping hours to coincide with Boydee's. Sometimes, it works; most times, I still end up going to bed ahead of him.

Ever since Ate Rona introduced this kuripot-digiscrapper's dream site 'scrapping with ikeagoddess', I've replaced playing Bejeweled 2 with downloading freebies found in this site. This is one of those brainless activities, a past time used to do exactly that - pass the time, but after all the downloading is done, I get folders of new kits and templates to work with when I'm in the mood for some 'brain-ful' activities.

Patience is needed though especially since downloading can be s-l-o-w because of the internet connection. But otherwise, it's a great past time when my brain is too drained from working or thinking; or if I find the allowable scrapping time is too bitin.

Dowloading songs from Limewire is also one of those activities; and surfing the web. Less brain activity is needed but it's still an enriching activity.

It's a great way to pass the time. For now, I am going to bed since my DH has decided to call it a night too!

Mom Shalene's Predicament

2008-02-29T06:20:00.000-08:00

Once over a meal here in La Vista, Mom was getting worried about Dad's condition. It was one of Dad's lazier and weaker moments. Scared he might have problems with his swallowing again which might lead to pneumonia again, she encouraged him to exercise his throat muscle.

One of these exercises is to vocalize, or shout loud enough to feel a pull on your throat. Dad wouldn't do it. Mom turned her attention to Rod, Zhar and me since we were at the dinner table at that time. Nurses Mike and Eldon hovered over Dad and sweet talked him to at least try to vocalize. Finally, Dad gave in and gave out a loud 'Aahhh'.

Mom stopped talking to us and turned to him and said, "Sweetheart! Yan! Sige, one more time." Dad, for his part, turned towards her and immediately creased his brows with an irritated look directed right at her.

It's a great thing that Mom is already an expert at handling Dad and his mood swings. She calmly said to Dad that she won't make him kulit na lang.

Although it was a moment made light by Mom's humor and good nature, it could very well have been a cause for hurt and self pity for Mom. But she's much better than that. I know, though, that it can be very frustrating at times. I know that inside, she may also have her moments of getting hurt. So I salute her for her strength, courage and positive outlook. I also want to console her with this:

When I find Dad by his lonesome (well, with Mike and Eldon), I try to make small talk, just to try to put a smile on his face. Being so lousy at small talk, I really don't know what to talk about. I remember during the times when Dad was a little more agile and alert, we'd talk about family. So usually, now, I talk about the past, his past. And of course, being the romantic that I am, I always go back to Dad and Mom's love story, their early stories with their kids, their wedding. And that would always, always bring a smile to Dad's face. He would also start to talk a little more.

So, Mom, even if Dad creases his eyebrows at you a little more often these days, please know that when you're not looking, you're really the reason for making him smile.

Ang Mamatay Ng Dahil Sa 'Yo

2008-02-29T05:49:00.000-08:00

Watched Rielle's play in Assumption (where she was simply GREAT as the Little Prince) this afternoon and as school programs go, the start of the show is always marked by the singing of our national anthem.

Our red-blue and white flag peeked out of the side door and the music of Lupang Hinirang began. As I stood there with my right hand over my heart singing the song, this feeling of sadness swept over me.

I felt sorry for the state our country is in. I feel disgusted at our leaders occupying the highest posts in our land. How can I be proud to sing of our country when we have the likes of GMA, FG, Ben Abalos and Mike Defensor as our so-called caretakers? When the so-called truth is twisted to cover lies and robbery? When the likes of Jun Lozada who show love for his adopted homeland are condemned for exposing corruption? How can I pledge loyalty to a country whose AFP and PNP leaders serve and protect the highest bidder and not the common people and whose loyalty is for sale? How can people who call themselves Filipinos, who proudly call on the name of God and their Catholic faith, lie in front of everyone just to save the skin of the principal that they serve? How many souls will be sold to the devil just to dispute the truth and protect the erring powers that be?

As I was beginning to get teary eyed, I stopped myself. The flag and our song have withstood the tests of time. It stands, not just for the Philippines now or the leaders of today. It stands for our forefathers who fought against colonialism, tyranny, oppression and suppression of our freedom. Our flag and song stands for our country, and its people in general, not just of a chosen few. GMA is but a tiny speck of our country being the current leader. But she isn't the Philippines. She doesn't stand for the flag nor our song.

Gloria and her minions are the dominant ones now but they won't be there forever. Just like our heroes, they will be a thing of the past. But unlike our heroes whose lives will always be an inspiration to the future generations, our leaders of today will be an example of how power corrupts and how power can be abused. That perhaps is how Gloria will want to be remembered.

Our flag will stand and for as long as there is a thing called time, there will always be change and with that comes hope. I know things will only get better IF we just pray. I do not see myself standing in the streets of Makati asking GMA to resign. I will be the silent majority, but my prayers to God to save our country won't be silent. It is because of my love and pride of my Flag, my anthem, my being Filipino that pushes me to pray for our beloved Philippines and hope for better things to come. I will do my own part in making it happen.

I sang the final verses of the song a little more loudly. I sang for our country, its history, the land where I call home.

Relieving Trip to the Doctor

2008-02-27T07:59:00.000-08:00

Our baby has been sick since Saturday night and just yesterday, his fever went up to 39.1C. Now that got me freaked out. I couldn't think well enough to make our agenda for our meeting with our staff. When I called Mila after a few hours, his fever had subsided but was still higher than normal.

After researching on the internet about dengue symptoms and soliciting comfort from my sisters, Ate Rona and Elizza, I finally decided to focus on getting some work done. I invited Lai to sit in with the Commissions Staff meeting to know and evaluate the workflow. I guess she got kinda bored, I'd see her turning her ballpen around her fingers... and a blank notebook in front of her. Hehehe... Nevertheless, I have to thank her for bearing with me. Hehehe... But I think we accomplished something. :)

When I got home, played with Bric for a while and then he was off to sleep.

The past 2 nights, I'd bring him on our bed in between Boydee and myself while he's fast asleep. Last night, I cradled him in my arms, both of us lying down.

Today was the visit to Tita Doc. Findings after CBC platelet count: it's not dengue (whew!). He's got a lot of phlegm inside that's probably causing the fever. He is now on antibiotics.

Met Ate at the doctor since Rainey had stiff neck. Poor girl! After the doctor, we dropped Bric home and proceeded to buy medicine at Mercury and grocery shopping at Rustan's.

Had a massage by Mang Romy and feeling kinda rejuvenated and sleepy at the same time. So, while waiting for sleep to conquer me, I'm downloading songs of my childhood from limewire and updating (sort of) my blog. :)

Powerpuff Girls

2008-02-11T06:11:00.000-08:00

This day started and semi ended with the Sisterhood doing official work. Yup... you read it. The three of us girls went from the site to the MVC office all in the name of work. Of course, we never miss out on the lunch break which today was CPK, the occasional office of Ate Rona and Lai.

We all woke up at varying times within the hour of 7 to 8am. Then, I picked Ate then Lai then off we went to the Site Office. Meeting, meeting, meeting for Treasury flow. There were times our brains weren't absorbing anything anymore but fortunately, we accomplished what we set out to do. Hopefully we ironed out the kinks especially where the site is concerned.

Then it was time for lunch to recharge our energies and brain cells. We had Waldorf Salad, 5 cheese pizza, Creamy Garlic shrimp spaghetti (this was yummeeee!!!) and Portobello Mushroom Ravioli. I think we overcharged our batteries... we were all kinda sleepy after. Hehehe...

At 2pm, we were in our office. This time around, our queen mother joined us :) Again, meeting, meeting, meeting. Miraculously, we were done by 5:30pm. All of us went home together again with Manuel.

So ends another episode of the Powerpuff girls. Hehehehe... It's three times the fun when we're three-gether. So even if we're doing heavy thinking work, we never fail to insert fun, laughter and ka-kengkoyan. What's more, we still get things done. Right sisterhood?

More episodes to come... perhaps Stella and Zhar would be able to join us! Looking forward to it! :)

No Shame

2008-02-10T05:43:00.000-08:00

Jun Lozada, star witness to the NBN-ZTE deal, has been on TV since he came back from Hong Kong and ever since he decided to tell the truth to the public, he has become an overnight star. He is the modern day David fighting the corrupt, power-hungry, money-driven Goliath that is the Arroyo government.

His credibility is being destroyed by the very people he used to work with and whose reputation he initially tried to protect. What lies they can concoct about him, I believe in his sincerity and the truth that he is saying.

