Wanted: An Autobot

I just needed to break this coma – coma of writing an article, that is. My last “valid” blog entry was written in July for a story which happened in June, coma indeed right? This coma was simply brought about by overwhelming experiences that was overlapping with each other, overwhelming and overlapping enough that I didn't know which 1 to write 1st. Will I write based on occurrence, based on importance or based on price?lol The last was of course a joke. I just wished I was paid to write, my sponsor stopped sponsoring too, which killed my passion to write. #ImSoMukhangPera #IKnow I also became work-related busy which came side-by-side with the preparations of the past milestones in my personal life, my family life and my life in general (what's the difference between those 3 lives? Nothing, I just thought it's fun to dissect. J). And of course, plain laziness was never out of the list of culprits - or maybe it is the only culprit, after all. 

I sometimes wish my PC can read my mind and automatically type what I’m thinking, or maybe my brain would have an optic nerve or something that can send messages to my PC, transcribed it and viola a blog post. Either way, I know that won’t happen, at least not in this lifetime. So here, I’m trying to keep my acts together, saying nonsense, wasting your time and typing away to break the drought. 

This post is like vocalization of some sort, where every singers needs to do in order to perform well. And so, I wouldn't need to explain in my opening paragraph in case I thought of writing again, tomorrow. I hope I motivated myself well enough, the file in this PC specifically dedicated to blogging is about to self-destruct.    

Winner Ka!

I’ve been very busy the past month that I can’t find enough time to squeeze my blogging. I have a lot to share but not now, perhaps. For now, I would just like to announce the winners of our Family Give-away sponsored by Firmo Eyewear. I said in that post that I’ll take 1 voucher for mi esposo but he decided to give-it-away too (he found a better sponsor for his eyewear needs.hehe)

Since it’s a family give-away, we did the raffle manually. Each family member picked out an entry. It’s supervised by a representative (from our kitchen) so you’ll know it’s a credible raffle. J

The 6 lucky winners already got their e-voucher code that they can use to save $20 on any frame at Classic Series (some frames are lower than $20), not including the shipping part. This however, expires in 30 days, so better use it now. They were:

1) Elaine Chua

2) Linnor Rapes

3) Glenda Barretto

4) Gerilen Polon

5) Marie Angeli Laxa

6) January Ferrera 

Congratulations! and thank you very much for joining. 

Family Anniversary Giveaway: Firmoo Classic Series Frame

It’s the family’s 5th anniversary, yey! And I’m extending my happiness to everyone by giving away 5 - Firmoo E-vouchers worth $20 each to valid contestants. The lucky participants get to choose from the Firmoo’s Classic Series, just use the winning voucher code to save on the frame’s price (shipping not included). Take note, some frames are lower than $20. But here’s the fun part, if this give-away reaches 50 participants or more, I’ll be selecting 1 lucky participant who can walk away with the frame of his choice for totally free (yes, shipping fee included, just be sure you’re in this part of the world). 

Joining is easy, just visit Firmoo Website and select the frame of your choice from the Classic Series. Then leave a comment below indicating the frame of your choice, your name, and e-mail address. Only comments with this information will be deemed valid entry. I’ll be selecting winners on our next family month-sary (July 28). 

And did you know that Firmoo is the World's Most Popular Online Eyeglasses Store and have always been committed to offering customers the best quality products at the most affordable prices which start at $8 (80%-90% lower compared to that in local store). But wait there’s more, Firmoo also offers First Pair Free Program, wherein new customers can try any Firmoo products by just paying for the shipping fee. 

So, go tell everyone about this. Good luck!

