Wednesday, May 25, 2011

I am back.... with deliveries!

Yes, I am back.... its been 2 months of silence. Or should I say 2 months of "busyness"  hehe... I don't know where to start again. Have loads of things to tell and share. It's a good thing I got with me my reliable notebook. This will be a series of blogs for I cannot input everything in a single entry.

March is a month of deliveries for me!

First for all.... Finally we got our Schengen Visa. Details of the much awaited tour on my next blog.


Second I received my package from Amazon.

Remember the entry about healthy weekend spend at New World Hotel? While undergoing the process of cleansing. I indulge myself to the monitor in front of my "single bed". HBO featured movie that time: Julie & Julia.
Julie & Julia is a movie that will make your gastronomical side turn upside down. Julie a new yorker, married and a blogger. Her aim is to cook all the 524 recipes of Julia Child in 365 days. The movie is enticing enough that it gave me the urge to order the very same cookbook that Julie used. I want to learn how to cook all kinds of dishes. I want my food to be always palatable. Superb taste that will give water to everyone's mouth. It's my dream and I am still hoping someday I will become a great cook.
the rest of  my package from amazon.com

Third, I received the confirmation from Discovery Shores.  Again, details for this one on my next blog.

Last but not the least. Macau Trip Airline & Hotel Tickets are emailed to my sister. Macau/Hongkong in June.

One of my dreams is to travel a lot and I feel so blessed  that God is letting me have it now. :)

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Our Lady of Manaoag

Finally after a year Alvin and I came back to our sacred place. It's been a tradition for us, to visit the Our Lady of Manaoag. And I am so happy that we were able to go there last Saturday inspite of being intoxicated the night before. (not so drunk! but kinda tipsy and kilig for seeing HB aka "binoy" ;-))

We woke-up at 2:45a.m. and left home at exactly 3:30am. It was a 3.5hours drive from Muntinlupa...We arrived at Manaoag around 8-8:30a.m. Unfortunately, we were not able to attend the mass.
 We just went up to Her relic and pray. I felt renewed after touching even just the hem of Our Lady's dress. It's like all my problems vanished in air. All I think that time is how lucky Alvin and I for experiencing that kind of serenity. I felt so at peace.... I hope I could always be like that. :) Anyway, after paying respect to Our Lady we passed their store. It is where you can buy some religious paraphernalia. Novena booklets, Rosary, Relics of Saints, Self-Help Books, etc. As I was scanning the Novena's rack Alvin kept on walking around looking for something, then he stopped and smiled at me I asked why and he showed me a plastic filled with Holy Bread or "Hostia" as we usually called it. His explanation goes like this..... " I will give it to Oscar, because every time we go to communion sinasabi nya... "Daddy I also want to eat that"..." haha! cute... It made my day! We paid my novena and oscar's hostia and went down for the next step...mass offering.


The line was not too long. We also bought candles.

A lot of thing have changed. From the parking lot to the candle area where people solemnly pray before offering/lighting their candles. As well as the office where you pay for mass offering. It's more organize and systematic.  Comfort rooms were renovated and they build 1 more near the canteen. (I hope they clean it well so that the people around the area taking a quick rest and eating their baon's will not loose their appetite)  Even the road, they fixed it. It's nice to know that parishioners are doing great changes to beautify the place and give more comfort to devotees like us. I can't wait to go back again!



Next stop.........





It was a long 2 hours drive for me and Alvin. Why? because right after 1km of driving from Manaoag our aircon broke down. Just imagine 10:00a.m. in Pangasinan with the glaring heat of the sun. We are both puyat and everything. I really felt the summer!

We ate at the famous MEAT PLUS.... it was a much anticipated lunch. Got over excited with the steak that when I had my 1st bite it was a disappointment for my taste buds. But because of hunger I finished it all. Me and my katakawan haha!

My Steak

Alvin's Grilled Salmon

Alvin's Spaghetti and Meatballs

Then we went to one of the many duty free's inside Subic. Alvin bought his shirts... Lacoste's price was really a bargain. Bought some groceries, my favorite Meiji Melty Kiss, Planters South Beach Diet inspired assorted nuts, Extra Virgin Olive oil for my friend, some lotions and soaps, etc.

It was a short fun trip for me and Alvin. Perfect for rekindling our lost quality time. Hopefully we can do it again before 2011 ends.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Update!