Here is a man plucked out from obscurity but became high profile because he was caught in the crossfire of people who wanted to milk this country dry just to enrich their pockets. When is enough money and power enough? Now, FG, no stranger to controversy, has involved innocent, well meaning, sincere civil servants, country -loving individuals hoping they will be motivated and swayed by the weapons and temptations such as 'greed', 'power', 'influence', 'stature', 'money' and 'fame'. The 'tempted' get tempted and sell their soul; if they say no, their life and their name are destroyed.

When will the seemingly decent people like Ignacio Bunye, Romy Neri stop telling lies to cover up for this government? When will the other people who are supposedly in service start serving the people, the common good instead of serving just the President or the First Gentlemen? When will the wheels of justice turn for those who are in the echelons of selfish power?

For now, I sit and wait til 2010 and pray we will be given a better choice for a leader. I pray that our nation will still have hope through its leaders. I pray the future leaders will be strong enough to stop the bureaucracy and the corruption instead of joining the fray. I pray there will be more Jun Lozadas who will speak up and expose the evils of this government, not for political motives but simply because they want the truth out and want change. And lastly, I pray for Jun Lozada, for his protection and the safety of his family. His act, his sacrifice shouldn't be ridiculed or put under scrutiny. Rather, it should be lauded and hopefully it will inspire. May his tribe increase!

My Lenten Sacrifice

2008-02-08T05:38:00.000-08:00

Lent came early this year with Ash Wednesday falling on February 6. Father Benny in his homily said Lent should be a time of prayer, sacrifice and giving.

I've decided to give up pork and beef. In addition to that, I will try to get on the treadmill at least 3 times a week. These 'sacrifices' are kinda selfish in motive because they'll also help me lose weight. But as St. Therese said, any little thing if done with love is already an offering to Jesus.

Temptations may abound but with God as motivation, I'll really really try not to give in.

As for charity, I'm looking for a Mother Teresa center here that helps the less fortunate children. Mother Teresa because it was she who enlightened Boydee when we were undecided on River's fate. Hope someone can give me leads as to where to find that center.

It's 40 more days to go but my sacrifice is nothing compared to what Jesus had to go through. Maybe I'll add more daily offerings as much as I can. All for Jesus. All for the conversion of sinners and the salvation of souls.

Another Milestone

2008-02-07T06:26:00.000-08:00

Our Bric can walk!!! It's been 3 days now since Bric can walk unassisted all around the house. So now that he's discovered the joy of walking, he's like the Energizer Bunny. He just keeps going and going and going. His sleeping schedule during the day is disrupted because he just can't get enough of walking. He's so funny.

Starting on the 8th month, Bric has been learning so many new things. He is now like a sponge and he's developing his personality. He's got his Dad's happy disposition. It takes so little to make him smile. He got his Dad's friendliness. He savors and relishes being the center of attention - sometimes even looking for it. He solicits applause, and calls your attention if you're not paying him any. During our flights to Cebu and Manila, he never fails to befriend a stewardess or a fellow passenger (even flirting with them).

It's actually funny how tables have turned. When we'd fly before and we hear a kid screaming or crying, we get irritated. Now, it's our own baby making noises and being restless and though it's embarrassing sometimes, it's also amusing, and most times, we are helpless on shutting Bric up. He's got a mind and will of his own. So, we just beg for our fellow passengers' indulgence and hope we're not disturbing them too much.

Sometimes, when I'm with Bric, I am surprised at how much he already understands. He follows when we ask him to put his socks in his shoes. He says 'nam nam' when it's eating time. He says 'ba ba' (be bye) and waves his hand when he leaves us to go out. He knows how to 'love' by leaning and embracing us. He kisses us, waves at us and even statues or pictures. He jumps about when there's music (that's the way he dances). He claps his hands when he knows he's done something he thinks we expect him to do. He's a bundle of energy and amusement. He brings so much love and joy in our lives!

Grouchy!

2008-02-06T20:38:00.000-08:00

Before leaving the office last night, I dropped by the desk of one of our staff to follow up on her report. This report has been due since 3 weeks ago. When I finally saw the report, I already saw an error on the first line. I was quite disappointed and frustrated since this was long overdue and I expected it to be accurate since it had taken that long for her to make, the least it could be was correct.

Out of frustration, I couldn't help but unleash my 'temper' 'moderately' towards her. My hubby happened to pass by when he saw my 'controlled outbursts', and he intercepted.

While waiting for the elevator, he told me not to be too hard on that particular person. She might just break down. I kinda felt bad after that, not so much because it felt like he was siding with her but more because of my guilt.

When we got home, I was still getting grumpy and irritable. I was restless. It felt like there was so much negative energy within me that had to find an outlet. Any little thing irked me. So, instead of boxing a wall or banging my head, I channeled all this pent up energy to treadmilling, hoping I'd feel lighter after that. I did but oh so slightly. Then I read Goldie Hawn's autobiography, A Lotus Grows in the Mud, which is a feel good book but I didn't totally feel good after.

When none of my escape tactics worked, I decided to go to sleep. Obviously, I couldn't right away, so I prayed. It was only after a quieting down within me that I got the courage to look inside me and really ask what was going wrong that night after that incident.

I blamed everyone and everything else at my irritability. Maybe I was sensitive because I'll be having my period soon; perhaps I was tired from a long day at work. None of those were acceptable enough. The underlying reason for my feeling irritable was my guilt!

I felt bad because I let my frustration get the better of me; I felt bad because I wasn't patient enough; I felt bad because I was perhaps rude to someone who despite her shortcomings still remained 'nice' and ever so patient in handling our outbursts. I had to deal with my own monsters. How have I become so mean and arrogant?

After admitting the real reason for my touchiness, I felt a little better. I told myself tomorrow, I'll treat that particular staff better and with more patience. I resolved to be more humble, stretch my patience and hold my temper in. I will try not to be too sungit.

As we grow older, although I believe we learn more about life, it shouldn't give us reason to be more arrogant and behave like a know-it-all. As we mature, we should instead be more compassionate towards others and be a better person. It isn't our egos that should grow bigger, but our hearts.

Cleaning Day

2008-02-02T10:10:00.000-08:00

I just finished taking a shower and dressed myself in shorts and a plain white shirt. Today is cleaning day for me... more like organizing our room day.

It's been 3 years already since I moved in with Boydee in his room. And up to today, my closet space still remains at 2 1/2 closets. The rest of the 3 1/2 and a few more on top are his. 1/2 was Bric's but since Bric has a nursery already, that half reverted back to Boydee. So, thank God I'm not too kikay to have too many clothes.

Aside from closets, our whole room has always been in kind of a mess. Boydee and I aren't the most organized and oc-oc house people. Thank God we only have a room plus one nursery. Imagine if we had a whole house (but then again, there might be more space to store our stuff).

We've already placed boxes and boxes of clothes, collections, etc. in the attic but there's still a lot of things here to sort out. It seems I'm forever 'spring cleaning' but our room still gets messy.

So, the thing to be done is to ORGANIZE. Assign areas, drawers for particular categories. That way, when there's new stuff, we know where to put them instead of just on the massage bed at the foot of our bed, or on the floor where it stays for weeks, months, (gasp) years...

Keeping our room clean should also be a commitment and tidiness a lifestyle.

Hopefully today, I'll be successful in starting to organize. Hopefully starting today, I'll stay committed to keeping our room neat and clean. I know there will be lazy days, so then I'll just have to start again. Wish me luck!

Shopping Pressure... errrr.... Pleasure

2008-02-01T05:31:00.000-08:00

After 4 days in Macau and 3 in HK, we come back to our beloved country where our son awaits us. Bric greets us at the airport. Our baby is growing up so fast. He's now walking more than 5 steps and he doesn't want to be held. Hehe...

Despite my drowsiness from having to wake up at 7am (having slept at around 1am) to catch our flight, I didn't sleep when we got to the house. I started unpacking and realized we didn't buy too many stuff... which is good because we didn't spend too much money.... but I'm thinking I should have bought another one of those 'pylone' reminder buttons for our bathroom mirror or the pylone passport holder. Too late for regrets since we're not in HK anymore.

I've often been teased as 'kuripot' (thrifty) by my hubby which almost had me convinced. But after giving it serious thought, I've made a conclusion about my spending habits. I'm "practical" more than I am "kuripot"; I decide which things to splurge on and which stuff I can do without. I am a 'moody' shopper; I have to be 'in the mood' to shop and it's not a switch that is 'on' all the time.

