aLL SaiNt's DaY '09

Benguet, having been devastated by typhoons made its products expensive and even decrease in quantity. The most famous among them are the different flowers being planted in La Trinidad. The effect? Flowers here (lowlands) are very pricey and there are lesser options to choose from. As for me, I am lucky that one of our customers own a flower stall so I just ordered one from him at a reasonable price.



Upon entering Good Shephered Cemetery, I noticed that there are lesser people as compared last year. I cannot really tell the reason why but there are some possible scenarios. One is, October 31 is a Saturday so a lot of working people had the time to visit earlier. I even remember one of our neighbors at the cemetery since they start their visit a day before November 1. They bring almost everything there. From foods to appliances! It is so fun to see them making the occasion a family reunion to look forward to every year. Also, some people from far places may have canceled their visit due to the typhoon Santi. Just two days before the occasion, we experienced some rains and heavy winds. This is also a reason why others thought of just staying at home instead of going to their respective provinces.

But on the other hand, the advantage is that there was an improved peace and order situation not just here in Pampanga but also in Metro Manila. People are more disciplined and policemen are more vigilant. I was watching the tv when I learned that even belts with buckle are not being allowed inside the cemetery. Funny but its true since it can also be used as a weapon.

One thing that was new to me here in Pampanga is the visibility of not just policemen but also Fire Marshalls. There was a table for PNP and the other one is from the Bureau of Fire Protection. There was free medical check up set up to help injured people. You can even have your BP checked while inside the cemetery. Cool, huh??!

I just hope that every year the situation keeps on improving so that no one will get hurt and everyone gets to enjoy. Well, we just need some practice I guess! :)

a Man oF GoD

When I was in college (about a decade ago), I started collecting books. And since I was just a student at that time, I can only afford second hand books. My fave author then was Danielle Steel and I was buying her novels for 90php at a second hand book store. Since every penny was important, I took care of all the books I bought. Until now, I have my Danielle Steel collection at my improvised book shelf at home.

When I became older, I decided to collect another type of book. This time, I love buying inspirational/spiritual books. One time, I came across a writer who is very inspiring. His name is BO SANCHEZ. The first book I've read was entitled You Can Make Your Life Beautiful. Guess where I got it! I just saw it in one of the rooms at home and the owner is even unknown
(lucky me). So, I took hold of the book (without permission from whoever the owner is) and started reading it. I eventually loved it and started looking for more of his books. That is when I started collecting. Then, I got the Thank GOD He'S the Boss and Fill your Life with Miracles. Every page of his book is worth every penny! Each book has short stories where you can relate and reflect in your own. It's like Bo is just sitting beside you and telling a lot of stories. That is how personal his books are. HE is indeed the instrument of the LORD guiding us all the time.

After reading some of his books, I have learned not just his personal experiences but also what he does for others. Bo is not just a writer. He is also a servant of the LORD and the people. Bo is the founder of several organizations wherein the only goal is to serve the LORD by helping the less fortunate ones. He is a man of many missions.

One time, as I read the last page of his book I have seen an ad where he was asking for help so he can continue his missions. By buying some of his works, you are able to help different charitable institutions and organizations. Bo is writing books, magazines and even preach to different parts of the country and other countries. So, by buying books or magazines, you are helping a lot of people to live.

So, I tried to subscribe to their Kerygma magazine for 2 years. I will be receiving 24 issues and my first two issues had some freebies! I got a nice rosary bracelet and a book for Bo.

Just want to share them to you :

i Just Love 'Em!

My hubby and I went to SM yesterday to buy some stuff for him. We went around the new department store looking for some things. It was so nice since it was newly renovated. Eveything is in order and it seems very spacious. The lighting is also perfect but the floor is so slippery. But then, I can say that, now, it is way far better than the old style.

