My 2009 Year Ender

Year 2009 has been a good year for me. Not only that i got most of my "must have" gadgets this year, but also because there's really a lot to be thankful for. Most are answered prayers. Some are blessing in disguise. However, there are also some enigmatic things and events that I still can't grasp it's meaning or significance in my life.

I believe I'm a better person now. With all the challenges i have surpassed, decisions i made, the path i chose to take, emotions i tend to keep. All of this contributed to what i am now. Stronger. Better. But this is not the end. Next year is another year. There are still dreams to pursue. Plans to fulfill. and a mission to accomplish.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that have been part of my 365 days. To friends who listened to me, walked with me, laughed with me, shared their life with me and cried with me. To my family who have been very supportive and caring. To my husband who stood by me. To my daughter who gave joy to my life. And most of all, to our Creator who have been there, as always, when i needed Him most.

Let's always count our blessing. and be thankful for what we have. There's always reasons and things to learn from everything.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Happy Birthday Bro!

As most people say, Christmas is only for kids and kids at heart. Children are excited to open their gift just before Christmas eve. The smiles on their faces are priceless. Most families were also reunited during this season. Delightful meals were also served on the dinning table.

Noche Buena is translated as "a Good Night". It's not actually all about food. It's not all about the gifts. This is a night of celebration of baby Jesus' birth. So what if you only have sardines for dinner? so what if you can't afford to buy a gift for your love ones. As long as you are grateful with what you have. As long as you showed them you love them, that's a best Christmas gift they will ever receive.

This is a season of love and forgiveness. A season of giving and sharing. A season of thanksgiving. So let's make everyday a Christmas day!!!

Happy Birthday baby Jesus! Thanks for everything!

By the way, can we not use the term "Xmas"? Should always be "Christmas" so we do not lose the real meaning of it.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Last Minute Shopper

I am one of those last-minute Christmas shopper this year. I had no time to go to Greenhills or 168 or Divi or even St. Francis Square. Good thing there are one-stop-shop malls these days. so you really won't have to go to different places. Although they are a little bit pricey than the mentioned places above, rest assured you have a good quality of items or if not you can return it within 7 days as long as you still have the receipt.

I also learned my lesson few years ago... to have a list of names so you won't forget anyone. It also saves you time. You can plan ahead what items you should buy. Most toy stores offer free gift wrapping for toys bought from them. But you must be very patient and should expect long lines. Since most people, including me, will grab the free gift wrapping services which saves us lots of wrapper and effort.

One sad thing is that, although i am a Prestige cardholder, i was not able to use their exclusive gift wrapping service. You will have to pick it up after few hours and they can only entertain a maximum of 3 gifts per cardholder. So not good a thing for someone who is in a rush, like me.

Although I had a breeze shopping, I made sure that the gifts are still appropriate for them.

My Wishlist

Dear Santa,

I hope you can read my post. Here's my wishlist for this year. You can leave it under our Christmas tree. But not on Christmas eve ha kasi we're still up by midnight. Don't worry about those baby fats you gained this year because we don't have a chimney. You could always sneak into our living room. I promise I won't peek or install a hidden camera. hihihi!

Eniweis, here my list:

1. Laptop
2. Belle de jour
3. White Wallet
4. Kenzo perfume
5. PSP (piano white) [I changed my mind, silver nalang para same color ng celfone ko]
6. Kenzo mousturizing body gel [I bought Puree Body Lotion from Body Shop instead]
7. Condo unit [saka na lang! hehehe]
8. New Fibrella umbrella (preferably with UV protection)
9. Cabinet
10. New chip for our Magic Sing with "Way back into Love"

Thanks,
Chique

Happy First Monthsary

This is my third 1st monthsary in a company. Twing first month lang naman ako nag ba blog and the rest is history. hehehe. As I celebrate my monthsary, there are few other celebrations happening today that I am aware of, namely:

 

1) Astafunding office blessing - Officiated by Father James Chacko of Don Bosco Parish. Just a week ago, we moved to our new office. A nice and cozy ambiance where we will spend most of your day [I mean night] in a week.