I spend on the following:
1. food!!! - This is so self-explanatory... When we travel, I like to try the different restaurants and the cuisine a place has to offer. There are just endless possibilities with food and my palate is just only too willing to explore what the gastronomic world has to offer.
2. Travel - I'd like to believe that traveling is an educational and humbling experience. In travel, we learn about different cultures, see how different we are from one another, on one hand, and so alike on the other. It is also an exercise in humility as we realize just how small we are, how we form part of an even bigger world outside our own familiar corners of our home cities.
3. Loved ones - Gifts, trips, scrapbooks - I don't hesitate giving those to loved ones specially to Boydee, Bric, our 2 Moms, Dad and our brothers, sisters and nieces and nephews. But when it's Christmas, now, that's another story. Hehe...
4. Books!!! - Ate Rona was saying she can spend hours and hours in a bookstore and I couldn't agree with her more. I was telling Boydz that if I had to work in the US, I'd be happy and content working in a bookstore like Borders or Barnes and Noble or Page One in HK. Oh, I'd probably be reprimanded for reading too much and not paying attention to the customers. :)
5. clothes (not really so much) - I do this as a one-time shopping spree or occasional splurges because I don't really go to malls often and most times, I'm too lazy to try something on especially if it's just one piece of clothing. If there's a particular style I like that suits me, I tend to buy all the colors. I guess I'm a lazy shopper when it comes to clothes. Moreso now that I am overweight and still plan on losing at least 20 lbs!!! I don't want to buy too many clothes since I might just successfully lose my unwanted bilbils and oil deposits... (crossing my fingers here)
4. shoes - My Mom used to say to me about buying my shoes: Because your feet are big, it's hard to look for your size so if there's a style you like, buy it. I'm more careful now because sometimes, I buy shoes I hardly get to wear. I used to buy fakes until my friend told me a top-seeded tennis player had her ankles damaged because she wore fake adidas rubber shoes. That scared me so from that time on, when it came to rubber shoes and walking shoes, no more fakes for me. Now that I type this, I'm beginning to doubt the story... I mean, why would an international top-seeded tennis player wear fakes???!!! But my friend's logic stuck. Don't mess with feet!
5. Other needs and some 'wants' - Needs are our family's essentials with some specifics/premium on some items... like soap has to be Dove because Boydee's allergic to some others; toilet paper preferred is the one from Rustan's because it's 3-ply so you actually use less because it's thicker, etc... Other "luxuries" are tech stuff (more Boydee's) and services like massage (this I absolutely LOVE!), hair highlights (once a year or even once every 1 year and a half), formal gowns (only if an occasion calls for it).

Shopping is an art and a skill. To be able to hunt for the lowest price for an item, or to be conscious and updated how much a particular thing costs is not easy and requires time. I humbly admit that this is a skill and talent I don't possess; which is just so fortunate that I don't have too many "needs" or "desires"; no tendency of keeping up with the Joneses. I am a stickler for 'saving for a rainy day.' We still have one son and plan to have 1-2 more so we have a lot to spend for in the future. So, we're saving up but that doesn't mean the quality of our lives is less. As cliche as it may sound, money and material things can't buy you happiness. But then again, having them sure helps. Hehe...

Macau, Days 2 & 3

2008-01-29T01:42:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, we spent half the day in Zhu Hai, China. We crossed over the Macau-China boundary by shuttle bus, went through Immigration twice and shopped in Zhu Hai - Macau's answer to HK's Shen Zen.

Here, haggling is an art and a must. Haggling is done by who presses the lowest digit in the calculator. Hehe... Haggling brings out the fun and challenge in shopping but then, it does get tiring after a while. Anyway, favorite buys of that trip were our matching North Face jackets. I also got myself a NF backpack which doubles as a laptop bag. I can use this for those rugged outings. For Boydee, my favorite pick for him, was the Hugo Bass curdoroy jacket. The fit looked perfect on him! We bought PJs as pasalubong for our yayas and drivers; and for Bric, we bought PJs as well and 2 pairs of shoes. Fake Tiffany & Co. pendants were also where our shopping money went to, mostly for gifts. Then at 7pm, we all went back to Macau.

Today, we had lunch at an italian restaurant in Fisherman's Wharf; had several picture taking sessions. Then, Boydee and I went to Wynn's to have Mommy Nonie's Chanel watch fixed. The rest of them went back to Venetian. Boydee and I also dropped by the Penha Church which looked so inviting from the road. Nestled on top of a hill, it provides visitors with a view overlooking the city of Macau. The church itself was surprisingly small and simple despite the gothic edifice looking humongous from the outside. Perhaps a seminary was housed there? After a look-see, we went back to our hotel.

Back in the hotel, we decided to try our luck in the casino since we were in a casino hotel already. We played Black Jack and played with HK$1,000. After a few minutes, we were up by $1,500 so we decided to call it quits. As they say, 'Quit while you're ahead,' and so we did.

Now, we're lounging around our room waiting for dinner time. This has been a relaxing and fun vacation. Except that we're missing our Bric. But in a few more days, we'll be able to hug and kiss him again. For now, it's bonding time with Daddy, Mommy and Lola and the brotherhood and sisterhood, plus Agila and Mike. We're very fortunate to be able to afford this luxury to be able to travel together; luckier still that our family is a happy bunch and actually enjoy one another's company! It's like being in one big barkada, where it only takes so little to make each other laugh!

Hello Again Macau!

2008-01-27T08:21:00.000-08:00

We're back in Macau, the whole gang of us Dizons "adults" plus future Dizon, Zhar, and Lola Nene. This time around, we're spending four days in Macau instead of just a day trip when we were last together in March 2007 for Mommy Shalene's birthday.

Today is Day 1 and it's been an easy and tiring day. I've disrupted my sleeping schedule because we had to wake up at 4am today to make it to our 8am flight. Upon arrival, we took the hydrofoil to Macau. It is great how the cities of HK and Macau are very forward looking especially in developing its tourism industry. From the HK Airport, we can now go direct to Macau via the Ferry without the inconvenience of having to drag our luggage all over. We simply hand the Ferry staff with our baggage claim tags and then they get it for us and bring it with the hydrofoil. When we get to Macau, we claim our luggage with the same baggage tags. We didn't even have to pass through Immigration in HK. Really, really convenient. Kudos to our tour leader for this trip, Rondic, for making the travel arrangements and leading the pack! :)

When we got to Macau, we headed straight to the Venetian Shuttle where we were taken to Venetian. This hotel is just soooo huuuuggeee!!!! So huge and populated, in fact, that going around the lobby towards Bambu, the Asian Buffet outlet where we had our late lunch, felt like being in a marketplace with ambience. The hotel was just so full of people!

I thoroughly enjoyed our late buffet lunch of roasted goose, pork herb soup, chinese noodles, black pepper beef, and sweet and sour fish. Not too good were the sio mai and ha kaw. Despite a few let downs, it was still a good and full lunch with the older Dizon couples (Ate, Japa, Rondic, Lai, Boydee and myself) sharing shallow jokes and laughing heartily because we were all just too full.

After several minutes' wait in Dad and Mom's colossal suite room, our rooms were ready and we all headed to our respective sleeping quarters. Our rooms are luxurious, spacious and ostentatious. What's best is the FREE wi-fi internet access! At least, we're not cut off from the rest of the world.

Boydee and I spent our idle time watching the championship round of the Australian Open which saw 2 great future tennis players, Serb Novak Djokovic and a very promising and charming French player, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. While Novak won the trophy (his 1st grand slam and the 1st Serb to ever win a Singles Grand Slam Tourney), it was Tsonga who won the hearts of the Aussies. His game was very fresh, 'free' and fearless. A lot more is in store for this new 18th seed.

I got hungry after the match so after a call to Ate, we all went down for dinner at the food court. We strolled around the Grand Canals Shopping Center and ended our day at Dad and Mom's room to decide what to do the next day. Once decided, we all went to our rooms one by one or two by two, actually.

It is now 12:40am of January 28. It is time to call it a night. We just finished Day 1 of our Macau trip. Tomorrow is Shopping day at Zhu Hai. Gotta rest so we can have the energy to shop, shop, shop!

Flight of An Angel

2008-01-09T03:01:00.001-08:00

It has been 5 days since I gave birth to our 2nd baby, 5 days since she lay on my chest, 5 days since we said our tearful hello's and then, it was time to say our goodbye's forever.