We were so lucky to find hubby's stuff is such a short time. Originally, I have no plans of buying anything until we came across the ladies' footwear. My fave spot is the one for "big sizes" since I was born with an extra inch on both feet :) I was about to leave when I spotted a pair of shoes in one corner! It suddenly winked at me! My attention was diverted and so I have no choice but to try it. It was perfect so I went home with an additional pair for my collection.

It was worth it! I love them!

tYpHooN oNdoY

Just wanna share some photos taken here in our place - Sn fernando. Pics were taken yesterday- SUNDAY at around 745AM.

infront of McDo

inside the branch

at around 130 PM while going home

at our backyard

infront of Sn Fernando Cathedral

Friends, let us all pray for all the affected families in our country. We may not be able to help financially, but our prayers will go along way.

d CreW

Just want to share our recent pic. It was taken from the office.
(L-R) Jean who is the manager, me and Mommy Glo.

I MissEd iT!

It was more than a month since I last visited and updated this blog. grrrr!!!

It's not that I was lazy or busy, rather, the dsl connection went totally bad and crazy!
For more than 10 days, we had no connection. We kept on reporting it to PLDT but their CSRs kept on saying the same thing.
"The connection was affected by the global problem blah blah blah. " We really got tired and so after more than 2 weeks, the connection was slowly restored. And to our surprise, it was not like before. It is slower now compared before and I really felt bad.

I missed playing Restaurant City and YoVille. In addition, my emails went unread. Friendster went idle as well as Facebook.

What would life be without internet? Can you imagine that?How dull could it be?

For now, I just need to bear with it. Though it is slower than usual, I really have no choice.
But we are starting to look for other options like Cable or maybe upgrade.

I am really glad that I am back! I can say, with a vengeance :)

UnOrDiNarY FeeLing

I've been restless lately. I don't understand what I feel right now. I've been an introvert. Yes, a total anti social freak. A "KJ" as they say it.

I've been receiving several invitations from friends lately. But, I haven't accepted any. I am having second thoughts since my worry is, I might just ruin the good mood. I am not in the mood for any social gathering. I just wanna be with myself. I think what I need are - personal reflections and soul searching. I think I lack peace of mind aswell. Huh! I am really in dilemma.

Just a few minutes ago, I have asked for forgiveness from a friend. I know I might miss her special day- birthday celebration. I am looking into options. I may accept it, but I am worried that the outcome will be bad. On the other hand, I may not accept it but what will my friend feel? I might hurt her. So, which is the lesser evil?

This is really hard for me. I just do not know why this is happening. What should I do?

Until now, I haven't thought of answers. Maybe I will follow what the late Cory Aquino always say "Magdasal kana lang."

a ForCed diEt :(

It's been two weeks now since my dentist installed my braces (brackets). It is really indeed painful! I can't eat solid foods spec. the hard ones. Right now, my best friend is congee/arrozcaldo/rice porridge. My dentist said that it will take 2-4 weeks before I get used to it. (Well, I just hope that I will lose weight)

**** (from Wikipedia)****

Dental braces (also known as orthodontic braces, or simply braces) are a device used in orthodontics to align teeth and their position with regard to a person's bite. They are often used to correct malocclusions such as underbites, overbites, cross bites and open bites, or crooked teeth and various other flaws of teeth and jaws, whether cosmetic or structural. Orthodontic braces are often used in conjunction with other orthodontic appliances to widen the palate or jaws or otherwise shape the teeth and jaws.

**** **** **** **** ****

In my case, I was forced to wear once since my lower set of teeth started to drift apart. It started with a missing tooth and now, some started to move. Too bad that I still need to go through this pain! Not just that, it is also expensive :( Anyway, I was informed that it will only take me 16 months for the ortho treatment. But after that, I still need to wear retainers.

I will continue to be patient I guess. Soon, I can eat what I want.

YeLLow CaB DaY!

Hubby and I always wanted Yellow Cab for a pizza. We never got saturated with the New York taste of it. We love the thin crust and the delicious toppings!