 

2) The Feast of St. Francis Xavier commemorates the death of St. Francis Xavier, patron saint of Goa. Since Fr. Chacko is from India, he mentioned about this feast is celebrated every Dec. 3 and it's happening now in Goa, India.

 

3) It's Merwin's birthday today. One of my teammate in Content-Creations working on Fttw project. I have only met him once.

 

4) It's also Ed's birthday today. One of the pioneer member of WorkForce/Astafunding-Manila team.

 

 

Happy Celebration peeps! :D

Our Christmas Tree

Every Christmas, back in my parent's house, my mom always decorate our Christmas tree. [I never knew it was fun pala. hehehe] As early as September, she finds time to setup the christmas lights and decorations. You would really feel it's almost Christmas time.

This Yuletide season, in our humble home, I bought our very own Christmas tree. I was excited with the idea of decorating it. [I wish I could share the moment with Andrea. hehehe] I felt the christmas rush when shopping for this tree and its ornament. Some items were already out of stock. I'm glad they still have a 6ft tall tree. Choosing ornaments is really challenging for a first time like me. I tried to grab some ideas from the christmas trees around the mall, hoping I could mix and match the colors. I chose the green, red and gold combination. Ribbons and Christmas balls and lights.

With the help of my mother-in-law, our two helpers, we've come up with this!

Tada!!!

Officially In Love

Even before Mannix and I met, I know there was something special going on between us. As I said before, we talked on the phone until morning. What do we talk about? My past relationship! That time, I just broke up three months ago with my first boyfriend of two years. So it was really hard for me to forget everything. I confided in him why it did not work out. He was there to cheer me up and tell me that I deserve better. He consoled me and assured me that he will always be there for me. But he's not courting me yet! Ok?!

We don't go out often because of my work load. Sometimes, we meet on weekend. Sometimes, he goes to our house to fix our computer [trying to impress me]. Most of the time, we chat and talked over the phone.

He never really courted me. [Or maybe] I changed the topic when he was about to say it! hahaha! [I'm such a spoiler!] I was really hoping he would ask me but he did not! There was a point that I thought "maybe, he's really not into me". So I decided to match him up with one of my best friend Ailene! We talked on a 3-way phone. Sometimes I just listen to their conversation [mostly "kulitan"]. Until there was a time when we were talking about her and he uttered something like "bakit kasi kelangan i blind date pa sa iba?” Sounds to me like "Hindi ba pwedeng ikaw na lang?" [hahaha! uyy! ang cheesy!]

When he told me about his feelings and how much he cared, I don't really know what to say. He never asked me a question so how can I give him my answer? But I can't help it! So I asked him if he knew the Ilocano phrase "Ayayatinka". [I tought ndi nya alam eh! hehe!] And that's it!

There was just a funny thing about October 31. We were supposed to meet before that but due to a typhoon it was postponed. We still talk over the phone though. It was the day I finally said I love him. During our conversation that night, it came to me that not all months have day 31 so how can we celebrate our monthsary?

So I made an appeal if we could make our official date on the 29th! hahaha!

Boy meets Girl

I've always wanted to write about how Mannix and I really met. But whenever i read my archive of our chats since August 2000, i can't help but reminisce the old times and feelings. And Yes! You read it right! We met online when Yahoo! Messenger was still on Beta and message archive was not yet a feature. But i did manage to save our cheesy conversations! hahaha!

It was on my first job when I used this messenger. It was the primary means of communication in the office. So my colleague, Denver, created me one with my full name spelled out! I was addicted to it that my job was affected. [My former boss could testify on that!] But what can I do? They kept on popping up! hahaha!

On the first day of August 2000, this guy popped and asked for my A/S/L. I usually asked where and how did he find my id. He said, my name was on the search result and he was intrigued with my full name! So from then on, he was my regular chatmate. He asked for my landline and we talked on the fone... for hours! Sometimes, even until it was already time to get up and go to work!

