US bound Laing

Request granted. SIL will handcarry my homecooked Laing to Seattle, USA. Sosyal, no visa required.  I'll just freeze it first till Monday so that it could withstand the 15 hour flight. 

My husband and son love my version. I hope her family would like it, too.

Proud Mama

My son's first paycheck as a working boy. Not much but someone's gotta start somewhere. Stay masipag, anak.

Dubai ATP tour

Watching while blogging and waiting for my unico hijo to come home. Multitasking it is. Lucky to catch my fave Novak Djokovic playing vs Tomas Berdych on Balls channel last night.

Tough match but we won. Looking forward to the exciting Saturday's final against Roger Federer. 

Friday payday and Pasalubong shopping

I try not to go to the bank on paydays. Traffic and the number of people going out are the things that has to be considered. But sometimes it is inevitable. Ganito nangyari sa akin today. Due to traffic I wasn't able to retrieve the returned cheque that I needed to get today. I have my son with me ayaw ko siya ma-late. I postponed it for Monday and dropped him off at the MRT station and headed to the mall for two more bank errands and some window shopping.

Lumpia at Buko juice

Bank called at 4:30 pm today. Ready na daw yung returned cheque. My plans to go out today was shelved since I'm suffering from Tamaditis. Plus, my husband went home from his Antipolo early bike ride not feeling well. Apparently, he fell off. Sumemplang sa trail. 

Enjoyed my Pinoy themed merienda instead. Kain tayo!

groovy at 79

Today's redemption. 

If all else fails...

It was officially a palpak day today. Actually it started as early as after midnight when my son called me up and said he'll be late because EDSA was closed from Shaw boulevard where his office is up to Santolan. The EDSA People Power anniv rites is happening at 12 noon pero ang pang-iistorbo nila sa working class/taxpayers ay walang kaparis. He rides a bus everyday to commute to and from work. There will be a detour from his usual route. I was doubly worried because it was too late na and public transpo was becoming scarce.

Pre-FB/IG era

I'm glad I was born before the digital world invaded our lives. We used to print photos after every occasion. Hindi kami mayaman pero  we always allot a budget for this. In my family, photo albums are regarded as something sacred. Back in the day, my Mom is the one who keeps on documenting special occasions to any thing that will caught her fancy. While I abhored having my picture taken that time, it's the opposite right now. Eto naka-blog pa. My Mom doesn't need to document everything like I do because she has a photographic memory even at almost 74. Panis ako. Salamat, Mommy at kinulit no kami. 

my baul of memories

Loki the Loko

Our three year old beagle(x7 in dog years =21) Loki is a handful.

how to sunbathe...

a preview of things to come

Knock, knock!
Who's there?
SUMMER!

I stopped driving just to capture the intense rays of the sun this morning...

Baby Ralph

Tonight my family will offer a mass for our angel. He was our fourth child after my two previous miscarriages.  He was born prematurely at eight months with a hole in his heart. I had measles on my first month of pregnancy which I acquired from my student and had a difficult pregnancy because I was also suffering from gestational diabetes then. 

Lusting over Lush

Over the years I have my soap episodes, hindi teleserye ha. Actually I'm such a fan of anything mabango or fragrant- Alcohol, Lotion, Hand sanitizer, Cologne and of course perfumes, to the detriment of my boys who carry a mala-Wolverine sense of smell. Perfume for me is like an accessory. Without it, I feel naked. My husband uses perfume sporadically, while my son hates it. There are a few times that I buy one because madalas bigay or given to me as a gift.

Nowadays, when asked I prefer that you give me a body wash over other things as a gift. My siblings can attest to this.

Kingsman: The Secret Service

It's been a while since I saw an action movie that isn't a superhero material. In my family, when it comes to movies, boys rule. It's fine with me. I enjoy it as much as they do. I remember as a young girl, my Daddy and I would watch his favorite TV series. Walang choice, ilan lang ang channels noon at isa lang ang TV namin.  We would watch Hawaii Five-O, TJ Hooker, Six Million Dollar Man,  to name a few. Now I miss my Dad more. Inspired, there was a time that I would like to be a detective as a profession, pero naisip ko parang di ko kakayanin mag-aral ng Criminology. I was thin as a barbecue stick then di katulad ngayon tabachingching na. 

Green tea and Leche Flan

Overate...

Daisy by Marc Jacobs

I originally wanted this....

Mangan

This lunchdate is overdue already with one of my Kumares/bestfriend, A. It's supposed to be my blowout for my son's graduation last November. Inaanak ko yung panganay nya, 20 yrs. old. Naging student ko din. Her husband is an OFW, a cook in one of the oil tankers traveling for 10 months in a year. Our friendship come a long away na, about the age of our sons. We met at a private school where we used to teach. She's happily teaching now in a public school. 

We finally settled in Mangan. Ang daming plates. Iuwi ko kaya ito for future use...

Figaro BHS

Seattle's Best was our initial choice. But it was packed. We were craving for a cake over coffee but Krispy Kreme doesn't have them so it's out of the picture. Last choice was Figaro.