One time, we decided to try a new stuff the lady offered. It is called Charlie Chan Chicken pasta. At first glance, it is not that enticing. But we still ordered one since it is something different. Good thing that we really got satisfied. I really recommend that you try it too!

Here is how it looks :

Main ingredients : chicken, spaghetti noodles and peanuts


our fave pizza : New York's Finest

wHat Do I rEaLLy MisS?

Whenever I go online, I suddenly feel sad. I am not sure why I feel this way. Maybe I just miss some old stuff.

I used to sit in front of my pc for several hours, writing blogs, surfing, chatting and connecting to friends in different ways. Now, I seldom do it since I am working the whole day. Once I reach home, all I wanna do is to rest while watching TV or sleep right away.

I am now living a simple yet happy life. But sometimes, I can't remove some thoughts about my old life. When I was still in the call center industry, I have a lot of time going to malls, watching movie, have enough money to go shopping and buy whatever I want.

Right now, I have stopped my credit card usage. I seldom go shopping. I have trimmed down my expenses. I am earning a little. But then, am I happy? Yes, I am! In addition, I have learned a valuable thing - the value of saving. I am now spending within my limit. I may not have the capacity to buy luxurious stuff anymore, but deep inside me I am contented. I have done all those before. So now, all I wanna do is to enjoy and love what I do for a living. That is what's important right now.

HaPi 1st BdaY XySy!

with my niece on her special day

with MOm and Mamang (3 generations) :p

Alejandro family

JuSt OnE NigHt!!!

me at the nice lobby

It was one elegant Saturday night to remember! May 23, 2009 was the wedding date of our close pals Binoe and Cons. Though I still had to work that day, we still managed to attend their special day. A day to remember for the rest of their lives...

It was a very formal and elegant occasion so we really have to dress up! I managed to look for a very simple dress to match the event and same with hubby. Though we were not able to witness the main event at the Clark Chapel, we were still lucky to catch up at the reception (Jasmine Hall, Fontana). We seldom dress like this but it was worth it! :)

NeW fWeNs

During my 2 week training in Cubao, I've gained a lot of friends. Cool friends, I can say :) Good to know that they were also cam addict like me hahaha We were 8 in Rm 703 from North and South Luzon area. Just wanna share some of our funny shots!

at the training room during our last day (Nosebleed day due to the long exam)

before going to the USSC Head oFfice

with our body guards (peace!)

during our day off (feeling bored)

feeling cute lahat!

where is the other body guard??? hmmm

while waiting for the exam

Miss you, guys! Hope to see you soon :)

Our CooKb0oK eXpeRieNce

it was such a blessing for us to be able to celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary with the sun peeping out. after several days of heavy rains, i prayed for a sunny day on our anniversary. last friday was a memorable day for both of us. it's been three fruitful and lovely years together.

we visited the Carmelite Monastery in the morning and had lunch at a resto nearby. it was our first time to eat at Cookbook Kitchen. it was another nice experience which is now part of our good memories.

just want to share some shots inside the resto (while waiting for the foodie) :p

with my Nee

nee's foodie
(CBK chicken)

this is mine!
(Parmesan crusted white fish)

super salad

white and red tea

nice ambiance

the owner of my heart

savoring the food

iM baCK!!!

i was out for a two week trng held at the USSC Main Office in Cubao. it was a tough training but i really enjoyed it. we stayed at Fernandina 88 Suites hotel the whole duration of the training. i experienced a very busy Manila life. the hotel is located infront of Ali Mall, beside SM Cubao and near Gateway and Farmer's. staying beside these malls is cool but of course, very costly. one good advantage is that, it is accessible to the commercial area and on the other hand, it entails a higher cost of living.

