the "trips" & "falls" of a divine viva

To the One I love the most

2012-01-06T08:01:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday to the One I love the most, my Lord, Savior and King - Jesus. Thank You for EVERYTHING. I have a wish on Your birthday – that Your will in our lives will always prevail. We love You very much.

As I write this piece, I am singing in my head a song so familiar to everyone. The same song I was humming a few nights ago just before His birthday. The same song hubby and I sang with tears in my eyes when we attended a worship service on His birthday. My soul was singing to Him.

Oh, holy night, the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world in sin and error, pining
Till He appeared and the soul felt it's worth

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn'
Fall on your knees, oh, hear the Angels' voices
Oh, night divine, oh, night when Christ was born
Oh, night divine, oh, night, oh night divine

A royal family celebrates a merry Christmas

2012-01-06T08:00:00.002-08:00

Para bang si Prince William and Kate M?

It was on the eve of Christmas when hubby arrived from Malaysia along with thousands of other OFWs. We were so excited to be with each other once again after our Cebu trip last November. Hubby lost his belly fat. Belly good!

Our girls were so happy to see their papa. Noelle and Nala proudly showed off their princess-like balloon skirts. Our Christmas color motif was violet but in photos, it appeared to be more like royal blue than violet. Oh well, royal blue or violet – the color is still of royalty.

Just like every Christmas eve, my brother and his family spent noche buena in our home. For food, we had Chinese as our theme. O diba pati food may theme din?

Our Noche Buena menu: Peking duck, Beef with Broccoli, Pork Asado, Pancit Canton, Shrimps in Butter and Garlic, Buko Salad, Caramel Crunch Cake (from Claudette’s through Ensogo). And of course I made sure there was Coke, kasi pang OFW diba?

The following day which was Christmas day, our family went to San Mateo for the annual Baltazar family reunion (mother-in-law’s side). We, again, wore our color motif.

Our two princesses wore the crowns, which were presents from Jesus sent by Santa Claus (the delivery man).

Then, Christmas dinner was spent at home with my husband's family. For our Christmas dinner menu, we opted to order take-out from KFC, Shakey's. And oh, we also had the "tira-tira" from our Noche Buena.

Above photo: with my parents-in-law

The whole Aguilar clan

Why my eyes and nose were red...hindi naman ako si Rudolph

2012-01-06T07:59:00.001-08:00

I’m a person who cries too easily. I remember crying over some scenes in movies, news or even commercials which many may find weird to cry over, like for example a scene from a Johnson’s Baby powder commercial, Lion King, Shrek- Forever and After, Tangled, You’ve Got Mail and a lot more.

The first time I read Inquirer’s news about how Sendong claimed the lives of thousands of children, I broke into tears. I didn’t even get to finish reading the first story - - an account of a survivor who lost her two young children - - and yet I couldn’t breathe already because I was trying hard to control my tears. Ang sakit-sakit ng dibdib ko. I was at the office and I didn’t want to create a scene. When I went back to my desk, I saw from my mirror my eyes and nose so red.

I wanted to fly to Cagayan right then and there. I wanted to just be there for those who lost their loved ones. I wanted to hug the children who lost their parents and are now orphans. Ay nako, even as I am drafting this piece, umiiyak ako… ano ba ‘yan?

But, thinking about it after, had I flown to Cagayan and seen the survivors, I would have probably suffered a massive heart attack or had an emotional breakdown. Instead of me comforting them, it might have been the other way around kasi every time I will see survivors iiyak lang ako ng iiyak.

The tragedy happened before Christmas and I couldn’t think of being merry without thinking about them. I prayed and asked God to give comfort and strength to every one who survived, because I know, only Him and Him alone can give them that comfort and hope they need.

It ought to be called the city of Sebo

2012-01-06T07:57:00.000-08:00

Cebu...here we come!

I have never seen so many lechons in my life. Everywhere I look, there was lechon. Oh lechon -- here, there and everywhere. Now I know why it’s called Cebu. If there’s lechon everywhere, there’s sebo everywhere, too!

After checking in to our hotel, the whole clan headed to Abuhan Pochero, which was just a few minutes walk from Crowne Regency.

I got surprised when my husband’s stomach reacted to its first taste of bulalo, sizzling bulalo steak, sisig and lechon after just 2 months of pork-deprivation. Oh boy, oh yes, he suffered from stomach ache and LBM, big time!

The Culprit

You see, when he moved to Malaysia, his tummy suddenly made a “paradigm shift”. From a “baboy”-lover, his tummy learned to adapt to a pork-free diet. Clap! Clap!

Anyway, his stomach condition while in Cebu didn’t stop him from trying what Cebu has to offer --- yes, more lechons! But this time, he already knew that he had to make “hinay-hinay lang sa pagkain”.

Halo-halo dessert at Ice Castle

Day 1 Dinner: Zubuchon

Day 2 Lunch: Golden Cowrie

Day 2 Dinner: at a nearby grill & resto (I forgot the name)

Day 3 Lunch: AA BBQ

After our sebo food trip, I knew I had to go on a strict cleansing diet. Oh well, at least when I went back to Manila, I still had Cebu on my mind and (a lot of) sebo in my body.

Getting used to being an OFW's wife...or am I not?

2012-01-06T07:55:00.002-08:00

Husband's birthday celebration at our humble abode, a month before he left for Malaysia

It’s not easy...especially when you’re also a working-mom. But I ain’t complaining. I have a lot to be thankful for. For one, I’m thankful that I have reliable helpers who look after our children and our home while I’m at work and husband is away. I don’t cook anymore when I get home. I don’t do the dishes, laundry, or iron our clothes, or clean our house. They take care of those things. What I can’t delegate are tutoring our children and the grocery-shopping.

It’s important that I get home by 7:30 p.m. every day to be with our girls. But nowadays, because of traffic, there are times that I get home at 8:00 p.m. (that’s the latest and I can still forgive myself for that). You see, I really value the time I spend with them each day. And when I get home, I see to it that I’m still at my “best”. I don’t want to short-change them by giving them the “tira-tira” of my time. To still be at my best with them is the least that I can do for them. I watch what they only watch on TV - Disney Junior. I laugh with them, play with them, cry with them. Weekends are spent watching a marathon of their favorite DVDs such as Barbie movies, Toy Story 1,2,3, Shrek 1,2,3, Tangled, Spongebob Squarepants and Mickey Mouse.

I took a crash course in driving and got my driver’s license. I have yet to drive myself to work, though. I still take the shuttle from office to our house. I use this time to recharge (sleep) and prepare to be with my kids. That’s almost 2 hours of travel, imagine? I am also thankful for my two neighbors, Rose and Fritzi, who I get to hitch a ride with to Makati almost every day.

Taking the public transport has never been a problem to me. I am so used to it. I’m used to walking, too, even long distances and I’m proud that I don’t catch my breath every time.

I have learned to become a handy man. I now know what kind of bulb or light to buy when Nanet, our yaya, would text me, “Ate pondido na ung ilaw sa banyo.” Just last night, the internet wasn’t working so I called PLDT and reported the problem. I tried my hand in trouble-shooting it, and alas the internet worked afterwards. No need to wait for PLDT. I would buy food for our aquarium fishes and instruct our helpers to help clean the aquarium (we used to have more than 5 fishes when husband left, now it’s down to 2 fishes). Those used to be Ronald’s concern. But, all things can be learned and I’m learning.

Every night, Ronald and I would talk via videoskype or FB video while the kids are just playing or watching in the attic. That’s how we talk to each other everyday, hindi nga lang face-to-face, pero screen-to-screen naman.

These are certain things that I can get used to as an OFW’s wife, but still there are things which I refuse to get used to, most especially when it involves emotions and feelings.

I miss how things were before. I miss our family bonding moments over food and coffee, our weekend trips to the malls, attending worship services together, movie-watching in cinemas, the Friday night dates with Babes, our free concert escapades (c/o our kumare) when we groove along with teenagers, our conversations while Babes is driving to and from work, our trips to the grocery, and most of all, I miss our times of family-togetherness. Noelle once told me when her papa left for Malaysia, “Mom, we’re not a family anymore. A family should have a papa, mama, ate Nisi, me, and baby Nala. Papa’s not here, we’re not complete.”

Family-bonding over food...

and coffee

Friday-night dates with husband

Just goofing around with each other

I believe in my heart that God not will not allow us to be “separated” for long. In the meantime, we will take this circumstance as an opportunity to deepen our faith, to grow wiser, to learn from and to love and value each other more. For we know that where each of us is at this moment, is exactly where God wants us to be. We will wait on the Lord and anticipate the best of what He has in store for us. I don’t want to miss the best just because I am settling for the good.

We surely hold on to His promise: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord.

We will all be together again as a “family”. May that be here or in Malaysia, or maybe somewhere else, we just don’t know yet. All I know is that it will happen in His perfect time.

A "Changi"-ng Ina Mo Story at the Changi Airport

2012-01-06T07:52:00.000-08:00

Weeks before our scheduled visit to Singapore where Ronald was having his 3-week training, I was already conditioning my mind that everything would be fine. From packing our bags to the waiting in NAIA to the actual plane ride and arrival at Changi. Yes, it was big deal to me because I would be traveling with my 3 girls ages 11, 5 and 2, and with tow strollers in two. I mean, two strollers in tow (hehehe). I made ID tags for them and even bought whistles which I looped over their tags. I told them to blow the whistle in case of emergency. That was the “praning” side of mommy Vivian working double time.

I successfully fitted all our clothes, shoes, slippers, diapers, and everything else (2 Ziploc bags of formula milk, stuff toys, water toys, Purefoods Deli Bologna, bilins from my husband like canned goods, Knorr seasoning, toyo, vinegar, Boy Bawang, etc.) in just 2 small luggage. The bolster pillows for my tots I was able to pack inside my carry-all bag. I am now a packing expert!

My tween’s backpack carried her board games and other chips (hahaha). Now, we were ready to go!

NAIA 1: Kiddie Lounge

They had the place all to themselves.

We were one of the first to board the plane and as soon as we were ushered to our seats, the girls settled down and observed the other passengers coming in. Meanwhile, Nala was hyper. She would stand up then sit down then sit on my lap while drinking her milk. For almost 2 hours she was on my lap playing, reading, drinking and when she felt sleepy, she started to whimper while saying, “I wanna lie down…higa,” repeatedly. She would cry with her eyes closed. I struggled to calm her down. I was also sleepy and I didn’t want to disturb the other passengers who were sleeping at that time.

Finally, she was able to sleep while I rocked her in my arms just like a newborn baby, only 10x heavier. Geesh. I was counting the minutes until our plane reached Changi because my arms were so tired already. She would wake up every time I tried to put her down on her seat.

A few minutes before the plane landed, I immediately woke up Nisi (a very deep sleeper) and sat Noelle on her seat while sleeping. A stewardess came to me and strapped Nala on my lap. And since we were also the first ones to disembark, I had to act fast – after unbuckling Noelle and Nala, I carried Nala over my left shoulder, wore my shoulder bag over my right shoulder and carried my carry-all bag over my right arm, got Nisi’s backpack from the overhead cabin, assisted Noelle who was irritable and still groggy, continued to wake up Nisi while walking on the aisle. I didn’t want to hold up the line. Hahaha! I still managed to put a smile on my face when the flight attendant bid us goodbye and said, “Thank you for flying Jetstar.”

When I couldn’t bear anymore Nala’s weight over my shoulder, I put her down. As her bare feet touched Changi’s carpeted airport floor, just like a battery-operated toy, her face lit up and she excitedly explored her new surroundings hand-in-hand with Noelle. It was a long stroll before we reached the line to the immigration counter. And not long after, I saw Ronald eagerly waiting for us. But first, I got our two strollers and our 2 checked-in luggage.

I was tired but happy. The kids were happy. My husband was happy. It was almost 2 a.m. Thank God we made it in Changi safe and sound!

Above photos: Taken inside a big van-cab on our way to our hotel

"Thank you God for bringing us safely here in Singapore to be with papa. We love You. Goodnight."

And oh by the way… everything, indeed, turned out fine.

The end.