In the early morning of January 4, I had consistent hourly contractions from 4am til 7am. I decided I had better have myself checked just to be sure we, Boydee, myself, Bric and Yaya, were ok to fly back to Manila the day after. We've been in Cebu since December 30 to spend New Year with my side of the family. Mommy Nonie called Dr. Milagros Chan, a family friend and a veteran OB-Gyne, and she readily said she'd see me at 9am that day.

Mom, Boydee and I went to see her in her clinic. After a brief overview of my condition and looking at my records, she checked me and asked me to have myself admitted to our preferred hospital. I was apparently already in labor and was already 6-7 cm dilated. We rushed to Chong Hua Hospital, got myself admitted then I was sent straight away to the Labor Room. At about 11am, I was being wheeled to the Delivery Room getting ready for delivery. Even if River was breech, I was relieved that Dr. Chan decided to do a normal/vaginal delivery for me. I was also quite relieved that I would be delivering my baby in Cebu where everything is just easier since everybody knew everybody here. It was easier to request that Boydee be in the DR with me so we can baptize River when she came out.

At 1:26pm, River came into our world at 7 months in my tummy. She was tiny and didn't cry much. Dr. Chan allowed her to rest on my chest for a few minutes. Boydee was standing beside us, and in a second, we baptized her together. She was baptized River Uy Dizon. Forty four minutes later, she passed. She lived long enough for us to baptize her, long enough for us to see her and hold her, just long enough for me to say I am so sorry she didn't have a chance to live longer and normally, just long enough for us to say we love her and just long enough for her to feel the love of her parents.

River wasn't born with the perfect figure, nor the perfect face. Her condition didn't allow her to develop normally. But her spirit was most beautiful and her soul most pure.

Her condition may have brought us much sadness, confusion and was such a trial of our faith but it also brought us closer to one another and to our families, and most especially deepened our faith in God. I believe we made the right decision in choosing life over death when we lifted all to God and gave Him the decision as to when and where to take River away. He couldn’t have chosen the more perfect day and place.

River would have been surrounded and showered with so much love here on earth but God intended for her to be with Him in heaven. Her beauty was not of this earth and her mission was not to live here with us; but to watch over us from above in the company of God, as our little angel.

River was cremated last January 5 at the Cebu Rolling Hills with her Mamalyn and Mama Rona as witnesses.

They say a soul goes to heaven three days after he or she breathes her last breath. River would have already taken flight by now and hopefully, is in the protective care of her Mama Mary.

We are most blessed to have an angel-daughter, and Bric, an angel for a sister. Til we meet again, River. Bring our love with you to heaven and watch over us. I miss you so much!!!

My Two Rafaels

2007-12-27T05:11:00.000-08:00

Tonight was date night for Boydee and I. We had a tremendously early dinner (5:30pm) at UCC in The Clubhouse, in White Plains. I had Sumiyaki Eel and Mushroom Spaghetti, Boydee had Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti and Shrimp in Tomato Cream Sauce. The latter was yummier than the former but what really caught us by surprise was the petite serving size! For my order which cost P419, the spaghetti hardly even reached a 100 grams! We could've eaten in Teriyaki Boy and paid half our bill and left with fuller stomachs. This branch of UCC was a disappointment. Nevertheless, because of its location, we may still end up coming back here. Hehe... Despite the let down, it didn't spoil our mood. I savor the chance to be just with Boydee and talk about lighter things in life - not work, not problems, just unimportant things. Then we took a stroll in next door Santi's and Rustan's Fresh Supermarket.

We came home with Bric at the dinner table already in his red pajamas and still in a 'newly awakened' mood. He was seated in his stroller beside Lolo Boy. Our baby motioned for us to carry him in my arms but I had to pee so Daddy Boydee whisked him off of his stroller. When I came back, Bricky reached out towards me. I carried him downstairs to our room. It was just me, Boydee and our baby Bric. We all three lay in bed, Bric occasionally moving about, but mostly drowsy. Boydee dozed off to sleep. Eventually, Bric went on light sleep mode, but couldn't quite get the position he wanted so he moved about, stirring this way and that, wiggling, scratching his head, moving his hands. Eventually, I took him in my arms and sat on our chair and lullabied him to sleep.

There is nothing more precious than cradling your baby in your arms while he dozes off to sleep. Just staring at his innocent face, eyes closed, interrupted by his mild snores, and his eyes holding on to yours while he is asleep is an experience, a moment that I'd always hold special. It's a sure heart-warmer.

I thank the Lord for the times I get to spend with my 2 Rafaels, whether separately or especially together. There's also a different warmth and kick at watching Boydee and Bric play together. Ahhh... to be surrounded with so much love and be gifted with 2 angels! What more can an ordinary wife and mother ask for?

The Coming of the Relics

2007-12-27T05:02:00.000-08:00

The pilgrim relics of St. Therese of the Child Jesus is coming on January 15-March 13 and her first stop will be the Shrine. We're part of the Steering Committee although Boydee and I were only able to sit in this late in the planning because we were in the US for a month. Thanks to Japa for filling in for us and representing MVC with Mario and Allan.

As the day draws near, we are cramming to do what else needs to be done. For one, the merchandising opportunity had been overlooked so today, we met with Nora and Elma to discuss what souvenir items we can sell so that the possible profit can at least defray what we are about to spend. We realize that it won't really cover our expenses but what little help we can give will go a long way. It's still better than nothing. We just hope we can sell all our items.

Tomorrow, we will meet with Father Ernie, vice rector of the Shrine, to suggest and discuss possible activities for the Shrine while St. Therese's relics are there. We want to at least be secure that a lot of people will visit her there. Brother Froilan Torres is helping us with the activities - from the conceptualization to the execution. We hope Fr. Ernie approves of our proposal.

TV and print ads are already in place with fliers and posters to follow.

We hope and pray her visit to the Philippines will be a success in the sense that a great number of people's faith will be renewed and rekindled. If even just one person will be inspired to do good things and affect others because of her visit here, then the trip will not have been in vain.

Christmas Realization

2007-12-24T10:24:00.000-08:00

Had Christmas Mass at home at 10:30pm. While receiving Jesus in Holy Communion, I thanked Him for choosing to come down on earth to be with us. He could've chosen to be born in a palace or even the lowly inn, but He chose to be born in a humbler place - a manger. He could've chosen to be born to a wealthy family, but he chose to be a carpenter's son. He could've chosen NOT to have been born here on earth at all because He knew what fate awaited Him. He knew the road was going to be rough; He knew He had to suffer and die for us, and yet, even if He could've just passed on the cup, He took it because of His great love for us. He knew the outcome and yet He still went on His mission.

I realized in life, it isn't the destination that matters most of the time, but the path towards it. In the past few days, I would be filled with questions and would feel sorry for myself and for our baby because of the fate that awaits him. I couldn't understand why I had to carry him if he were not to survive anyway. Why did God have to let me go through this pregnancy for nothing? Why did our baby have to be formed if he would say goodbye so soon? Why endure this 'waiting' when we know the outcome already?

Tonight, my questions may not have found answers but I have taken on a different mindset. Jesus knew He was going to be born, only to die for us. With his birth came the promise of a death so cruel and painful because it was His mission to fulfill. With my second pregnancy, although the choice of having to be pregnant with a 'dying' baby was not a choice we made, it is a fact that has been given to us. With River, we know that it will only be a matter of days or even hours before God will call him to heaven but it shouldn't mean that all is for naught. God has His reasons, and even if we can not find the answers right away, I will follow Jesus' example and embrace what God has chosen as my fate, as well as that of our baby's. Again, it isn't whether we reach our destination, but the path we take to reach it. I intend to reach the finish line, that of delivering River safely out of my womb and into heaven with his baptism, bravely, and in full surrender of God's will. I will try to conquer my doubts, my fears, my sadness and just lift all to God, trusting He will watch over us all.

Happy birthday Jesus! Thank You for Your example and for giving Yourself to us. May You find a peaceful home in our hearts as You come on earth to be with us.

The Last Days Before Christmas

2007-12-23T05:27:00.000-08:00

Two more days before Christmas... The gifts have been wrapped and ready for giving. Food to be served on the Eve and on the day have been planned, prepared, ordered, bought and some, ready for pick up tomorrow.