After two months of "bolahan", we decided to see each other. It was friday the 13th of October, we agreed to meet at SM Southmall. But I was surprised he was outside the office. I pretended I didn't noticed him [in short, pakipot!] and ride a jeepney to SM. He followed me on the jeepney but hesitated to call my attention! Stalker!!! hahaha

We finally met in SM Southmall food court and had dinner in Sizzling plate. :D

Bohol Getaway - Day 2-3

Mannix and I woke up as early as 4:30 am to prepare for the Sea Tour. Sabi kasi nung contact namin 5:30 dapat nasa dagat na kami para maabutan namin yung mga dolphins. Kaso late na nagising mga kasama namin and we have to eat breakfast pa.

A banca named San Agustin picked us up at the shoreline by 6:00am. And a 30-minute boat ride near Pamilacan Island where school of the dolphins usually appear. Since we are late, lots of banca were already there chasing and hoping to see dolphins too. We took these little chance to see a dolphin. So we chase around with almost 15 other bancas. We were not disappointed naman kasi we still saw these playful jokers of the sea.

Nakakatuwa! They went jumping and spinning up in the air! [I just wish i had my 55-200mm lens para mas malapitan yung kuha ko] These are the nearest shots i could take!



After the Dolphin watching, we went to Balicasag island. Sabi kasi nila masarap mag lunch dito kasi they served fresh fish and seafood (syempre cooked di ba! hehehe). And you can also do snorkling around the island kasi it was preserved by the marines. I tried to peek what's beneath but did not last long. I freak out under water kasi. hihihi. kahit pa anong assurance ng mga nag aasist sa amin na don't worry. di bale, na enjoy ko din naman kahit papano. :D

After that, we had an early lunch. So far so good. We had adobong pusit, fish na kinilaw, sinigang and ihaw ata yung isa. Then we went to Virgin Island to take pictures and bask the beautiful landscape. We also buried Nelson, Bea and Mannix under the sand. There are some crabs ata underneath kasi may kumakagat daw sa kanila. hehehe.

Then we go around the island and went back to the Dumaluan Hotel.



We had a chance to enjoy the pool and the beach since October is an off-peak season that's why it is not crowded. We relished the peaceful and relaxing ambiance. We really had fun! Hoping we could still extend our vacation here. But we have to set our feet back to reality!

It's a good thing that Bohol had a good weather condition during our stay even when typhoon Ramil is around the Philippine area of responsibility already.

But overall rating. Super sulit ang aming Anniversary Getaway!!!

Two thumbs up for Bohol!

Bohol Getaway - Day 1

I wanted to surprise Mannix with this something for our 7th Wedding Anniversary! So my sister Ghe and I planned a 3d2n vacation/trip to Bohol for almost a month ago. Actually she did all the researched and itinerary hehehe. I was so busy kasi during my last month in OSI. My boss wanted to get most of my time while i'm still in the team.

To cut the story short, natuloy kami kahit madami aberya. Like, umalis yaya ni Andrea, kakadaan lang ni Ondoy. Isa pang pahabol na aberya muntik kami maiwan ng flight namin dahil sa nawawalang tripod! wew! Buti mabait yung checkin counter at sinamahan nya kami para i bypass ang tripod namin kasi ndi na na weigh. [super takbo naman kami]

We arrived at Tagbilaran airport as scheduled. Deretso na agad kami for the Day tour. Tour guide namin ni kuya Kevin.

1. Blood Compact Site. A significant event in Bohol when a Spanish explorer named Miguel López de Legazpi made a peace pact with the native chieftains, Datu Sikatuna which was signified with a blood compact. This event is celebrated every year during the Sandugo Festival.

2. Baclayon church was one of the oldest church in the Philippines and was also made famous because of the image of St. Pio that marked on its wall.

3. Tarsier encounter. A tarsier is one of the smallest known primate. This endangered species is often tagged as "The world's smallest monkey". However, it is not a monkey. Some scientists consider tarsiers to be a taxonomic suborder among the primates. [Read more]

Bawal ang may flash pag nag take ng pictures.

4. Cruise on Loboc River while having lunch. This is a buffet lunch of different Philippine delicacies like pakbet, adobong pusit, pancit bami, puto't kutsinta, and fresh fruits like water melon, pineapple, green mango with bagoong and many more. While eating and listening to the music played by the band on board, the boat will slowly take you along the river to enjoy the beautiful green landscape and feel the fresh air. It was really relaxing. Along the way, the boat will stop at one of the nipa hut where singing natives in pink will entertain everyone with their song and dance.