My kuya arrived this morning from Japan. They board the 11:30pm flight yesterday and arrived in Hongkong at 3:00am, stayed in the airport and waited for their 8:45am connecting flight to Manila. I haven't talk to him. We let him rest muna, afterall what he experienced is kind of traumatic. I am sure this will be the talk for the whole week. As we will all be eager to hear his own version of the killer earthquake.

God is really good! :)

Friday, March 11, 2011

Have....

Another notes worthy to share....


Nuggets #33 

HAVE......

Have peace enough to pass all understanding.
Have hope enough to keep your heart looking forward.
Have strength enough to battle obstacles and overcome them.
Have commitment enough to not give up to soon.
Have faith enough to please God.
Have fun enough to enjoy every aspect of life.
Have patience enough to let faith complete its work in you.
Have love enough to give to those who deserve it the least but need it the most.
Have focus enough to say no to many good ideas.
Have forgiveness enough to never let the sun go down on your wrath.
Have honesty enough to never have to remember what you said.
Have character enough to do in the light what you do in the dark.
Have gratitude enough to say "thank you" for the small things.
Have purpose enough to know why, not just how.
Have perseverance enough to run the entire race that is set out before you.
Have wisdom enough to fear God and obey Him.
Have responsibility enough to the most dependable person you know.
Have confidence enough that you and God make a majority
Have kindness enough to share what you have and who you are with others.
Have mercy enough to forgive and forget.
Have devotion enough to do the right things on a daily basis.
Have courage enough to face and fight any opposition to what you know is right.
Have optimism enough to know that God's plan are blessed.
Have trust enough that will direct your steps.
Have expectancy enough to be on the lookout for miracles every day.
Have enthusiasm enough to show that God is in you.
Have obedience enough to do what is right without thinking twice.
Have direction enough to know when and where to go.
Have knowledge enough to have your mind continually renewed.
Have credibility enough to cause others to want to work together with you.
Have generosity enough to give before being asked.
Have compassion enough to be moved by the needs of others.
Have loyalty enough to be committed to others.
Have dependence enough to know that you need God.




8.9 Magnitude hit Japan

Memories of the past tremor that hit baguio big time are still vivid in my head. It was scary and seeing the aftermath was even more terrifying. Hundreds of people were injured. A lot died. Infrastructures were destroyed and terror and panic were so visible. It was a decade ago........ I don't want to experience it again. And then......

Yesterday, as I was doing something in my office. My head secretary Meanne told me that an earthquake hit
Japan. I said, yes two days ago they felt a 7.3magnitude earthquake. And she said, "No, it happened today about a few minutes ago". That's when I started searching the net for some breaking news. Just then my cp ring, my sister in law Leah was calling me....then I panicked because I remembered my brother Aldrin is in Tokyo. I answered the phone and thank God my kuya confirmed thru a phone patch that they are safe. No one from his entourage were hurt. He was not able to give Leah a detailed account of what happened. They are trying to save whatever is left of his cellphone's battery. I did not feel the tremor nor experience the huge waves. But knowing that my kuya is there summoned my fear. I can feel the panic rising from my veins to my heart and mind. But, I have to fight it and trust God instead. I know He will take care of my bro. I am positive about it!

I was able to watched a live coverage of the aftermath. The sight was dreadful. Seeing cars, ships, houses moved by the strong current of the Tsunami was terrifying. I can't help but be scared for the lives of those people trapped in that kind of disaster. Even here, Tsunami warning were up to level 2 and will hit our East Coastline by 5:00-7:00 pm yesterday. Thank God we are spared.

Let's continue on praying for those people that were badly hit by the catastrophe. God be with us all!




On a lighter side I want to share a funny conversation between me and my mom......as leah asked me to call her and my dad.

Me: Hello, Ma asan ka?
Mama: Nasa house pa din ako ng tita Ellen mo.
Me: Alam mo na ba nangyari sa Japan?
Mama: Hindi, ano?
Me: Nag earthquake 8.9 magnitude, grabe ang lakas.
Mama: Oh! e malayo naman ang Japan sa Pilipinas!
Me: Hello! andon kaya ang isa mong anak, ur unico hijo!
Mama: hay! oo nga ninerbyos naman ako bigla syo....pano daw? ano daw? (she's crying na while asking details)....
Me: Ma don't worry kuya is okay. 

