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.

Meme: Pio's Snacks in School

pandesal with peanut butter, slices of apple and Chuckie choco drink

Meme: What's In Your Lunchbox?

Pio's baon today (Moo choco drink, Cream-O cookies, Sumo wafer sticks)

I Find Comfort in Our Home....

As usual I was late again for the Filipino Mom Blog's Fab Holiday Finds Meme. I got the comforter during a sale at Our Home shop. Got it at half the price. See my son is enjoying it...he doesn't want to sleep back on his bed again.

Kiddie Snacks in School

I'm so, so late with this meme from FMB (Filipino Mom Blog). Normally, I just give money to my kids for their lunch or snacks which are available in the school's cafeteria. Other times, they have cookies/biscuits or pastries partnered with either Moo or Chuckie choco drinks. This time, they had....

chocolates


cinnamon bread


pancit canton

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.

Meme: Chores I Hate Most

Karen (of My Life, My Own Piece of Heaven) tagged me to do this meme. First I want to mention that I love to do house chores (with or without helpers around), I'm a bit an OC, I want our home especially my kids room and their things to be always clean. I hate to see dusts and I don't like my kids to have asthma attacks very often because of that. I'm also fond of watering the plants in the garden, fixing my kids things, cleaning their closet, washing the car, cleaning the bathroom, a little of cooking and doing the laundry. Before I digress from the tag, here's my answer, I hate to do the ironing of clothes. I let the helpers do that. Can't stand the heat of the iron and have no patience ironing the pleats on skirts and pants. And I also hate to....what else...can't think of any more chores that I hate doing.

There I'm done. To my mommy-blogger friends, what's your answer on this meme?

Tagged: Kids Fave Stuffed Toys

Cookie tagged me to post my kids' fave toy, the one they always bring around. I can't find pics of my kids with their toys. See, no camera phones yet that time. I can only remember Nicole would always ask me to buy any teletubbies merchandise she sees on the mall, be it a stuffed toy, a bag, belt, shirts, shoes, costume, etc. I even bought the talking Po because she really thought the toy is alive. he he he. She eventually grew tired of her little friends, shifted to Winnie the Pooh, then to Barbie dolls and Barbie playsets. Now, Gabbie and Bea are enjoying their teddies, Piglet and Barbie dolls also.

Winnie the Pooh and Teletubbies, my kids' little playmates


Gabbie's fave stuffed toy- the Blue Teddy. She sleeps with it
in her bed and brings it to the car and even kisses teddy
before she goes to school.


Nicole's sleeping companion when she was only one year old.
The teletubbies, Dipsy and Tinky Winky. She still has Po
and Lala. They're all "sleeping" now in Nicole's old crib....


Bea's fave stuffed toy- Piglet

Taggged :: Birthday Power

Rachel tagged me to do this birthday meme.

Rules:
* 1.Determine your birthday month and get a word that rhymes with it or you can affix to it. Caps lock your birth month (ex: MAYday! JUNE dune, APRILicious, JULYvely, AUGUST pocus, parched MARCH…). Be unique.
* 2.Your birth month plus the word affixed or rhymed shall become the tag’s title in your case.
* 3.Get your birthday and add the digits involved. Example, if your birthday falls on the 25th of July, add 2 and 5 you get 7.
* 4.Whatever is the sum, write a list of the MATERIAL gifts you wish to receive, the number of which shall correspond to the sum of your birthday. For example, applying the case above (in rule number 3), you will write seven (7) things you wish to receive.
* 5.After your wish list, put your name and birthday in the Bloggers’ Birthday Directory, with a link to your blog/s. Note: when you add your birthday, please place it in a way that the dates appear chronological (January, February… 1, 2, 3)
* 6.Pass this tag meme by tagging as many people as you want.

Name: Rowena
Birthday: March 18
Calculation: 1 + 8 = 9

My Wish List (as per Rachel, wishing is free so here goes):

1. a new lacoste bag
2. n95 cellphone
3. room makeover set
4. membership at punta fuego
5. LCD monitor
6. plasma tv
7. a new toyota prado
8. a white gold bracelet
9. unlimited spa visits at Discovery Suites

Bloggers’ Birthday Directory:
February 20 - Caryl February 23 - Jammy March 7 - Mari March 29 - Rachel May 3 - Vannie May 8 - joanjoyce May 27 – Zang Caesar September 30 - Mckhoii October 22 - MommyBa December 18 - JoshuaOngYS December 19 - Alpha December 20 - Suzanne March 29 Rachel, March 18 Rowena YOUR BIRTHDAY HERE

I'm tagging Gina of Not from the Peanut Gallery, Cookie of Scrooch Chronicles, Chats of Imomonline, Yen of Me and Mine, Girl For All Status, Cess of Occupation: SAHM, Chesca of Skindiving and Lynn of Mommy Zone...Keep on wishing my dear blogger-friends, remember the Law of Attraction. Whatever you wish and think hard for, it will be yours sooner than you expected...

