My 39th Birthday...

Last March 18, I turned 39. As I was about to check on my kids, I was surprised to see these...


the banner (in their messy room, ha ha)


the cards, gifts and my kids' names on the heart shaped paper


the birthday poster


pop-up card made by Nicole


personalized birthday card


a note from Bea


a shampoo and bath soap from Gabbie


Nicole's gift

They really made me so happy. I didn't know they were up to something when I tucked them to bed and kissed them good night. Two days after my special day, they gave me another gift, a notice from school that my kids are awardees for Academic Excellence and would be receiving medals on Recognition Day. I couldn't ask for anything more...Thank you Lord.

Memorable Valentine Experience

This is my entry to the Filipino Mom Blog's Love Month Meme...

My hubby is not so keen on celebrating the V-day. He's not into gifts either though I've given him a sports car, some pieces of jewelries, fighting cocks, a KTM sports motorcycle, travels abroad and some "things" before (some of which he later sold when we were gypped in an investment scam). And he's Ilocano and Chinese, maybe that explains why, he he. But he has given me priceless gifts on Valentine's Day. Guess what...I conceived my three kids on this love month. All of them were October born. My first child though was born on April (that's unplanned, wink here).

So I guess that was my most memorable Valentine experience. No candle-lit dinner, roses and chocolates, expensive gifts or not even a Valentine card...but that's ok with me, as long as I know hubby loves me more than his life (that's what he always says)...

When Cupid Strikes...

This is my entry for the Filipino Mom Blog's Love Month Meme.

I met my husband through a common friend. I was free (means single) that time and this friend of mine gave my office number to him. He started calling me, talking about our work, our bosses and even future political plans. Finally, after three days of phone calls, we decided to meet. We are supposed to meet for lunch but he only got the chance to sneak out of the office at around two in the afternoon. I went down the stairs of the condo (where our office is located), wearing my signature mini skirt and picture this, my long hair swaying by a strong wind while he's sitting in his car waiting for me. Can you picture that scene, just like in the movies huh...but, he didn't get out of the car to open the door for me, tsk, tsk...

Anyway, we had lunch at Josephine's Restaurant, Roxas Boulevard because that's the nearest restaurant to our respective offices. We have to get back to the office after, both of us were working for the Senate then. We dated everyday after that or shall I say, we're inseparable after our first date. The rest is history. And no more mini skirts for me, ha ha ha. He insisted we get married immediately, his boss (a former soldier turned Senator) even joked they will have me kidnapped if I don't marry him. By the way, we got married twice. Nowadays, hubby is always singing the song Lucky..."that he's lucky he's so in love with his best friend." Well, I think he's really lucky, ehem.

Finally, this time Cupid ♥♥♥ strikes right on time.

I'm Back...

I know, I know I've neglected my blog for quite some time now. I only posted my idol's (President Barack Obama) inaugural address for I don't want to forget this historic event. Even told my kids that they can read my blog ten or twenty years from now, the speech would be here forever.

Anyway, since I wasn't able to post any year-ender entry here, just want to state that I'm thankful for the year 2008, we have a good business (opened the 2nd branch of our laundry shop, got into the Reliv Wellness business, plus the seafood biz), family's good health, my kids excelled in school and we were able to take trips out of town with my family. My fave leader/politician won the United States presidential elections. Not to forget, my kids experienced to go caroling before Christmas. They had so much fun, I even accompanied them (stayed in the car though while they hop from one house to another). Most of all, I've also met wonderful friends through blogging and blogging events.

Another memorable event I don't want to forget, last Monday, January 26, my eight year-old kid, Gabbie, had her 1st Confession. She told me that their CLE teacher asked them to write their "sins" on a piece of paper so they won't forget it when they talk to the priest. She even shared to me that she heard her classmate's confession on the other side of the confessional box. Gabbie said, "I heard her say she cheated on our Filipino quiz..., yes Mama she really cheated because I'm the one who checked her paper, she changed her score." Oh my...then she continued on, I tell you this girl won't stop talking the moment she opens her mouth. My kid told me that she confided to the priest that she's been fighting with her siblings. And for her penance, she was asked to pray the Act of Contrition and Our Father. She's quite happy about her experience. Tomorrow will be her 1st Communion. I've bought her a new pair of white shoes and white stockings. They'll have the general rehearsal today. I've already contacted a professional photographer to cover the event.

My son Pio, on the other hand, would occasionally throw tantrums in the morning. He would give excuses not to go to school such as he's tired of studying, he's still sleepy, he needs a new bag, he has an unfinished project (which I eventually did), he doesn't want to take a bath, etc... He's asking me to enroll him back to home schooling this June. And I'm really considering it again for my only son.