PS: Firmoo gave me 6 E-vouchers to be given away, you wouldn’t mind if I save 1 for the esposo, right? I think he needs a pair now, and I badly need to give him an anniversary gift. Lol

Throwback Thursday

No, that photo is not the item for my throwback but the memories rekindled when I looked at it. Nakiki-hashtag lang.hehe The photo was taken about 2 Thursdays ago during my mini-reunion with my high school best buds. That night, we met with a classmate/friend who just arrived from Qatar. You see, what’s good about 4A (our class) is that we make it a point to see each other at every time possible. Every occasion is a chance for reunions. I’m not talking about my tropa alone but the class as a whole. We meet during Christmas, summers, weddings, child’s birthdays, baptism, even baby showers. We may not be in 100% attendance but we have a good number. We constantly communicate, our better-halves becomes part of 4A, our kids knows each other, we continue to grow (in age and in number) but maintains our high school spirits when we’re together. We always pick-up from where we left (how we were in high school) regardless of our present state of life (some may claim to be a “manager” now but we still tease him like how we teased “popsie” before). No wonder they are my favorite friends, ever.  

The bracelet above was from the same friend from Qatar. I have no intentions to “arbor” it but got curious by how it works so I borrowed it to see for myself. When I figured it looked good on my wrist, I just said thank you, that’s it, it’s mine. The next day, I tagged her in this photo and thank her for (indirectly) reminding me on how I used to collect snatched bracelets from dear friends back in high school. My collection is still inside my closet, although I do not use any of those anymore, the memories of fun and laughter during those days clings not in my wrist but in my heart.  

High school life oh, my high school life.     

This one is a throwback, my Tropang Alagad

Summer Lovin'

I was never out for some recreations during holy weeks, especially on a Black Saturday. But this year, I broke my self-made rule and went to this humble resort in Pandi, Bulacan for some R&R. Anyway, I was with my Visita Iglesia buddies which somehow lessen my guilt. The idea came out of exhaustion from all the walk and were all surprised that it actually pushed thru despite the absence of formal planning. Actually, what made me and mi esposo agreed to join was the kiddos. It was Dos’ 1st swimming experience and Uno’s exposure as well.

We went to Villa Concepcion Wet and Wild Waves for a day swimming and had a great time. The resort offers 2 wave pools and 5 swimming pools plus 4 more pools at the annex. They charge P200/adult and P160/children (4ft above) and senior citizen (with ID). The staffs are very courteous and accommodating despite the huge crowd that day. The resort also offers great amenities like spacious parking space, team building facilities, basketball court, among others. 

Although the sun was scorching hot, the pool water was cool and refreshing. Uno had a great time with his Tatay and swam a lot. Dos on the other hand was overwhelmed by the cool water and cried inside the pool, I have to get him out immediately and wrap him in his robe. It’s the experience we’re there for, after all. 

The little boy did not enjoy as her Ate. 

He'd rather watch from afar.

She wants her independence. She doesn't want to be held. 

 
                      

Tatay and daughter bonding. 

V-Day Boo Boos

St. Valentine doesn’t actually exist, an officemate told me. He was just fabricated during the times when flowers and chocolates were not as saleable. I agree, Valentine’s Day is a manufactured occasion, but who cares? Giving surprises to our loved ones makes us happy. Gifts and thoughts make people happy. But what if your surprise backfired on you? Like these stories I know which all happened yesterday: 

 

Back to Sender: The wife loves throwing surprises, so on Valentine’s she made and effort to give her husband something that would help him complete his project. She presented and organized the gift perfectly, and excitedly asked somebody to give it to him. An hour later, the wife was surprised to receive the same thing from her husband, same gift in same presentation.

 

A Little Too Late: The husband is working abroad. The wife waited the whole morning to receive a greeting from him but since there’s none she made a stand not to greet first. Finally, the husband called late in the afternoon, during the call, the husband was waiting for her to thank him for the sweet gesture, but she did not. Some time later, a bouquet of flowers was delivered to the wife. Apparently, the delivery was scheduled early that day.

 

Shape Up: The kids was busy in front of the laptop the whole afternoon, the mother kept on telling them to turn it off and focus on other things, kids just ignored her. A little past bed time, the kids went near their mother holding the laptop, it was then that the mother broke her rage for her kids’ hard-headedness. Hesitant with fear, the kids handed her the laptop and asked her to see it. It was an audio-visual presentation for her, their Valentine’s gift.

