Thanks for Making the 40 Special!!!

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

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

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

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)

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)

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!

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)

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

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!)

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

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

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

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

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...

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)

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)

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)

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

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!!!

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. :)