before i left, i was praying about my whole stay. i was asking for nice room mates, good training and nice environment. all my prayers were answered! we were eight (8) in a two bedroom suite and all of us came from the Luzon area. the other room was occupied by Visayas and Mindanao peeps. two of my roommates came from Pangasinan, two from Batangas, two from Laguna, one from Cabanatuan and me. most of them are younger than me and i became their eldest sister. our relationship was good and harmonious. even the two guys from the other room were nice and gentlemen.

we never stopped taking pictures. we had a lot from the bedroom, living room and even at the classroom. i will be posting the pics later.

the training itself was fine. discussions were lively and very informative. modules were delivered in a manner that everyone can understand.

my first week was slow but when the final week arrived, it was so fast that we do not want to go on separate ways. our final exam was tough. there were a lot of manual computations, comprehension of policies and hands on exam. we took the exam for a whole day. yes! i did not exaggerate it okay? it's true! we started the exam at around 9AM. we were lucky to take the computation part first. by 12 noon, we have not finished the written exam. it was a 5 part-exam! finally at around 3 PM, i passed my paper and started the hands on exam. it also took me around 4 hours to finish all the commands. at 7 PM, hubby was already calling asking if i will go home that night. so, i finished everything since i was so excited to go home hahahha

the goodbye part was the most difficult. we were sad to part ways but excited to be back at home and start our career. some of my batchmates started working yesterday, others today and some (including me) tomorrow. i feel like it is my first day on my first job. this is totally different from a call center so i have an exciting feeling. i hope everything goes well for me.

i am now trying to fix all the pics taken and hopefully i can post them tonight. my new friends are all waiting to see our pics.

siLenT m0De ...

Since it is Holy Week, I decided to lie low to my internet life. I planned of resting from mundane activities and be back to basics. As the priest (from the TV mass) said earlier, all we need to do now is to be back to simple things and remember what GOD did for us.

HOLY Week is not only about remembering what happened thousand of years ago. As we think of God's sacrifice for all of us, we should also act and do some good deeds. Being sincere in our act of contrition and helping less fortunate ones are some ways to show our sincerity.

This year's Holy Week is the most meaningful for me. I just want to share some things (and I hope you won't find me boastful) which I am proud to have accomplished. I started this week with a very good activity. Thanks to my friend, Ferds who started a Feeding Program for less fortunate children. Since it is his birthday, he thought of sharing his blessings to others. He may not be rich, but in his own simple ways he reaches out to others. I am very blessed to be part of his mission and we visited Sta Lucia Resettlement which is a far place somewhere in Mauaque. Though the travel was quite long, it was worth it since we were able to feed more than 200 persons which includes children and adults. We gave out chicken arrozcaldo, boiled eggs and juice. Our mission started at 9AM and ended at 5PM. It was a whole day affair but I felt restless. And to all the vounteers namely Ces, Deb, Renz, Sai, Ate Kai and of course Ferds I want to thank you all for sharing a memorable day with me.

** Photos will be posted soon **

********

Yesterday, I was able to have a one on one confession. Previously, I was doing it on my birthday but this year, I thought of joining the Lenten Season Confession. I arrived at the Cathedral at around 7Pm and to my surprise, I saw 3 long lines. While waiting for my turn, I was observing the people inside the church. There was a short procession (which I was not aware of) attended by a few persons. The church was so solemn and very conjucive for confession. After almost an hour of waiting, I was the one next in line. It was more of a personal confession since you are in face to face with the priest. It was not the conventional confession inside the confession box. Priests are facing the altar and the person is seated beside him. It was a short confession for me since I already know what to tell the priest. After around 10 minutes, I was given the absolution and the chance to talk to HIM with all my heart. I felt relieved and forgiven after that. So, before I slept I prayed again thanking HIM in giving me such a chance to repent.

********

Tomorrow is the most awaited Good Friday. As a yearly tradition, there will be a long procession. This year's procession is more organized since they are asking people to wear black shirts (for men and women) and skirt for women. Unlike before, you can wear anything but this year it is more conservative. Sleeveless and spaghetti straps are not allowed as well as shorts. Aside from this, it is also my husband's tradition to visit their relatives in Sta Lucia where a lot of foods are being prepared. That includes our favorite okoy and other foods except meat. Relatives from other places also visit so it becomes a yearly reunion.