Going Gaga Over Gargling

2011-11-19T05:20:00.001-08:00

Intro:
(Sing to the tune of Bad Romance)

Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah!
Roma-Roma-ma-ah!
Ga-ga-ooh-la-la!
No need to gargle all the time

Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah!
Roma-Roma-ma-ah!
Ga-ga-ooh-la-la!
Don't wanna gargle all day long

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My top reasons why I need not gargle all the time/all day long

Lipstick won't look good on me.
Angry birds will have me as their new nemesis since I look more like a pig than their pig enemies.
Dating my hubby will no longer be as exciting. (I don't wanna be caught in a bad romance). Just imagine, whenever we'll go out on dates, he'll be wondering if he, indeed, made the right decision in marrying me.
You will be mocked and ridiculed by society for having a face that looks like a moving butt.

Gargling all the time / all day long is not only time-consuming but so tiring.
Addicting as it may be, this unproductive habit makes a working-mom like me less credible and more like a clown.
Gifts that I will receive every Christmas or during my birthday will most likely be related to oral hygiene or oral care. Now, that's not too exciting, isn't it?
Angelina Jolie is who I would love to look like not somebody who is suffering from incurable mumps. See picture below.

But my No. 1 reason why I do not want to gargle all the time/all day long is that I do not want to be the Lady Gaga of Gargling. And here's a good news! With Colgate Plax, I shouldn't worry about it -- of being a Lady Gaga of Gargling. Colgate Plax has 12-hour anti-bacterial protection for longer lasting fresh breath.

Find out more about what Colgate Plax can do for you by visiting Colgate Plax website and going gaga over their Gloo Gloo animation using the Colgate Plax Gloo Gloo application. You gotta try it. It's super fun to use. I actually tried it several times using a photo of each of all the members of my family. It was actually a fun way to bond with my 3 daughters. Really.

