Last Hurrah for the Year

Last December 8 (our wedding anniversary), we opened our laundry shop and beer store. It's a 24-hour services for laundry, beer sales and we also added a reloading station for Globe, Touch Mobile, Smart and Sun Cellular prepaid loads. Since there's so much space in the shop, I decided to trade Milk & Company clothes and bags. Lastly, to complete the business, we also sell Philippine Star and Philippine Daily Inquirer (outside the shop). The shop is located at Marlboro Street corner Commonwealth, Fairview, Quezon City. Hope to see you guys at the shop....

Milk & Company endorser, Mikee Cojuangco


more clothes


Milk & Company clothes


the manager


reloading station for smart, globe and sun cellular


the signboard


the shop at night time


the opening's streamer


the shop


beer prices


San Miguel beers

Christmas Entertaining

Host a hassle-free holiday gathering with these smart tips.


* Let the smells of Christmas hit your guests as soon as they arrive. Keep a pot of mulled apple cider on the stove so the first thing you smell is a delightful mixture of cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. You can also set up a "potpourri" in a slow-cooker. Toss some sliced oranges, cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg and allspice berries into some water and leave the slow-cooker uncovered on low.

* Plan in advance for what you'll need over a number of days. Make extra large batches of items like spiced nuts, salad dressing or gingerbread cake to save time later when hosting more informal celebrations.

* Buffets are a great way to manage feeding a crowd. Get as much done as you can the day before and focus on foods that can be eaten at room temperature so you can simply unwrap and serve.

* Whether you're eating at the table or buffet-style, focus on foods such as roasts or casseroles that take a while to cook, but won't require your constant attention in the kitchen.

* Solve your dessert dilemma by asking everyone to bring a batch of their favorite Christmas cookie (or pie or cake or trifle). Your guests can show off their best recipes and everyone will enjoy the variety.

Source: Food Network

My 100th Post

For my 100th post, just want to post things I've been wanting to blog about but found no time to do so the last few weeks, been busy with my new business venture and a guest who arrived from abroad. I only found the time to make a new post now. Here it goes....

100 THINGS ABOUT ME

1. I am a Piscean, born on March 18.

2. I have 3 sisters, no brother.

3. I grew up as a devout Catholic, studied in a Catholic school.

4. As early as 6 years old, I was already joining campaign sorties and rallies.

5. My favorite color is green and black.

6. Watermelon is my fave fruit.

7. I had a dog named Rambo and cat named Mings but they both got lost when we transferred to a new home.

8. Now we’re taking care of gold fish, dogs, cats and ducks.

9. I have wavy hair and have them straightened once a year.

10. I love Krispy Kreme donuts

11. I enjoy going to the spa and facial treatments.

12. I used to buy my clothes at Tokyo Fashion boutique, Woman, Landmark dept. store, Rustan’s and SM. Now I buy at bazaars or tiangge.

13. I enjoy eating at fine-dining restaurants and the carinderia as well.

14. I took up Communication Arts in college at the University of Santo Tomas.

15. I had my college practicum (tv production) at ABS-CBN.

16. There I have met my fave actress, the megastar.

17. Have encountered so many famous people in show business.

18. Grew up with lots of politicians visiting at home.

19. I enjoy staying at the Oakwood Premier Hotel but can also sleep at small apartelle or inn.

20. I take vitamin E, vitamin C and iron.

21. I had four caesarian operations.

22. I hate liars and social climbers.

23. Worked with 8 Senators and 2 Congressmen as Consultant

24. Served as Executive Secretary to a Senate President

25. Worked as Consultant to a City Mayor

26. I have very low tolerance to pain.

27. I cry when I have my facial treatments due to some pains in extracting white heads on my nose.

28. I have fear of heights.

29. I can drive real fast when alone in the car.

30. Love Danielle Steele novels when I was in college.

31. Read Sweet Dreams and Sweet Valley High during high school.

32. Enjoyed Nancy Drew in grade school.

33. I was a Girl Scout in grade school.

34. I hate CAT trainings in high school.

35. Loves to write essays

36. Have written a dozen stories for tv or movie

37. Joined theater groups in high school

38. I can’t swim.

39. Dream of traveling to Europe and Australia

40. I was bitchy when I was younger.

41. I hate to wait.

42. I can be a generous tipper when the service’s real good.

43. I’ve watched 3 movies a week during my college days.

44. Enjoyed playing baccarat in the casino before.

45. Flunked Statistics in college, ha ha ha

46. Had chickenpox when I was in college, that explains no. 45

47. I got into the Literature major because of no.45….

48. Pleaded with the University’s Rector so I can transfer to Communication Arts on the 2nd semester. He agreed.

49. Took up Marketing 1 and Marketing 2 at the same time, going to each class every 20 minutes…so as to finish college on time.