5. Man-made Mahogany forrest. Kuya Kevin said it was created to prevent landslide in Bilar. He also said the cutting these trees are prohibited. Even when a tree died they just let it dry and leave it as is and preserved.

6. Chocolate Hills. The most famous tourist attraction in Bohol.

You will have to climb the 214 steps to see the beautiful landscape.

7. Hanging Bridge. A bridge made with steel cables and bamboo flooring which connects two barangays. [We didn't had the guts to cross the bridge. We are scared to death! hahaha]

8. Butterfly Sanctuary.

After our day tour, we checked in at Dumaluan Hotel in Panglao. A nice and cozy Jr. Suite room made me snug early in bed after dinner at the beach front. hehehe.

Bob Ong's Love Quotes

Hindi porke’t madalas mong ka-chat, kausap sa telepono, kasama sa mga lakad o ka-text ng wantusawa eh may gusto sayo ay magkakatuluyan ...kayo. Meron lang talagang mga taong sadyang friendly, sweet, flirt, malandi, pa-fall o paasa.

Kung hindi mo mahal ang isang tao, wag ka nang magpakita ng motibo para mahalin ka nya..

Ang pag-ibig parang imburnal…nakakatakot mahulog…at kapag nahulog ka, it’s either by accident or talagang tanga ka..

Ayokong nasasanay sa mga bagay na pwede namang wala sa buhay ko

Huwag na huwag ka hahawak kapag alam mong may hawak ka na.

Kung dalawa ang mahal mo, piliin mo yung pangalawa. Kasi hindi ka naman magmamahal ng iba kung mahal mo talaga yung una.

Alam mo ba kung gaano kalayo ang pagitan ng dalawang tao pag nagtalikuran na sila? Kailangan mong libutin ang buong mundo para lang makaharap ulit ang taong tinalikuran mo

Huwag mong bitawan ang bagay na hindi mo kayang makitang hawakan ng iba

Parang elevator lang yan eh, bakit mo pagsisiksikan ung sarili mo kung walang pwesto para sayo. Eh meron naman hagdan, ayaw mo lang pansinin

Mahirap pumapel sa buhay ng tao. Lalo na kung hindi ikaw yung bida sa script na pinili nya.

Pag may mahal ka at ayaw sayo, hayaan mo. Malay mo sa mga susunod na araw ayaw mo na din sa kanya, naunahan ka lang.

Pag hindi ka mahal ng mahal mo wag ka magreklamo. Kasi may mga tao rin na di mo mahal pero mahal ka. Kaya quits lang.

Hinahanap mo nga ba ako o ang kawalan ko?

Kung maghihintay ka nang ng lalandi sayo, walang mangyayari sa buhay mo.. Dapat lumandi ka din.

Hindi dahil sa hindi mo naiintindihan ang isang bagay ay kasinungalingan na ito. at hindi lahat ng kaya mong intindihin ay katotohanan.

Pizza Farewell Party

All good things must come to an end. Now I have to step out of my comfort zone again. My client and team bid me farewell on my last day [yesterday]. Thanks po. :-)

For many people a job is more than an income - it's an important part of who we are. So a career transition of any sort is one of the most unsettling experiences you can face in your life. ~Paul Clitheroe

Just sharing some pics...

Funny Jokes!

A foreigner had a traffic violation:
MMDA: (with pen and ticket) Name?!!
FOREIGNER: Wilhelm Von Corgrinzksky Pavacovitz.
MMDA: Hmmmmnnnn... Next time be careful ha? Sige, you go na.

Anak: tay ayaw po uminom ng kalabaw.
Itay: eh bakit saan mo ba pinainom?
Anak: sa baso po!.
Itay: dapat nilagyan mo pa ng straw para SULIT ang katangahan mong Hayop ka!