Things I Want My Kids To Live By....

Cookie tagged me to do this meme, things I want my kids to know and to remember before they grow up and see the real world.

-----If you don't have something nice to say, zip your mouth.

-----Don't ever let anyone put you down, wag magpapa-api.

-----Don't ever start a fight but don't run from one.

-----Respect begets respect.

-----Learn to save for the rainy season.

-----Do not be friends with liars and don't tell lies.

-----Learn to differentiate real friends from bad influences.

-----Don't do things just because everyone's doing it.

-----Share your blessings.

-----Try to do something good to a stranger.

-----Always thank the Lord for all the blessings you have.

I really like this meme, it really kept me thinking. To my mommy-blogger friends, please share your thoughts on this tag.

Tagged: Gratitude Meme

My dear friend Rachel tag me to do this gratitude meme. Sorry it took so long...

What Am I Grateful For?

I am grateful for my wonderful family (hubby and kids), my parents and siblings.

I am thankful for my good education, good health, true friends, warm relationships with relatives
and for all the memorable experiences in this life's journey...

Thankful for all the blessings we receive daily....

*Start Copy*

In order to be able to achieve and maintain happiness we need to, actively, be able to do two things: Complain and then let go (Dump the baggage, the roadblocks to happiness.) Express Gratitude (The open expression of gratitude promotes happiness.) After all everyone has something to be grateful for and/or something to complain about. If you would like to share, please follow the appropriate link and do so: “Are You Grateful?”, “Complain Complain Complain.”

Add your name to the current List of Contributors: 1-Attitude, the Ultimate Power 2-Max 3-DianaCA’s Metamorphoses 4-Mental Poo 5-My Thoughts 6-Baba Doodlius 7-Wake Up America 8-Life is a Roller Coaster 9-Life is beautiful 10-Pinay Mommy Online 11-Nelle-LucidCreativity 12- Juliana of PinayWahm 13. Hailey of Hailey’s Beats and Bits 14. Soulful Thoughts 15. The Sweet Life 16. You're here

*End Copy*

I'm tagging Cookie, Cess, Chats and Lynn....

Love Links

Cookie tag me to do this linky love meme.

Links around the world tag (update as of Mar. 5, 2008) 1 - Momhood Moments 2 - Business Mars 3 - Pinay Mommy Online 4 - OnlineBiz and Resources 5 - A Simple life 6 - moms….. check nyo 7 - Mommy’s Little Corner 8- Princezz 9 - Princess 10 - Random Thoughts 11 - Paradigm 12 - See Me For What You Will 13 - Pamp’s Blog Corner 14 - Pampered 15 - HappyHeart 16 - Qtcotzkie and Baby 17 - A Sorta Fairytale 18 -tragicseven 19 - Listen to the Beat! 20 Just Saying 21 Tipsy Tips 22 Different Angles 23 Delicious Corner 24 I Care 25 Blog Blag Blog 26 Daily List 27 Life’s Journey 28- D’ Cooking Mudra 29 Clark & Butchay’s Blog 30 Sweetbites by Bang 31 ScroochChronicles 32 The Sweet Life - add your blog here!

I'm tagging Gina, Luiza, Mary and Yen. Have fun.

Tagged: Movies, Movies

Lynn tagged me to do this meme - movies my family have enjoyed watching. The last movie we have watched was Alvin, the Chipmunk. My kids really enjoyed it. But nothing can compare to the movie Cars, which we have watched ten times over here at home. My only son loves Lightning McQueen so much and he never gets tired from watching it even eating his meals in our room while watching it for the nth time around.

Cars



Aspiring-champion race car Lightning McQueen is on the fast track to success, fame and everything he's ever hoped for until he takes an unexpected detour on dusty Route 66. His have-it-all now attitude is thrown into a tailspin when a small town community shows McQueen what he's been missing in his high-octane life.