50. Enjoyed taking Spanish classes….

51. Would like to learn more the Spanish language…

52. When I was young, wanted to be a flight stewardess so I can travel for free, he he…

53. I was trained to be a newscaster at RPN 9 but when the chief assigned me to go to police stations and hospitals at night time, I didn’t go back to the training. Still dream of being one…

54. Wanted to have my own radio program…discussing current issues and parenthood….

55. Dream of going into politics…he he he

56. Waiting for the right time to take the bar…

57. Would like to open up a bakeshop, boutique and a spa-salon

58. Love the beach, would like to have a house near it…

59. Addicted to blogging and blog hopping

60. Loves my kids to the max….

61. I eat veggies, loves carrots, tomatoes, okra, squash…

62. I like to watch the sunset at the Manila Bay…

63. I like to take short trips to Tagaytay and Subic

64. I can easily make friends.

65. I love to shop and buy groceries.

66. I used to go to Baclaran on Wednesdays, St. Jude on Thursdays and Quiapo on Fridays when I was still single.

67. Attended Life in the Spirit Seminars (LSS) at the Loved Flock, Lord’s Flock, Spirit of Love and Emmanuel Catholic Communities…

68. I have so many clergy-friends…

69. Was active with the Legion of Mary in college…

70. I married a PMAer.

71. I had an uncle who was a general and a BIL who is also a general.

72. I grew up with lawyers, politicians and military men around.

73. I deposited my very first savings at Banco Filipino.

74. My grandmother also encouraged me to save and opened an account for me at Banco de Oro when I was younger.

75. I have Sanrio stationeries collection and have kept them since 1978. Now, I gave it all to my kids.

76. I’m a fan of Duran Duran, Wham, Madonna, Spandau Ballet and Tears for Fears before.

77. I love Frank Sinatra.

78. also likes to listen to Barry Manilow, Celine Dion, Toni Braxton

79. loves instant pancit canton

80. drinks Magnolia chocolait… (now, it’s Nestle)

81. I am not a jealous type.

82. feels so happy for other people’s achievements…

83. cries easily when watching Love Story (Ryan O’Neal movie)…

84. scared of cockroaches, earthquakes, fires….

85. fears of crossing busy streets/roads….

86. loves to wear sexy night gowns…

87. can eat like a pig…

88. loves kare-kare, bulalo and chicken adobo

89. don’t like the smell of quezo de bola

90. loves coffee crumble selecta ice cream

91. likes to eat suman with mangoes

92. looks forward to puto bumbong and bibingka after dawn masses

93. dream of having my own house (stay at hubby’s family home)

94. would like to see my country free from poverty and corruption

95. I always pray for my family and friends, departed relatives, and people I don’t know like the ofw’s, street kids, the sick, students, country and our leaders…

96. I go to confession every month when I was in high school. Now, I do it once a year.

97. I used to attend mass everyday (younger days) with my Mom and got real scared when the staff started closing the doors while my Mom’s still praying….

98. I’ve mentioned before that my Mom met my Dad in Congress while I also met my hubby at the Senate…

99. I would like to grow old (and still healthy) and see my grandchildren.

100. I would love to gain more true friends…


RANDOM PICS


i like my hair to look like this...


i love to live near the beach


my fave coffee bun, Roti Mum's



my fave jap foods, beef gyudon and shrimp tempura (pic taken at Yoshinoya)



my only son posing with toy cars at Toy Kingdom



niagara falls view from the top (taken in our Marriott hotel room)



kids at work

PINOY MOMS NETWORK FAM PICS: MESSY

my kids messy room


our messy ducks

Something Red- this is too late for the Photo Hunt but am posting just the same... red gifts under a very huge Christmas tree with red trimmings taken last year at the Mall of Asia




MORE AWARDS - ADVANCE CHRISTMAS GIFTS FROM FRIENDS
Lots of thanks and hugs to Julie, Cookie and Rachel....

My blogger-friend Julie gave this award, and lovingly stated, "Wenchie, for the inspiring emails and the thoughtfulness of sending these emails to me."