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By the way, my long awaited training starts on April 13-24, 2009. I think I will not have an internet life since I will be focusing on my training. It will be a 2 week training and I won't be able to go home during week ends. I have started packing my things so I won't forget some stuff. Since it will surely be a busy day on Monday (due to people going back to Manila), I will be leaving on Sunday to be more relaxed by Monday.

mY faVe BooKs

Recently, I've been reading a lot. There are several reasons why I do this. Since I am not yet working, I make sure not to make my mind idle. Reading is one way of learning while at home. It also kills boredom. Once my hubby fell asleep, I have no one to talk to but my pc and my books. Reading keeps me busy and at the same time gives me a lot of knowledge. And the most important reason is, I get inspiration from books.

I have listed some of my favorites.


Author : Ru dela Torre
Topic : This book is dedicated to all teens who want guidance. There are a lot of inspiring stories and quotes here that will really help teens and younger people in their daily spiritual lives. Most of all, there are bible verses which can help a person follow the right path.
Dedicated to : Young adults and teens


Author : CityLand Foundation Inc. and OMF Literature Inc.
Topic : This book contains 31 brave manifestations from people whose faith were reborn after experiencing trials and obstacles in life. These people stood up for the Lord even after committing mistakes which even came to the point of not believing in GoD.
Dedicated to : People who are losing hope because of all the trials experienced and mistakes committed.



Author : White Stone Books
Topic : This book contains life changing stories of couples who really worked hard to live with their faith through God's way. All the stories are inspiring which will help each couple to be stronger and make God the center of their relationship.
Dedicated to : Couples who are struggling and those who wants to make their relationship more stable.


Author : Robert Fulgrum
Topic : This book contains several stories which will inspire all of us. These were stories from the author's own experiences. Simple and short stories yet gives us lessons which we can apply in our every day lives.
Dedicated to : People who are young at heart



Author : Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Hanoch McCarty and Meladee McCarty
Topic : This book contains inspiring stories about love, kindness, parenting, teaching and learning, death and dying, perspective, overcoming obstacles and eclectic wisdom. This is one of best books (for me) since each story leaves us something which we can apply in our daily lives and with our interaction with people.
Dedicated to : People who needs inspiration through other person's stories



Author : Bo Sanchez (This is the first inspirational book that I have read. This is a type of book which you want to read from cover to cover.)

Topic : All the stories were properly chosen and very inspiring. It really makes life easier and more optimistic. The stories in this book were actual experiences of the author. Stories which he encountered in his daily life where God worked in mysterious ways.
Dedicated to : People who needs proof that GOD works in our daily lives

ApriL FooLs DaY!!!

Today is the first day of the month - April. I have decided to research a little to see how this day all began. Read along for the details that you might find helpful.

April Fools' Day or All Fools' Day, although not a holiday in its own right, is a notable day celebrated in many countries on April 1. The day is marked by the commission of hoaxes and other practical jokes of varying sophistication on friends, family members, enemies, and neighbours, or sending them on fool's errand, the aim of which is to embarrass the gullible. Traditionally, in some countries, the jokes only last until noon: like UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa, someone who plays a trick after noon is called an "April Fool".^[1] Elsewhere, such as in Ireland, France, and the USA, the jokes last all day.