 

All's well that ends well. Sometimes, bloopers make relationships more interesting. How’s my Valentine’s been? Well, I technically surprised myself, I’m not sure though if I made myself happy. haha     

Gossip Girls

I remember watching 1 financial analyst lectured on TV, to start he said: when the rich people get-together they talk about business and how to acquire more money, when the middle class meets they talk about gadgets and how they acquired it, when poor people sees, they talk about other people. Funny, but I think it’s not only the social class that prompts gossiping. It can be tracked from the idleness of a person. The less activity you do, the more time you have of watching others and putting colours into things. 

 

That is most common in a community set-up. Like in my place, my neighbors are always so gracious in updating me about our neighborhood. Weekends are my only time to bond with them but they make sure I’m not left behind. The most recent and the juiciest is the break-up of this young couple. It troubled me because they are close to the family and worst the reason for their break-up is something so hard to mend. Such a waste. 

 

Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot of stories in the office and it’s making me sick. I’m tired of listening to issues that’s beyond my control. I’m tired of commenting and sharing my piece. I’m tired of picturing somebody to fit the story. I’m tired of the fact that I have time to gossip.

 

I hate gossips. I don’t like talking about gadgets. And I’m not rich.  

Back to PC Games

I’m revisiting this old time PC game. We all went crazy over PC games before the game apps for Facebook took the gaming scene, didn’t we? There’s Tumblebugs and Feeding Frenzy, newer games like Plants VS Zombies and Angry Birds. But I am particularly reunited with Dinner Dash 2. Remember how Flo returns from Nirvana to help 4 fellow restaurant owners defeat the greedy tycoon, Mr. Big? That is my game. I remember before I used to finish all 5 levels in 1 seating and take note, all (as in all the stages of each level) with expert scores, that’s how good I am. *wink*

For those of you, who are not as “good” as me in playing Dinner Dash 2, let me give you these tips (these may also be applicable in any other dash and time management games). The 1st rule is not to PANIC. So what if the queue is long, so what if their satisfaction rate is diminishing, as long as the customers do not leave, you’ll survive. But you’ll only survive with the expert rank if you do the following: (1) seat customers according to their color. You’ll receive extra point (x2, x3, x4 of the score actually) if they are seated on the right color, plus their satisfaction rating will also increase by half heart. (2) repeated action also earns extra points, so to take orders, deliver food, and collect tips in a row. But remember it is important to keep your customer satisfaction level high. If the customer is in line, talk to them using the podium or use the waiting chair, once they’re already in their seats, offer them a drink or snack or entertain them with music. Be mindful of the upgrades, it is very helpful.

But those tips are only deemed useful for the story mode, the endless shift is a different story. I tried it just now and its giving me palpitation. I’m calling an ambulance to stand-by. Lol

Exciting Weekend

Thank God it’s Friday! Tomorrow is going to be an eventful day for mi familia. Aside from the fact that it’s a mother’s day again, we’re also going to be busy with 2 exciting celebrations. 1st we are going to the christening of mi esposo’s niece and he will stand as the godfather. Afterwards, we are going to witness the union of love in marriage of our friends/officemates/mi bebe’s godparents, where he (mi esposo) will stand as one of the groomsmen.

What’s more exciting is that mi esposo will drive the bridal car, yes he is the official bridal chauffer. He’ll be driving the family’s white SUV, so he didn’t mind. Anyway, I believe everyone is flattered to be of service in every wedding. I would have volunteered to be the on-site wedding coordinator if only there’s somebody to take care of mi bebe. But I’m sure mi espsoso will be the handsomest chauffer in his piña barong.

The most exciting part is, the wedding reception will be held at the La Cocina de Tita Moning, my dream restaurant! I’ve been longing to dine here but still haven’t convinced mi esposo just yet. Finally this is my chance.

Weekends are the perfect time for merriment.

Link Exchange

I am neophyte blogger. I’ve been blogging for merely a month or so. I thought of putting up a blog because I believe it is a proper venue for my thoughts to be voiced. I’d like to share my adventures and the knowledge I acquire as I take the journey to motherhood. I share here my happy thoughts and experiences which I hope the world will benefit. Alongside, I also would like to earn extra. I heard a lot that blogging may also be income generating. And I learned that to do this a blog must possess 2 things: 1) a niche and 2) a network.