My fellow home schooler mom, Julie of Teacher Julie shared to me this award and said, "Wenchie thank you for the friendship, for your honesty in your posts and for your unwavering support."



Julie of Teacher Julie gave me back this award and kindly stated "Wenchie- She was one of those who visited and emailed me when I started my domain last October. Little did we know that her husband’s nephews were my former students, three of them to be exact. We became co-parents at the Catholic Filipino Academy, the homeschool services provider for our only sons, her Pio and my Julian.



Cookie of Scrooch Chronicles gave this award, my second...


Rachel of My Soulful Thoughts and Heart of Rachel shared me these two awards and remarked, "Rowena- A real gem of a friend that I have yet to meet in person. Her daily visits is something I always look forward to."









WEEKEND SNAPSHOT

Last Friday, I went out with hubby and some friends. After dinner at Pier 1, we proceeded to Ratsky Morato and watched some bands play. It's been some time since the last time I went out to a bar and had some fun....


True Faith Band soloist


True Faith Band


Brainchild Band

Tagged :: Love Chain
I was tagged by Rachel of Heart of Rachel to do the love chain. It’s a nice way of discovering new blogs and meeting interesting people.

This linky love trail rules: When you get tagged…you have to add your name next to people who had done the tag and and let the list grow!

Limadang.com
RamblingMoo.com
blogginginmypyjamas
StylewithPassion
Chinneeq
Dora-zooropazoo
Babyshern
HiPnCooLMoMMa
Rachel’s Soulful Thoughts
The Sweet Life

Let’s keep the list growing, so more and more people will discover our blogs. Let’s expand our readership and let others know that we exist! Now can we keep this going?

Now, I tag the following:

Scrooch Chronicles
Alone With My Thoughts
Finally My Journey
Gypsy’s Haven
Imomonline
Occupation: SAHM
Me and My Angel

Busy As A Bee

I had a very busy weekend.

Last Friday, November 23, me and my kids (Pio and Bea) attended Bo Sanchez's KERYGMA Conference at the ULTRA. My mom, sisters, aunts and grandfather were also there. It was a blessed night indeed. Fr. Gerry Orbos celebrated the Holy Mass. Then, Nolyn Cabahug and Dulce both sung an inspirational song. After them, there's a Praise and Worship led by a former teen idol, Adrian Panganiban (that's how he was described in our programme booklet) backed up by a group of teen dancers. In the community, we call them, dance ministry members. After a long, long time of absence in the Catholic Charismatic community, I felt so alive again and refreshed after the 1st day of the conference. Of course, the last part is a talk by Bro. Bo Sanchez, a very very articulate and passionate preacher. He heads the community where me and my family belong, the Light of Jesus Community. He is also behind the Catholic Filipino Academy, the homeschool provider of my only son and the publisher of various Catholic magazines (Kerygma, Mustard, Didache) and inspirational books (which are as always one of National Bookstores' best sellers). I really admire the guy, married to my college classmate.
Anyway, we went home very happy, feeling so blessed and inspired.

Saturday came, I went to my kids' school to get their report card. I was expecting something wonderful, true enough, my two girls' grades are all ok. They're in the top 5 of their class (30 students in each class). Am really so happy.

In the afternoon, at around 3:00 p.m. we left our place to go to Cainta to attend the 1st birthday celebration of the daughter of hubby's distant cousin who lives in Brookside Hills. Hubby knows it's near Golf Valley (Antipolo). He didn't realized there is another Golf Valley very near Sta. Lucia (Cainta area). So we found ourselves cruising Antipolo and stopped at the Spaghetti Home. After so many calls from hubby's cousin, we went back to Marcos Highway where there's a monster traffic ahead. We finally reached our destination at 9:00 p.m.. Imagine, we were stuck in our vehicle for about 6 hours. We ate as soon as we step inside the very elegant home of the birthday celebrant. My kids enjoyed the choco cupcakes and brownies plus lots of Hershey's chocolates on the tray (on the center table). Then hubby just watched the band playing for older guests. The program for the kids was over, my kids just stayed at the tv room. There, I rested and watched the Disney Channel show. A charming, old lady sat beside me on the couch. We started chatting. She is the grandmother of the celebrant (no relation to us). I was so engrossed with her stories on the Japanese occupation, I didn't notice we were talking for two hours already. Will post her story next time, as soon as I get her permission.