Colgate Plax Gloo Gloo animation -- my cheeks move, simulating the gargling action.

~~~~~~~~~

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!

Oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh!
Stop Plaque with Colgate Plax

A happy mommy's journey to snacking-healthy with Soyami

2011-11-13T06:16:00.000-08:00

I look forward to Friday nights when I get home from work and our kids and I bond together over watching our favorite DVD movies. These movie-bonding nights are never complete without snacks. Oh yes, we love to munch on a snack. In fact in our family, snack is one important meal.

I was still single when I got hooked on potato chips and sweets. When it comes to potato chips, "the saltier, the tastier" they were to me. While on sweets, "the sweeter, the better". But I realized later on in life that such indulgence was never healthy. In fact, we all know it to be true that too much salt and sugar can be deadly.

I started looking for a healthier alternative to my "junk foods" when I became a mom with my kids sharing my fondness for having snacks. That's why, slowly I refrained from eating too salty chips and too sweet treats. I began to fill my diet with fruits and lots of veggies. I would like my 3 daughters to grow up healthy and eat healthy. Kids learn from their parents the most, right? So, I must really be a good example to my children. It has paid off. I'm happy to see them fight over a piece of apple or go crazy over bananas or be so excited to have grapes for their recess. They love salads and green, leafy vegetables, too.

Well, I used to think that all chips are junk food. But then I heard and learned about healthy snacking and healthy chips and Soyami. I got curious about Soyami Soya Chips particularly, its taste, so I bought the 3 flavors available: Original, White Cheddar, and Pizza.

I sampled the Pizza flavor first during one lunch break at my office. Lo and behold, I liked it!

Next, I introduced my newly-discovered healthy snack food, Soyami Soya Chips, to my kids. Lo and behold (again), they liked it, too! and I'm one happy mom. Yipeee!

My kids snack on Soyami during their playtime.

We just found our healthier choice to snacking! Soyami Soya Chips are made with Real Soya, no MSG, High in Protein and Calcium and 0% transfat. Wow, just look at that -- 0% transfat!

It is available in 3 flavors: Original, White Cheddar, and Pizza and is out in the market already. I love the Original flavor the most. On the other hand, the White Cheddar is my kids' favorite.

One fact I learned about consuming soy during childhood is that it "has been shown to promote growth and boost bone health." In other words, my children can benefit significantly from eating Soyami. That's one great news!

Knowing about the health benefits of soy foods has convinced me to stock up on Soyami Soya Chips at home and office.

I want to keep a healthy lifestyle and live long for my children. "Soy foods, when consumed regularly as part of a healthy lifestyle, can help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by improving key risk factors, such as by lowering cholesterol, reducing blood pressure and helping to keep blood vessels flexible as we age."

So now, even in our DVD bonding time, we snack on something healthy...even if these are chips.

Join me and my family in our journey to snacking healthy with Soyami! Weeee!
http://mukhangpera.com/goto/http://twitter.com/healthysoyami and http://mukhangpera.com/goto/http://www.facebook.com/healthysoyami

Swish to be fresh! in Malaysia and Singapore

2011-11-06T22:27:00.000-08:00

In just the last two months I was able to travel to two Asian countries, Malaysia and Singapore. It was a first time for me to visit Malaysia. My purpose of going there was to accompany my husband who would now be working in Malaysia. My trip just lasted for 6 days and in that span, we were also able to find a place to call home in Kuala Lumpur.

All I knew about Malaysia was based on the internet and some accounts from friends who had been there before. It also helped that my husband's head hunter emailed a booklet entitled "Living in Malaysia".

Prior to our departure, I spent a lot of hours daily researching about Malaysia through the internet. I searched for the must-see places/spots to visit in Malaysia. I even familiarized myself with Kuala Lumpur's street map and street names. I'm kinda O.C. when it comes to traveling. I wanted to make sure that my 6-day trip would not go to waste and would make me "experience" what Malaysia has to offer - Malaysia, Truly Asia.

When it comes to food adventures, I knew what I had to deal with -- lots of spicy stuff. But oh yes, I was game! Oh so I thought.

The first time I stepped into KL's airport, I immediately noticed how Muslim women, most especially, tourist women from Arab countries apply eye make-up that further enhances their deep set eyes. That observation prompted me to copy the way they put on eye make-up ... just so I could blend in a little.

The mosque-like structure behind me is the official house of Malaysia's Prime Minister.

When I travel, I try to learn as much about the place's culture and language. I ask a lot of questions from locals and try my best to speak their language and even copy their intonations.

Inside a Muslim mosque with my hubby.
Women need to cover their head while inside the mosque.

During my stay in Malaysia, I was also lucky to be invited to a usual Muslim family celebration of Malaysia Day. That's when I learned that Malaysians are truly simple and nationalistic. Most of them even wear their national costumes, not only during national holidays but even during simple family celebrations like birthdays.

But I believe one of the best ways to appreciate and understand the culture of a certain place is through its food.

These are just some of the food present on the table which I was able to take a photo of during their celebration of Malaysia Day.

It's their tradition to serve colored rice during holidays.

They also have itlog na maalat!

Beef Rendang - This one's HOT!

I gladly tasted everything which was put on my plate.

From mildly spicy to very spicy, I was happy to try authentic Malaysian dishes served during their feast day.

Every time we went out to eat and would get back to our hotel after, there would still be the spicy aftertaste lingering in my mouth. This was where Swish would come in. I would gargle with Swish which my hubby brought from Manila (3 different variants of 60 ml. Swish plastic bottles). Gargling with Swish would leave me with long-lasting fresh breath. Oh by the way, my hubby has sensitive teeth and gums that's why Swish is just perfect for him and yes, for me, too.

My next Asian trip took place last October 26. For a week, I, along with my 3 daughters toured Singapore where my husband was having his 3-week training. It was also a very happy reunion of sorts or get-together for all of us after a month of being away from hubby. I am grateful to experience and enjoy Singapore this time around and our kids were so happy to be with their daddy once again.

All our bags are packed and we're ready to go -- to Singapore!

Here, we also did a lot of eating. But unlike in Malaysia where we didn't know anyone, here in Singapore, we got to meet up with a lot of friends for dinner or lunch.

Dinner at Clarke Quay where seafoods abound

So happy with my crabby!

Aside from the MRT which we used a lot during our stay in Singapore, we also did a lot of walking, passing through CityLink Mall (Singapore's first underground pedestrian mall). In fact, during our adventures from one place to another, oftentimes, we didn't have the time to get back to our hotel to freshen up that's why I would always bring a big bag to carry some change of clothes for the kids, face towels, toiletries such as wipes, cologne, baby powder, alcohol and our very handy mouthwash - Swish. There's also one we leave inside our hotel room.

First time to try this world-famous Garrett

Ben & Jerry's banana split -- gone in split seconds!

Not only was our trip to Malaysia and Singapore memorable, both experiences were refreshing, revitalizing and truly enriching. Visiting these two countries has taught me to understand and respect different cultural values, not to mention, appreciate the distinct flavor and taste of their cuisine.

With all the eating and milk-tea drinking I did in Singapore & Malaysia, Swish surely helped in keeping my breath fresh all day long. All it takes is a gargle with Swish and I'm confident again.

'Til my next visit...lah.

JOHNSON'S My Kid's Growing Up So Fast Contest

2011-10-04T00:05:00.000-07:00

My kid's growing up so fast...she wants to paint her nails pink!

As young as two, she already chooses her clothes, mixes and matches them well, and is very much aware of her style. She loves pink, Barbie, and anything pink and Barbie. She's very feminine and refined in her ways. She's been fascinated with make-up eversince I can remember. The funny thing is, I don't really wear make-up so it's really a mystery to me where she got that fascination. She wears plenty of bling-blings even when she's just going to sleep. She loves accompanying me to beauty parlors and never ever gets bored just waiting for me. She has a knack for pretty shoes, bags, pretty stuff and almost all things grown-up ladies love. She's been bugging me to have her own pink room complete with a pink bed and pink cabinets to keep and stack all her pink stuff. She wants to paint her nails pink!

That's our daughter, Noelle, who has the makings of Paris Hilton. She is changing before my eyes but her skin is still like a baby’s. We still need the gentle care of JOHNSON’s Baby Milk Bath, with Vitamins A&E and 100% more milk proteins to nourish developing skin.

Noelle's first trip to a salon. She was the one who chose the color pink for her nails.

One time, she went to me dancing and twirling like Angelina Ballerina. She paused and looked at me, held my face and told me with conviction, "Mom, I want to be a princess someday." I smiled and told her, "Yes baby, you will be one someday."

With that dream of hers becoming a princess comes the need to maintain a "princess-like" skin even when she's all grown-up. And this is where JOHNSON's Baby Milk Bath will prove to be instrumental in making that dream a reality.

Don't you just love those hot pink shades?

Search for Barbie's Top Model (Do take note of her bracelet which she herself improvised.)

Just chillin' inside a coffee shop. One of her fave chill-out places.

My baby is, indeed, growing up so fast and I don't want to miss a single thing about it. I will always be there for her, loving her, supporting her and cheering her on to run after her dreams....yes, even of becoming a princess... someday.

Our princess Noelle. Oh, how fast she has grown!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

How would you like to win a Gift Pack of Johnson's products? Just follow the simple steps below:

1. LIKE Johnson's Baby World of Firsts on Facebook.

2. Please leave a comment and a title for my daughter's photo entry (1st photo above).

Pls. include your Name and E-mail Address in the comments section of this blog. Comments will be valid from October 8-21, 2011. One commenter who will give the most creative title for my daughter's photo will be chosen as the winner of a Johnson's Gift Pack.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you to all of you who joined in my Johnson's "My Kid's Growing Up So Fast" Photo Caption Contest. I sure had fun reading your caption entries. And also please accept my sincere apologies for the delay in announcing the winner.

Congrats to Ms. Ellen Joy Castel for giving the most creative photo caption, "Only Pink Painted Nails Suit This Pretty Princess!"

Please be informed that I also announced my winner in my Facebook page. Thank you all and congrats, again, Ellen!

Getting Cross-Eyed at the Sunday Family CrossOver Brunch

2011-10-01T02:18:00.000-07:00

Where do I start? Hmmm...

Basix

I didn't know where to start. But since we had reserved seats in Basix, I started there. I got food for Noelle first and then Nala next. When they were finished, hubby took them to our hotel room where Nisi was waiting for them (Nisi was the one who took the complimentary breakfast buffet with my hubby). I rushed to the dessert spread and clicked away. They were so pretty to look at.

But I stopped when I saw my favorite shrimps.
Not only was the food overwhelming, I also got overwhelmed with the number of chefs and sous-chefs present.

I had my shrimps and mussels cooked in butter and garlic.
My shrimps were juicy and tasty. I loved it even more when I dipped them into the Japanese mirin.

Hubby got these from UMU --- the beef tenderloin was not just tender but so tender, it ought to be called sotenderloin.

Benjarong
If only I had some space allotted for this in my tummy, I could have finished it. I swear, it was DELICIOUS! I'm talking about Benjarong's famous Pad Thai.

It had a perfect balance of spiciness and sweetness to it. Nothing was overpowering. In fact, the tofu, beans sprouts, scrambled eggs, peanut sauce and shrimps (which I requested), perfectly blended so well that they created a richer flavor and a symphony of tastes for this Pad Thai. The noodles were properly cooked as well.

It was beautifully presented and obviously done professionally. Look at that. The serving was just too big for me. When I finally tasted it, I wanted to rush to the 2nd floor rightaway and ask the chef who made my Pad Thai for an autograph. She is remarkably good in doing what she's doing - Pad Thai. I could call her my Pad Thai Queen.

My Pad Thai Queen

Tosca
I noticed just a few people at the 2nd floor (mezzanine) during the Crossover. In fact, there were just a handful of foreigners (Italians, I presume) seated inside Tosca. I felt nostalgic. I was here just last year at the Tosca kitchen to be exact.

I asked the chef to make me a Penne Pasta in Pesto sauce. Loved this too! It looked so simple to prepare. Right? But I'd just leave the cooking and preparing of pesto to the pro.

When I saw their dessert spread and the ice cream cones, I thought of my kids who I know will love these, especially them -- ice cream.

See...I knew it!

UMU
I was awed when I entered UMU. It was beautiful. The interior was tastefully and artistically done. The ambiance it creates speaks of simplicity and sophistication, yin and yang. Posted on its walls were black wooden tablets with Japanese calligraphy or writings. It is my favorite among the 4 restaurants in Dusit Thani mainly because of its interior and ambiance.

I asked one of the chefs if the lobster is included in the CrossOver Brunch.... Hehe, obviously it's not included. Ano ako swerte??? I just needed to ask that because I love lobsters, too.

Oh yes, I nearly got cross-eyed because of "kabusugan" after our CrossOver experience.

So, that was it -- our last bonding weekend in a hotel before hubby left for Malaysia and I'm glad we spent it at Dusit. We all went home happy, satisfied, relaxed and full....burp!

Ooops...somebody's crying or having tantrums?

One more hirit at Dusit

2011-09-25T04:31:00.000-07:00

It was the last time for our family to spend bonding-time in a hotel before hubby left for Malaysia. Using my GC prize for an overnight stay with breakfast for 2, hubby took care of reserving a deluxe room for us.

We checked in at Dusit at almost 2:00 p.m. after having a scrumptious lunch at My Family Kitchen (read my previous blog post). Stepping into Dusit Thani's lobby with my 3 girls in tow was such an exhilarating moment. The scent of orchids and fragrant flowers filled the air. Oh yes, I love hotel lobbies!

Nala...after swimming.
Noelle & Nala...getting a tummy massage from papa.
Enjoying a midnight snack of cheesecake at the lobby while watching a duet (singer with piano accompaniment) perform on stage.
Noelle and Nala caught the attention of the pretty and sexy singer who even went to our table for a little chit-chat.

...still wide awake roaming around the hotel lobby at past 12 am.

This time, Sleepy Head is really sleepy.
The morning after
...with their new friends while having fun at the mini play area set-up at the lobby ...at the Japanese garden

Nisi, updating her facebook while we were busy exploring the garden. Ah tweeners nowadays...

This might be our family's last hirit in Dusit this year but I really hope we can visit Dusit again and again next year and the years to come.

Having a lovely family meal at My Family Kitchen

2011-09-25T00:16:00.000-07:00

The last weekend (prior to my hubby's departure for Malaysia) was a food-trip weekend. My husband has been raving about the good food at My Family Kitchen located along Kamagong St. in Makati. Owned by our good friends, Rey & Dada Dayrit, this quaint resto, which used to be an apartment, offers not just good home-cooked dishes (specializing in Filipino and Spanish cooking) but a nook or hang-out place/tambayan where you can easily feel so welcome and so at home. True to its name, My Family Kitchen gives you that ambiance of hominess and warmth.

We dined at the 1^st floor which can accommodate up to 20 guests while our kids made tambay at the 2^nd floor where there’s plenty of space to hold intimate gatherings or reunions.

The tables are elegantly set (reminds me of Victorian times) and fluffy throw pillows adorned the chairs and sofas. Lovely.

Upon opening their menu I couldn’t help but be completely engrossed in reading the story behind each dish that it took me a while to place my order. The menu speaks about Dada’s passion for cooking and how she puts a soul to every dish she prepares. I wanted to order everything on page 1 until the last page because I felt “attached” to each dish already. Weird but true.