Today, we just spent an afternoon with the children ages 5-10 from Marytown, the squatters area behind the Gavinos' house. There were about 210 kids in all. What a riot! But it was fun. I miss those outreach activities we used to hold in Cebu. For the Zugbuanas, it was the Looc children which we celebrated Christmas with. Our SHS-G Alumnae would host lunch for the orphans of Don Bosco. My little foundation would spend an afternoon with the Busay kids complete with food, balloons and games. Of course, they didn't reach 200 but it was our little way of sharing the spirit of Christmas and giving back whatever blessings God has given us to the less fortunate.

When I have time, I'd like to choose a charity Boydee and I can help with - perhaps an orphanage or a center for children afflicted with cancer. Didn't have the time to scout around for one this year. But then again, we don't have to wait til Christmas to give, right? So, maybe after the holidays.

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. It'll be Bric's second Christmas. How fast time flies indeed. It only feels like yesterday when I held our little baby in our arms. Now, he's an 11kg baby!!!

As for our 2nd... Lately, I've been asking God why He gave me, He gave us, this painful reality of having to carry a baby (almost to full term) and not have our baby live. Each time I feel this baby in my womb move, I feel sad and helpless. It seems this littlest one is a fighter and yet, it really isn't in our hands what fate he has before him/her. More than the fear of the eventual delivery and the complications that may come with it, what pains me most is the outcome. River (that will be his name) wasn't even given a choice, nor the chance to fight it out. Just 5 months in my tummy and his fate had been sealed. How sad is that?!? And yet we can not question Him. There has got to be a reason. For now, the answer evades me.

This Christmas will be the first and the last our 2nd will spend with us. And he has no choice but to spend it inside me. For now, this is our complete family. Until our next baby or babies.

It's a happy/sad Christmas... but we always just have to look at the bright side. We just have to look beyond ourselves and focus on Jesus' birth. He came to earth to be with us, to save us, to guide us. That is more than we can ever be thankful for.

Bric's Birthday Plans

2007-12-09T03:16:00.000-08:00

I started planning early for what was to have been Bric's BIG birthday celebration. The concept was floating in my mind since September this year and I already had an excel file listing down props, the menu, loot bag concepts and food carts. It was to have been a beach-themed party - a summer party in the middle of December with beach balls lining the column walls, perhaps a sand bar or inflatable pools, loot bags consisting of a pail, shovel, groovy sunglasses and a beach towel, among others. Somewhere along the way, I got stuck and had second thoughts about the beach theme. It was going to be, after all, on a December day when perhaps the chilly wind would have found its way in. Summer in the midst of "winter" wasn't very apt. So, the brainstorming stopped and the concept was temporarily shelved. I was taking my time waiting for inspiration to hit me again.

Except that it wasn't inspiration that hit me, hit us. It was the sad news of our 2nd baby. Then we had to fly to the States. With only less than a week to prepare for Bric's birthday, I visited Blimpworks for a possible set up for a simple gathering here in La Vista. Helen of Blimpworks was very accommodating and I got excited when I saw their catalog for a 'jungle/circus' theme and a unicyclist/juggler for entertainment. With that, I wanted to move the celebration to the 16th so more kids could join. On the other hand, Boydee and I were amenable to having a 'simple' celebration.

When I got home, I told Boydee the concept. He was pretty practical about the whole thing and
expressed that perhaps by this time, Christmas parties would have been scheduled already, and if we were gonna do something half-baked, we might as well just go for the 'simple' celebration.

After a series of short discussions, we finally settled on having a just us dinner - meaning tayo tayo lang dinner with just the immediate family on both sides - Dizons and Uys - at a Chinese restaurant. We will, of course, bring Bric to Mass and have Father give him a birthday blessing.

So that's how Bric's 1st birthday will be spent. No lavish props nor hired entertainers. Just the family, and just Mass. But that's all that really matters. He will be surrounded by the people who truly love him, and blessed by the One who created him. It may not be a 'festive' birthday, but it will be a meaningful one.

To our beloved first born son, you have brought so much joy, energy, love and laughter in our lives. We can not thank God enough for the gift of your life in our lives. May God continue to bless you with good health and abundant love. May you grow up to be an intelligent, kind-hearted, handsome man who will serve God in the best way He wants you to serve Him. We love you, our little, smiling one.

Back to Reality

2007-12-09T00:52:00.000-08:00

After a month in the States, we're now back home. After a series of check ups and consultations, after a pocket vacation with Rondic and Elizza with Mommy Shalene and Boydee in Virginia (Williamsburg, Yorktown, Jamestown and Washington DC) with much thanks to Zendle and Patrick (sis and bil of Zhar) for welcoming us into their home with Tita Belle to take care of us, after a weekend trip to Las Vegas courtesy of Tita Belen at Mandalay with Mom, Roc, Randy and Stella, we are finally back in Manila.

Bric picked us up at the airport and at first, he didn't want to be carried in my arms. He would cry... And it literally tore my heart to pieces! Eventually, he warmed up and my heart was mended. I could finally hold our baby in my arms and kiss him all I wanted. He's now such a grown boy!!! He can sit up straight and crawl very fast! And my, what a noisy boy!!! He's very adamant when he wants something and would not settle until he gets it. Uh-oh, symptoms of a spoiled child? Hopefully not! Hehehe...

I just have to thank Ate Rona for taking good care of our baby while we were away and for keeping us updated with his developments through her blog which I read and re-read and checked almost daily whenever I could.

As for my pregnancy, well, our 2nd baby is still moving about in my womb. And there are times when explaining about our situation seems mechanical, just so we don't put too much emotions into an already painful plight. Fear and sadness still envelop me in my quiet moments but I am helpless to do anything. I wish I didn't have to carry our baby to full term, only to watch him slip away so soon, and for me to risk a caesarian operation again. I wish God would call our baby quietly and peacefully back into His kingdom with the slightest pain or suffering on our part. Of course, the most fervent prayer would be to have our baby survive and live a normal, healthy life. Nothing short of a miracle, but I don't want to hope and risk falling deeper into sadness. We've accepted our fate, and we've offered our baby to God. I just wish this in-between, middle state would be decided soon so life can go on and our baby will not have to suffer. And my heart wouldn't be soo torn for feeling sorry for our 2nd baby because he doesn't stand a chance on earth. I can't say sorry enough... although I know it isn't our fault. Tragedies strike sometimes. It just had to strike on us.

Coping...

2007-11-11T23:47:00.000-08:00

Boydee and I have felt at peace ever since we made the firm decision to keep our baby and continue with the pregnancy. And so far, we've been doing a great job in looking at the brighter side and cheering ourselves up despite our situation.

But there are lulls when thoughts turn to our baby and the tears silently flow. It is hard to look at this bump in my body with happy thoughts because we both know how it will turn out. I feel so sorry that I can't carry him nor hold him in my arms but I console myself and him that when the time comes, Mama Mary and the saints will cradle him in theirs. I'm sorry that he can't see our world, but that where he's going will be a much more beautiful and better place. I'm sorry we can not have the chance to watch him grow, or lavish him with attention or toys because he'll be taken away so soon.

Oh baby!!! I am so sorry for this but please know that you are loved. In fact, you must be very special, God wants you back with Him right away. He's only letting us borrow you for so short a time and here inside me.

I can feel our baby moving and kicking in my womb and I feel a certain kind of melancholy. This pregnancy can not be completely happy because of its outcome. It is a weird feeling to carry a living being, perhaps reaching even up to full term, and know that he will eventually be taken away after a few minutes. It's like you're supposed to move forward but you don't actually get anywhere. It's weird to be handling this pregnancy like any other normal one because the real motivation or purpose of doing so has disappeared.

Now, I take care of myself just so I'll have no or lesser complications when the time comes for me to deliver. I can not even use the term "give birth" because the life of my baby is so short lived. So, the excitement, the joy of progressing in this pregnancy is 'lost', and the essence has lessened.

I haven't really reached the point of self-pity, nor do I question God for giving us this painful cross to bear. I know despite all else, we are still so blessed. There are just times when I just wish things turned out differently, that things could've been better and we would have been gifted with a normal pregnancy, and a normal, healthy child.

But it isn't the case, and God has other plans for us. We just have to keep the faith, and trust in Him. I pray He take care of me and our baby. I ask the Lord to take him away peacefully and painlessly when He calls him back to heaven.

Enlightenment

2007-11-09T00:06:00.000-08:00

The next day, we were scheduled to visit Eve Surgical Center to check the facilities and talk with the doctors regarding procedure and experiences of Moms who have had to go through this. From there, we still had a few more days to decide but at least we knew our options. We set up an appointment and were on our way after a quick lunch.