I have the niche and I’m sure I’ll never go wrong with it. How can anyone be wrong in writing his own experience and learning? So, #1 requirement: Easy peasy! The real problem is the #2 requirement, especially to a newbie like me. It’s very difficult to build a network especially if you’re just a part-timer. But thanks to web-angel Google for giving me the solution.

I was searching over for mom blogs for possible link-ups when I came across BC Bloggers Secret. It is a network founded by Paula of www.mommydiary.net. She masterminded the creation of a Link Exchange Network, in that way no more begging for links, you will meet people willing to exchange links and everything to gain and nothing to lose.

I already joined, why don’t you? Joining is not so secret, you can follow the fast and easy steps here.

Party Girl!

I already told you I am lucky to be working with friends around, but I did not mention that we were actually 4 in the group, we were called the G-Girls (G stands for GGAO our office acronym). It was just unfortunate that she had to go for a chance to grow, career wise. We tried to talk her around but after sometime, we let her be. Who are we to hinder her growth? We still see each other every once in a while especially during family affairs. I am a godmother to her daughter and mi esposo is a self-proclaimed godfather (to be) to her son. I'd like to think we have a lot in common, we’re on the same age and I believe we're  on the same wave length. She’s witty and bitchy-sweet. She’s the only one capable of being brutally frank and funny at the same time. She’s a friend to her hubby, a cool and dedicated mommy, good sister and loving daughter all at the same time. I miss her, especially now that I’m raising a kid of my own. How I wish we can exchange notes on motherhood every lunch and snack times and coffee breaks and chitchat times and every time in between. She’s Val btw, and it’s her birthday. Happy birthday party girl!

Below is the tribute we played during her farewell lunch in the office.

Welcome February

Feb. 1 today, 1 month of 2012 had pass in a blink. As they say, before we knew it, it's Christmas again. Today, is my blog's half-monthsary too, can you believe it I survived! On that note, I would like to share what blogging has made me so far:

1) It got me hooked. And I’m nearing addiction. My mind is always on the compose mode, even in my sleep. I rarely talk, I barely listen to anything. My eyes are glued on the monitor. I’m always on the go when I eat, 1 cup of rice will only take me 5 spoonfuulllls to finish (new talent here). I am now planning to shift my career, from a full-time government employee/part-time blogger, to a full-time blogger/part-time government employee. Just kidding boss! Ofcourse, it's all in exaggerations. But blogging made me articulate and provides mind exercise. Freestyle writing is as challenging.

2) I gained fan base. Which mi esposo established (I think he is the only member too). He always read my posts and compliments me for my good writing (he’s my husband, what do you expect?). One time he told me “I like your post about me momma”, I said “Really? That’s my blog’s name (you *#4=$*!)”, he said “Ah, right, your latest post I mean”. He also supports me by listening to my ecstatic stories of success. On different scenario I told him I had 7 audiences from Russia, he said “Oh, that’s good. You’ll never know, this might be your chance to be famous, we can always migrate to Russia”. I just love mi esposo like that.

3) I’m web sociable. I now have guts to comment on blog entries, I am no longer shy to bare my identity and I already asked 3 of my favorite bloggers for exchange links and they all.. did not reply. No worries, I still don’t know how to put blog link on my page anyway. lol Let’s all take our time (but please somebody teach me how).

4) I'm a celebrity now. I found out that one of my posts was featured here. It's the OscarSeek Website as he describes his site, "Oscar likes to explore the internet and add his favorite topics to this website". Thank you for including my post in your site. As to how, don't ask me. I'm also as clueless, old time bloggers may criticize me and say its usual, but I'm not an old timer so its unsual to me.    

I’m in love with blogging now, I super enjoy it to the point that I forgot that my main motivation is to earn (I'll get to that sometime). As of press time, I turned down 2 ice cream invites.