My eldest, Nicole would be graduating from grade school this March. She took the entrance exams at the Philippine Science High School and Quezon City Science High. And she will also try the other private Catholic schools near our place. She's really growing so fast (I think she'll grow taller than me). She's into music now, uploading songs in her mp3 and sleeping with the earphones on, still watches the Disney Channel shows though, a fan of the Twilight movie, she blogs, has Friendster account and joined Plurk too. And soon I think she's gonna try Facebook.

While my youngest cutie Beatrice is home schooling with the Catholic Filipino Academy. We had finished 3 subjects last month, we're doing the last four subjects. Then, off I go to submit all her grades. Home schooling is really heaven-sent.

What else...hmm. Will just post another entry on my take in our country's latest issues (which is not so good). That's all for now.

My Davao Trip (Dec.12-15, 2008)

Eden Nature Park


the road going to the Eden Nature Park (the place looks like Baguio)


with my friend, Vice Gov. Lady Ann of Sulu Province


Christmas tree at the Waterfront Hotel lobby


me and my friend's grandson


Davao's baywalk


entrance to the park/zoo


the sleeping crocodile


squirrels


moi with the ostrich


let me call this the green snake, he he he


the bengal tiger named Datu


rainbow lorry


davao's eagle


a shy lorry

Random Pics

Beatrice listening to music


Nicole and Pio clowning around


my only son enjoying his pancakes at McDonalds


my family (taken at the Venezia Hotel, Subic)

My First Sony Experience Is With My Tape Recorder

Way back in high school, I always make sure I take down notes every time the teacher discusses our lessons. When the habit becomes tiring for me, I brought my Sony tape recorder given by my mom in school. So there, all the voices, noise and even the sighs are recorded. Nevertheless, the tape recorder helped me when I was reviewing for my exams. When I reached college, I still have my tape recorder with me in the university, my constant companion. And it never failed me. After school, I would listen over and over again to the recorded lectures. During lunch breaks, my friend and I would listen to Frank Sinatra's music on the recorder/player.

I remembered I even used the recorder while interviewing Senators at the Old Congress building when we had our research for our History class. Months after graduation, I am still using the said recorder when I had my first job at the Philippine Senate.

Came law school and review classes, the ever reliable Sony tape recorder is always at hand to help me on my further studies. I am now encouraging my kid to do the same. She may not use the old one I've had, for there are now so many great Sony products/models to choose from. But the one I had, it definitely gave significance in my life just like the Sony’s World’s First Noise Canceling Notebook Computer: VAIO T Series which would help me acquire more knowledge and bring enjoyment as well to my family.

My Idol Won

Just as my memorable pics, tokens, knick-knacks are kept on my treasured box or pasted on my scrap book, this event will be forever etched in my heart and on this blog. To you, President Barack Obama, my idol, congratulations. I truly believe that you will bring a great change not only in the United States but on the whole world as well. More than ever, I believe that there's still hope too for my beloved country.



Just want to share one of the daily mails I received from Barack's site. Am sure all of us, his supporters received the same. I believed in my own humble way, I have helped in his campaign so with the millions who voted for him.

Rowena --

I'm about to head to Grant Park to talk to everyone gathered there, but I wanted to write to you first.

We just made history.

And I don't want you to forget how we did it.

You made history every single day during this campaign -- every day you knocked on doors, made a donation, or talked to your family, friends, and neighbors about why you believe it's time for change.

I want to thank all of you who gave your time, talent, and passion to this campaign.

We have a lot of work to do to get our country back on track, and I'll be in touch soon about what comes next.

But I want to be very clear about one thing...

All of this happened because of you.

Thank you,

Barack

Photo Hunt: FAMILY

To see other photo hunters, click here.

I have posted so much about my family on this blog, now I want to show my other family....


my mommy-blogger friends, whom I consider as my family, too...



please click here to see more of them...my wonderful family

Gabbie Turned Eight

My daughter, Maria Cristina Gabrielle celebrated her 8th birthday last October 10, 2008. She woke up early and dressed up for school. She doesn't want me to tell her teachers that it's her birthday. So I surprised her, brought spaghetti for her teachers and classmates and gave them chocolates, too (melamine-free, he he he). We fetched her in school and had dinner at Dencio's Capitol Golf. A day after her birthday, we treated her again at Timezone Glorietta and Starbucks where she feasted on iced chocolate drink, cookies, brownies and strawberry cheesecake. I'm sure she's enjoyed her special sweet day.

Here's a slideshow for you my dear Gabbie, we love you....

Pio's Report Card

Two weeks ago, I got my kids' report card. Am so happy to share my only son's progress report card for the first quarter. Bear with me, am just so happy and feels so proud for my Pio. He's my little fellow who spends so much time in the computer, playing games and watching the Disney Channel. Whenever I ask him if we can review or study together, he'll answer that he has studied his lessons already in school. True enough, I don't have to make kulit. On the other hand, I opted not to post Nicole and Gabbie's grades. They're kinda shy about it. Nicole is getting ready though for the entrance exams at the Philippine Science High School and the Quezon City Science High (both DOST managed schools). Anyway, here's what Pio worked hard for...