Last update from Leah about my bro. cp signal are still hard, system were down. I wasn't able to ask about electricity. Their flight today is at 4:30pm but they will try to rebook it for an earlier schedule.

May God embrace them with His protection.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Blind Boy

I just want to share a forwarded message from my inbox.... I was moved by it and i am sure anyone who will read it will have the same effect as mine. Life is really beautiful in every aspect. We should always be grateful no matter what circumstances we are into. Finding positivity in an opposite situation surely is a winner! Smile! :)
 
 
 
Subject: Blind Boy
A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet.
He held up a sign which said: "I am blind, please help."  There were only a few coins in the hat. 
Description:                                                      cid:8AA2D9BB-E7A1-4F96-9ADC-6AAE4DBC78F0 
   
A man was walking by.  He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat.  
He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words.  
He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words. Soon the hat began to fill up.  
A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy.  That afternoon the man who had changed the sign
came to see how things were.  The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, "Were you the one who changed my sign this morning?  
What did you write?" 
  
Description:                                                      cid:80CB19F8-AEA6-409C-AEC9-8D4FE825057E
   
The man said, "I only wrote the truth.  I said what you said but in a different way.
"I wrote: 'Today is a beautiful day; but I cannot see it.'"
Both signs told people that the boy was blind.  But the first sign simply said the boy was blind.  
The second sign reminded people how fortunate they were to have their sight.  
Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective?    
Description:                                              cid:A07AC970-41FC-4FD4-919F-905A5925C9A6

   
Moral of the Story:  

Be thankful for what you have.  Be creative.  Be innovative.  Think differently and positively.

When life gives you a 100 reasons to cry, show life that you have 1000 reasons to smile.
Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence.  
Prepare for the future without fear.  Keep the faith and drop the fear.
It's a beautiful thing to see a person smiling.
But even more beautiful is knowing that you are the reason for the smile!
Faith is not about everything turning out OK;  Faith is about being OK no matter how things turn out.
If you appreciate this message, please share. You may touch someone's heart today and forever.

Enjoy this beautiful day with a heart full of gratitude.

Schengen Visa

I am on the edge of being thwarted in acquiring this Visa. Original plan of departure from Manila is on March 22, 2011. But because of some miscalculation made our documents were sent back to us by Italian Embassy with an annotation "French Embassy" meaning we have to apply the Schengen Visa to French Embassy because we are staying longer in Paris.While on the other hand, my brother and his wife were granted 6mos multiple entry. Take Note: we got exactly the same itinerary... when I asked the call center how it happened. They said "ma'am bka po overlook" WTF!!! It sounds so unprofessional. Oh well, we have no choice but to follow. I called French Embassy but to my dismay available date for interview is on April 12, 2011. That's too way behind our schedule.

So to make my story short. We changed our dates and itinerary. We will stay longer in Italy (4days in Venice, 6days in Rome, 5 days in Paris). We wrote a letter to the Italian Embassy. Asking for a earlier appointment with them. After 3 attempts (email, fax, call) finally they replied. Apparently, the earliest date that they could give us is on March 25. And visa processing takes around 7 working days. If ever our Schengen Visa will be released on April 5. Our new departure date is on March 29. How can this be happening? I am so tired of changing all the bookings! All we want is to see Venice, Rome, Paris. I did not realize until now that it's going to be this hard to get that Visa.

Michelle will call again tom. Hopefully this time they will reconsider our request to expedite our Visa Application. For the mean time.... I am considering JAPAN as my alternative destination. hhhhmmmm.... not bad, it's cherry blossom's season!


Monday, March 7, 2011

1-800 contacts


I am so happy to receive my package from 1800contacts. It was a relief for me because I only have 2 pairs of contact lenses left. And it is due for a change this month. Since May of 2009 I can't wear locally made lenses anymore. Due to long years of wearing contact lenses my eyes became dry that i need to put eye drops 3-4x a day. And so my optometrist suggested that I use an imported brand. I searched the net and discovered Biofinity Toric Lens a high performance silicone hydrogel lens which utilizes AQUAFORM® Comfort Science, an innovative material that provides many benefits including:

  • Natural wettability - no surface treatments or wetting agents
  • High oxygen performance helping to keep your eyes white and healthy
  • Soft and moist lens material for excellent all day comfort
  • Round lens edge for great comfort
  • Our most advanced lens design to correct astigmatism
Perfect for my eyes. Despite having a lesser vision grade because their highest is only -10.00 mine is -10.00 + -2.25 (astigmatism).
I feel comfortable with it and surely served its purpose. Cheers to technology! Cheers to 1800-contacts for delivering my package! and thank you Lord for giving me a chance to see clearly! :)

http://www.1800contacts.com

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Healthy Weekend

It was a healthy weekend for me and my husband Alvin. We joined the H.A.S.H (Holistic Approach to Self Healing) program by Global Vital Source. It was a 1-1/2 day of healthy talks, healthy hunger, healthy fasting.
We arrived at New World Hotel Saturday, February 26 at exactly 7:30am. We were greeted by Ms. Pixie and get our measurements, vital signs, extracted blood for our blood chem, cbc, etc. After that we went inside Bacarinos Hall and had our breakfast which consisted of fruits and alkaline water. Program starts with of course giving idea on what we are about to partake. Dr. Dale Flores was the one who made the intro remarks...then followed by Ms. Jean Goulbourn, she's funny...she made the talk quite light and interesting. Dr. John Reyes is the living proof of how effective is HASH. From 230+lbs. he was able to trimmed down to 140+lbs. in 6mos.
Anyway, the drinking session started at 6pm. The color of the liquid is like a red wine. I sipped and omg! The taste it's so so bitter, more bitter than ripe ampalaya. That's it took me awhile to have my second sip. Alvin instructed me to drink it bottoms-up so that it will only be a one long nasty taste. I did it! yey! But, 4 more drinks are ahead of me at 8pm, 10pm, 6am, and 8am. After the drink we went up to our room an waited for our next glass. Tummy started to grumble...8pm arrived and we had another round of "ampalaya 4xbitter juice" and after 15mins. We went to the "throne". It was success initial deposit...different colors of stones were visible. Green, Orange, Black and Red next to it was a series of flushes. 5-6x dethroning haha! 10pm arrived this its a different drink. Milky White with a super sour taste that made me want to puke. But, in fairness natolerate ko sya. After that I felt nothing and just want to sleep.
The following day at exactly 6pm our 4th drink arrived. Bitterness came back. After we drank, we went back to bed and it's feel like a few minutes after someone knocked at our door. The 8am and 5th glass arrived with a bang! The last glass arrived and e drank it all the way. Flushes or water came out again from behind. I lost 5lbs. but it's only water and I sure that it will go back soon.
It was a successful detox for us. We became more aware of our health. And we became more conscious about it. I learned to eat fruits and lessen my carbohydrate intake. But most of all, we felt safe knowing that we were able to remove or flushed out the toxic that been stuck inside us. Thanks to HASH! We are looking forward to our next session.
the food we had from 8am of Feb 26 to 11am of Feb. 27



The movie that we watched while waiting for our 10pm drink. I love it! Made me want to cook.

Purple, Green or Blue



I am confused! I love purple but it's too girlish. Blue has cooling effect but it won't feel like the room belongs to a couple. It's going to be more of a boy's room. And so from here that I pick the shade of green. I hope it won't feel too dark though. Green belongs to the cool hues therefore it will be a good color for a bedroom. Since it's main purpose is to make a person relax.
We'll see the outcome soon! positive sana!!!

Friday, February 18, 2011

127 hours

127 hours..... I don't like the movie. It's dragging from the moment James Franco "Aaron" fell from the canyon and his arm was trapped from a fallen boulder. How he survived is something worth learning though. His determination keeps him moving. A true to life story of courage and will power. But sorry I did not enjoy watching the film. Moral lesson of the story... always tell someone where you are going and never forget your cellphone!!! I rate this move 1 star.

Just Go with It

Hilarious movie! Adam Sandler "Danny" once again proved how good he is in making people forget problems even for just 1.5hrs. Jennifer Aniston "Katherine" oh how I love to have those locks and body. She still look fabulous but you can see that she aged a little bit. Bailee Madison "Maggie" is charming. She acts well, I love the English accent. Griffin Gluck "Michael" is a little mob kid..funny. Those two kids are adorable, simple blackmailers! haha! Nicole Kidman "Devlin" the name speaks for itself. Nick Swardson "Eddie" also gives a handful of laughing acts. And ofcourse, Brooklyn Decker "Palmer" who can resist the face, the body, the height, the hair. An epitome of  youthful beauty. It's nice how the movie ends. Danny finding himself in love with Katherine...a classic love story about friendship. Sometimes we tend to ignore the people around us...we keep on looking for someone else not knowing that the one for us is the person who is always there from the very start. I rate this movie..... 4 stars.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

SMEG and ZAO

I just so love SMEG. I swear if we're going to build our own house am going to save even if it means that no shopping for me just to have a budget for it. My mom is so lucky that my dad gives her the best. She's a good cook though, compare to mwah. And am pleased to choose in her behalf the items that will be mounted in their (ours coz' technically we're still leaving with them) kitchen.

