10 Random Things About Pio Miguel

I was tagged by Rachel to do this meme, a tag for my son Pio. We enjoyed doing this tag together. Here's what we've got:



Pio is an only son.


celebrated his first birthday (October 18, 2003) at home


the narra tree Pio planted on our farm.


Pio rides his bike every morning as his exercise.


likes to bum around bookstores


likes carbonara so much


He would like to be a professional car racer and a lawyer when he grows up.


Pio is homeschooling, currently enrolled at the Catholic Filipino Academy.


likes to pose for pictures



Pio is fond of riding cars at Timezone arcade

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

What Wenchie Means

You are very charming... dangerously so. You have the potential to break a lot of hearts. You know how what you want, how to get it, and that you will get it. You have the power to rule the world. Let's hope you're a benevolent dictator! You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals. You are very open. You communicate well, and you connect with other people easily. You are a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from your mind. A true chameleon, you are many things at different points in your life. You are very adaptable. You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out. Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia. Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Mommies Nite Out

Last Friday, we, mommy-bloggers went to another dinner get-together. This time, we tried the newly opened Italian restaurant named Bellissimo (which means very beautiful). The restaurant, which is managed by Cesar Montano's daughter Angela, takes up two apartment units along Scout Castor street corner Tomas Morato Avenue in Quezon City. The food was great, staff are friendly, the place is cozy which just perfect for endless chats. By 10 p.m. we have to leave the resto because my bodyguard (my only son, Pio) is sleepy already. Anyway, we all had fun.


the wine cellar


the pizzas, which are baked in a brick and wood-fired oven, thus preserving the authentic Italian flavor


the resto


with Bellissimo owner, Cesar Montano


mommies posing by the wine cellar


mommies nite out (Cookie, Chats, moi, Julie and Lynn)



mommies chats and cookie



my son busy with his food



Pio's choice- seafood pasta



four seasons' pizza



cookie's pick - seafood pasta


chat's choice- pasta montano


julie's pick - carbonara (with chicken)

MD 101

The little things are the big things.
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say
"I love you" at least once a day.
It is never going to sleep angry.

It is at no time taking the other for granted;
the courtship should not end with the honeymoon,
it should continue through all the years.

It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together facing the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude
of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy.

It is speaking words of appreciation and
demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is not expecting the husband to wear a halo
or the wife to have wings of an angel.



It is not looking for perfection in each other.
It is cultivating flexibility, patience,
understanding and a sense of humor.

It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.
It is finding room for the things of the spirit.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.

It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal,
dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal.
It is not only marrying the right partner,
it is being the right partner.

Share this with all the married folks you know!!
and those thinking about it too!!

How to Give a Great Kiddie Party

Can your child’s party be a success without having to spend the money that should go to his tuition? It is possible to set up an old-fashioned, homemade party – with games, prizes, cake, ice cream and hats – without finding yourself wrung out at the end, as long as you design a party that matches your child’s level of development and encourages children’s active participation. What’s more, a home-made party will certainly cost less and have a more personal touch.

Limit the number of guests. The younger the child, the fewer the guests. Large groups of children tend to over stimulate one another in a party situation.

Plan a series of activities. To assure the smooth flow of the celebration, don’t leave chunks of unfilled time. That’s when children run amok. For instance, play few games, do an easy project, eat, and then end with something quiet-like a song or a story. Older children enjoy a special outing before heading back for the cake and ice cream, such as bowling or biking in the park.

Involve your child in planning. Let your child have some say about the flavor of the ice cream and the cake, color of the icing and what to “say’ on top. Children enjoy choosing napkin, plates, and flavors. A two-year old can help fill the party basket. A four- or five-year old may enjoy making invitations. A six- to ten-year old can choose games and help select a special outing.

Prepare one simple project. Pre-schoolers enjoy making things to wear. Why not consider making crowns or party hats?

SOURCE: NESTLE CLUB WEBSITE

21 Things to Remember....

Here are 21 things to remember.... ...


1. No one can ruin your day without YOUR permission.

2. Most people will be about as happy, as they decide to be.

3. Others can stop you temporarily, but only you can do it permanently.

4. Whatever you are willing to put up with, is exactly what you will have.

5. Success stops when you do.

6. When your ship comes in... Make sure you are willing to unload it.

7. You will never "have it all together."

8. Life is a journey...not a destination. Enjoy the trip!

9. The biggest lie on the planet: "When I get what I want, I will be Happy."

10. The best way to escape your problem is to solve it.

11. I've learned that ultimately, 'takers' lose and 'givers' win.

12. Life's precious moments don't have value, unless they are shared.

13. If you don't start, it's certain you won't arrive.

14. We often fear the thing we want the most.

15. He or she who laughs...... lasts.

16. Yesterday was the deadline for all complaints.

17. Look for opportunities... not guarantees.

18. Life is what's coming....not what was.

19. Success is getting up one more time.

20. Now is the most interesting time of all.

21. When things go wrong.....don't go with them.

Happenings Last Year (2007)

Just posted some pics from last year, showing my kids bumming in our newly-opened laundry shop, posing with the giant tree at the Shang mall, eating their fave carbonara at home, opening gifts on Christmas day, family reunion at a Calamba resort on New Year's day and the very enjoyable pre-Christmas mommy-bloggers' dinner get together (with Myrna a.k.a Anna Manila (Ode to Old), Chats (imomonline), Cookie (SchroochChronicles), Cess (Occupation: SAHM) and Chesca (Skindiving) plus special thanks to Toe (KUROKUROATBP) for her handmade soaps. The year 2007 was really a good year and I'm very thankful for all the blessings we have received and wonderful friends gained. Cheers to that!

