Simbang Gabi

Today, 16th day of December, we started to attend Simbang Gabi as a tradition in here in the Philippines. This is an early morning mass celebrated for nine consecutive days. Also known as "Misa De Gallo" (Rooster's Mass, Mass at Dawn). This usually starts at 4 to 5 o'clock in the morning but some chapels/churches/parish have anticipated mass at evening of the day before.

Simbang Gabi is actually a novena to the Blessed Mother Mary. Novena is the feminine form of the Medieval Latin word, novenus, "ninth", which is the ordinal number from novem, nine. Nine months of conception. Preparing for the birth of baby Jesus.

As a tradition, It is a belief that God will grant the devotee's special wish or favor if he/she completed this novena.

Fresh or Fried ?!?

I love to eat at Max's restaurant. They have really good food at the right price. I have one memorable blooper that makes me laugh everytime i remember it.

Waiter: May I take your order Mam?
Me: Yes, One order of fiesta plate. (Chicken, Rice and Lumpia Sariwa)
Waiter: Mam, Fresh or fried?
Me: (Shocked!) Of course, Fried!!

I thought she was asking if i wanted the chicken fresh or fried! hahaha! syempre Fried! Hello!!!

When the meal arrived, I had my lumpia fried! duh! i really wanted it fresh! grrrr!!!

ay! t@ng@!!! hahaha!!!

What am I missing?

i missed my cubicle! 

@12f Ayala-FGU Bldg

Anniversary Preparation Revealed...

October 19, 2002 is a special date for us. It is said that wedding dates should be celebrated as this is a blessed day... for God has bounded you as one. But I guess we have taken that for granted.

It's our 6th Anniversary. So to make it more special this time, I have prepared a week-long surprise for my husband Mannix. This maybe awkward to some but I was excited with the idea. Well, I don't see anything wrong about girls giving flowers to guys. Especially if you really love the person. And I don't see anything wrong about guys receiving flowers from girls. I think that's really sweet. ehehehe.

Here it goes...


6 days before.... Monday, October 13, 2008
The idea just popped out of my mind early Monday morning when i got into the office. A week of surprises would really be exciting and sweet. hehehe. I have to send something for Monday to really make it a 7-day surprise.

I searched from Mr. Google "send flowers online Philippines". Then I run into the Manila Blossoms site where i found a bouquet of blue roses. They can send a same day delivery if you placed your order before 9 am. Thanks God its only 8:30 am. (This is the first time i did this so i was in a hurry.) I selected my order, filled out the order form and message, filled out my credit card info, and submitted it. They have a delivery charge and the minimum order amount (see details). Its okei! as long as they can send it within the day! I got a confirmation email at 8:52am. wew! That was fast! I texted them to confirm if they could send it that day ... (so i would know if i have to plan something else.) But I got no reply. It's nice to know that they also have this live customer support where you can chat with them through YM, MSN and AOL. So I sent them a message regarding my concern. They said they still have to verify if its not a fraud card and they'll let me know within the day. I followed up every 2 hours i guessed. hehehe. Around 2pm they confirmed they can deliver it that day. And around 3pm my package was already on its way. I got a message from Mannix and he was really surprised :D Good Job!

I was satisfied with the service, the flowers (when I saw it later that day) but not with the card. It was just printed in a piece of paper and slipped inside the card. Hope they can make it more personalized next time.


5 days before... Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Along with my search last Monday, I also found this lovely site of Island Rose. They have a free shipping, no minimum order amount and a very affordable gift item and flowers. They also have a set of three roses. For this day, I have ordered a Pure Belgian chocolates. Mannix got the package at around 1pm.

When I saw the package later that day, i was really gratified. The package was very elegant. The card was personalized. And the chocolates tasted really good. (We shared it with Yvonne that night and she loves it.) hehehe


4 days before... Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Again from Island Rose, I ordered three red long stemmed roses which has traditionally been a symbol of eternal love and devotion. It is really very affordable! They also got a very nice packaging for the flowers with a personalized card. The flowers were really lovely and fresh. Mannix got the package at around 2pm.


3 days before... Thursday, October 16, 2008
For this day, i wanted something new. Maybe a balloon will do. I'm really looking for this item but most of the online store don't have this. They said it's only available on February. Well, I guess they should make it available all year round because anyone would love to give it to their love ones anytime of the year. Ok, i have no choice but to look for alternatives. Magz gave me the PhilFlower.com site, which i have missed. I checked on their items and I spotted a "Happy Anniversary" balloon which is perfect for the occasion. This item with this item and this item would really send the message. They also has a card where you can put your message. Hoping its a good one. And it is a good one. :D

By the way, they also have a shipping fee for Metro Manila and a flat rate for provincial delivery (see details). This is quite pricey but i really wanted to give these items so i go for it.