We ordered kare-kare (one of the dishes that I can’t cook at home) and paired it with gambas.

The moment I tasted the kare-kare which was served on a white pot, I tell you, I was lost for words. It was a knock-out! All I could utter repeatedly was, “Ang sarrrrrapp!” The thick peanut sauce was made from scratch. The meat and veggies were cooked perfectly. My tot on the other hand, loved the saba. The bananas, by the way, added more texture to the kare-kare. Even their bagoong was already an ulam in itself. It was addicting! I could taste the kare-kare as I write about it now and I feel like I’m infanticipating with Dada’s kare-kare, hahaha!

The shrimp dish was a perfect match for the kare-kare dish. For Php350.00 this is so worth it. The shrimps were big and topped generously with toasted garlic. But the taste of garlic was never overpowering. My tween loved it so much that she even made the olive oil & garlic where the shrimps were fried on, her “pangsabaw sa kanin.” She almost finished the whole serving probably because hubby and I were so pre-occupied with the kare-kare.

The funny thing about having a meal here is even when you plan to eat just a little, you will end up eating so much because the food is just so good. In fact, I told myself that I wouldn’t eat too much rice and just enjoy sampling the kare-kare and gambas. Well, what do you know…I ate so much.

Beef Salpicado

with Vigan longganisa

But just when I thought I already had enough, here comes dessert – Cookie ala Mode with a cherry on top. I enjoyed it too much that I forgot that this dessert was served for my kids to enjoy more than me, hehe.

Then, came the final beating… Dada’s signature ensaymada. Her ensaymada has been written about in magazines and newspapers.

My first impression of it was that it looks like an ordinary big ensaymada. One noticeable difference, though, from other ensaymadas was that this was (again) generously topped with a mixture of powdered sugar and super-finely grated keso de bola. As I was about to taste it, I noticed how easily my fork cut through it. With the other ensaymadas I tried, I would have to twist the fork from left to right before I could make the perfect cut. But not with this ensaymada. Then, when I finally tasted it, I had this “melt-in-your mouth goodness” experience. The taste was perfect. The texture was perfect. It was simply so yummy. I learned that this recipe has been handed down to her from her great or great great grandmother.

At first, my tot didn’t want to taste it because of the keso-de-bola smell, which to her wasn’t her kinda smell. But when I finally convinced her to have a bite, she was hooked. Until, the last crumb, my tween and tot kept on saying, “So yummy, mom.” It was short of asking me, “Can you please bring home a box of that ensaymada?”

Aside from the delicious food, what I also enjoyed about My Family Kitchen is the fact that everything that is served on the table has a story to tell. Dada also engaged us with how she prepares each dish, the kind of meat cut she uses for a certain dish, the techniques she uses in cooking, etc. Well, except for the ensaymada recipe which remains to be a top secret to this day.

Those who live in Makati are so lucky to have a neighborhood resto like My Family Kitchen. Good food, very reasonable price, generous serving, friendly service with an ambiance of hominess and warmth, wi-fi, and you can even request for a mood music while enjoying your food – what more can you ask for?

with Dada Dayrit

If only My Family Kitchen is near our house….

Ahh, this is exactly the kind of home-cooked dishes hubby would certainly miss when he's already in Malaysia.

Up close and personal with OTTO

2011-09-25T00:04:00.000-07:00

Last month, I wrote about OTTO, the waterless urinal. It was for a blogging contest that had an awesome grand prize. Oh yeah, I did not win the top prize. I won a consolation prize - an Arrow Home GC worth Php1,500. I wasn't able to attend the awarding because it was held during office hours. But had I won the grand prize, I would have just skipped work. Hehehe.

It was on a Sunday after worship service when hubby and I went to Ortigas Home Depot to claim my prize. After I was handed my GC, I immediately looked at Arrow Home's product displays and inquired if there are items that I could buy for Php1,500. The one in-charge said, "Yung bidet set... Php695.00." Wow, at least meron naman pala akong ma-te-take home! Hubby gave me a go signal to buy not one but two sets.

Here is what it looked like at the shop....

I also got to see OTTO, the waterless urinal, up-close and personal.

Surrounded by lots of urinals and tubs....
Next time, I will win this....
and this...

Loving my sweets

2011-08-30T20:03:00.000-07:00

Sweets are my fave! Cakes, ice cream, cookies, kakanin, desserts, pastries, sweets are what keep me alive. No, really...I can't live without my sweets! I can eat a whole cake for a day and not worry about my calories. In fact, I just don't care about anything when I'm enjoying my sweets. I can be extremely selfish with my sweets. But, one thing's for sure, I feel like I'm in heaven when I'm having them. Oh yes, I am certified sweet-a-holic and being one, I can definitely have my cakes and eat them, too...always!

Join Certified Foodies’ First Anniversary Giveway where you can win gift certificates, food gift packs, cash prizes and even a food trip date with the foodie siblings! To join, click on the banner above. And we’d like to thank their partners…

Partners:

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Join Jared's Liitle Corner Birthday Giveaway

2011-08-26T10:48:00.000-07:00

Jared's Little Corner is turning 1 year old and to give back to its reader in its own little way, it is holding a giveaway through Jared’s Little Corner Birthday Giveaway!

Here’s how to join:

Aside from the blog turning a year older, Jared is also turning a big TWO, so he'd love you to share any ideas, suggestion and tips to make his birthday celebration in a unique and exciting way. Whoever gives the most creative answer earns additional 5 points for the raffle.

So, here's a simple suggestion coming from a practical mom:

It would be more meaningful to make everything simple yet very meaningful. If you can, just invite your closest friends and hold your party in an intimate venue where your friends can all participate in and enjoy the fun games. Prepare simple and healthy snack food / merienda. Just limit the party to an hour or 1 hour and 30 minutes since you are all toddler and you can get easily tired and irritable. Let your mom prepare a very simple token for everyone. If she can bake, let her bake cupcakes as giveaways.

Now, the simple steps to do to join the giveaway can be found here.

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My 3 fave spots in the Philippines

2011-08-26T10:02:00.000-07:00

Because of the many priceless moments that have been created during our visits to these spots, these 3 places have become so special to my family and me.

Boracay

I couldn’t help but be awed by the beauty of this island. This place never fails to awaken the inner child in me.

The beach is spectacular. I enjoy lounging on the beach chairs and just gaze at the vastness of the skies and the ocean while our kids would busy themselves building their masterpiece sandcastles.

The last time we were here, my toddler had a time of her life walking barefoot and feeling the powder-like sands on her feet.

Boracay is for everybody. It is a paradise on earth.

Pagudpud

It is like an oasis at the end of a very, very long ride. The journey to this oasis is already an experience on its own because you get to bond with your family during your exciting road trip while enjoying the many beautiful sights along the way. It’s a long drive but well worth it.

Traveling to Pagudpud gives life to the famous quote that says, “It’s the journey, not the destination that counts.”

We surely enjoyed the destination as much our journey to that destination. The road may be too long but in the end... the journey is the destination.

Subic

What I love about Subic is the fact that you can have a feeling of “out-of-town vacation” without being really so far away from home because it’s just a two-hour (or less drive) from Manila.

The beaches in Subic may not be that inviting compared to other beaches. Nevertheless, our kids still enjoy playing and building sandcastles on their beach. And when they're not building their sandcastles, they're busy flying a kite.

In Subic, we love to stay at the Lighthouse Marina Resort. This is like our home away from home when we’re in Subic. Seeing a lighthouse up-close is such a surreal experience.

Note: This is my official entry to Let's Go Sago 3rd Anniversary contest.

Harry, where are you?

2011-08-13T06:52:00.000-07:00

We were suppose to have dinner at Harry's Bar at the Venice Piazza in McKinley a while ago to avail of the GC I won from a contest. But, when we got there, we saw Harry's Bar alright but it was closed. We found out later on from the security guard that Harry's Bar has been closed for sometime already. Sayang, so what will I do with my GC?

At the Venice Piazza in McKinley Hill

Anyway, the kids had fun in the play area and we were able to try a restaurant for the first time and it was just beside Harry's Bar - Tokyo Cafe. The food was okay and their price is reasonable.

It was still a bit early for dinner that's why we were able to choose good seats. They also have free wi-fi.

I had the Ten-ju (Shrimp Tempura), my hubby tried the Katsu (pork katsudon) while the kids had a large Pepperoni pizza all to themselves. I love the mini side salad dish that goes with the meals we ordered. I wanted to try the Tokyo Ice drink which according to the server is an iced-coffee drink but we were planning to have dessert at The Fort Starbucks (the one with the drive-thru), so I opted to forego that Tokyo Ice.

Ten-ju (Shrimp Tempura)

Katsu (Pork Katsudon)

Pepperoni pizza

As we were about to go to Starbucks for dessert, the kids suddenly got sleepy. So, we just decided to go home and continue our bonding at home. This time we're sure we'll have another Harry around for us to bond over with --- a Harry Potter DVD movie. Yes, it's another Harry Potter movie night weekend! We're on the 6th series-- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

What a week that was!

2011-08-13T06:16:00.001-07:00

I just had an exciting week... at work. Although it was a toxic work week, I did welcome the pressure and turn it into another opportunity to challenge myself or push myself a little bit harder. Well, just a little bit, ok. Since Monday until Thursday at work, I hardly ever get up from my seat. My eyes were just transfixed to the numbers and data on my screen. But those days, I still managed to leave the office at 5:30 PM.

When Friday came, I was excited to go to work and just scream and shout "TGIF! TGIF!" Hehehe. I thought I would go crazy. I did shout those letters in my thoughts - "TGIF! TGIF!"

But better than shouting, I decided to treat myself to a breakfast - a Seattles Best White Chocolate and Orange Javakula plus a Ham & Cheese Croissant. This was really a treat because it is so seldom that I have breakfast.

I guess I couldn't get enough of coffee yesterday that when I met with my niece after lunch, I again had another coffee treat. This time it was a Starbucks Hazelnut Mocha Frap with Jelly add-on.

Upon reaching home and as I got off from a tricyle, I noticed the beautiful full moon and I couldn't resist the temptation of taking a photo of it. It was like from the Twilight movie. Ahhooooo!

Nice the full moon, no?

Now that it's Saturday, I still thank God it is Saturday. I just came from an afternoon of bonding with my family. And yes, I get to blog... see.

So many goings-on in my life these past few days. I'm pretty excited about them. I guess, God has a way of making our lives a little bit more exciting each day. And yes, He really moves in mysterious ways.

Love the way they play

2011-08-04T05:07:00.000-07:00

I get this sense of joy when I see my kids happy and enjoying life. I bet all parents are like that. My daughters bring out the best in me and also the worst in me. I learn from them as much as they learn from us, adults.

Noelle and Nala - having a picnic while watching Playhouse Disney. They were eating real corn.

I learn from them the simplest things in life which when you think about them, are the things that make life worth living. They are natural charmers and teachers. In their eyes, the world is their playground.

Noelle, pretending to be a teacher. Her students - pig, tiger & bear.

Nala, attempting to get inside our mini-ref.

Noelle & Nala, enjoying the afternoon playing picnic-picnic while eating corn (again) and watching Disney Junior.

Playing with their toy in our attic, which has been transformed into a mini playroom.

I thank God for my 3 young daughters who keep me so alive, youthful and ever so playful despite my not-so-young age anymore. Oh how I wish I can always see the world through their eyes.

Looking forward to Sundays

2011-08-04T01:56:00.000-07:00

I look forward to Sundays. It's a day to worship our awesome God and be nourished by His words. It is the time to fellowship and pray with our brothers and sisters in CCF. It's also a special day where we bond as a family outside our home.

For the past weeks, CCF's topics center on "FAMILY" and "PARENTING". My husband and I take to heart what we've been learning from all the messages and try the best as we could to apply them in parenting our children.

After worship service, the kids look forward to lunch. It doesn't really matter where as long as they enjoy the food.

After having lunch, we usually go to their favorite place in the Philippines -- Toy Kingdom. There they get to play to their heart's content. Even my hubby loves to go there, too. But he goes straight to his favorite section in TK- the miniature cars.

Then, it's time to indulge ourselves with a treat - Starbucks treat (courtesy of HSBC).

Nothing really beats spending weekends with my family. Nothing really beats preparing for the week ahead worshiping our God. Oh, how I love Sundays!

Pinay WAHM's Awesome Birthday Giveaway!

2011-07-30T05:36:00.000-07:00

I'm cramming. I have been meaning to join Pinay WAHM's $800 Birthday Giveaway since last month but it's only now that I have gotten around into blogging about it which is a requirement before I could be included in the raffle. I'm beating the deadline which is tomorrow, July 31, 2011. So for all of you out there who are contest freaks, like me, you still have time to join.

Awesome prizes await the lucky winners of this giveaway.

FIRST PRIZE – $230

$100 CASH

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$80 CASH

$60 WORTH OF GIFT CERTIFICATE FROM WAHMAHOLIC BLOG DESIGNS

$35 WORTH OF .COM DOMAIN & 1 YEAR OF FREE HOSTING FROM PINAY MOMMY ONLINE

THIRD PRIZE – $140

$60 CASH

$50 WORTH OF GIFT CERTIFICATE FROM WAHMAHOLIC BLOG DESIGNS

$30 WORTH OF .COM DOMAIN & ONE YEAR OF FREE HOSTING FROM PINAY MOMMY ONLINE

5 CONSOLATION PRIZES – $45 EACH

$20 CASH + $25 WORTH OF .INFO DOMAIN & 1 YEAR HOSTING

FOR EACH OF THE FIVE (5) LUCKY WINNERS

EARLY BIRD PRIZES

1ST TO SUBMIT – $15 BLOG HEADER FROM WAHMAHOLIC BLOG DESIGNS

2ND TO SUBMIT- $10 CASH

3RD TO SUBMIT – $5 BLOG BUTTON FROM WAHMAHOLIC BLOG DESIGNS

Click this link to find out how you can be qualified to join this giveaway. This giveaway will not be half as huge without Pinay Mommy Online's generous sponsors:

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It All Makes Sense - OTTO Waterless Urinal

2011-07-28T06:57:00.000-07:00

I always remind my daughters not to touch anything when they are inside a public comfort room. It has become a habit for my 5-year old to ask me, "Mom, don't touch anything, right?", upon entering a public toilet. I take care of the flushing and all the other things that involve touching something.

She, too, can easily blurt out some pretty nasty remarks when the comfort room is dirty or stinks. Adults, like us, can keep those comments to ourselves but not for an opinionated kid like her.

Comfort rooms play a big role in our lives, most especially the urinals. Imagine having no urinal at home, what will happen to us?

When it's time to relieve ourselves, we can just dig a hole in our backyard and do what it is we have to do.

Having clean, sanitary and good-smelling comfort rooms creates a lasting impression. It impresses even more if it is environment-friendly with zero-water consumption urinals. Yes, you read it right, a zero-water consumption urinal that can save us as much as 45,000 gallons of water in a year. This is what OTTO Waterless Urinal is all about and this is why it is special.

BENEFITS, BENEFITS, BENEFITS
Water Conservation and Cost-Savings

The chief benefit of OTTO Waterless Urinals is their lack of water use. No water piping is connected to the unit, which keeps down installation and maintenance costs, as well as water and sewer bills. And with no water required, flush controls, sensors to adjust flow, battery replacement and other maintenance, such as repairing leaks, also go away.

It could save on average 20,000 to 45,000 gallons of water a year. This means that 22 OTTO Waterless Urinals can save up to 1,000,000 gallons of water per year. BINGO!

Great job, Mr. Jerry Ong! Mr. Jerry Ong is the Filipino inventor who designed OTTO Waterless Urinal.

Improves Restroom Hygiene

Studies have shown that urine itself is normally sterile, 0% bacterial, unless one has a kidney infection. Fecal matter is 95% bacterial, and may include pathogens.