My 2008 Horoscope

I saw this tag from Rachel's blog and excitedly did the same. You can visit the LINK to check it out too. Here's what my 2008 horoscope says:



Pisces Horoscope 2008

brings only good news, success and better luck in all phases of life for people born under this sun sign. The best period of the year would be the time after the month of July. Before that, small hurdles or problems may occur for the Pisces people. As per the horoscope, commitment is the main theme of the year for the Pisces people. The horoscope 2008 advices Pisces people to avoid any kind of distraction in life, as these may lead to unnecessary problems and hurdles.

The year 2008 would witness a steady rise in income for the entire period. As for the career, the stars have only positive to say about this aspect. The Pisces people are said to not only have a stable but also an upward moving career.

Dealing with Aging

5 Essential Strategies to Combat Aging
By: Gary Small

Most of us protest against the idea of aging in the way our parents did and vow to fight the process as long as possible. We are looking for a safe, convenient, medically sound way to live longer, empower ourselves, and remain healthy and fulfilled throughout that long life — what I refer to as "quality longevity."

To achieve quality longevity, we have more control than we think. Genetics accounts for only one-third of what determines our health as we age. That means that simple everyday lifestyle choices have a major impact on how well and how long we live.

Empowering ourselves for the future requires learning new skills as well as honing the ones we already have. Try some of these strategies to live longer and feel and look younger.

Strategy 1: Sharpen your mind
With a sharp mind, we're more inclined to stay fit, have good relationships, eat well and live a healthy lifestyle. Doing mental aerobics can improve memory and lower your risk for Alzheimer's disease. A recent UCLA study found that when we keep our minds active, brain efficiency increases dramatically, even after just a few weeks.
Consider these tips to sharpen your mind:

• Try different approaches to expanding your mental horizons, whether it's traveling to new destinations, learning a musical instrument, taking up ballroom dancing or going back to school.

• Learn and use the three basic memory techniques:
o Look — focus attention on what you want to remember
o Snap — imagine a mental snapshot of the information
o Connect — link the snapshots together in your mind's eye

• Stay mentally active through puzzles, games, reading and other stimulating hobbies, but be sure to train and not strain your brain — find the level of challenge that keeps you interested without frustrating or exhausting you.

Strategy 2: Cultivate healthy relationships

Socially connected people have longer life expectancies than isolated individuals. Cultivate intimacy with your partner since good sex makes for a longer life. Not only does it bring people closer together, it lowers blood pressure, reduces pain, promotes restful sleep and boosts the immune system so we are better able to fight off infections.

Empathy — our ability to understand another person's emotional viewpoint and to express that understanding — is the social glue that keeps us together. Although not everyone is an empathy expert, we can improve our skills through simple exercises that teach us to express our empathic responses.
Try this attentive listening exercise: Ask your mate or friend to talk about a feeling or issue important to him and just listen without interrupting or interpreting. Maintain eye contact and stay focused. After five minutes, talk to each other about how it felt.

Strategy 3: Reduce stress

We can't completely eliminate stress from our lives, but we can learn healthier responses to it. Here are some steps we all can take to minimize stress to live longer and better.

• Control clutter in your home and in your life. Sometimes we have people cluttering our lives that we need to cut loose so we have more time for those we really care about.

• Get more realistic about how much you take on each day. Try eliminating just a few items from your to-do list.

• Watch for multitasking. Slow down and take one thing at a time.

• Learn to meditate. Regular meditation not only reduces stress but boosts the immune system and promotes healing of various medical conditions, from arthritis to chronic pain.

• Empower yourself with the word no. When we don't say no enough, we take on too many responsibilities and feel anxious, resentful and trapped. When you say no to a request, you are saying yes to something else that is more important to you.

Strategy 4: Think positive

Optimists have a greater life expectancy than pessimists.

• Make an effort to see the cup half full. Recent studies show that we can learn optimism when we set our minds to it.

• Discover your spiritual life. Attending a house of worship once a week is associated with a seven-year-longer survival compared with never attending.

• Take care of your needs. Satisfied people are twice as likely to survive compared with dissatisfied individuals.

Strategy 5: Manage your environment

Our environment has a big influence on how we feel and how long we live. Whether it's traffic, noise, smog or other aspects of the environment at large, or more personal environmental issues such as aesthetics or bedroom temperature, our quality longevity requires that we not only adapt to these influences but learn to shape them to meet our individual tastes and needs. Consider the following personal solutions for environmental issues.

• Bear in mind function and aesthetics when designing your home and work space. Control clutter and noise and arrange the bedroom in a way that enhances sleep and restfulness.

• Minimize your exposure to sun, smoke, mold, smog and other airborne toxins.

• Stay safe on the road — let someone else drive if you can't handle it.

• Make your workplace safe and comfortable: Consider ergonomic designs for comfort and safety.

• Manage your technology to avoid information overload.

Source: iVillage Total Health

Christmas and New Year's Wish

I was so, so late with the tag from Ipanema. I promised her I would do this before I sleep (that was 2 weeks ago)...I would like to do this tag anyway.

My Christmas and New Year's wish:

good health for my family esp. to hubby (who has diabetes)

peace in our country, in my community and in our home

success in my new business venture

less poverty in the community and the country as well

spiritual healing for all our leaders


I am so thankful for all the blessings I've received last year and all the wonderful people I've met through the blogosphere. I hope this year would be another fruitful and blessed year for all of us. Happy New Year!

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