An old lady offers peanuts to a bus driver, so the driver munches the peanut happily. Every after 5 minutes the old lady gives a handful of peanut to the bus driver.
DRIVER: Why don't you eat them yourself?
OLD LADY: I can't chew them. Look I don't have teeth.
DRIVER: Then why did you buy them?
OLD LADY: Ohh!!! I just love the chocolate around them.

May seksing girl, naglalakad sa Ayala, nakalabas isang s*so. Napansin ng isang lalake. "Miss, yung dede mo, nakalabas." Sexy:"Ay P*tang Ina, Yung baby ko, naiwan sa taxi!"

Hahaha!!!

My kind of things...

My kind of coffee...

More creamer, moderate coffee and less sugar.

Hot coffee in a MUG.
Grande for a Frapuccino!
I feel like my head's gonna blow when my coffee is too sweet.

My kind of perfume...

Flower by Kenzo.

I fell inlove with its moderate flowery scent which last for long hours. I love wearing it everyday! I believe it's worth its price. It has been my favorite perfume for years now.

My kind of jewelry...

Sterling Silver.

I'm not comfortable wearing golds. It might cost me my life, worrying it'd be snatch from me anytime I walk alone in the street. Although my skin reacts to fancies, I have found some nice brands of silver which i can wear without irritating my "sensitive" skin [*wink*].

And also, a Gemini's kind of jewelry is Silver. hehehe :D

A party amidst calamity?

What are they thinking?

We are invited to join a benefit cocktail party for Typhoon Ondoy's Victims. I don't think this is approriate right now. I know the intentions are good. Somebody told me that it will be like a fund raising drive [selling items to gain funds maybe]. I know many people wanted to help without wanting anything in return. And there is nothing to celebrate. We are in the state of calamity!

How about coming up with something like a soup kitchen (feeding program) to distribute ready-to-eat meals to evacuation centers? or a relief operation?

This is just my opinion. Everyone is entitled to one, right?

And guess what we still have typhoon Pepeng moving towards northern Luzon. It is expected to hit land on Saturday, October 3, 2009 and could strengthen into a "super typhoon".

Let us pray that our nation will be spared from further calamity. Many of our suffering people have not yet recover from Ondoy's wrath.

May God help us all!

List of verified relief centers for 'Ondoy' victims [.here.]

Just for Laugh

I know this is an old joke, pero pramis tawa ako ng tawa dito! hahaha! naimagine ko kasi hitsura nung driver! hahaha!

Passenger taps taxi driver's shoulder:
Nyahhh!!! Sigaw ng driver.
PASSENGER: Bakit ka sumigaw?
Driver: Sorry boss, bago lang kasi ako sa taxi.
25 years kasi akong driver ng punerarya.

hahaha!

Typhoon Ondoy's Wrath

Major cities in Metro Manila were already declared under state of calamity due to severe flooding in most areas. And there was a rising number of casualties as of this moment. [here] Number coding were also lifted for a week to give way to those who need to attend to their families who were affected by the typhoon and for government authorities to repairs roads. [here]

We're one of the fortunate people who were spared from the Typhoon Ondoy's tragedy. We stayed at home, safe and sound. And we are very thankful for that.

It was raining since friday night. I was in Ortigas. As usual, mahirap nanaman sumakay at mahaba na ang pila ng taxi sa megamall. I asked Mannix to fetch me.

On Saturday morning, September 28, 2009, It was still raining. [I believe it was raining all night that we had to turn the aircon off.] The amount of rainfall is consistent. [Ndi mahangin pero malakas and buhos ng ulan.] I thought, Jen, Yvonne's yaya, was only kidding me when she told me that it was already flooding outside. I went outside and saw that the street across our house is at knee-level already. Lexah, our car, was parked outside and it was almost half-dipped into water. We moved her two houses away, where it is higher.

The cable was out by then so we only have updates from AM Radio.

It is really shocking when we saw videos and photos from youtube and facebook. All we can do as of that time is to pray for them.

Pagasa said there are two more tropical depression that may hit Philippines within this week. [here]:( Let's just hope they would change their path. hayz!

How can we help the Ondoy victims?

Happy Birthday Mama Mary!