2 days before... Friday, October 17, 2008
Again from Island Rose. Because their items were really very affordable, I won't regret purchasing gift items from them. I just hope they will come up with more items to choose from in the coming days. For this day, I'd love to give the three white roses which are meant to reaffirm one's commitment, fidelity and loyalty. Sad to say it's already sold out. So I ordered the three red long stemmed roses instead. Mannix received it around 4pm.


1 day before... Saturday, October 18, 2008
I bought this Big Anniversary Card from Powerbooks where I listed a "101 Reasons Why I Love You". I hand it over to him since we usually stayed at home during weekends.


Our Anniversary... Sunday, October 19, 2008
We went to Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite's mass at megamall and ask for God's blessings and went home to celebrate our Special day with our family. We had few handa, including lumpiang sariwa, leche flan and black forest from Goldilocks, menudo, chopsuey and spaghetti cooked by Ate Rolly.


As this celebration ends, I pray for God's guidance and protection. May we not forget our vows. May we always be reminded that we are bounded as one to fulfill a mission in this life span. May we always have a fruitful life together. May we always be supportive of each other. May we always see each other as God's precious gift.


Happy Anniversary, Babes!
I Love You!

Our 6th Anniversary

Wedding Anniversary deserves to be celebrated in a memorable way. It is an annual renewal of our commitment to love one another and be faithful to one another. As we celebrate our 6th anniversary, let us be reminded of these vows.


We've been through a lot but there's more to come. My heart was torn a bit but my love for you patch it up. I know I'm not the perfect wife you have wished for. I know I'm not the perfect woman you have hoped for. With your love and God's guidance, It s my prayer and desire to fulfill my purpose as God wanted me to. I am confident that He has chosen you to be my husband. And I pledge to you my life as an obedient, faithful, trustworthy and loving wife.


"To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part."



Here's how I prepared for our 6th Wedding Anniversary...read more

1 day before...

We don't need any reason to love someone but it is worth remembering why we have fallen in love with the one we love most.

I don't regret the things I have done or the things I have chosen not to do because what ever I've done, I must have done something right because I ended up with you.

2 days before...

Let these words not only touch your eyes, let them travel through your soul, and let them rest in your heart as you rest in mine...

I love you so much.

3 days before...

Faith makes all things possible. Hope makes all things work. Love makes all things beautiful. My life wont mean a thing without you loving me and all I need is you in my life.

I Love You so much.

4 days before...

I love so much and my heart is sure. As time goes on I love you more. Your happy smile, Your loving face, You sweet embrace. No one will ever take your place.


Loving you has been the best thing to ever happen to me!

Red rose has traditionally been a symbol of eternal love and devotion.

5 days before...

You know when you have found your prince because you not only have a smile on your face but in your heart as well.


You make my life worthwhile and I Love You so much.

6 days before...

Success in marriage does not come merely through finding the right mate, but through being the right mate. - Barnet R. Brickner

Natural Teeth Stain Remover

Yvonne has a very cute smile. But late last year (2007), her teeth started to stain due to her vitamins. Even though we brush her teeth twice or thrice daily, its still getting worst.

Here's what it look likes on her previous pictures.

We had no time to visit a pediatric dentist, so i started looking for a natural teeth whitener. I found out that baking soda is effective in removing stains. Strawberry, lemon juice and some vegetables like celery, carrots, broccoli and cucumbers can also help by brushing your teeth with them. Just be sure to rinse your mouth afterward.

I actually used baking soda and strawberry. Just mixed them to make a paste and brushed it to her teeth. I leave it there for five minutes and rinsed it well after. And voila!:D

More of the list here.

She's happy with the result. :D

5-peso and 10-peso coins

Have you ever wonder how a blind man can determine the difference between a 5-peso coin and a 10-peso coin by merely touching it?

  

As you can see they have the same diameter which is 27mm. If you really are that good maybe you can feel that inner section in the 10-peso coin. But sometimes it is very deceiving.

Well, for those who haven't noticed it yet, the 10-peso coin has an alternately rough side which the 5-peso coin do not have.

Try it when need to get a coin from your purse and it's dark or the lights are dim.