Facebook Timeline

Seen below is my current profile picture on Facebook. This was taken during my MIL’s Christmas treat in Tagaytay last year.

my kids! =)

I heard from the news that Facebook is about to enforce the Timeline Setting to all its active social networkers. It is still optional until now, but on Monday, Timeline is going to be mandatory - read: the profile page we know and love will be totally revamped - whether we like it or not. Via the official Facebook blog, the site announced, “Last year we introduced timeline, a new kind of profile that lets you highlight the photos, posts and life events that help you tell your story. Over the next few weeks, everyone will get timeline. When you get timeline, you'll have 7 days to preview what's there now. This gives you a chance to add or hide whatever you want before anyone else sees it”.

People over the web make fuss about this, they say it exposes their entire networking history. They say, it reincarnates off pictures and posts that they might have wanted to forget. If you ask me, I also dislike Timeline, but that is just because I don’t like how it looks, to quote my friend, “it looks so Friendster-ish”, I do not like the photos screaming at your face and your whereabout is so stalker-friendly (I read that photo and albums can now be tagged with locations). Nice thing is that, Timeline comes with “hide” button. Which btw annoys me as well, I just don’t get why people post something that they really would not want to be seen. Users should be responsible with everything they post over these sites, once you post something, face it, it becomes public property, if you don’t want any comments and whatnots from seers, then don’t post, simple. I believe it’s the main reason why Facebook regulates the age of its users - R-E-S-P-O-N-S-I-B-I-L-I-T-Y. If I may barrow GMA 7’s tagline “Think before you click” – that sums it up.

Yes, I’m furious, did you feel it? That’s because we are not allowed to Facebook here in the office! How can we be friends, oh dear Timeline, if we’re restricted like that. :(  

Quiapo Day

In my opinion, Quiapo must be the busiest district in Manila. I remember my teacher back in HS said, “if you’re lost, go to Quiapo and you will surely find your way home”. Why not, every possible bound routes to that side of the metro. I technically grew-up in Quiapo, my school addresses there, it’s been my home for almost a decade, and it’s very proximate to where I work now. I love the place and proud of it, notwithstanding the bad impression people have on it. Quiapo taught me to be street-smart, it taught me brotherhood and camaraderie, to treat people with respect to be reciprocated. There’s beauty to that place if you only dared look at it.

But my teacher’s statement may also have different meaning. If you analyze it, it may also be read as “lost soul, pray at Quiapo Church and it will lead you back home”. As everybody knows, Quiapo is where the famous Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, or simply the Quiapo Church, houses. Devotees visit the Church to offer their burden and pray for intercession. This veneration was said started with Filipinos who identified themselves with the poverty and daily struggles and tribulations of Jesus, which the Black Nazarene represents. Every Friday, the Church offers novena to all devotees, it is also locally known as the Quiapo Day.

Today, Friday, Flo and I went to Quiapo. Well, how do you know? We went shopping. Didn't I tell you Quiapo is a bargain haven? So, we shopped - with our hearts out and 'til the last penny dropped. =)

TGIF! 

Birthday Girls

You can never have true friends in your work place, they say. That may be true at one point, because co-employees have interest and competing perspectives. But that does not apply to me. I’m one lucky person who has colleagues who can be considered true friends. And they just celebrated their respective birthdays this month.   

Born on the 13th - Flor/Flo (she writes her name that way): She's one of my HBBs, we met since forever. We live in the same village, our families know each other, classmates at Grade 1, separated for  awhile, and then back as classmates/seatmates/ chatmates/cheatmates/twins/triplets (with her real twin)/barkada/tropa from 1st to 4th year high. Separated in college, and reunited again when she recruited me (and mi esposo) to serve the country. As noble as it may sound, that just means officemates/IMmates/shuttlemates/tropa to us. =) I know, with the boyfriend around, this was her best birthday so far.   

cake blowing with the busy boyfriend at the side

Although not my officemate, another HBB - Liza, shares the birthday with Flo. How do you know, they're twins. lol

sharing birthday and the birthday cake with her twin

Born on the 17th - Lui: She's the sweestest. She's also a recruit of Flo, they're college friends. I'm just the luckiest to be working with her. We belong to the same division so we technically work together and we practically share everything here in the office (gossips included). She's my sister and my confidant and my kumare no doubt. With all the blessings she currently have, we still join her and her husband in praying for that one thing that will make them trully happy and complete.   



