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.

Weekend Snapshot: Pantene Bloggers' Party

Last Friday, I attended a bloggers' party sponsored by Pantene at Taste Asia (Mall of Asia). As usual, there's so much good food, drinks overflowing and wonderful people around. Thanks to Aileen Apolo for the invite. Check her site for the monthly bloggers' event. There's another one coming up this 31st.

At the party, I met newbie bloggers as well as the old-timers. We had some chikahan (chats) and picture-taking. I grabbed this photo courtesy of Mitch, a mommy-blogger I finally met at the party. She came all the way from Subic just to attend this event.

Weekend Snapshot: Parties, Parties at Taste Asia

Posted below are pics taken during the first Coke Party for Bloggers, the Pond's Event (introducing the age miracle cream) and the 2nd Coke Party for the Awarding of Winners on the Coke video blog contest, which I attended. And I can say I really enjoyed attending the Coke events which gave me a chance to bond with fellow bloggers. It's also great to see friends in San Miguel, together with Taste Asia, they provide good food and overflowing drinks (kidded that they should have ordered to moi, am wholesaler of San Mig beers, he he). And of course, am drooling over the very yummy ice cream cake which they served during the 1st and recent Coke events.

ice cream cake


more drinks, thanks to San Miguel


our take-home during the 2nd Coke event


fillet mignon


baked mussels


chicken cordon bleu


camaron rebosado


cases of coke zero were given away to each guests
during the 1st Coke event last June


checking the tone, during the Pond's event


Pond's Institute staff checking my skin's moisture


bloggers watching the band


red carpet entrance to Taste Asia

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?

Helping a Friend

This morning, I went to the National Statistics Office (NSO) at East Avenue, parked the car at KFC that was across the place, crossed the road, and hopped on the center island (thinking I should hurry or get caught jaywalking or someone I know might see me doing this). Upon entering the place, gosh, so many people are in queue. I couldn't breathe well because of the strong scent of sweats, the big exhaust fans are of no help. I waited for my turn (got the #1658), they're only serving #'s 1300-1400....I already have the application form filled up. Good thing there are huge television around the place but you can't hear any sound from it. You just have to read their lips (the show Sis is on air) he, he. I looked for something to use to fan myself, found my kids' fan in my bag, with Dora the Explorer smiling at me.... Finally, my number was called, paid for the docs (P125.00 each copy of bc or mc) and got the receipts. I was told my docs will be ready by Monday. On Monday, I will proceed to DFA to apply for a lost passport. By the way, did I mention that I'm doing this for a family friend?