Microbes, bacteria and viruses thrive in moisture, but they die when dried. There are surface areas in water flush urinals that are constantly damp and where bacterial growths appear. Germs tend to multiply in damp or wet conditions but die in dry conditions. Also, flushing turbulence created by water-using units creates an invisible mist of germs that can become airborne. These growth colonies are additionally seeded by fecal material carried in air-borne droplets and aerosols that were produced by the turbulence in flushing the restroom's toilets. When the restroom urinals are themselves flushed, they in turn create aerosols containing the new-growth bacteria, and inject still more microbes into the rest room atmosphere.

So, in other words installing OTTO Waterless Urinals lessen rest room visitor exposures to airborne bacteria. And because these units are "flushless" and "touchless", they tend to be more sanitary than traditional units. The absence of water virtually eliminates the media that many bacteria require to survive.

AHA! They're not only earth-friendly, these urinals are more hygienic which means even more savings.

It All Makes Sense. The simplicity of its technology is what convinces. It's really the simple matters which make a lot of sense, right?

You may check Arrow Home Improvement's website at http://www.arrowhomeinc.com to know more about its Re-usable Cartridge Technology.

Facebook Fan Page link:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/OTTO-Waterless-Urinal-by-Arrow-Home-Improvement/118377984916639

Arrow Home GC Raffle Promo Link:
*Win P1,500 worth Gift Certificate from Arrow Home
Improvement*
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It's all about The Voice!

2011-07-28T05:42:00.000-07:00

When I received an invite to a screening of AXN’s The Voice last week, the first thing that came to my mind was Ursula. Remember her? - the octopus nemesis of Ariel and the main villain of The Little Mermaid? Ursula demanded Ariel's voice in exchange for granting Ariel's wish to have legs. “Ahh-haa-haaa, ahh-haa-haaa…”

Really, the story of The Little Mermaid centered on Ariel’s voice and how her lovely voice brought her to the man of her dreams.

AXN’s The Voice also centers on, you guessed it...the VOICE. It is a different kind of singing competition with an innovative format like no other. Here, the contestants are judged solely on their vocal talent. Looks and sad stories have no bearing in this show.

“Hosted by Carson Daly, The Voice celebrity judges - Maroon 5’s Adam Levine, rapper-crooner Cee Lo Green, R&B diva Christina Aguilera and country singer Blake Shelton who have sold more than 70 million albums combined – are also fronting the show as coaches. They must each pick a team of eight singers from the blind auditions (where if more than one coach spins around, the contestant gets to pick) and personally mentor each of them, before whittling the 32 singers down to 16 for the battle rounds. Each coach has a high stake in the game, with bragging rights accorded to whoever has the overall winner in their team. The battle rounds is also when voting opens up to the viewers, where each iTunes purchase counts as a vote for the contestant. The emerging victor receives US$100,000 and a record deal.”

Adam Levine

Words cannot justify the excitement I felt when I watched the first episode during the screening. It will make you stop whatever you’re doing when you watch it. I couldn’t eat while I was watching it because I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen. More than listening to those great voices from the blind audition, I wanted to see who among the celebrity judges would turn his/her seat around first and the reaction of the judges upon seeing the contestant. There’s this suspense factor not just for the viewers but also for the judges themselves.

I love the concept, the format, and the idea of the show. It is really different from all the other singing competitions I know. It was mind-blowing.

This will surely be a hit. Thank you AXN for bringing it here.

AXN Hits The High Note With The Voice

Hottest New Show in the US set for Asian premiere this August--

Singapore, 13 July 2011 – Her voice soared tremulously as she sang, her eyes fixated on the back of four big swiveling chairs, willing the judges to hit the red button and turn, just so she can get a coveted spot on the show. Such is the innovative format of The Voice where contestants are judged solely on their vocal talent, coming first and exclusively to AXN this August.

The Voice has proven itself to be more than a gimmick, as the only new show this season on a major US broadcast network whose ratings rose 10% for its second episode, as compared to its premiere episode which drew in 11.8 million viewers, a big draw especially for the younger 18-34 demographic. As the Los Angeles Times summed it up, “what makes The Voice worth watching, in addition to the clever conceit, is the chemistry among the judges, and the stories.” Indeed, no reality show can ask for a more entertaining bunch of judges than the four, who bounced banter off one another and elicited chuckles with their antics in wooing each contestant to join their team. Aguilera, for one, flirted blatantly with a good-looking male contestant by asking him to first take off his hat, then his pants.

What also sets The Voice apart from other singing competition reality shows is the level of genuine involvement the coaches have with their team members, pushing them on to realize their best potential. The contestants get to learn from their mentor’s showbiz experience and even get the rare chance to perform together as equals on stage! As Aguilera explained at The Voice’s press conference in Los Angeles recently, “There is no good and bad. This isn’t about tearing people down. I want to bring these people up. The Voice really does stand for what it says.”

From ages 16 to 42, the contestants are an incredible mix in their musical styles and ethnicities – expect a blues-rock chick in her forties with a shaved head and neck tattoos, an African American raised by white Mormon parents and topped with a striking Afro, to a controversial former Idol contestant and even a folksy duo, a married couple who auditioned for the show as a team!

Episode one opened with a rousing group performance of Gnarls Barkley’s Crazy by all four coaches, certainly a sign of more such fan treats to come. Also to look out for in the show are Cee Lo’s elaborate costume getups (think red robes with spiked shoulder pads!), the chemistry between the coaches and contestants, as well as the friendly, sizzling competition especially between Aguilera and Levine in the blind auditions. Sunday nights will never be lacklustre again, when AXN kickstarts its two-hour broadcast of The Voice this August! Sit back, relax and like the judges, listen with your very own ears. We guarantee that the amazing calibre of contestants in The Voice will blow you away!

###

The Voice premieres on 21 August 2011 (Two Hours Weekly): Every Sunday at 8pm (SG, MY, HK) 7pm (JKT)

First and Exclusively on AXN

A Tender Juicy Moment with Juday & Ryan

2011-07-09T22:32:00.001-07:00

Last July 2, a fellow blogger, Janese Halabaso, invited me to a presscon of Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdog. Upon learning of the invitation, I wondered, "What is the presscon for?" I mean, who doesn't know Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdog, right? So, I asked some more and that's when I found out that it was a presscon for the new ad of Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdog starring no other than Judy Ann Santos, Ryan Agoncillo and their daughter, Yohan. I got excited and accepted the invite. I want to see Juday and Ryan together in person. They are my second admired couple in showbiz.

With my fellow bloggers (from left-right):
Ruth dela Cruz, Rowena Iguis, Janese Halabaso

The new Purefoods TJ hotdog campaign
I have yet to see their commercial which has already been aired on TV according to Purefoods TJ Hotdog Brand Manager, Ms. Hasmine Huang. It was only during the event itself held at 55 Events Place in Tomas Morato that I got to see the latest campaign ad where Juday, Ryan and Yohan are shown having fun while wearing fashion outfits from the 80's, 90's and 2000, while enjoying their favorite hotdog.

With the pretty brand manager of Purefoods TJ hotdog, Ms. Hasmine Huang.

The thematic campaign communicates the heritage of Purefoods TJ hotdog - then, now and forever. A lot of us, grown ups, can relate to the new campaign because it embodies the brand's heritage message of passing on our love for TJ hotdog to our children. Just like Ryan and Judai who loved TJ hotdog as kids and even now as adults. "Eating TJ hotdogs really brings back the kid in you," declares Ms. Wang. Oh yes, I agree.

When asked what made them say yes in endorsing the product, especially since this is their first endorsement as a family, Ryan and Judai both said that TJ Hotdogs are part of their growing up years. For Ryan, it is a no-brainer in accepting the endorsement since they have been loyal patrons of TJ hotdogs. The only thing they asked was "When will they start shooting the commercial?"

During her growing up years, Judai admitted that she also tried several brands and even brandless hotdogs from the wet market but Prefoods TJ hotdogs proved to be the best to her taste. In fact, Purefoods TJ hotdogs then were reserved only for special occasions.

My personal experience
As a mom, I also tried several hotdog brands especially the less expensive brands. I was okay with another brand since it was cheaper but my kids and my hubby were not satisfied with its taste. So, in other words, wala akong kakampi sa hotdog brand na 'yun.

My kids and hubby really can tell...the difference.

A scoop not really related to TJ hotdogs
I got to ask Juday one question not related to hotdogs. It was my first time to ask a question to a celebrity and Juday pa at that!

I was just curious with how she lost weight, and if she's on a particular diet program, so I asked her that. She gladly answered quite lengthily (I love her na talaga) explaining that nothing is really easy when it comes to losing weight that's why discipline is most important. She then mentioned that she's currently into The Cohen Diet and that this program works for her. Oh yes, I heard about this diet a few weeks ago during our highschool reunion, hahaha!

The boy who rendered a song during the presscon

Not only did he sang beautifully, he is also beautiful (errr good-looking). He is Gerald Santos, not related to Judy Ann.

Thanks to my hubby for the photos. He acted as my official photographer during the event.

Weekend at the Holiday Inn Galleria

2011-07-09T10:27:00.000-07:00

After our Crowne Plaza experience, I didn't pass up the chance to book another overnight-stay deal courtesy of Deal Grocer again and located at Galleria again. It was at the next-door hotel to Crowne Plaza --- Holiday Inn Galleria.

Our room here was bigger. In fact, it even had a separate receiving room. The beds were smaller, though than those of Crowne Plaza's.

I brought some of their Barbie dolls and toys. Noelle and Nala had fun playing with their toys in the receiving room complete with a 2-seater sofa, a round table and a working area.

Lunch was at the Giligan's located at Galleria's Veranda. I wasn't able to take pictures of our food because I was already hungry.

Dessert at Dairy Queen

Bonding at the mall

Pictorial inside our hotel room.

Dinner at Mr. Choi Kitchen. Sleeping time

I remember it to be a gloomy weekend when we checked in here, but that didn't change the fact that we enjoyed our stay here at the Holiday Inn Galleria. 'Til next time.

a birthday treat for Noelle & Nala at the Crowne Plaza

2011-07-09T10:14:00.000-07:00

To tell you honestly, of all the hotels we stayed in, it was in Crowne Plaza Galleria where I experienced the fastest "check-in" in my life. And to think that our overnight stay was courtesy of a deal site wherein I bought a 50% off voucher from Deal Grocer. I just presented the printed voucher and after just a few seconds of verifying from their computer, I was given the card keys to our room. And to think that it was just 12 noon, 2 hours before our actual check in at 2pm. There were people checking in at that time and I even lined up but I dunno, everything was just fast and efficient.

We really like our hotel room. It was so spacious. It has 2 double beds and a recliner. It also has a nice and big computer desk/working area just in front of the beds. The furnishings are simple yet very modern.

After our usual photo ops at the hotel room, our kids got excited to roam around Galleria. Our first stop was at the food court where I just had pasta from Ravioli, while my husband and Nisi had sisig, and Noelle and Nala had McDo meals. Then we proceeded to Toys R Us.

Noelle chose a Barbie doll and Nala was just happy playing with all the toys around.

A Barbie doll for me!

Wow! Lots of Barbie dolls!

I like this!

And this!

Ate Nisi happily chose a set of Garden Tools as her gift to the two of them. Awww, that was so sweet of Ate Nisi. We went back to our room where they spent hours playing with their new toys.

Then, we went malling again. Guess who we bumped into? Marc and Rovilson!!!

Oh my, they're so handsome!

Pero pinakahandsome yung nasa gitna!

Dinner at TGIFidays! Nala was sleeping at this time. She was sleeping on her stroller.

We even went to a book signing after dinner.

We left our daughters at the first floor where they enjoyed browsing over some books.

That's Nisi in the middle, reading a book.

Can you find Nala? She's that little girl behind Nisi.

Noelle, walking back and forth at the kids' section while Nala was seated on the floor with a playmate.

Before heading back to our room, we had snack at Cerealicious Cafe.

Candle-blowing time! I bought a cake at the hotel cafe lobby at 50% off.

Noelle and Nala took turns in blowing their candles.

4 candles for Noelle

2 candles for Nala

The following day, just before checking out of the hotel, our daughters spent some time playing at the hotel's mini playground set-up. By the way, hubby and Nisi were the ones who took the complimentary breakfast since I wasn't up at that time yet.

I also requested for a late check out (at 2pm or was that 3pm? Can't remember anymore) and immediately, my request was granted. Again, that was fast! Check out was also a breeze.

We even had coffee before heading out of the mall. Hehehe.

We truly enjoyed our stay at the Crowne Plaza. It was our first time there and I was impressed by the hotel's efficient service. The location is perfect. Even if the pool area isn't that inviting, there's so much to do here since it's located at a mall where you can shop or window shop or do some restaurant-hopping or even have your hair cut or nails done or enjoy watching a movie. Plenty of things to do talaga... that is if you don't want to stay put inside your hotel room.

We look forward to spending a weekend here again with my family. And I hope Deal Grocer will come up with another deal just like this.

Simple Birthday Wishes

2011-07-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

Two of my "preciousnesses" celebrated their birthdays last June, exactly one week apart. We had two simple yet special celebrations. For their birthday cake I opted to try something different and cute - I bought mini cupcakes from Classic Confections at 50% off (coupon purchased from Groupon Beeconomic). They're so pretty to eat. By the way, Classic Confections is where I also ordered the cookie giveaways during the baptism of our youngest daughter.

Classic Confections mini cupcakes
The photo above shows how they looked like before I brought the box home.

Wondering what they looked like when I got home? Read my side kwento about it.

This was the "handa" we feasted on during Nala's birthday: Doloras' Pancit Malabon (sarap nito, promise), pork bbq, Classic Confections 1 dozen mini cupcakes, Royal Tru Orange, Gardenia pandesal.

Nala loves to blow birthday candles on cakes (I think all kids love to do that anyway) and loves to sing the Happy Birthday song, that's why I knew it would make her really happy if she would blow candles on her mini cupcakes again and again.

We sang the Birthday song at least 10x just for Nala to blow the candles on her cupcake again and again.

This was the "handa" we feasted on during Noelle's birthday: Jollibee Chicken Joy, Jollibee spaghetti, Jollibee French fries (her simple birthday request), and (again) Classic Confections mini cupcakes (which she also requested to be her "birthday cake").

Side kwento about the cupcakes
While I was sleeping inside the shuttle van on my way home (I commute daily), I accidentally leaned on the box and destroyed the thin plastic window covering the box. So, the cupcakes ended up looking like this on Nala's birthday.

I chose those that still looked okay for the photo shoot.

A week later during Noelle's birthday, I went home again with a box of these mini cupcakes. As usual, I took the shuttle going home but I was now more careful in carrying the box. I even stayed awake the whole trip just to avoid crushing the cupcakes.

This was how they looked like when I opened the box at home.

Oh well, Noelle and Nala still loved them cupcakes, even though they weren't in "mint" condition.

Ahead of the Pack

2011-07-09T06:36:00.000-07:00

I was No. 1! Just because I'm really such a mom, I had to wake up very early on an official holiday-Monday morning (June 20) to take part in Shopwise's Sunrise Sale. Diba moms love bargains and when we read the word "SALE", our hearts stop beating for a while? I'm like that.