After issuing a check to Mondo Cucina (sole distributor of SMEG here in Manila). My tummy crumbles, asking for food perhaps. So we went to the ground level of Serendra and look for a restaurant. The search starts with UNO, a semi fine dining which serves great steak. Then there's Mary Grace, Contis, Murray and D'vine, Mamou, Sentro 1771, etc....choices are unlimited compare to Alabang area. We end up eating at Zao Vietnamese Bistro. I don't know what is with Vietnamese food that we keep on longing for the taste. Maybe we are just becoming a health conscious eater. I am so in love with their rice noodles. I did not order one though. Pho Hao is where we always dine in Alabang. That's why I just agree with Alvin when he decided not to order the soup. Mapaiba naman....

Pomelo Salad with shrimp, pork & fresh herb (my choice)
Fresh Rolls with pork, shrimp, noodles, beansprouts, greens and peanut dipping sauce (my choice)

Seafood Rice cooked in claypot (my choice)
Chicken Satay (my choice)

Deep Fried CatFish with spicy ginger fish sauce (definitely not my choice) kay Alvin po ito!!!





Wednesday, February 16, 2011

I am coming to Europe!

A plan was made instead of having a grand party for my mom's 60th birthday. They will go with my brother and his wife lea to Europe. As usual it will be the "big five" (Mr. Talusan was replaced by my sister hazel) papa, mama, tito vic, tita tess and hazel. Yes, I am not included in the plan. I felt bad!:( and when i found out that it might be my parents last trip in Europe (coz' my dad said he can't handle long trip anymore, he easily get bored...)I asked alvin's permission if I can go with them. He will be left here with Oscar. He said yes. And I told them I am coming. So I am coming to Europe.

But it's still 50-50 as we don't have the schengen visa yet. Pls. Lord bless us with the visa. For now here are some of the places I want to see...

Arc de Triomphe

Eiffel Tower

The Colliseum

The Vatican City

Rialto Bridge

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

"Instruction for Life"

As i was scanning Chuvaness's archive i saw this blog and i can't resist not to re-post it. I so love Dalai Lama....

INSTRUCTION FOR LIFE
by Dalai Lama

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson. (AMEN!)

3. Follow the three R's:
Respect for self
Respect for others
Responsibility for all your actions.


4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly. (i know! :D )

6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great relationship.
(I tried not...but someone did!)
7. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

8. Spend some time alone every day.

9. Open arms to change, but don't let go of your values.

10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time.

12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.

13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.

14. Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.

15. Be gentle with the earth. (Bawal ang plastic sa Muntinlupa!)

16. One a year, go someplace you've never been before.

17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other. (I know someone who excels in this one)

18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon. (am trying my best..:p)


Which number strikes you?

Monday, February 14, 2011

My Valentine

“Love is something eternal; the aspect may change, but not
the essence.”
— Vincent van Gogh



Today is our 7th valentine's day celebration... Memories of the 1st is still vivid. And he never fails to give the flowers. This morning I thought I will not receive the traditional bouquet but to my surprise it was there lying on top of my table. No date for the night. We just had a simple lunch at Monalisa. The food is good, ambiance is sweet and cozy with a soothing background music plus my loving, faithful husband = perfect valentine's day for me.

Complimentary Bread...this is so yummy! The bread is freshly baked, with a crunchy soft texture. The condiments pesto, butter and salsa are all perfect

Tra Ceasar Salad


Calamari Fritti

Polo Pizzimenti

Mona lisa











I did not capture the rich taste of Crema di Brocolli. The soup is creamy but not too rich. Give you reason to keep wanting for more.

Monalisa is a good semi fine dining restaurant. The price is reasonable. Either you have a business meeting, a date with your special someone, or even a family day thing... the place is great.