:D

Never Ever (by All Saints)

A few questions that I need to know
how you could ever hurt me so
I need to know what I've done wrong
and how long it's been going on
Was it that I never paid enough attention?
Or did I not give enough affection?
Not only will your answers keep me sane
but I'll know never to make the same mistake again
You can tell me to my face or even on the phone
You can write it in a letter, either way, I have to know
Did I never treat you right?
Did I always start the fight?
Either way, I'm going out of my mind
all the answers to my questions
I have to find

My head's spinning
Boy, I'm in a daze
I feel isolated
Don't wanna communicate

I'll take a shower, I will scour
I will rub
To find peace of mind
The happy mind I once owned, yeah

Flexing vocabulary runs right through me
The alphabet runs right from A to Zed
Conversations, hesitations in my mind
You got my conscience asking questions that I can't find

I'm not crazy
I'm sure I ain't done nothing wrong, no
I'm just waiting
'Cause I heard that this feeling
won't last that long

Never ever have I ever felt so low
When you gonna take me out of this black hole?
Never ever have I ever felt so sad
The way I'm feeling yeah, you got me feeling really bad

Never ever have I had to find
I've had to dig away to find my own peace of mind
I've Never ever had my conscience to fight
The way I'm feeling, yeah, I just don't feel right

I'll keep searching
Deep within my soul
For all the answers
Don't wanna hurt no more

I need peace, got to feel at ease
Need to be.
Free from pain - going insane
My heart aches, yeah

Sometimes vocabulary runs through my head
The alphabet runs right from A to Zed
Conversations, hesitations in my mind
You got my conscience asking questions that I can't find

I'm not crazy,
I'm sure I ain't done nothing wrong
I'm just waiting
'Cause I heard that this feeling won't last that long

Never ever have I ever felt so low
When ya gonna take me out of this black hole?
Never ever have I ever felt so sad
The way I'm feeling yeah, you got me feeling really bad

Never ever have I had to find
I've had to dig away to find my own peace of mind
I've Never ever had my conscience to fight
The way I'm feeling, yeah, I just don't feel right x4

You can tell me to my face,
You can tell me on the phone,
Uh, You can write it in a letter, babe
'Cause I really need to know

You can write it in a letter, babe
You can write it in a letter, babe

Hug a developer today :D

15 mins travel time

This is one of the things i love here. though my schedule is much earlier than the usual, i can be here at the office in 15 mins. hehehe. i have a choice in terms of transpo, i can commute, as in ride a jeepney, bus and walk, for almost an hour or ride a cab with 15 mins travel time. :D

Feel good about it. hehehe. Thank you, Lord!

-Ber month na!

Uy! September na! its my 2nd monthsary here in my office... :D

I heard Christmas songs na! Weeee!!! Christmas is coming to town again!

Cashflow 101 e-Game

It's my second night playing the Cashflow 101 e-Game. And till last night, it's still hard for me to get out of the rat race. But I'm learning.

First, you have to choose a dream (this will be your goal). The computer will assign a profession to you. Robert Kiosaki says that no matter what your job is, you can get out of the rat race easily if you know how to manage your cashflow.

There's an income statement, expenses, assets and liabilities. When i saw it, the first thing that comes to my mind is that it's an accountant thing (doing all the balance sheet or whatever you call it); and i have to recall my Accounting 101. But as you go on with the game, you just have to drag the particular item to the appropriate box or sheet. The cashflow goes to the income statement. The bank loan payment goes to the expenses. Mortgage goes to the liability. The real estate property's downpayment and cost and the stock investment goes to the asset. Your mentor will tell you if something is misplaced.

Here are my impressions on the game:

1. For you to have a passive income you have to invest on the real estate property which you bought on a good deal. It should have a nice tenants. Low maintenance. Bank loan is OK if it has a good cash flow which will be added on you income statement.

2. If you had a bad investment which gives you negative cash flow, especially on real estate, you will be dependent on bank loans until you are bankrupt. If you survived bankruptcy, you will loose 3 turns. But if you get bankrupt again, you will be out of the game.

3. On stock investments, you have to buy low and sell high. But you still have no gain on this until you sell your shares. For example, if the stock's trading range per share is $5 to $40 and the current value is $1 or $5, it's a good things that you buy a lot of it and wait until an opportunity to sell it on a high price comes (let's say at $40!). That will give you a very good return. There are some instances that the market is down for a long period and you can't sell it. There are also some instances where in there's a change in the market that will have an effect on your investments. (I still don't understand this one. hehehe)

4. I hate doodads! These are expenses that you cannot avoid. Dinner with family and friends. Your child's braces for $200. Change of tires. Shopping spree. Wew! You have to pay it in cash or charge it on your credit card. As much as possible, I pay it in cash. (In real life, I have a lot of doodads. hehehe.)