It was last January when my hubby and I first experienced Shopwise's Sunrise Sale. We went there for two consecutive days - on a Saturday for the 50% off on all seafood items and on a Sunday for the 50% of on all meat items. For one month, our refrigerator freezer was jampacked. In fact, there was no room anymore for the crabs and the prawns I bought that I had to be content placing them beside my water bottles inside the ref. Taking part in this event saved me at least Php5,000 worth of meat and seafood items, not to mention some palengke and grocery trips.

This time, I found out all about the part 2 (for this year) a bit late. For that, I missed the meat sale. But the good thing was that I was still able to go to the seafood items and fruits sale. And I was even ahead of all the people who were there earlier than me. That's because I ran faster than everyone else who were mostly "lolas" naman eh (hehe). I told my hubby and my mom-in-law who were with me to take care of getting us push carts while I go straight to the seafood section.

When I got there, I was welcomed with an applause. Then, I was given the number 1 tag and an assistant who would help me with my seafood item needs or purchases.

It was more orderly the 2nd time around.

After I was done with my seafood purchases, we went to the fruits section and we got to bring home lots of fruits like, apples, oranges, grapes, pomelo, melon, and watermelon for 50% off. I love this Sunrise Sale so much!

At home, my hubby was so excited to arrange all the seafood we bought in our freezer.

We're very happy with all our purchases, most especially, the prawns and shrimps. Too bad, there were no crabs for sale this time.

Prawns I bought from the Shopwise Sunrise Sale.
My hubby cooked this...it was simply delicious! I swear, para itong inorder sa mamahaling resto.

Passport Application...even this was a family event

2011-07-09T04:21:00.000-07:00

Last May 20, I took a leave from work as it was our scheduled family passport application. I, hubby and Nisi had our passports renewed while Noelle and Nala were first time applicants.

We had an 11:00 am schedule but we were required to be there 30 minutes earlier. We arrived at the DFA before 10:30 am and we were accommodated right away at our first stop which was the section where you would submit your application.

Next stop was at the cashier located at the second floor. There was a line at the cashier. Anyway, it just took my hubby 15 minutes thereabouts to pay. We paid Php4,750 for five passports. Just imagine how much money DFA makes????!!!!

My kids and I were just seated waiting for him at the waiting area where there were plenty of steel seats. After paying, hubby got us a number for the passport picture taking. This is where we spent about 1 1/2 hours of waiting.

Our view from where we were seated while waiting for our number to be called for the picture taking.

There was wi-fi connection but I think there was something wrong with the connection... My hubby just couldn't connect which explains that face.

Goofing around with each other. Behh.

By the time we were done with the picture taking, we were all so hungry. We left the parking at almost 1:30 pm and drove towards Taguig. We went to Trellis at Market Market where we had our late lunch of Sisig, Liempo with kangkong and Spiced Spareribs. I wasn't able to take a picture of what we ordered because of the state of my stomach at that time.

After that, we walked towards Serendra and had dessert at Gelatissimo. I was back to my sanity at that time, that's why I was able to take pictures. Look below...

We were home tired at past 3 pm.

The dynamic duo doing a dynamite recipe (wehehe)

2011-07-09T03:38:00.000-07:00

This post is supposed to be for Mother's Day. So, it means this post is already two months overdue. Anyway, I just like to share what my gimmick was last Mother's day.

My daughter and I went to Dusit Thani's Dynamic Duo Mother's Day No-Cook Recipe Contest where we prepared another one of my dessert inventions with mangoes and bananas.

Our dynamite recipe - a no-bake pie consisting of mangoes and bananas

My hubby, mother-in-law, our daughter Noelle, were there to give us some moral support. I even remember it to be the day Pacquiao won against Mosley. After the event it rained so hard.

But unlike Pacquiao who was declared champion that day, we didn't win the grand prize. Still we got nice prizes for being a finalist - an overnight stay at their deluxe room with breakfast buffet for two and 2 GCs for a Buffet Crossover lunch. Sweet!

Tuning in to Playhouse Disney

2011-07-07T07:56:00.000-07:00

I used to watch a lot of cable shows, especially during the time when I was bedresting. I recall crying over "One More Chance" starring John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo, even if I had watched it twice already. From the moment I would wake up until my sleeping time, our bedroom TV was tuned in to Lifestyle Network, ETC, HBO, Discovery Travel & Leisure, AFC, and other lifestyle and detective shows.

After I gave birth to our youngest daughter and went back to work after a 9-month hiatus, my TV viewing was cut down to the barest minimum. In fact, I only get to watch TV now at an average of 3.5 hours a week. I don't know the latest teleseryes, latest shows, latest commercial ads, upcoming celebrities, etc. I certainly have no clue which one is Mara and Clara or who the good girl is and the evil one in their telenovela. But, I do get my dose of showbiz chismis from online publications and some blogs I follow.

The only TV shows that I get to watch nowadays because of my little tots are those shows from Playhouse Disney Channel like WordWorld, Pororo, Timmy Time, Johnny and The Sprites, Jungle Junction, Angelina Ballerina and a lot more. I get to enjoy these shows with my tots. I sing with them, I laugh with them while watching. There were even times that I unconsciously just tune in to these shows when I want to watch TV, even when my tots are not with me.

I now love Timmy, the little lamb with a lot to learn;

Pororo, the cute little penguin;

and Basil, Ginger, Root & Lily of Johnny & The Sprites.

I have even memorized the theme song lyrics of many of the Playhouse Disney shows.

The morning I was stunned

2011-07-07T07:54:00.000-07:00

There was one particular morning two months ago that I will never forget...EVER! It was when I read an email from a certain Ms. Katie Wilkinson informing me that I won 1,000 Euros for answering their online survey. I was stunned. For a moment I couldn't retract my eyes from the computer screen reading the email over and over again.

Here's the exact letter from her dated May 5, 2011.

Congratulations!

You recently filled out the ellesse survey via our facebook page or our website.
I am pleased to let you know that you are the overall winner and have won 1000 euros. WELL DONE!
Please can you send me your full name as it appears on your bank statement as well as the details of your bank and your paying in details so we can ensure the money safely goes into your account.

Once again well done and look forward to hearing back from you.

Kind regards

Katie

Katie Wilkinson
ellesse Digital Producer
ellesse International

Tel: +44 (0) 208 970 6275
www.ellesse.com
Face book http://www.facebook.com/ellesse
Twitter: @iloveellesse
@ellesseheritage

Yes, I did answer an Ellesse Online Survey which I learned from Primer Group of Companies last May 3, the last day of the survey promo. I do recall answering it 3-4 hours before the promo ended at 12am. The start of the survey had me answering the question: Which of the two prizes would you like to win? A) a pair of Ellesse footwear or B) 1,000 Euros. I thought it was a tricky question that required me to pick letter "A". But I chose from my heart, hehe, I picked the Euros even if the Ellesse footwear prize were made of gold.

I submitted the survey without any (as in nil) expectation to win. That was an international survey and besides, I have a bad record when it comes to raffle draws.

It was an early morning at the office, just two days after answering the survey, that I opened and read that email. I couldn't believe it. I didn't tell my husband right away, not until I was 50% sure that it wasn't a scam. I googled "Katie Wilkinson" and found her to be legitimate.

Later that same morning I finally told my husband about it (he, too, couldn't believe it) and replied to Ms. Katie Wilkinson's email regarding my bank details.

Since I haven't gotten any reply from Ms. Katie after waiting for it for 4 days, I called her up on her cellphone indicated on the email. I thought, Ms. Katie needed to hear my voice literally since it says there on her email - "...look forward to hearing back from you". You see, I analyzed the letter, hahaha! That was just how unbelievable everything was to me, then. Anyway, I was in my office cubicle in the middle of work when I called up her number. She answered after 2 rings. I wasn't expecting that again. I introduced myself as the one who won the Euros and she acknowledged it. She assured me of delivering the prize to my account. She sounded like a real nice lady. It was only then when I put down the phone that I started to believe that I really won.

I almost cried and I immediately whispered a loud thank You to my God who I really believe made it all possible. Even now as I'm typing this blogpost, I can't help but get teary-eyed.

Last May 24, I met some nice people from the Ellesse Philippines, Leslie & Donna; Primer Group of Companies and my fellow winners, Mylene and Gayle, during the scheduled photo-ops held at the Bratpack store in Greenbelt 5.

Primer Group of Companies also made an announcement about the winners through their Facebook profile: Ellesse Announces the Philippine Winners of its Global Online Survey Raffle

We were also featured in Philippine Daily Inquirer. I have a copy of that, too.

Finally, last June 22, the 1,000 Euros (converted to Peso) was credited to my account. The following day, I excitedly withdrew ten percent of that amount, which I eagerly and joyfully gave to God that Sunday.

Winning the 1,000 Euros is indeed, unexpected and unbelievable, but the experience has been very humbling since I know it comes from Him.

I know there's so much more blessings that He's going to give to me and my family and I'm just here patiently, excitedly and expectantly waiting to receive them with all my heart.

All the things that happened in the past two months reminds me so much of two of my favorite Bible verses:

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Malachi 3:10 - Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.

What makes a smart phone a genius phone?

2011-06-22T00:50:00.000-07:00

Like a lot of working moms, I am very economical and a very smart consumer. I commute to work everyday. I take long walks from our house gate to the village gate where I wait for a tricycle to bring me to the terminal where I ride a shuttle service van to Makati. I bring "baon" to work almost everyday, too. I have two bags, which are my carry staples - a big shoulder bag and a tote dedicated to carry my lunch bag. Smart and economical, am I not?

My big bag carries my brown wallet, green wallet, super small coin purse, make-up kit, small notebook, at least 3 pens, point-and-shoot camera, hand-me-down cellphone (from my husband), shades, USB stick, cologne, anti-bacterial hand spray, cleansing wipes, mint, some of my church bulletins and pieces of papers/letters/notes given to me by my daughters. Each item inside my bag represents a side of who I am and what I love.

My big black bag and what it contains...

I maintain a blog because I just realized one day that I love to write. And the topic that I really love to write about is the one that is closest to my heart – my family – our adventures, our food trips, our happy moments together, our goofiness with each other, etc. This is the very reason why I bring my camera along with me wherever I go – to capture those magical moments with them. My pictures of them just make my personal blog more alive and so much more personal.

My experiences in life have helped me become smart. But I realize, nowadays, being smart in everything is no longer enough. You have to be a genius of sorts, just like maybe Mark Zuckerberg, the main face behind the Facebook. I believe what sets him apart from all the smart alecks at Harvard University is his creativity and his unconventional way of thinking which makes him a genius.

This brings me to what this blog article is all about - what makes a smart technology a genius one. My answer to this - I believe, it's still the creativity behind the technology. This is what LG Optimus Black and LG Optimus 2X is all about. Creative geniuses, if I may say!

I was totally blown away with all the amazing features the LG Optimus Black and LG Optimus 2X have. Boy oh boy, when oh when can I have something like the Optimus for a change???

LG Optimus Black: Dashing in its form and functions

Measuring 122 x 64 x 9.2 mm, the LG Optimus Black offers more generous 4-inch, 480 x 800-pixels screen that makes typing on the virtual keyboard such a breeze. It is slim and very light at 109 grams (really my kind of phone). It looks very stylish from all the Google images I saw. It looks dashing and very slender which I love since I have small hands.

You've seen the front view. Now, let's look at the side view.... Ooh lala! so slim & slender.
Now let's see the back view... It still looks so dapper from behind. Another wow feature that this phone has, is its Nova display which is said to be one of the brightest in the market. What this means is that it's easier to read the screen even outdoors because it offers brilliant colors and excellent contrast. This is perfect for me because of my blurry vision even though I'm wearing a pair of 225-graded contact lens. So, when the sun is shining, this is where Optimus Black shines the most. A valuable asset, indeed!

Being a clutter-hater, the LG Optimus Black's external design appeals to me because its look and design are all about minimalism.

LG Optimus 2X: Powerfully loaded with striking features

The LG Optimus 2X, on the other hand, is amazing with its 8 megapixel camera at rear. This remarkable feature will not only help me capture our family’s best moments but would also help in enhancing the quality of the photos I take since it comes with features like LED flash, auto-focus, Geo-tagging, face and smile detection, touch focus, and image stabilization.

Here are sample pictures taken using LG Optimus 2x (Source: Engadget.com)

I will definitely look for this place (see above pics) in Europe and take the same photos if I get the chance... of course, using LG Optimus 2x.

This mobile comes with an internal memory of 8 GB, which can be expanded up to 32 GB using micro SD cards. With this enormous memory capacity, I can take plenty of videos without me worrying of my phone having a "memory overload". I like to take videos of my kids' milestones and I really love to catch their many antics on video. Those are precious moments which I would treasure for the rest of my life. Oh I'm being melodramatic again.

Here's a sample video using the LG Optimus 2x (Source: Engadget.com)

Going back to the LG Optimus 2x, this is loaded with GPRS, WLAN, Bluetooth and USB Port. I'm such a mommy-on-the go that's why I can definitely use these features when I want a fast internet access though my mobile phone. I can transfer data and important files from one device to another effectively and easily. My present phone cannot do these things. Sad face :-(

This is truly an astounding thingamabob that is stuffed with striking features. I wanna have one fast!!!

And yes, didn’t I mention that I am petite (well yes, I'm just a little below 5 feet weighing 105 lbs.), so this slim and lightweight phones are perfect for me and can definitely save me enough bag space since I don’t have to bring my camera anymore. That’s convenient! Or maybe, I don’t have to bring such a big bag anymore. That’s even more convenient!!

Here's a picture of me, with my big, black bag. I was attending a bloggers' party when this photo was taken 3 years ago. See, I'm still using that same big, black bag until now. How frugal of me.

Who says that genius mothers like me can't have the genius gadgets out there?!
The features of LG Optimus Black and 2X are bordering on insanity. Man, they are really genius phones and I'll go insane once I get my hands on them. Hahaha!

I say, working-mothers like me deserve to have these genius phones because they can make our lives so much easier. LG Optimus Black and LG Optimus 2X are the BFFs any busy working-moms can have.

Oh yeah, let me end by saying this ---
“Optimus is more than just smart. It’s genius. Visit lgoptimus.ph for more information!”

PLDT myDSL's Internet to Sawa TRANSFORMS my internet experience from AWESOME to OMG-Ang-Galing!

2011-06-17T01:52:00.000-07:00

Beat this!

PLDT myDSL Plan 3000 subscribers will experience a jaw-dropping ride this June with an upgrade on their network. Which means they will enjoy a FREE and UNLIMITED speed boost of up to 5Mbps from their previous 3Mbps. This upgrade will enable them to stream, download, and play online as much as they want.

Picture this, imagine yourself driving one of the fastest cars in the world, a Ferrari Enzo that can reach a top speed of 217 mph. That is already awesome, isn't it?

Ferrari Enzo- 217 mph

Then one day, you woke up and saw not a Ferrari parked inside your garage but a McLaren F1 that can run up to 240 mph. Seeing that thing parked inside your garage is such an OMG moment!

McLaren F1 - 240 mph

That is exactly what I'm talking about. From owning a Ferrari and replacing it free with a McLaren is like getting a FREE network upgrade from a speed of 3Mbps to a speed of 5Mbps. And if you still want more, PLDT myDSL has something more in store for you -- you will also get a Watchpad with even more exclusive content plus one (1) year of FREE PLDT to PLDT NDD calls.