Allow me to thank you for all your guidance and love. Thanks for all the sweet embrace and a shoulder to cry on. You're always there for me when i needed you! I promise not to let you down again!

I love you, Mama Mary!

Start your day with a Smile

Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day. ~Quoted in P.S. I Love You, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Peace begins with a smile. ~Mother Teresa

Have a nice day!

Remember to infect everyone with your smile!

Perks of a Shopaholic

As we all know, most for the major cities here in Manila already have SM Malls of different variety including Hypermarts. They did sprang up like mushrooms.

For a shopaholic like me, SM malls are really a one-stop-shop. Department store, Supermarket, Toy Store, Hardware, Pharmacy, Payment centers and a Bank until 7pm. It is so convenient that earning points is like an automatic thing for me. I always carry my SM Advantage card in my wallet like a credit card. And another nice thing here is that you can also earn points when you gas up at any Petron Station and purchase at any Ace Hardware even outside of SM Malls.

I've been an SM Advantage shopper since October 2004. And just this August 2009 I was promoted as an SM Advantage-Prestige member. [Yehey!]

Some of the "advantages" of being a Prestige member are the exclusive lounges, members-only gift wrapping counter, Prestige lanes at the supermarket and reserved parking space [I haven't tried this one yet but I will have to try that this weekend i guess].

I've been to the SM Prestige Lounge at Megamall and Makati. As they say "It is a haven within SM Department Store for the exclusive use of SM Prestige members. It has spacious reception & waiting areas, elegant but cozy furniture, wall-to-wall carpeting, built in shelves & cabinets and a fully-functional pantry. Prestige members who want to relax and take time off from their shopping can enjoy the convenience of separate powder-cum-fitting rooms for men and women, package counter, diaper changing area, massage chairs, Nokia Charging Stations and Wi-Fi connection. A team of friendly and courteous staff is always ready to attend to the needs of members and their guests."

 

The ambiance is so relaxing. It's a place to be if you want a time off after hours of shopping. A cardholder can only bring up to two persons. They also serve iced tea and coffee [I believe its for free and part of the service. Haven't ask one yet. hihihi]

Well, I guess we'll just have to enjoy these perks once in a while.

You can also check your points online when you visit and register to their site.

Giving Credit to Where Credit is Due

It has been a year since i set my feet on this company. My evaluation did not actually impress me much. I was working hard for a year and i believe i did my best to meet my client's expectations. I was surprise i was given a lower rating due to petty company policies. I had two memos because of having late for more than 3 times in a month for the past year. [Most of those lates are just minutes past the allowed grace period. Well i did not anticipates most of the traffics along the way.]

For me, being on the Perfect Attendance list every month doesn't mean you're a good employee. [Who wouldn't want to be on that list and recieve some perks anyway?] But nevertheless, my being late doesn't affect the quality of my work [and my attitude?].

Another thing here is that i was not informed about the evaluation before it was approved due to some system failure at some point. And they cannot retrovert my appraisal because it has already been to the auditors and the upper management!

Now, to compensate all of these is for me to achieve a goal for six months again? Meaning, i will have to work [again!] on the merits I've been working for a year? does it sounds fair? Well i guess not.

Driving Lesson 101

It's been a year since I had my driver's license which i got when i enrolled to a reputed driving school. My primary purpose then was really just to get a license. [I think] It's a lot easier when you're assisted by these driving schools.

It has also been a year since i had a grip on a steering wheel and set my feet on the brake, clutch and gas pedals. It was a relief though that i will be driving an autimatic car. [geez!]

We have her blessed after the morning mass at St. Micheal and named her after Alexandria, Lexah!

After a little bickering and niggling, i finally got Lexah off the road. At first I was a little tensed that i have benumbed my left feet and almost got a stiffed neck. Hahaha! The weather also bullied me into backing out! It rain hard that i almost can't see the road ahead! But when he realized i was really determined to learn, he stopped!

We drove around The Fort [though practice driving was not allowed] They wouldn't know naman unless i will have any violations. So super careful! But i had my excuses ready when a security approach us why i was driving so slow. mmm...i'll say "Where do we find a Metrobank ATM here?" hahaha!