tiny cake for the lady with a big heart

Happy birthday sisters! And thank you for being around, you make work fun as play. =)

during the agency's 2011 sports festival



with our respective partners in our boss' office sala 



Baby Shower

My highschool best buds (HBB) are scheduled for a get-together this weekend. It's actually for our annual Christmas party, it’s long overdue I know, but it’s still better than never. =) Everybody seems to be pre-occupied last season to cause this delay, but at least it’s happening. Having said that, we the geniuses among the group, felt that we needed to come-up with "something" to cut down contribution expense (genius I told you) make it more meaningful. Since our HBBs’ wife is due on Feb. why not throw her a surprise Baby Shower? In that way, the couple will shoulder the food expense it would be more special for them as it will be their first born. They will be having a baby girl, and they're naming her Courteney Ysabelle Therese, nice right? 

Fidel (the daddy-to-be) initially wanted for a baby boy, he would joke that he would raise his son as a muslim to marry all of our daughters. Talking about karma this early, huh? lol Anyway, regardless of the baby's sex, the gang is still excited for the new addition to our 4A family. Here is the photo of the gorgeous mommy-to-be, Faith.



mommy-to-be Faith at her pre-natal photoshoot

Fidel took that photo above, he is btw a part-time - freelance photographer. He used to take photos as a hobby, he's earning extra for his passion now. Last year, he even ask mi bebe to pose for him to be included in his portfolio. Ofcourse, stage-nanay as I am, I gamely agreed (even if it would cause a little lump for mi bebe here and there). Mi bebe is still learning to sit by herself that time, she's only 7 months. Here are some of Fidel's shots:



 Other HBBs were also there to take mi bebe's photo, but I only choose to post photos from Fidel, since this is a mini-tribute for the parents-to-be. Some behind the scene photos: 



lightman cum clown cum alalay mi esposo with unpreggy (yet) Faith 

daddy-to-be Fidel showing me the raw footages of mi bebe

the HBBs (we're at CME, it's a swimming get-together cum photoshoot)



On Google Searchability...

After my first post (minutes ago.lol) I was so excited to search my, ehem, "blog URL" over the google (yes, I'm vain like that), but to my dismay, it didn't show up. So, I googled why. Oh, what a crazy world, I create over google, I search what I created over google, I can not believe that google can not give me what I searched for, so I asked google, I found the answer in google, and I trusted it. Hay google, you make the world go round... hahaha Anyway, as I was saying, yes, it says that "It can take up to four weeks." Yay! Four weeks, that's 1 month.. I cannot take this! It's like you have a christmas gift, but you cannot open just yet because it was given to you on January 1 and you have to wait for another 12 months 'till it's Christmas again to open it. Stupid!hahaha

This one's interesting, according also to my google quiry, a dead url may still be listed in Google search but "... it will eventually fade as Google index robots find nothing there". Cool! Robots to clean the cyber mess, bet it's so tired now. 

Oh, well, what else can I do but wait (to see myself in the cyber mirror).  

update: i am searchable now (after more or less 24hrs) hihi

I am a blogger now!

Yes, it's me and i am starting on a thing that is not so familiar with me. Well, if ever there's a lost soul, who by fate, found my blog, let me tell you something not so secret about me. I'm lazy! So making a journal is so different, so not me. I once attempted to blog during the hay days of friendster, but it just died after 5 posts (I think). But I must say that I like reading blogs, it's part of my office routine (you know what I mean.lol). Many of which I just stambled while googling and there are few I check on a regular basis. Maybe those few inspired me to create one. 

Earlier, over lunch, I told mi esposo about this, he just laugh it off (he knew me that well, I guess). But, let me tell you a little secret.. well my real inspiration is the earnings! bwahahaha I want to make money online. I know, (because I googled it) earnings will not be that fast and easy, it will take a lot of hardworks and dedication. It will not even make me a millionaire, but hey, I'm not in a hurry. :) For now, I will try to enjoy the stuff, educate myself in order for me to educate my readers (as if there is), and have fun!

Expect my post to be anything under the sun. It can be anything about my daily existence and anything that comes inside my brain and the things I can bravely share with everyone over the WWW. ;-)