With PLDT myDSL's Internet to Sawa, there's no "kawawa". Not only that, PLDT myDSL's Internet to Sawa will definitely transform our internet experience from awesome to OMG-Ang-Galing!

Let me relate this with my experience when I joined Nuffnang. I used to be just an occasional mommy-blogger but when I joined Nuffnang, I have become more active in blogging. I have gained friends in the blogging community, most of them Nuffnangers like myself, and I am learning a lot from them in terms of blogging. I am happy to be part of the Nuffnang community because this is just like one big, happy family. So you see, I also feel I have been upgraded from being an occasional mommy-blogger to a more active one.

Visit www.myworldmydsl.com for more information or call 171 to confirm you subscription today!

Everything I Love

2011-06-14T21:53:00.000-07:00

Care to see what's inside the bag of a
working-mom-cum-mother-blogger?

I am a working mother and an occasional mother-blogger (mom who blogs ok).

I maintain a blog because I just realized one day that I love to write. And the topic that I really love to write about is the one that is closest to my heart – my family. I love writing about our food trips, our hotel-hopping adventures, our bonding times with each other, our happy moments together and just anything under the sun that we love doing together. This is the very reason why I bring my camera along with me wherever I go – to capture those magical moments with my family. My pictures of them just make my personal blog more alive and so much more personal.

More than any material things, its the relationship that I have with my God, family, loved ones, friends, acquaintances, and others that I value the most.

As a mother-blogger (ok, as a mom who blogs), it has become a habit of mine to take pictures of just about everything that fascinates me... and yes, even things that don't make any sense at all. Even when I'm in the office, I do take pictures of my desk, of what food I'm having every lunch time, etc. etc. My digital camera does that job. It has also been a constant companion in some of the events which I am invited to attend.

My love for writing and taking pictures will bring me to the meat of what this blog is all about – my heart’s desire for now, the Blackberry Bold 9780!

You see, I have been longing to own a phone that is not a hand-me-down and minus the screen scratches. And this opportunity of winning a spanking new phone came along. A light-bulb moment if I may say. This isn’t just an ordinary cellphone, but a Blackberry Bold 9780. So, I researched and read and read about its features and found them to be so amazing (I like to have a QWERTY keyboard for a change).

But what makes it even more amazing is that it is equipped with a 5-mega pixel camera that will not only help me capture our family’s best moments but would also help in enhancing the quality of the photos since it comes with features like image stabilization, LED Flash and auto focus. With a 256MB memory which is capable of expanding up to 32GB with the addition of microSD cards, I can take plenty of videos without me worrying of my phone having a "memory overload". Oh how I would love to take lots of videos of my 3 daughters just doing what they love to do. These are memories that I will treasure for the rest of my life. Here I go again, I'm such a melodramatic mama.

Okay, going back to Blackberry -- from what I’ve learned about this phone, I don’t think I will ever have a hard time connecting with friends and family as it boasts of high speed internet experience and one click to access mails and social networking sites. ONE CLICK is all there is to it. I like that. I am so looking forward to having a speedy affair with an internet access! I can happily update my status messages, post photographs and share videos to family and friends, which I cannot do with my present phone.

Lately, my hubby and I have been fond of watching concerts. And one thing that we never, never fail to do when we watch a concert is of course, take lots of photos and videos of the artist/s on stage.

Here is a sample video we took of Justin Bieber's concert (using my digicam).

Here are sample photos we took of John Mayer's, Miley Cyrus' and Kenny Logins' concert (using my digicam again). Take note: We were seated about five rows away from the stage. These shots I posted were already the best among the many photos I took. Most were really blurry photos.

It would be so awesome to have something on hand to take good, quality videos of concerts with, even when we're seated so far away from the stage. It's nice to brag about these awesome experiences once in a while by sending these videos or photos to friends and relatives here and abroad, hahaha!

With a Blackberry Bold 9780, it'll now be a lot easier to keep in touch with family and friends from all over the world. I will take comfort in knowing that I have a reliable phone that can help me "connect" so much easier with all my "ka-relationships". You know, just thinking and writing about what I can do with this phone makes me desire it even more.

Watch this video and you'll know what I mean.

And yes, because of my petite frame, this slim and lightweight phone measuring 109 x 60 x 14mm and weighing just 122g, is perfect for me and can definitely save me enough bag space since I don’t have to bring my digital camera anymore. I believe my present digicam and my cellphone are ready for retirement, anyway. Both have served me long enough :-)

As a busy but happy working mom, I need a phone that can bring more balance into my life in terms of work, personal, family and leisure. I believe, the Blackberry Bold 9780 can help me achieve that perfect balance. Not to mention, my hubby and my kids will love me even more.

I wish that's my hand holding the Blackberry Bold 9780.

Why I Want a Date at Chef Tatung's

2011-06-04T09:16:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since my last date at a fine dining restaurant with hubby. You know that fine dining ambiance where everything feels romantic and quiet? I look forward to having a date with him once again and real soon. And since I'm longing for a private time with my hubby over good food, it's just so timely that I have come across this contest by Dainty Mom. Guess what's in store for the winner? You guessed it correctly - a date at Chef Tatung's! Hubby and I haven't tried the private dining concept which is what Chef Tatung's is all about. If ever I win, this would be a first on our "Date Experiences List".

So for those of you who want to experience what Chef Tatung's has to offer, head on to Dainty Mom and find out how you can bag a free romantic dinner for two at Chef Tatung's Private Dining.

See above picture, our eyes says it all...
"We want to experience a dinner date at Chef Tatung's Private Dining."

Mommy Me Time

2011-05-29T07:02:00.000-07:00

For a mom like me who has an 8:30am-5:30pm job, it seems impossible to have a me-time. We oftentimes ask ourselves, when will I even find time to sit down and have some peace and quiet even just for 15 minutes? But, I thank God I am able to set aside some me-time each day. And that's because I have chosen to value myself a little bit more, too. Being a mom is not an excuse to put myself last on my priority list.

Now, I enjoy the company of me. In fact, I look forward to being with myself. It sounds narcissistic but I hope the picture you're all getting here is a picture of a person who's just learning to love herself a little bit more each day.

What I usually love to do during my "alone times" is to find a place that will allow me to quiet and clear my mind. It may be in a bookstore where I could browse over some magazines or in a coffee shop where I could just enjoy sipping a cup of my favorite frap while writing down my thoughts on my mini-journal.

Oftentimes during my lunch break, I get out of the office after having a very quick lunch and spend my remaining break time taking short walks by myself. I get to talk to God and have some quiet time with Him while walking. Oh how I love doing prayer walks! Well, there are also times that I spend my lunch hour doing some window-shopping. When I go back to my office cubicle, I am sure to feel recharged. A good 30-minute alone time each day really does wonders for me.

On the kikay side, I pamper myself by having a foot massage, scalp massage or just going to the parlor for my regular hair-cut. I also visit the spa occasionally. I always remember not to neglect myself. Taking care of myself is one way to feel good about myself. When I feel good about myself and when I feel good inside, it will manifest on the outside. I want my children to see their mom happy and relaxed.

Spending regular mommy alone times has helped me become the best mom to my 3 precious daughters and I hope, the best wife to my hubby (I refuse to be just a "better" half, hehe). If I say that my family is what's important to me, then it follows that I will give them the best of everything and that includes the best of me.

I came across this very nice inspirational quotation intended for single women but I believe it aptly applies to all:

"Beauty lies in loving yourself first.

With confidence and loving yourself,
you will see the beauty in other things around you.
You will be able to work better and happier.
Don't let your health be affected by your work or your boss,
so nothing matters more than your well being."

This is my official entry to Mec as Mom and

Unilab's Facebook Page.

Nuffnang and Hapee Special Screening

2011-05-29T03:33:00.000-07:00

What makes Nuffnang and Hapee first class?

Before I answer this, let me first say that I'm part of the Nuffnang community and I'm happy to be part of it.

Nuffnang is the first in its field. It is the first blog advertising community in the Asia Pacific. Not only that, it has given a lot of bloggers like me an opportunity to be partners with them, just like a real community, where everyone is treated like a family. It is first class because of its continued success as a blog advertising platform and the relationships established within the community.

On the same note, Hapee is first class because of its success story. As the very first Filipino brand to ever penetrate the toothpaste market, it has brought honor and pride to our country.

These 2 first class brands, Nuffnang and Hapee, will be partnering together to give some "hapeeness" (2 movie tix) to the first 100 Nuffnangers (who can submit a blogpost) via a surprise movie screening this coming June 3, 7:30 pm, at Greenbelt 3 Cinema 2. I'm hoping to be included in the list (wink, wink).

For more info about this "hapeeness" giveaway, visit Nuffnang or click this link.

Of the things that make me feel like levitating...

2011-05-26T07:09:00.001-07:00

This is my official entry to LEVY's contest (http://livinglifetodfullest.blogspot.com/2011/05/levytate-and-win-total-of-500-worth-of.html)

If you are one of my very, very, very few followers who have been loyally reading my blogs, you would notice that what I often blog about are those adventures I have with my family. My family is what's precious to me. Being with them gives me so much joy. When I see my husband enjoying his time with our daughters and our daughters having so much fun with their pop, I feel so blessed. Nothing beats spending happy moments with my family, really. It always makes me feel like levitating.

Another thing that makes me always jump for joy is when I get to accomplish a task and be rewarded for that...even after a loooong time. May that be at work or in joining contests or just by simply doing my best. It's more than the material reward that I'm really happy about. There's a sense of fulfillment in knowing that I've given and done my best. It's again having that same feeling of blessedness inside me that's what I'm joyful about.

Our eldest daughter used to equate being rich with having a huge house with a swimming pool. I would tell her that our family may not be rich materially, but we are rich in a way that God intends us to be -- rich in love for each other. We don't want our kids to grow up having a skewed view of what's important in life. We want them to live their life to the fullest always with God in it. Yes, as young as they are, we want them to live a life of gratitude because it is only then that they will really get to enjoy living... and yes, get to feel like levitating.

And oh yes, before I even forget, certain situations in my life would make me feel like levitating and ironically it happens when I'm beset with problems. And oftentimes it happens right after I cry out to God and unburden everything to Him. You know that feeling when you can no longer walk and all of a sudden somebody carries you? Those moments make me realize (again and again) how weak and frail I am and how God is my strength in all things and that His love for me and my family is beyond measure. Wouldn't you be levitating in gladness, too, knowing in your heart that you are always secure in God's love? :-)

a little bit closer, so you would see how happy I am

Click this link to know more about Levy's Living Life to the Fullest! contest.

Living Life to the Fullest!'s Awesome Contest

2011-05-26T06:11:00.000-07:00

Levy of Living Life to the Fullest is having a contest that will make you win nice prizes. How does $500 worth of cash and prizes sound to you?

But in order to win those prizes, what's more exciting is that you get to answer this very important question: "What are the things/situations that would make you feel like levitating?" I like the question, it makes you sit down and think and ponder on your answer.

For the complete mechanics, head on to Levy's Living Life to the Fullest.

Here are her contest's dear SPONSORS:

Designers Depot * LEVYousa * One Day Graphics * Wahmaholic Blog Designs

7107reasons.com * Delight my Appetite * Zowanderer * Living and Wellness

Pinayads * I love Darly * Food and Passion * Pepperrific Life

Topics on Earth * Pensive Thoughts * Hearts content of a Mama * Abdul Hakeem

The Misis Chronicles * Everything Nice * My Pink Blog * Mirage

It's all about me * My Tots Exactly * My Tummy Calls * Foodies Galore * One Proud Momma * Earn Dollars Pinoy * Samut Sari * Pink Memoirs * Hands Full of Life * Gen walks * Pop Ups My Mind * Treat your Palate * Lovingly Mama * Flakes and Nuts * The Life Encounters * The Food Encounters * A Woman's World * Life is a Choice * Love home grow Garden * Jolly Toes * Seasons and Seasonings * Milestones and Marvelings * 2Homes 2Moms * Musings of a retired economist * Prudent Lifestyle * Prudent Sahm and Cooking * Orange Hut * Aphrodite: My so called Life! * Philippine Travel Promos * Mommy Lessons * Real men wear Aprons * Travel Monologue * Shopaholic Geek * Home Ramblings * Pink Nimble * What the Fat? * Mrs. Shoppiness * Journal of RJ's Mama * My baby RJ * Wonderfully Fabulous * Shygirl's Own * Life of a Filipina Blogger * Newbie Momma * Momma ~~wannabe~~ Finally * Home and Family living * Health and Beauty Diva * Online Chikadora * Pictures and Cultures * Sweet as Candy * Brown Pinay * My Point of View * My Green living ideas
Family and Home living * Mommy Diary * Sweety Paula* Mumwrites * Jareds Little Corner * Food.Fashion and Beauty * Mommy Survival Guide * Music, Movies, Stars, etc. * Bloggityboop

I lined up for the Starbucks Happy Hour Promo

2011-05-12T07:29:00.000-07:00

Almost there...after an hour (?) of standing in line

Yeah I did. Not just once but twice! To think that I still have 5 of those HSBC transaction slips wherein I can redeem any 5 tall Starbucks drink for FREE. Oh well, that was the adventurous in me (or was it more like the masochist?) working double-time.

The first time I lined up was on the first day of the promo right after lunch time at the back of our office building with my officemate and a Starbucks addict, Abby. The second time was last Saturday at a nearby Starbucks branch, just outside our village. I was accompanied by my hubby, and our 2 younger kids, Noelle & Nala.

The queue was a bit long. While I was lining up for our 50% off fraps, I couldn't help but smile while watching my daughters having fun in their seats, just playing and bothering each other with their own antics.

I'm glad my hubby caught their "kakulitan" on camera.

As I was watching my girls having so much fun, I really didn't notice that I was standing in line for about an hour already. I was still joyful. It was one of those moments when I am just so grateful to God for being a mom.

Family bonding time...over coffee

2011-05-11T07:51:00.000-07:00

I'm not really a coffee drinker BUT one of my favorite hang out spots is a coffee shop. I love the smell of coffee and I just can't resist looking at and tasting the various oh-so-tempting pastries & cakes inside their display shelves. I have influenced my hubby and our 3 girls to love coffee shops, too. When we do hang out inside a coffee shop, I make sure to order at least 2 slices of cakes or any 2 pastries (one for me alone and the other one for them), aside from the frappuccinos that I buy for my hubby and 2 older daughters. You see, they have different tastes when it comes to frappuccinos.

One of my pet peeves in coffee shops is this: people who get to sit on a couch or take the best seats in the house and sit there for hours on end nursing just a single cup of coffee (as their coffee rental fee), unmindful of others waiting and praying to find even a chair to enjoy their expensive coffee in comfort. Blahhh! I swear, ang sarap nila buhusan ng kape.

Here's something I read from workawesome.com which I would like to share with you.