Despite the GPS, and driving through the avenue two times, we couldn't find the place. We finally called and Sam, the girl I made the appointment with, got out of the gate to lead us the way. The clinic didn't even have a sign outside, just the number on the wall which was completely covered in ivy. Just the thought of going inside an 'abortion' clinic felt unsettling but we were there to 'explore' and for 'good and justifiable' reason.

Sam showed us in. She was Filipina, by the way, and I felt a little more comforted at having someone from back home there. She gave us some forms to fill up. The first two pages asked for my basic and medical information. The next few pages were 'agreements' detailing the procedure, the use of anaesthesia, and some sort of a waiver although it stated that complications arising from the procedure was very, very minimal. After scanning through the pages, I went back to Sam and told her I wasn't going to sign these yet because we were yet undecided. She said I had to sign it anyway to signify that I had read it. So, I went back to my seat to read it thoroughly since I had to put my signature on it.

While I was reading, Boydee had settled into a chair and started reading a magazine that was lying around. He found an article on Mother Teresa's letters to her confessors expressing her doubt on the existence of God because she's seen so much suffering in her life. One of those lines clearly said that she found abortion and youth addiction as condemnable. Boydee had me read those lines and said, "Love, I'm leaning more towards keeping the baby." I was half paying attention since I was reading.

As I was reading through those sheets, I came across a line that said that it was customary for them to euthanize the baby before they bring him out. I read that line to Boydee, too. As I tried to read more, I couldn't. My eyes were starting to fill with tears and I told Boydee I couldn't do it. He understood me completely and said, "Let's go! Let's get out of here."

We returned the forms, unsigned except for the registration, and told them we'd pass up. We didn't talk with the doctors anymore. There was no use for it.

Outside, I couldn't help but burst into tears. How could I have even considered 'harming' and even 'killing' our innocent baby? Sure, we know his fate, but how could we have been so selfish as to end it for him just because I might be at risk, just because he doesn't stand a chance? If he wasn't meant to live, it wasn't our decision to make.

After all the crying was done, we finally felt at peace. We were both convinced this was the right decision to make... that we were meant to continue with this pregnancy despite the expected and known outcome. It wasn't our decision to end our baby's life; it's God's alone. Who were we to intervene? God lent this baby to us and even if we can never hold him or watch him grow, I can feel him inside me. And he is alive. For now, my womb is the safest place for him and until the time God decides to call him back, this is where he'll stay... with me, with us, even for a temporary while.

Boydee and I are both convinced we had to go through this whole ordeal, including the thinking process of even considering abortion and visiting the clinic, so that we may come up with a decision that's truly ours, and something that we can be proud of and live with our whole lives. We had to go through it before He would show us the light, before the Holy Spirit would enlighten us. And He did. How great is it that He even showed us both the way at almost the same time through different mediums.

Whatever risks may come my way for choosing to keep this baby will far outweigh whatever pain we would've inflicted on our baby, and the damage to our souls. We trust that God won't allow me and my baby to suffer too much nor too long. We trust He will not abandon us. We are resigned to the fate of our baby, and we are relieved, glad and at peace with our decision.

Family and friends say, with good intentions, that perhaps God will perform a great miracle and our baby might live and be normal. While I believe in God's power and in His miracles, Boydee and I have psyched and readied ourselves with the eventuality of our baby's passing. But we also both realize that no amount of psyching will prepare us for that moment, nor soften the blow.

Not all of life is all joy, or happy endings. But that doesn't mean God isn't working His miracles. We have to accept what God gives us. There's always a reason for everything and God isn't the type who would leave us alone to fend for ourselves. Beyond all this grief and sad news, there will always be something better to come; something good that will come out of this. There's always a rainbow after every rain.

Longest Night

2007-11-08T23:42:00.000-08:00

That night, Boydee and I had to face the looming question ahead. We were resigned to our baby's fate, having read about oligohydramnios and having talked to the doctors in Manila and here. We came here in the hope that the 'advancement' of the US might be able to offer us a solution but we knew in our hearts, our baby's future was bleak and we've surrendered that to the Lord.

We also knew we would have to face the option of 'therapeutic abortion' although I prayed we wouldn't have to face it. But the question was right in front of us, and time was ticking. We had 6 days to determine if we'd play a role in our child's fate.

It was clear to Boydee now that if the choice were between our baby and my safety, hands down, he'd choose me. That was my Mom's stand also. Given the risks, we were inclined to take the 'fastest' and 'safest' way out. I mean, why prolong the agony. I wasn't quite convinced of it although I could find more reasons to justify doing it. In my heart of hearts though, I wasn't sure I would be able to commit that sin.

In our Catholic faith, things are put in black and white. Not much grey. I realized that night that there are greys and that you can't judge a person for doing a 'black' action without knowing the real reason for it. If we went through this abortion, would it really be a grave sin, knowing our baby was going to pass anyway? Is keeping the baby who eventually won't live, worth the risks on my life? Why wait for our baby to suffer?

Boydee and I researched on the internet for articles on Catholic faith and abortion. While most articles clearly states abortion as sin, I found an article that was written by a mother who had just gone through almost the same thing. We also consulted with our mothers. While both of them were not for abortion, they were also after my safety and were supportive of what we would eventually decide on.

Boydee and I cried our way to sleep. What a difficult choice to make!!! What did God want us to do? If He hadn't meant for us to take this option, why make it so easy for us - the trip of coming, the gestational age of our pregnancy, the people who were so nice and helpful? And if this was a test, how did He want us to pass it? Believe me, all logic were leading towards going through the abortion but something was holding us back.

Our Future Angel

2007-11-08T22:11:00.000-08:00

The past two days since Boydee and I arrived were all visits to doctors, hospitals and check ups.

The day after we arrived (Nov 6), we went to my OB-GYNE, Dr. Artenos, where Roc had made an appointment for us. When he looked at my ultrasound, he was dumbfounded. He said "Uh-oh! This is very, very bad! You have no fluid at all! I don't know how you managed to fly all the way here." He said our best bet was to go to USC County because if he admitted us in Glendale Adventist, it would cost us hundred and hundreds of dollars and he still wouldn't be sure of our baby's fate. There, they would be able to give us the best care for me and the baby because they have all the experts there.

So, Boydee and I went to LAC+USC Women's and Children's Medical Hospital right after our visit, hopeful they might be able to give us definite answers as to what was really wrong, and how best to save the baby. When we went there, I was subjected to further ultrasound scans. I had three ultrasounds that day, but still same findings but no definite answers nor solutions. We were asked to go back the next day where the Genetics Director in the OB Department would do the tests and give her diagnosis.

The next day saw us staying in the hospital the whole day, mostly waiting for our turn with the Doctors. But at least, we got our answers. Dr. Giuliana Songster, head of Genetics Clinic, conclusively said that there is a problem with the baby's kidneys. It was not passing urine and by this time, I had absolutely no water in my uterus. The baby is surviving only because of me. On his own, he can not survive especially since at this stage, he would need the fluid for the crucial development of the lungs. To be without water for a known two weeks was already damaging to his development. Moreover, to be without water this early, there wasn't much intervention they could do because our baby was just developing. We asked about amnio infusion - putting water in me to at least give our baby time to develop, or steroid injection - to hasten development of the lungs, but the doctors all said that our baby was just too young and too small.

The options offered to us were: to continue with the pregnancy, meaning wait it out, or terminate the pregnancy. We asked if the baby had a chance at all of surviving. She said hardly any at all. We asked if she's ever handled cases like this. She said, yes and not one survived. Continuing with the pregnancy posed risks for me - diabetes, hypertension, a possible caesarian operation again, and all for a known outcome that's not happy. Given those facts, we were leaning towards the second option. They said it was safe and the most logical thing to do. They said that if there was the slightest chance our baby would survive, they wouldn't even suggest this, but that realistically and medically speaking, a few hours of life would be the longest that our baby could spend, IF ever he would still be alive by full term.

If we opted for the latter, we only had a window of 6 days to decide since the hospital only performs that procedure for mothers who are a maximum of 23 1/2 weeks pregnant. They asked if we wanted to talk more extensively about the process. We said yes.

We were endorsed to Dr. Ronna Jurrow, who explained the procedures to us and the options as to where we may have the 'termination' procedure done. She suggested Eve's Surgical Center, or their own hospital and assured us that she'll personally make sure we will be well taken care of.