The origin of April Fools' Day is obscure. One likely theory is that the modern holiday was first celebrated soon after the adoption of the Gregorian Calendar; the term referred to someone still adhering to the Julian Calendar, which it replaced. In many pre-Christian cultures May Day (May 1) was celebrated as the first day of summer, and signalled the start of the spring planting season. An April Fool was someone who did this prematurely. Another origin is that April 1 was counted the first day of the year in France. When King Charles IX changed that to January 1, some people stayed with April 1. Those who did were called "April Fools" and were taunted by their neighbors.^{[citation needed]} In the eighteenth century the festival was often posited as going back to the times of Noah. An English newspaper article published on April 13th, 1789 said that the day had its origins when he sent the raven off too early, before the waters had receded. He did this on the first day of the Hebrew month that corresponds with April. A possible reference to April Fools' Day can be seen in the Canterbury Tales (ca 1400) in the Nun's Priest's tale, a tale of two fools: Chanticleer and the fox, which took place on March 32nd.

Source : http://en.wikipedia.org

My B-DaY WisHes

I'm still excited to accomplish this tag from Mommy Aids though I just had my birthday two weeks ago. Well, I really did not have the time to think of the things/gifts I want so this is my moment haha


The Rules

1. Make a list of what you want for your Birthday.
2. The list should be 10 numbers.
3. Include the image of this Award on your Post.
4. Give it to 10 Friends of yours.

My 10 birthday wishes are:

1. A domestic trip with hubby and friends to one of the nice tourist spots (with a plane ride!)
2. A good and bright career with my new employer
3. To be with my brother and the whole family this Christmas
4. A cute and nice house of our own
5. A lifetime relationship with my close friends
6. Be able to paint our room to put glow into it
7. A relaxing foot and body scrub with hubby
8. A summer get away with berks/close pals
9. A romantic dinner with hubby
10. Just like everybody else, good health and long life for all my love ones

I am passing this tag to Leley, Jules, Rome and Matt
PS : Hope we can have a longer list next time :)

a LittLe SaCriFiCe gOes a LoNg wAy ...

Four days ago, I received a call from my friend. She told me to start processing my requirements so I can start with my new job. I was so excited since its been a few months since I resigned. I really want to finish everything so I sacrificed my special day. Would you believe that I was having my pre employment physical exam exactly on my birthday? hahaha

I really felt so productive yesterday. I was walking here and there under the heat of the sun. When I reached to the last step - general check up, I was diagnosed to be hypertensive. What? I can't believe that I have 150/110 BP! I told the doctor that I was walking under the sun and was tired that time. After a few minutes, she asked me to have my BP checked again. For the second time, the assistant started to pump the valve and was surprised that my BP even got higher. This time, it was 160/110. I can't believe it! All this time, I thought I have maintained my normal BP which used to be 120/90. So, the doctor had no choice but to give me some maintenance meds. Until now, I am having second thoughts if I should take them or not. At the age of 28, I don't wanna be like the old persons taking maintenance meds for hypertension. So, my plan is this. I will monitor my BP for another day just to check if it will remain at 150/110. If not, then I am off the hook :) But, if it is still the same then I think I have no choice but to take my meds. Poor me!

GOD is really good. HE always answer my prayers. My unemployed status came to an end. Anytime soon I will start my training at Western Union. This is a new environment for me but an additional experience. I just hope and pray that I can be good in whatever tasks to be given to me.

HoW i SpeNt mY bDaY

Today is a special day for me. 28 years ago, my Mom gave birth to me at our old house in Arayat.
I am very thankful that I have come this far despite of all the hardships that I have experienced in life. This day is far different from my previous birthdays because of two reasons. First, the prayer request that I have asked for was granted. I am very glad to let everyone know that I already found a new job. A job which I think will make me happier. Second, I was very productive the whole day. All I did is to process my pre-employment physical exam. I did not stop until all the requirements are finished. Good thing that at the end of the day, I got everything fixed. But it was really very tiring!

Yesterday was my cousin's birthday celebration and it was her Debut. Due to the crisis, we decided to just celebrate three birthdays in a day hahaha. I bought a cake and had our own picture taken with our age on it.

Here's my only pic :)

( oh, i forgot to hide my age LOL)

my brother who will turn 20 on the 16th

my cousin who just turned 18

and the bday celebrants

The celebration was very simple but what's important is that, it was memorable!