~~~~~~~~

Coffee Shop Etiquette for Mobile Workers

Buy something: This actually is a commonly held rule for people who don't own coffee shops. We realize that wifi is offered for free to encourage us to spend money there. So help subsidize your bandwidth.

Don't hog space: Even if you're a paying customer, you're only one paying customer. Unless your laptop and papers are buying expensichinos too, don't spread all over a four top. Leave room for more customers to gather and subsidize your bandwith. If you end up at a table larger than needed, offer to share it when someone else is looking for a seat.

Don't overstay your welcome: Like the first item on the list...only longer.

Don't hog bandwith: You really don't need to be watching movie reruns. You really don't need video chat either. Be realistic about what you need to do so the rest of the patrons don't start taking the router's name in vain.

Keep it down: Use headphones so the rest of us aren't forced to listen to your entertainment. A few "You Got Mail" notices every once in a while aren't lawful.

Take it outside: There seem to be a gray line here concerning if you should use your cell phone. Some suggest you take the call outside. I'm in the camp that believes a cell phone conversation is the same as talking to someone at the table.

Clean up after yourself: Don't make the staff clean up after you.

Think of the coffee shop as a community or networking opportunity. It's likely that you will get to know other regulars - including the staff. It's important to make a good impression.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

How I wish the coffee shops here in our country can post something like this on their walls where every potential "campers" can see and read clearly.

A more convenient way of getting NSO birth certificates

2011-05-11T06:49:00.000-07:00

Next week, our whole family will be applying for a passport. Yup, even that is a family thing! It will be a first time for our 2 younger daughters to apply for one. Can that count as a milestone?

My husband said that getting an appointment was such a breeze. It took him less than 30 minutes to fill-out an online form and get a schedule for our passport application/renewal. Just like when I had to secure our NSO birth certificate, which is a requirement before applying for a passport. I went online, found this number -- 737-1111, dialed it and talked to the person on the other end. Three days after I made that phone call, our NSO birth certificates arrived.

This wasn't the first time I availed of their service. I remember feeling gleeful one afternoon in 2003 when I received a courier with our NSO certified documents inside after just 2 days since I made a request. Even then I thought that that service of NSO spelled CONVENIENCE! I even related that experience to my relatives and friends. I was amazed to say the least. It was worth all the peso I paid.

I wasn't aware of the company who made this service possible until recently when my hubby and I received an invite from Pilipinas Teleserve Inc. to the screening of the movie FastFive starring Vin Diesel. Aha, so it was Teleserv all along! Clap! Clap! I tell you, they couldn't have picked a more suitable movie that would represent their brand of service than FastFive.

My hats off to the founders of this company for giving us Citizen Services, which provides us easy access to the NSO, POEA and DFA. This is the same site http://www.citizenservices.com.ph/ I visited when I applied for our NSO certificates, and I didn't even know that.

Alter Space - What I can do, as a mom, to save our environment

2011-04-30T07:25:00.000-07:00

My daughter and I took part in a tree-planting activity organized by their school. Planting a tree is one of the best things we can do to save our environment. Trees breathe in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen.

It's been a while since my last blog. I've been so busy with work and family (our helper is on her month-long vacation right now) that I really have no time to blog. I have so many topics in mind that I've been meaning to blog about...yes, so many backlogs. But, this one, I just can't let pass. It's a blog contest about "What You Can Do to Encourage People to Save the Environment?"

But before I answer the question, let me tell you first about Alter Space because this is where I get the inspiration for this blog. So, what is Alter Space?

" Alter space is the first Filipino environmental awareness game on Facebook.

Your second chance at building a new world, a new life. Only this time, be mindful of the choices you make because every small choice you make creates a bigger impact in your planet. Your only mission here is to stay happy while keeping your carbon emissions low. So you can live safe from disasters, in your brand new planet.

To complete the game, you’ll have to build a network with your friends' planets so you can eventually turn the grid greener with responsible, sustainable and renewable power."

You may check out their facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/alterspacegame

Click the link below to go to the application game:
http://apps.facebook.com/alterspacegame/index.php/

Being environmentally-aware is important to me because this involves our earth that we will leave to our children and our children's children. I want them to grow up with a deep concern for our environment.

It was actually only about 3 years ago that I began practicing a green lifestyle after attending a seminar about zero-waste management which involves the implementation of the 3R's - Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle - in a community.

Practicing a green lifestyle ...

From then on, I have become a frequent user of reusable bags when I do my grocery shopping. I also have made it a point to carry a reusable tote bag wherever I go. I told myself that I would start making simple steps to make a difference for our environment. And I was surprised by how easy it is, really, to make a positive contribution.

Starting with small, simple steps ...

The thing that struck me the most is that it really is something that anyone can do regardless of their circumstances. For some of us, we may be doing already a great deal in reducing our carbon footprint and we just don't know that we are already on the road to living an eco-friendly life. Well, that's good. Let's just continue to empower ourselves even more and be an advocate of change. My wish is that soon, our home will become a green home, too, just like the one below.

There are a zillion ways to reduce our carbon footprint, BUT I would like to limit my tips on how to conserve energy or lower carbon emissions when it comes to taking care of our children. Anyway, it should really start in our own home, right? And as parents who love our children, we should be good role models in living a green lifestyle.

Breastfeed. Aside from the obvious benefits of breastmilk to the baby, breastfeeding helps save costs that go into producing, packing and distributing the formula. It also means that there won’t be any bottles to sterilize or clean.

Use hand-me-downs: clothes & toys. I have 3 daughters and my eldest is already 11 years old. My 2nd and youngest wear hand-me-downs from our eldest who is already 11 years old. Same thing with toys, I got to preserve the toys of their "ate" for my 2 younger kids to play with. We've saved so much by doing this.

Co-sleep with your children. My hubby and I share room with our 3 daughters to save on electricity.

Recycle. Wash any bottles or glass materials that can still be used, pile up cardboards and any paper products that can be recycled. I let my kids do their art on the back of used papers. We don't throw away papers unless they are "super-used" on both sides. When it comes to plastics, if we can't avoid using them, the least we can do is to recycle them.

Less is more. We encourage our kids to use less of anything - school supplies, art materials, etc. We teach them to conserve a) water by not taking long baths and just use a dipper instead of turning on the shower; and b) electricity by letting them turn off the lights, TV, when it is not in use.

Okay, I am not giving tips here just for the sake of giving tips. I am actually practicing those tips myself except for the breastfeed part, which I stopped doing since my kids turned 6 months old.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

My family and I love the outdoors. The last time we flew a kite was late last year and our kids enjoyed it. I enjoyed seeing them having so much fun under that clear blue sky.

My desire is for my daughters to continuously experience life living under a blue sky, breathing fresh air, and enjoying nature's wonders as given by God.

A well known ancient Proverb says:

“We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”

I guess in essence what this proverb means is that the earth belongs to the children and we need to be respectful of them by safeguarding their futures with what we do today.

Please leave a comment if you like this post. Thanks!

A Cool Summer Night with Magnolia Frozen Delights

2011-04-04T07:07:00.001-07:00

I was fortunate to be invited to a Magnolia Bloggers' Night last April 1. I had a great time and it was a privilege being part of the event. I've been an avid Magnolia consumer, particularly, their ice cream, eversince I can remember.

I met a fellow mom blogger, Emiliana "Millet" Sison, who was my "ka-table, ka-chika and ka-kodakan" all throughout the party. Through her, I got to meet some fellow bloggers, too, like Czaroma Roman & Janese Halabaso.

The bloggers' event introduced their Frozen Delights - Pinipig Crunch, Fun Bar, Popsies, Sweetie Bites and Spinner. These were the stars of the night. I can't wait to try them all.

Thanks, Magnolia, for making my April fool's night such a cool summer night to remember.

visit: www.magnoliaicecream.com.ph