The Doctors at USC County were very humane despite the sad news. We truly admire and commend them for really taking time to explain and show that they care. Dr. Songster was especially sympathetic and consoling. So were Dr. Ishimaru and Dr. Phatak. They've put concern and 'humane-ness' in their profession. There should be more doctors like them.

On our way home, we were faced with a BIG decision to make. But one thing was definite. Our baby won't be staying long with us. We don't know if he/she would've been a son or a daughter; or what life he would have made for himself because he wouldn't be alive long enough to live it. What we do know for sure is he/she will be a future angel. As to when, we would have to think about it that night and in the next few days.

Off We Go

2007-11-04T05:41:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, off we go to the US to find more answers, to know the fate of our 2nd baby, to venture into an uncertainty. Here, we leave behind our son, Bric, in the care of family and his yaya Mila. Boydee and I take with us our faith, our families' love and prayers and each others' love and courage. We pray for His guidance and His unwavering and constant love and trust whatever is in store for us is with His blessing and is His divine will.

Third Anniversary

2007-10-29T05:44:00.001-07:00

Today, Boydee and I 'celebrated' our 3rd wedding anniversary. Yup, it's been three years but the love remains just as strong, even stronger as when we made our vows before God and our loved ones.

We celebrated a few days early by spending an overnight at Edsa Shang, thanks to Mommy Nonie and Dhia Louie. Then, today, we heard mass to thank God for putting us together and choosing us for each other.

Today, though, was coupled with such anguishing news that our celebration was dampened. We had a repeat ultrasound for baby number 2 this morning. It revealed that there was no improvement from the last ultrasound, meaning, my water therapy didn't work. The kidneys and bladder weren't visually clear based on the scan because again, there was too little fluid. This suggested that the cause of the oligohydramnios is most likely a congenital defect on the part of the baby. With that, and the fact that I could see him so clearly in the scan moving around and with a normal heartbeat literally tore my heart to pieces. And I am helpless. We are helpless.

In the same way that it was not anybody's fault that I lost most of my amniotic fluid, there is also not much we can do to have prevented it from happening, and not much we can do to 'save' the baby, for now. We were advised to go to the US because there, the baby might have a fighting chance of survival, if his organs are not in that bad of a shape. First step will be a diagnosis to conclusively determine the cause of the oligohydramnios. From then, we will decide what steps to take. I continuously pray that God will lead us to make the right choices.

Just as it is only God who can create life, only He alone can take a life, and more importantly, in this situation, save a life. No matter how much education, riches, sphere of influence we acquire in our world, we are still helpless and powerless when it comes to life and death. That power alone lies in God.

So, really, no matter who we are, what we've achieved, we can never be independent enough to live without Him. We aren't the masters of our destinies; God is. We can only bow to His will. We can only trust that He wants what is best for us. We will just have to learn to "enjoy" the ride, have faith, and be ready to deal with whatever blows are sent our way.

Today, Boydee and I dealt with one big blow - that of facing the uncertainty of our 2nd baby's fate. But as we memorialize our 3rd anniversary of love, I am grateful that God gave Boydee as my partner in facing this tough journey ahead. So, yes, we may be feeling really down now, but God always reminds me, through today, that there will always be countless more blessings He has given me. Perhaps, He will grant us a great miracle. Or perhaps not. Regardless, we submit to His will, and we thank Him for our faith. Without it, I would definitely lose my sanity.

For now, I place everything in His Hands. All in Your hands, Lord.

A Looong Day...

2007-10-27T20:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Doctors day for me and our 2nd baby in the morning and for Bric in the afternoon. Much as I am very, very grateful to Doctors; visiting them is a bit stressful. Not only is the waiting time long, you also know that you're going there because something is wrong. I am just so glad that I have a very supportive, loving and strong husband with me.

The morning saw us going to Dr. Ma. Estrella Yu-Flores, a perinatologist in Capitol Medical Center with my ob-gyne, Dr. Mitch, who went out of her way to accompany us. Dr. Flores was very motherly and seemed to know what she was talking about it. Although we pretty much knew what was happening already through research in the internet, it still helped that an expert was talking to us up front. But what she gave us that was most important was hope. She said an amniotic level of 2cm based on SPV (single pocket value?) is borderline low but still acceptable for her, meaning there is still a chance the baby will survive. She advised me to drink at least 3-4 liters of water a day and lots of rest. We will do a repeat ultrasound on Tuesday to find out if my water increases enough for us to do a congenital anomaly scan. From there, we can determine whether our baby's kidneys are functioning or whether there is an obstruction in the ureter. If it is discovered that it is a congenital defect that's causing the oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid), then we wait til our baby surrenders. If not, we do careful monitoring until I reach my 7th month. Then see, if I can reach 9 months so that we can bring baby out.

I have surrendered our 2nd baby to God to do as He pleases. We will do all means possible to save him/her but if it is not meant to be, or if he will just suffer and not live a normal life, then we pray that God take him peacefully and without suffering. I know God has His reasons. Lord, our baby is all yours. Just guide us as to what decisions to take.

In the afternoon was Bric's doctor time. He was having diarrhea last Thursday, vomitting on Friday, rashes on Friday night and had no appetite. His weight dropped from 11.5kg to 10kg in a span of 3 days. It was very alarming. Tita Doc Jamie Agbayani asked for a stool exam to find out what's causing the diarrhea. If it was viral, it should go away in 3 days and he should be well in 5 days. If it was bacterial, then a more complicated treatment would be required than just hydrite and a lugaw-apples-banana latundan diet.

At 5:15pm, we tried to feed him supper and hydrite. He covered his mouth with his hand and wouldn't open his mouth. If we forced the lugaw in, he would spit it out. If I were more transparent, I would have been so hysterical. Why wasn't my baby eating???

Manang Linda suggested to have him "patawas" (not sure what the english translation of this word is - it's kinda related to quackery). We called Randy Kalbo whose neighbor was a 'mangtatawas'. He said Bric had a sprain on his hip and needed to be massaged. We asked him to come. Right after the call, Bric's appetite came back, and after his 'hilot', he went about sleeping so soundly. This morning, he's feeling better and his appetite's improving. I believe he's on the road to recovery. We also had his stool exam last night and it suggested a viral infection which means it should go away after 3 days which was yesterday. Is it science or quackery that healed him? Regardless, I am grateful that our baby is getting better.

All throughout these two ordeals, my heart has sunk many times and sometimes, I do not know what to think, what to pray for. I only lift everything to God and trust He will never leave us alone. I am also very thankful that I have so much love surrounding us - Boydee and I - through our families. We are consoled that our prayers are multiplied many times because our families and friends are praying for us. They cushion whatever blows come our way.

Zombied

2007-10-26T05:28:00.000-07:00

Boydee and I just came from what was supposed to be a routinary 5-month Congenital anomaly scan of the baby and to finally determine the gender. Last night, I prayed for a normal, healthy, strong baby girl and on the way, I prayed the novena to St. Therese. I asked God for a daughter, this time around. But perhaps, I should've prayed harder for a normal, complication-less pregnancy and delivery.

The whole pregnancy was too fuss-free. Too fuss-free, in fact, that there were times I'd get paranoid. So I was kinda anxious to have my ultrasound today to check if everything was 'normal'. Little prepared us for what we were about to find out. But we took it all in stride. We know God is still watching over us, despite the circumstances.

The sonologist, Dr. Alexandra Cruz found out that I had very little, hardly any, amniotic fluid in my uterus. This early in the pregnancy signals a bad sign. While the normal level would be at 12 cm, mine was at 2 cm. That is really, really low and really, really grim. Boydee and I were stumped. Literally. I felt dazed out, as if this wasn't really happening. I mean, I couldn't and didn't even feel any pain, or any abnormalities all through out this pregnancy.

Possible causes of this rare occurrence are: hypertension, diabetes, placental problem, leakage (all ruled out), and most likely a congenital defect of the baby. It is suspected that our baby's kidneys didn't develop properly. At this stage in pregnancy, our baby is supposed to help in the supply of water. Find out more in this link.

As of now, externally, our baby is growing normally and his/her heartbeat is normal. We don't know how long she'll be okay given this situation. We will be seeing a perinatologist with our ob, Dr. Mitch Dado tomorrow.

For now, we pray God will see us through this ordeal, however way He wills it. We trust everything happens with His divine knowledge; we know He is with us all the way.