Come Sunday, I did all the house chores and attended mass with my kids. My Gabbie has a mass booklet where the priest can sign (as proof of her attendance in church). My kids are studying in a Catholic school. I find nothing wrong with it (the mass booklet), really wanted my kids to grow up morally upright and practicing all the teachings of the Catholic church.

Yesterday, Monday, after doing some paper works at the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), came across with a toddler (about 1 1/2 yr old) walking hazily in our street, I don't know if I will stop or drive because when I stop, she stops walking. Then, when I go on driving, she walks on my path. This is a busy road since our place is the way to the ecopark. Buses come and go. I decided to get the kid. No one else is around. She seemed lost. The toddler cried so loud and wiggled. She won't keep still. I carried her. I asked our neighbors who started to come out of their homes, if they know the child. No, they don't know her. I called the homeowner's roving patrol to check around for the kid's mother. After 15 minutes, the mother arrived. She's fuming mad, cursing the poor child, got hold of the kid and slapped her. The kid just embraced her and stopped crying. Then the mother just left. Without saying a word to me. I could have said you're welcome, instead, I kept quiet. I could have blamed her for not taking good care of her small innocent child. I just bit my lip. They live as informal settlers within our village and members of the small Muslim community here. I wonder how many mothers are as careless and as cruel as that one. My heart really bleeds for the kid. If I can only get the child and adopt her, I would. What would you do if you were in my place?

Riddles

I just found this in my computer files, a project of my 2nd grader kid. Since I can't think of what to post, my mind is so focus with the upcoming business venture, will just settle for these riddles while I think of a better subject, ha ha ha....Until my next post...still thinking here...

1. Can giraffes have babies?
No they only have giraffes.

2. How do rabbits travel?
by hareplane

3. What clothing does a house wear?
address

4. What shoes should you wear when your basement is flooded?
pumps

5. What kind of ties can't you wear?
railroad ties

6. What did the sock say to the foot?
You are putting me on.

7. Why are potatoes good detectives?
because they keep their eyes peeled

8. Why was the belt arrested?
for holding up the pants

9. What kind of eyeglasses do spies wear?
spy-focals

10. What do you call a funny book about eggs?
a yolk book

11. What do you get when you saw a comedian in two?
a half-wit

12. When is it dangerous to play cards?
when the joker is wild

13. What does the Invisible Man drink at snacktime?
evaporated milk

14. What kind of soda must you not drink?
baking soda

15. What part of your body has the most rhythm?
your eardrums

16. How does Mother Earth fish?
with North and South poles

17. Where is the ocean the deepest?
on the bottom

18. Where is the best place to see a man-eating fish?
on a seafood restaurant

19. What do whales like to chew?
blubbergum

20. What did the beach say when the tide came in?
long time no sea

21. What is a pickle's all time favorite musical?
hello, Dilly

22. What did one potato chip say to the other?
shall we go for a dip

Have Fun With Online Games

When I was still young I remember playing bingo with my aunts and grandmothers. We were laughing, teasing each other and we used potato chips, chocolate bars or nuts as our bets. There were times, we bet with our five centavo coins in each card. The winner would treat us to a nice snacks after the game. By the time I reached college, I get to play games again. But this time, inside the casino. To ease the tension and pressures from his hectic work schedules, my Dad would take time to unwind. He would fetch me from school, have dinner and play in the nearby casino. Of course, I am allowed to get in, I was already 18 at that time. There, I get to play blackjack, roulette, slots and baccarat. I love it when I win and I usually win especially at the baccarat table. The card dealers would just sigh when I get my winnings. When I got married, hubby and I would occasionally visit a casino. And we have good lucks too especially when I was pregnant. We played in a non-smoking room and we just stayed there for half an hour. We were just playing for fun. Nice to reminisce those times. Now, in the advent of the internet, I found out to my delight that there's an online casino where one can actually play, bet and get his winnings through the net. Am sure those who like to play cards and at the same time dislikes the smoke and the noise inside the casino would welcome this activity in the confines of their own home, where else but the online casino. Playing online games can be lots of fun as long as we exercise caution and self-control.

Are You A Psychic?

I saw this post at Darlene's blog, since I've been drawn to the paranormal and psychic things like seeing my dreams actually happening, reading people's minds, experiencing deja vu and others, I decided to take the quiz. And I got this score,

You Are 100% Psychic

You are so very psychic. But you already predicted that, didn't you? You have "the gift" - and you use it daily to connect with others. You're very tapped into the world around you... Just make sure to use your powers for good!