I also enjoyed watching the Oceans' and Bourne series. I guess I'm a fan of Matt Damon, Brad Pitt and of course, George Clooney.

Ocean's Eleven



Dapper Danny Ocean is a man of action. Less than 24 hours into his parole from a New Jersey penitentiary, the charismatic thief is already rolling out his next plan -- the most sophisticated, elaborate casino heist in history. In one night, Danny's handpicked 11-man crew of specialists - including an ace card shark, a master pickpocket and a demolition genius - will attempt to steal over $150 million from three Las Vegas casinos owned by Terry Benedict, the elegant, ruthless entrepreneur who just happens to be dating Danny's ex-wife Tess. Coincidence or motive? Only Danny knows for sure. To score the cash, he'll have to risk his life and his chance of reconciling with Tess. But if it all goes according to Danny's intricate, nearly impossible plan, he won't have to choose between his stake in the heist and his high-stakes reunion with Tess... or will he?

The Bourne Identity



The spy thriller opens as an amnesiac is rescued at sea by the crew of an Italian fishing boat. Nearly dead, he carries nothing but the bullets in his back and the bank account number embedded in his hip. Although completely without identity or background, he possesses an array of extraordinary talents in fighting, linguistics and self-defense that speak of a dangerous past. In the present he is disoriented and wary as he is propelled into an urgent search to discover who he is and why his life has taken a perilous turn. A Zurich safe deposit box yields an assortment of passports, a hefty load of cash, an automatic weapon and a name--Jason Bourne--with a Paris address. What it means remains a mystery, but Bourne quickly realizes that although he knows no one, there are people who recognize him--and do not wish him well....

There I'm done...I love watching movies. In fact I've watched movies on a daily basis when I was working and still single (thrice a week way back in college), to unwind and to de-stress my overworked (underpaid) self. I would be posting here more movies I've watched and really enjoyed. Thanks Lynn for the tag, had fun doing it.

Tagged: Fun Magazine Cover

My dear Rachel tagged me to do this magazine cover meme. She even said this is fun. True enough, I enjoyed doing this tag. Thanks Rach.

Well, these are my magazines, hot off the press... :-)



the best PC gamer in town, he he


kids on the block

Try this at MagMyPic.com and have fun too...

Add up to the Love Train

Rachel and Gina tagged me to do this meme. Now I finally have the time to do it. Thanks guys for tagging me.

Cut and paste the following starting here.

I have randomly selected 5 of you below to be tagged and I hope that you will similarly publish this post in your blog. You will have to tag 5 other bloggers and just keep adding on to the list. (Do not replace, just keep on adding! Yes we hope it will be a long list!

It's real easy! Tag others and see your Technorati Authority increase exponentially! The benefits of Viral Linking:

One of the fastest ways to see your technorati authority explode!
- Increase your Google PageRank fast
- Attract large volume of new traffic to your site
- Build your community
- Make new friends!

The Strategist Notebook, Link Addiction, Ardour of the Heart, When Life Becomes a Book, The Malaysian Life, Yogatta.com, What goes under the sun, Roshidan's Cyber Station, Sasha says, Arts of Physics, And the legend lives, My View, My Life, A Simple Life, Juliana RW, The Callalily Space, Petra, Summer in Blue, Confessions of an Army Wife, Bless' Sanctuary, Happy Life, Living @ Evergreen State, La Place de Cherie, Chez Francine, Le bric a brac de Cherie, Little Peanut, Pea in a Pod, The Creative In Me, Me and Mine, Me and my Two Boys, My Life is Peachy, Chat, My Happy Place, Raising Sandy, I am Dzoi, Snapshots of Life, My BIG Picture, Welcome To My World, Hannah, Michellie, Lisa, Ris, Scotty's Princess, What Women REALLY Think, Not Much More Than This, Jayedee , Jenn, Beth, Christie , Marla, Cailin, Simone, FlipFlopMom, Katrina , Gill's Jottings , Work of the Poet, Wakela, Modern Day Goddess, Livin With Me, Writing in Faith , Maiylah's Snippets, Soulful Thoughts of Rachel, REPAH, My Little Moments, Missy Misyel, Mga Muni-muni, Gina, Rowena's The Sweet Life, you're next my dear...

I tag the following if you haven't done this yet,

Cookie, Ann, Gen, Julie and Mary. Have fun...

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.

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!

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