Meaner Than Usual

2007-10-25T06:32:00.001-07:00

Is it hormones or pregnancy per se, or is this my baby's future feistiness manifesting itself through me? Throughout this second pregnancy, I am meaner than usual. Miss Sungit, in other words.

Just today, I felt like 'making parinig' this robust girl in the elevator who was standing right in the middle and not budging even when she saw that there were a lot more of us wanting to get in. I was almost this close to saying aloud to our staff, 'There's still space for one more (to Nelson who opted to just stay behind and wait for the next lift) but there are people here who don't want to move in." Of course, I stopped myself.

The 2nd instance was at Mercury Drug when this fat girl occupied so much space at the counter even when we were already there leaning on it. She just shoved herself in. I stepped back and tapped my fingers impatiently on the counter, feeling helpless but so wanting to make her sungit. I found my chance when I had to sign for my credit card bill. I intentionally expanded my elbow so that it seemed as if I was 'innocently' nudging her. Naturally, she moved. Hehehe...

And then, my conscience got the better of me and my guilt sinks in. Sigh... Why am I meaner this time? Waaahhhh :( I hope this doesn't mean our 2nd baby will be sungit too. Oh God forbid!!!

Looking back, I kinda think I was a sungit kid when I was much much younger, when I didn't know the value of friendship and pakisama. Being an only daughter with two brothers who got along with each other so well made me sort of a loner. But in the latter part of grade school, I realized through friends how the world could be so much better if you shared a part of your life with others. So, the Miss Congeniality in me started to blossom.

Perhaps it is ok to be sungit sometimes. As Ate Rona said, "You're pregnant! You have the most convenient excuse to be mean!" Hehehe... That said, I feel slightly better but the Dr. Jekyll in me still, thankfully, manages to win over Ms. Hyde.

Pregnant or not, excess of hormones or the lack of it, there will always be a constant struggle to be nice or to be rude, to be sweet or to be feisty, to be good or to be mean. It is our call, our inner conscience, self control and maturity that will determine what choice we take at every chance encounter we face.

In the end, if one wants to earn merits in heaven, we will always choose the harder way which is the way to goodness. Given that, there are gazillions of opportunities to earn our merits in heaven with each new day that presents itself. We just have to listen to our conscience most times.

Happy Baby

2007-10-16T19:18:00.000-07:00

It is so hard to picture Bric without a smile on his face. It is so easy to make the corners of his mouth curl into a smile or a giggle. I love my baby boy!!!

When Bric is asleep on our bed, I sometimes lie down beside him and just watch him. I can not help but thank God for this beautiful gift. Only He could have thought of making Bric the way he is - such a happy, smiling, adorable, cute baby! When I look at him, I wonder how this wonderful creature ever came out from me. I don't consider him mine, or Boydee's alone. I know he is God's son, no one else's. God made him. And I am just so thankful He entrusted this smiling baby to us.

When I was pregnant with Bric, I asked God for specifics. Now, on my second pregnancy, I still dwell on specifics but the details I leave up to Him. I know whatever I ask for, He can think of something better. I just really pray He'll grant us a baby girl this time. And perhaps, after I give birth to this one, I will give my body a rest, and devote my time taking care of my 2 babies who grow up sooo fast!

I hope our 2nd baby will be just as smiling as Bricky Boy!!!

ps Bric's upper tooth is showing!!! It's gonna come out soon!

Thoughts on Turning 33

2007-10-09T07:01:00.000-07:00

Nothing much.... Hehe.... Really. As the years go by, I become less and less excited about my birthday but more excited about the birthdays of my loved ones, especially if I have a gift I'm excited to give. Now that my birthday's just a few hours away, I feel "normal".

We're flying to Cebu tomorrow. By we, that's Boydee, Bric and I with Yaya Mila, of course; Daddy and Mommy; Rondic and Lai; Rod and Zhar. The boys are going to attend the JC Nat Con in Cebu while the girls are there to have fun. Hehehe... Dad and Mom are going to celebrate my birthday with me and to join the family since most of us will be there. Ate and Japa can't make it (boo hoo hoo) because it's Rogan and Raegan's portfolio nights. Randy and Stella, on the other hand, are on their honeymoon in Europe. Lola opted to stay in Manila.

Mommy Nonie and I are excited to have my family again in Cebu. More than my birthday, it's the trip I'm more excited about.

So anyway, my wish list...
1. A normal, healthy, strong, loving, beautiful, intelligent, kind hearted, happy baby girl who will get along with Bric and bring joy to her grandparents and parents. I hope she'll get my complexion, Boydee's happy disposition and heart, my discipline, Boydee's eyes minus the banlag, either of our noses, my hair!, my lips, my legs, fingers, toes and height, Boydee's butt!, his charm and my faith. If God decides to give us a boy again, then I wish for all things above except that he be handsome and straight. If you know what I mean. :)
2. Black skinny leggings that are ankle length and will fit me (maternity).
3. US Visa for Yaya Mila
4. To be able to leave for the US after Bric's birthday and party and still not be obvious especially to the immigration officials that I am on the way... A smooth entry into the US when I eventually go there to give birth
5. PEACE and Harmony
6. Good health, long life, continued blessings for Daddy Boy especially, our families and the people I love
7. Protection from harm for my loved ones.
8. for God to always be present especially in our family
9. success in our endeavors
10. A safe, normal, natural delivery :)

These wishes aren't particularly meant for my birthday. These are my daily prayers, minus the leggings. There isn't much I wish for myself because I am just so happy and content at where God has placed me now.

So, on my birthday, instead of wishing for stuff, I'd rather like to thank all those who've filled my 33 years with love, laughter and lessons. Most of all, I thank God for giving me a life so blessed with His presence. I thank Him for conjuring for me this dream of a life. I can not ask for anything better than what He has already given me. I thank Him for His friendship and for listening to me whenever I have something to say, for granting my prayers whenever my heart whispers to Him.

Thank You Lord for planting me where I am and for putting so much Love into my life through the people around me, through the little miracles You send me everyday. Thank you, Lord, for my life. I hope I will be a worthy instrument of Your love.

Birthday Gift for Mommy Nonie

2007-10-08T20:39:00.000-07:00

This coming October 22, Mommy Nonie will be celebrating her 6-th birthday. She specifically reminded me not to get her an expensive gift. She said she'll appreciate a card or something simple more. So, I decided to give her an accordion album with scraps of her and her favorite apo (I'm just making the assumption here. hehehe), Bric! Here are the LOs!

Credits: Trish Jones Eclectic Mix Collection, Miles Kit, Road Trip Kit and Sun Porch Princess

The 1st Talulot Festival!

2007-10-01T07:08:00.000-07:00

In the latter part of August, Mario Martinez and Allan Nataya were given the herculean task of organizing the 1st Talulot Festival by the ExCom. They were supposed to get it up and about in just a short span of a month.

Never the weak and the surrenderers, they willingly accepted the challenge, despite sleepless nights and a foot or was it finger operation for Mario. And my, my, did they pull it off!!!

To propagate devotion and awareness of Saint Therese in our community and the presence of the Shrine, we decided on introducing and organizing the 1st Talulot Festival - a mini-Sinulog of sorts, and hopefully to become THE banner fiesta of Pasay City. It was to be a rose parade/street dancing competition. After a series of meetings, we got the cooperation of Barangay Captain Castillo who also helped us with arranging a courtesy call to Mayor Peewee Trinidad. Both were very enthusiastic with the idea. Barangay Captain was, in particular, such a major contributor to the success of the festival. He got all his Zone Leaders to participate in both contest categories.

On September 30, it was all systems go despite the gloomy clouds and the weather forecast of thunderstorms. Albeit the occasional drizzles and the wet ground, all the participants gamely strutted about and gave their all especially in the street dancing. We had 7 float contenders and 6 street dancing competitors. In both categories, VAB's Zone 2 made a sweep winning P30,000 and P20,000 for the respective category.

The zone residents patiently sat on the streets to watch and cheer for their respective zones. It was a successful 1st festival considering the short time given to both Mario and Allan. So, to both of them, congratulations!!! And to our MVC staff, the community, Tita Cora, Barangay Captain Castillo and his zone leaders, thank you so, so much for sharing our vision and your support!

Lastly, let us not forget the whole reason for this celebration. Let us remember St. Therese and continue to ask for her intercession. May more people come to know of her little way towards heaven; may more people be showered by her talulots (petals) of blessings and miracles; and may we, who have been touched by her love, always remember and remain grateful of her intercession.