Are You Psychic?

Garage Floors

Since I stay at my hubby's family home which is about thirty years old, the garage does not look so good. There are oil stains on the floor and it is not a real good sight especially when it rains. Hubby and I are thinking of changing our garage floors. I needed something nice to look at and at the same time, safe for my kids for they play often in our garage. I am thinking of conrete garage floors with designs that is somehow similar with the house design. One which does not easily cracked, can be cleaned swiftly and sturdy enough to withstand the changing weather.

Setting Up A Business

When I was still a small girl, I would dream of having my own business. I started trading my stationeries and stickers, selling them at five centavos each to my grade school classmates. In high school, I lend my pocketbooks for a fee. When I was in college, a classmate encouraged me to sell Avon products and earned 25% from every sales I made. The earnings I got I also bought the products for myself. I felt so satisfied earning on my own though I never told my parents about it. I know my Dad wouldn't approve it back then. One time, he caught my sister and her Paulinian classmates working at the newly opened Jollibee Landmark branch, my sister tendered her resignation the next day. He wanted us to study first, then work later after we graduate. So when the time comes to do business again, I was ecstatic. I joined tiangge (bazaars) in Greenhills even manning the store with a friend. Then, I produced movie premiers. I also got into lots of multi-level marketing schemes like Forever Living, Lifestyle, Amway, Pi Water, First Quadrant, E-card and the one selling expensive kitchen wares (can't remember the name), just because I can't say no to my friends who invited me to join those companies. Unfortunately, I didn't earn from any of them. When I got married, hubby and I ventured into the construction and printing business, we also traded computer units, branded clothes, jewelries and seafoods. And I can say we earned from those ventures. Now, we are opening up a new business. I would like to share how a new entrepreneur could go about it.

These are the steps in setting up a new business:

-think of the business you would like to engage with, the products or services you're going to offer, the market for such business

-write down a list of business names so you have choices in case some names are already registered

-go to the Department of Trade and Industry (Highway 54 NCR Office, infront of SM Megamall) for business name registration (for single or sole proprietorship or partnership) or to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) if you're setting up a corporation. The DTI certificate of registration can be issued on the same day you applied for it. For new business name registration, fee is P300.00. The registration certificate is valid for 5 years.

-if you're renting the place of business, secure a contract with the lessor. If you own the place, provide proof of ownership.

-secure a barangay clearance

-go to the City Hall and apply for a Business Permit and License

-City Hall BPLO staff will visit your place for site inspection, make sure you have fire exits and a fire-extinguisher in your business place/location

-once you have your business permit, secure a BIR registration. The Bureau of Internal Revenue office would provide BIR receipts to be used for the business operations.

-secure SSS registration/application as an employer and SSS applications for your staff if you have any

-when all of these things are accomplished, you can do business....

Goodluck to those who are thinking of going into entrepreneurship.

Kids' Partying

Last Sunday, we (kids and I, without a nanny in tow) attended two children's parties. One is a ball for my friend's daughter, Julienne, who turned 7 years old. It was held at the Penthouse of Tektite Towers in Pasig City. Gabbie and Bea wore their gowns because the invite states there's a prize for Best Costume, though we didn't know who won because we have to leave for another party. The kids happily joined the games and partook the very sumptuous banquet prepared by their caterers. Pio won prizes too when he volunteered twice when the magician asked for one. I am amazed how my boy (who is homeschooling) has totally overcome his shyness in gatherings like this where there's quite an audience. I think the giveaways have something to do with it, ha ha. Last stop is another birthday party at Shakey's Katipunan for the 1st birthday celebration of Tracy, lovely daughter of another college friend. Since we are all so full, we were given take out foods (pizza, chicken and spaghetti) and of course the lootbags. My kids had a really great time partying. Take a look at some pics.


the skyscrapers


the ortigas complex


another view from the top


the birthday celebrant


Nicole enjoying the sorbetes


more magic tricks


Gabbie wearing her gown


the magician doing some tricks with Pio as a volunteer


cotton candies


pio's paint


Bea posing for the camera


kids joining the boat is sinking game


my college friend Au with Pio at Shakey's Katipunan


the take-out food from Shakeys

Photo Hunt

Join the hunt here

I LOVE MY KIDS



I love my kids more than anyone or anything else in the world. I am so thankful that the Lord has blessed me with four adorable kids. They're the love of my life.