Christian Living Education- 90

Filipino- 94

English- 90

Mathematics- 91

Science- 87

Makabayan- 93

MAPE- 93

Computer- 92

Tagged: Kids' Names

Aiza of Typing Free tagged me to do this meme, this is about the story behind or the meaning of my kids' names. Since I have four kids and each of them has 3 names, all the girls have Maria on their name. Here's what I've got;

Maria- after Mama Mary's name, means the perfect one (in Hebrew), I also have Maria on my birth certificate and I chose this name for my girls.

Aurora- (Latin-Italian origin) after my mom's name, means daybreak/dawn

Nicole- (French origin) named after the famous Australian actress, means victory of the people

Cristina- (Spanish-Italian origin) means a christian, hubby chose this name

Gabrielle- (Hebrew-French origin) means heroine of God, I chose this after the name of one character in Sunset Beach and it also reminds me of Gabriela Silang

Angelica- (Latin-Italian)-means angelic messenger, hubby chose the name for our youngest child

Beatrice- (Italian origin)- means joy, I really like this name, it goes with Maria Angelica

Pio- named after Padre Pio, hubby chose this name for our only son

Miguel- (Hebrew-Spanish origin), means "who resembles God", after hubby's name (Michael)

There, I'm done. I'm not tagging anyone, feel free to do it. Do you know the meaning of your kid's names? Do your research. Have fun.

Congrats, Sis!

My sister Budeck just graduated from her masteral degree at the Kobe University. She took up International Studies. And I can say she's really one diligent student. She took up Accounting in college at the University of Santo Tomas. Worked for a few years at Asian Bank then transferred to the Philippine Senate as budget analyst (working with the Senators during budget deliberations). She pursued Theology at the Don Bosco School of Theology while working. Not content with that, she joined me in law school where we became classmates. She's the one who's always present in class while I go to the movies with hubby, he he he. She has received grants/scholarships abroad in the past, really wanted to study, learn and learn more.

Now that she has added feathers in her cap, she plans to work at the Department of Foreign Affairs, if possible at the Philippine Embassy in Japan.

To my very generous and kind sister, wish you more success sis. We love you. We're proud of you.

the certificate written in the Japanese language


her certificate

Lucky by Colbie Caillat & Jason Mraz

Hubby is dedicating this song for me, ha ha ha. According to him, he's so lucky he's in love with his bestfriend. Isn't he sweet? Am sharing the song I got from YouTube....

My Choice of Washer & Dryer

We opened another branch of our laundry shop last September 1 at the New Intramuros Village/ North Susana Executive Village. The place is near The Grand Terrace and Puregold, about two blocks away to Tandang Sora.

Having another branch meant additional machines. We bought ours at Excellence Trading, the distributor of Whirlpool units/products here in Manila. If I need heavy-duty units, I go straight to Whirlpool. I've tried other brands before but it's only for our personal needs. The Whirlpool washing machine and dryer can handle 10 kgs of clothes in one load. It works so fast also. Our units can wash 150 kgs of clothes (comforters, linens, curtains, stuffed toys as well) for a day. I really trust this brand, it's so reliable.

A Day at Dampa

Last Sunday, my family went to Dampa at Macapagal Avenue. It's been awhile since the last time we all ate there. Since me and my kids are seafood lovers, we were so happy when hubby decided to treat us there. You can just see the smile on Pio's face. First, we bought the seafoods on the market and have them cooked at Mom and Dad resto. The resto's staff suggested the dish they can do with our chosen seafood.

The resto is so clean (same with the bathroom), staff are friendly, service is good and they really cook well. Here, take a peek of what we had at Mom and Dad resto.

Pio opening his dalandan soda


Bea sipping her buko juice


crab claws cooked in butter and garlic


sinigang na sugpo


salmon sashimi


prawn tempura

Green Bucks Weekly Questions

Teacher Julie of GreenBucks has been posting her weekly questions and I haven't participated since. Now, finally I found the time to answer all her questions in one sitting. Here goes my answers.

Weekly Questions:

1. If you are married would you know if your husband is reading your blog? If you are in a relationship, would you know if your partner is reading your blog?

I know each time hubby reads my blog, he gets annoyed and tells me not to put his pic or my kids' pics on my blog for security reasons. Sometimes, he would ask me why do I have to tell the world where I've been or what I've been doing, or how am I feeling. Sadly, hubby doesn't approve of my blogging.