5. If you have enough passive income, you'll be out of the rat race. And on the fast track, you can have other investments to add to your income. Beware! There are also some mishap, like divorce, wherein you will loose all your cash on hand (even if it's a million! ouch!). But if you have a good cashflow you will recover from this the soonest possible time.

The game ends when a player has able to avail the dream he has chosen at the start of the game. There's a ranking. If you're the last player to get your dream, you loose.

This is really fun. I still have to learn a lot. I have to determine which are good investments and which are not. Try it!

:D

May DSL na kami!

Good news!!! Sa wakas, naupgrade na din yung linya ng telepono namin kaya nakabitan na kami ng PLDT DSL kahapon. yehey!!!

Siguro nakulitan na sa amin ung mga taga PLDT kaya ayun pinag bigyan na kami. Mga pang tatlong beses na si Mannix nag fill up ng application form. Pero ang feedback sa amin nung first two eh yun nga ndi pa daw upgraded yung line namin or puno na daw yung box dun sa line namin kaya ndi na pede mag upgrade.

Kahapon, before 8 am... nagising ako sa ring ng fone... taga PLDT daw... ask nya kung ndi daw ba kami aalis... ikakabit na daw kasi yung dsl ngayon ... sabi ko "ndi naman!"... pero ang gusto ko talaga sabihin eh "ows? di nga? panaginip ba to? niloloko nyo nanaman ba kame?" hehehe pero excited! hahaha

gumising na kami... umaasa... 9am na wala pa din??? naku mukha nga niloloko nanaman tayo. maya maya nag ring ulit ang fone... "maam mawawalan lang po ng dial tone ah. tapos papunta na ako dyan ikakabit ko na yung DSL" YES! kulang na lang talaga mag tatatalon kami sa tuwa! hahaha

mga 10am na cguro dumating yung mama... walang trenta minutos... viola! may DSL na kami! Goodbye dial-up! Good-bye Blast! Goodbye 31.2 kbps!

at ang first thing na ginawa ko to test the high speed eh mag download ng Cashflow 101 and 202! hahaha (1.8gb in 2hours using uTorrent) bwahahaha!!!

Thank you PLDT!
:D

Management Course

Lesson 1

A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower, when the doorbell rings.

The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs.

When she opens the door, there stands Bob, the next-door neighbor.

Before she says a word, Bob says, 'I'll give you $800 to drop that towel.'

After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob, after a few seconds, Bob hands her $800 and leaves.

The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs.

When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks, 'Who was that?'

'It was Bob the next door neighbor,' she replies.

'Great,' the husband says, 'did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?'

Moral of the story
If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.

---

Lesson 2

A priest offered a Nun a lift.

She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg.

The priest nearly had an accident.

After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg.

The nun said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129?'

The priest removed his hand. But, changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again.

The nun once again said, 'Father, remember Psalm 129?'

The priest apologized 'Sorry sister but the flesh is weak.'

Arriving at the convent, the nun sighed heavily and went on her way.

On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129. It said, 'Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory.'

Moral of the story
If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss a great opportunity.

---

Lesson 3

A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp.

They rub it and a Genie comes out.

The Genie says, 'I'll give each of you just one wish.'

'Me first! Me first!' says the admin clerk. 'I want to be in the Bahamas , driving a speedboat, without a care in the world.'

Puff! She's gone.

'Me next! Me next!' says the sales rep. 'I want to be in Hawaii , relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life.'

Puff! He's gone.

'OK, you're up,' the Genie says to the manager.
The manager says, 'I want those two back in the office after lunch.'

Moral of the story
Always let your boss have the first say.

---

Lesson 4

An eagle was sitting on a tree resting, doing nothing.

A small rabbit saw the eagle and asked him, 'Can I also sit like you and do nothing?'

The eagle answered: 'Sure, why not.'

So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the eagle and rested. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.

Moral of the story
To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up.

---

Lesson 5

A turkey was chatting with a bull.

'I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree' sighed the turkey, 'but I haven't got the energy.'

'Well, why don't you nibble on some of my droppings?' replied the bull. They're packed with nutrients.'

The turkey pecked at a lump of dung, and found it actually gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree.

The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch..

Finally after a fourth night, the turkey was proudly perched at the top of the tree.

He was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot him out of the tree.

Moral of the story
Bull Shit might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there.

---

Lesson 6

A little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold the bird froze and fell to the ground into a large field.

While he was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on him.

As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, he began to realize how warm he was.