We also drive her around Ayala, Makati. :D

I had a chance to apply what i learned [a year ago] about parking. We tried it at Market Market! Just a little more practice!

I never knew driving was this easy! Hah!

Our new baby...

... Lexah! :D

I want nobody but You!

Just sharing this cool vid! :D this song is circulating around... hahaha

One Flaw In Women

Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colours.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what
makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.

Women have vital things to say
and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Pasta Cravings - Baked Macaroni Recipe

I've been craving for pasta in the past few days. I had Yellow cab's Charlie chan [yummy!] and Mcdo's spaghetti. I was looking for a place where I could have a yummy pasta treat for a "sulit" price. I remember Greenwich Baked Macaroni. It looks great and tummy-filling in the ads, but when you have it you'll only get almost three spoonful of it. Not really enough for appetencies like me.

In the past months, i have mastered baking my favorite pasta! I got this from my Ate Cherie though I did some twist for my own preference.

This is in response to Maggie's request of how-to. It's so easy so let's get started! :D


Preparation Time: 00:10
Cooking Time: 00:30 including pasta
Servings: 4-8

Ingredients
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup butter
1 400g pack elbow macaroni cooked
1 can Corned beef
1 can mushroom, chopped
1 170g can NESTLÉ Cream
2 small pack Del Monte Beef and Mushroom Pasta Sauce
1 1/2 cups Quickmelt cheese, sliced/grated
1 cup water
salt and sugar to taste

Procedure
1. Sauté garlic and onions in butter. Add cornbeef and mushroom and cook for 5 minutes.
2. Add in the add sauce. Saute for 1 minute.
3. Pour in the cup water and simmer until thick.
4. Add cheese until melted. Adjust seasonings to taste.
5. Stir in cooked noodles to meat sauce. Remove from heat and pour in NESTLÉ Cream.
6. Arrange in a dish; top with grated cheese and bake at medium high for 3 minutes or until cheese has melted.


Tada! A yummy, mouth-watery Baked Macaroni!


I guess i will have to bake another one tonight! I'm craviing aggaaiinnnn!!! wew!

Taking the right decision at the right time

just sharing... I got this from PravsTalk.


Question: There are 3 frogs on a leaf. If one of them decided to jump off the leaf into the water, how many frogs are there left on the leaf?

Answer: Three!

Why? The frog only DECIDED to jump! It didn’t!



Dreaming of a personal accomplishment, most people make the mistake of waiting…
- Waiting until they’ve been trained
- Waiting till someone say’s they are ready
- Waiting till they have the proper tools
- Waiting till they’re better
- Waiting till they’re hired
- Waiting till they’ve been given the assignment

Ponder over this, my friends. Are you not unlike the frog; who decides to do this, decides to do that, but ended up not doing any?

In life, we have to make many decisions. Some easy; some hard. Most mistakes are not made by wrong decisions; Most mistakes are made due to our inability to take a right decision at the right time.

We have to live with the consequences of our decisions. And that is RISK.


Realization: This is really true for me. There are lots of opportunities in life I have missed because of my indecisiveness. Maybe because i'm afraid to make mistakes. Afraid to take the risk and have regrets. Life is too short for a shillyshally. Maybe i should act now right? mmm... ok... I will give it a shot! :D

Tying a Yellow Ribbon for Cory Aquino

Salamat, Tita Cory.

As the world mourns for a woman who touches live around the globe, let us tie a Yellow Ribbon for Cory. Let us show our love and respect for her as she joins our Creator. May she continued to pray for all of us. May we not forget to protect the most valuable gift she has given to all Filipinos - our FREEDOM.

As my contribution as a blogger and as a Proud Filipina, I'm tying a yellow ribbon for Corazon Aquino.



I’m also sending this invitation to other bloggers to participate in this project. All you have to do is:

1. Create an entry entitled: “Touch a blogger: Tie a yellow ribbon for Cory Aquino!“. A link to this original entry will be appreciated, but is not required.
2. Post a yellow ribbon in your blog for President Cory Aquino. Whatever form of yellow ribbon that your creative imagination can come up with.
3. Invite other bloggers to tie a yellow ribbon for Cory.