2. Let’s say it IS possible to have that one chance to be another person for a day. Who would you choose to be and why?

I would like to be Princess Diana, and see how she has touched the lives of millions of people in the world. Or U.S. President John F. Kennedy for the same reason.

3. What were your favorite books as a child, specifically in your elementary school years?

As far as I can remember, I always read Nancy Drew way back in grade school. And the thick Bible (with illustrations just like in comics) which Dad gave me and my sisters.

4. What valuable lessons have you learned from your father?

My Dad would always tell us that education is only the best treasure we can rely on in life. He also taught us that we should always do good to people no matter who they are, what they have (or have not) or what they can (or can't) do to us in return.

5. What lies ahead for me and my family? Do we know where we are heading?

I can foresee a bright future for me and my family with God's help and guidance.

6. Can you describe yourself as a friend? Or how do your friends describe you as a friend?

As a friend, I can say I'm loyal, generous and reliable. I can listen to my friends' problems for hours and give comfort, will fight for my friend even if the world is against her, will give whatever I have if she's in need.

7. If we set aside an extra hour each day to do what we would rather do and not what we should be doing, what would you choose to do?

I would be reading the books on my night stand (which had gathered dusts) simply because I don't have extra time to do so.

8. How would you like to spend your special day, your birthday?

I would like to spend it in a beach resort with hubby, my kids, my parents, my siblings and few close friends.

9. What are the five simple pleasures that give you, well, simple pleasures?

seeing my kids play and laugh their hearts' out....

when my kids massage my legs and arms even when I didn't ask for it....

eating sweet corn while chatting with my kids....

a day at the nearby salon for facials and foot spa....

eating coffee crumble ice cream while watching my fave soaps....

10. I want to know your thoughts about the little girl in this photo.

I really feel disgusted every time I see kids especially girls roaming the streets in undershirts. The parents should have not allowed her to go out in that clothes. With the number of gruesome crimes happening everyday to little children, kids should be home studying or playing with their siblings and should not be exposed to dangers in the streets.

11. Should people heed the call of the Catholic Church to not use artificial means of contraception/reproductive health products and services OR should they go ahead, talk to their doctors and plan for how they want to practice family planning.?

Even when I'm Catholic, I believe people or couples should practice family planning the way they wanted it to be, not because of what the Church tells them to do. Will the Church help them raise 10 kids (for lots of couple with meager income) or support every needs of the family? I don't think the Church can do that even with their huge funding from the community or from Rome.

12. If you were an Olympian, what sport would you be participating in?

I would probably be participating in swimming or taekwondo because I wanted to do a lot of kicking....Seriously, I have always been fascinated with these sports. Swimming is a great sport especially for those with health problems while taekwondo can do wonders with the body's reflexes.

13. If you were to decide what advocacy would you like to campaign for as an advocate or being involved in a foundation, what sector of the society would you like to serve?

I would join a foundation which helps the abandoned or abused children. I would like to help them heal all the physical and emotionals hurts they had. Show them or let them feel loved and wanted. I will offer my time and resources for them and help them fulfill their dreams in life.

14. What are your facial or beauty regimens that you do before you go to sleep?

Since I don't wear any make up, I just wash my face with Pond's facial wash or Clinique's. If I'm not too lazy, after the facial wash, I use an astringent (from my derma) to clean my face again then put on a moisturizer before I go to bed. For extra beauty regimens, I also take a hot bath twice a day, go for facial treatments twice a week, visit the derma every 6 months, eats lots of fruits, takes 10 glasses of water everyday, takes vitamins C and E, drinks Reliv shakes.

During the day, when I go out, I make sure I put a moisturizer with SPF to protect my skin from the sun. Another secret, I whisper "Let the beauty of the Lord my God shine thru me"....

15. If you are to start a new blog focusing mainly on a particular topic or niche, what would your niche blogging be all about?

I would be blogging on the prevention of corruption in our society, mainly in our government. I would share everything I've seen in my ten years of work in the government. How to detect fraudulent projects, ghost projects/ghost purchases, overpriced materials/ supplies (like the fertilizer scam, swine scam, computer scam), sub-standard materials (for infra projects, expired medicines/vaccines for health centers, expensive books made of newsprints, etc.) negotiated bidding or rigged bidding, the flow of money from the bribe-giver to the funder (govt. official) and how to make sure the people's (taxpayers) hard-earned money goes to the right projects/beneficiaries.

Thanks Julie for your Weekly Questions. Your questions made me think real hard on some issues I've been wanting to blog about. I would be working on it right after I did this post.

Photo Hunt: BEAUTIFUL

To see other hunters, please click here.

I am late for this week's theme for few hours. I just couldn't skip the hunt for I wanted to post my kids pics as my choice for the theme.


my youngest kid Beatrice


Nicole at 4 yrs. old/ Gabbie at 2


tres marias


my only son


my first-born, soon to be a teenager