The dung was actually thawing him out!

He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy.

A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate.

Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him.

Morals of the story
(1) Not everyone who shits on you is your enemy.

(2) Not everyone who gets you out of shit is your friend.

(3) And when you're in deep shit, it's best to keep your mouth shut!

Long Weekends

August 18 and 25 are national holidays.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has issued Proclamation No. 1463 setting the specific dates of movable holidays as mandated by Republic Act No. 9492 which rationalized the celebration of the country’s holidays. Read more.


Happy long weekdends. Enjoy and spend time with your family!

Basura vs Kalat

What's the difference between basura and kalat?

Basura, as defined by the Urban Dictionary, is a Spanish word for garbage. It is something that's of no use anymore and can be disposed.

Kalat, in my own definition, is a term used for things that are not in their proper order. They can be disposed. But they can still be re-arranged and be kept.

I'm asking this because there is a note in our office (girl's washroom) that's really bothers me (a lot! hahaha!).

"Pakitapon lang po sa tamang tapunan ang iyong mga kalat!"


Para kasing may mali, di ba?


hehehe... wala lang... just blogging...

Montenegro Family

There was a billboard along C5 that puzzled me. We only pass this road for only about 10 seconds. too little time to think more about it. When i first saw this billboard, I thought it was just a plain ad of some magazine featuring the Montenegro family. But what does John Loyd Cruz and Dante Romero doing in the family picture? The first thing that comes to my mind was that John Loyd's real family name must be Montenegro. hehehe.

Until i saw the movie of John Loyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo, A very special love. Then I exclaimed, "Ah yun pala yun!"

hahaha!

August 8, 2008

What's so special about this day?

According to the Chinese, the number 8 is a lucky number. It represents infinity, perfect balance and it sounds like prosperity in their language('ba'=Eight; 'fa'=Prosperity). We are not Chinese but many Filipino follow their beliefs such as Feng Sui. Read more.

I've heard in the news early this morning, as they monitor some hospitals, there are some lucky mommies who gave birth today in a normal delivery. There are also some who were scheduled for Ceasarian Section. Others requested to have their operation at 8:08 am. Read more.

For sure there are also a lots of wedding celebrations today! Not only because its lucky but its kinda cool to write your wedding date as 08-08-08, isn't it?

Our Megastar, Sharon Cuneta, is also celebrating her 30th anniversary as an actress. There will be a concert at the Araneta Coliseum at 8:00PM. Read more.

And the biggest event today is the opening of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at 8:00pm. Good luck to the Filipino Athletes. Let's pray for them. May they bring home the bacon. There will be a lot of incentives for those who will bring home a gold medal. Read more.

There is one more.

According to the chinese astrology, Today is my Lucky Day!

....

Natural Cough Remedies

During these days, it is so common to have a cough.

Last year, when my baby, Yvonne, had a cough I tried to search for a natural remedies. Cough medicine helps but most of the time natural products work better. It has no side effect and it has been very effective.

After digging into the web, I found a very easy one but yet very effective. Thanks to the Parenting Toddlers website.


Cough remedy I

1 teaspoon of honey
1 tablespoon of lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
Stir mixture in a little bit of drinking water and drink immediately.
Take this 2-3 times a day.


Cough remedy II

Freshly squeezed lemon juice ( 1/2 a lemon )
Mix with a little bit of drinking water and drink immediately.
You can take this as many times as you want.


Try it. :)

Perfect Attendance

Wow! I got a perfect attendance on my first month ( July 2008 ). No absent. No late. No over break. Wooohooo!!! Like my first day at school! hahaha!

Well... well... well... They are just giving away some perks every month for employees who can maintain this status. A Php500 cash incentive and a Php700 worth of meal passes. Mmmmm... not bad eh?

Wish I could sustain this for the rest of my stay here. Wish me luck! :-D

Jologs?

What's wrong with being jologs?

Most of the guys i know, it's so jologs daw to watch the movie of sarah and john loyd. "A very special Love". Well, maybe beacause its a tagalog love story and has a predictable ending.

I haven't seen the film yet but i think it's worth watching. There's a chemistry between the actors. kumbaga, teaser pa lang nakakakilig na. and i thinks its fun especially the sun dance. :D

Well... let's see. hahanap muna ako ng makakasama ko sa movie. hehehe :D

Happy 1st Monthsary

It's Friday! And it's my first Monthsary here at iWebmasters.com

Weee!!! So far so good. I am happy with what i'm doing. Web... Web... Web... This is what i really love doing. Weeee!!!

Thank you Lord! :D You really know me better! :D