Cappuccino for me and Peppermint Tea for the Mr. + carrot cakes 

Chinese New year at BGC

I originally asked my husband to accompany me to Shangrila para maiba lang with our usual SM north edsa and Trinoma routes. I miss Rustan's. Gusto ko busugin ang mata ko lalo na sa Home department. Then we will just fetch our son from his office which is nearby. I wanna see where he works at gaano ka-safe. Umandar na naman ang pagka- stage mother ko.

Reunion with my colleagues

No, this isn't entirely the happy kind of meet up of friends. We went out our way this afternoon to visit our former colleague, mrs. C to pay our last respects. My son asked me to say kumusta/hi to her former Math teacher na lang daw. 

dead on Facebook

Do you really have to put pics of the dead or their coffins on FB? I don't know what other people are thinking. Sometimes they are not even part of the family. I cringe every time I see this on Facebook. The latest victim was my former co-teacher. I can't think of a solid reason why one does this. Give them some respect and dignity. Do you think kung buhay ang namatay, gugustuhin niya makita siya sa ganitong state? Que horror.

Hectic Monday

Husband need to do some business in Divisoria today so by 9am we were bound for Manila with my balikbayan SIL. 

Nephew's diner

We were invited tonight by my husband's nephew in his renamed food joint. He established this business two years ago but he had to change the name because according to her wife M, they had a problem with the issuance of their business permit this year.

We got there at 7pm. My in-laws followed suit. 

They have a wide selection of food from beef to pork, fish to chicken viands. 

Sad news on Hearts' day

Early this morning my husband texted me that one of our Kumpares(his son is my hub's godson) had a heart attack. We were shocked because he's only 42 yrs. old. We knew that the disease is quite hereditary since both his father and uncle died due to a heart ailment. Good thing his vital signs are already stable. Get well soon, T. Bata pa ang anak mo. May you live longer. Guard your health.

While late this evening, news about a former co-teacher of mine has succumbed to cancer. I just saw it on my FB feed. I think she's 60-65 yrs. old only. Mrs. C was also my son's former Math teacher in Grade six. My son was shocked too, when he learned about it. Thank you for being part of our lives, Mrs. C.. Isa ka sa mababait na naka-trabaho ko. Have a great reunion with our Creator. Love and light.

IHOP dessert date

We wanted to try Shibuya but it was full and we don't want to wait. We ended in IHOP.

Dark Cherries crepe wasn't available...

UP Town Center on Valentine's day

UP Town Center

My son went out ahead of us with his cousins, Uncle and balikbayan Sis in law after having dinner at home. Husband asked me that we go out for coffee and dessert, so we headed to somewhere near. We don't wanna be caught in Valentine traffic dahil baka ang ending imbes na sweet, mag-sisihan pa kami. Surprisingly, it was light. Yun pala ang secret, go out at 9pm when everyone's almost done with their dinner dates na. Huwag makisabay.

Kiss and Hug day 2015

pic from the web

Unlike others, it's never obligatory for us to have a date on this day. Kung 22 years ka na kasal katulad namin makakarelate ka. Of course, to all romantics, young lovers out there they will disagree. This day is very important. I agree naman. But as you grow old in a real relationship, you'll realize that love isn't all about romance. May times din na magkakabwisitan kayo. Paiiyakin ka sa sama ng loob. Minsan nga mas lamang pa yung nag-didiskusyon o nag-aasaran kayo. Yung tipong gusto mo na mag-throwback nung time na kinakasal kayo sasagot ka sa pari during your vows, "Pwede po ba for richer and for good times lang?"

pre-Valentine lunch treat at F.I.S.H.

We were invited to lunch by my Hipag fresh from Seattle. She asked our suggestion for a resto. We agreed to have it here instead because of its proximity to our residences. All her siblings were present except for my Father-in-law because he doesn't feel well today. My son was able to join us too because his work starts later in the afternoon.

We ordered the following times two...

Pasalubong

 Contrary to popular belief, this isn't a Valentine related photo...

Disapproved x2

Family convo over breakfast...

Husband: Ma, may Singapore Starbucks mug ka na ba?

Me: Yup. Ayun oh. Bakit?

Husband: Akala ko wala pa. Nakita ko kasi sa FB may nagpost. Galing ka na kasi doon twice.

Me: Yung Baguio ang wala. Remember di pa natin nabili last year?

H: Kasi madali lang naman pumunta dun. Di na kelangan mag-eroplano.

Me: Kaya punta tayo ng Baguio.

H: *shocked at the same time laughing* Syempre di pa ngayon. Layas ka talaga.

Gardening 2

Finally I was able to do this today. Transferring my overgrown plants to their new homes aka pots.

Aloe Vera- known as the Miracle plant...

(a spiky and green plant that has been used for thousands of years by the Egyptians and other cultures, for the treatment of different ailments – and for a good reason, given the fact that aloe vera contains natural antiseptics that can kill bacteria and viruses, helps prevent gum disease, diabetes, improves quality of skin, digestion, control cholesterol, acts as moisturizer, etc....)*

in love with Juicing

I've been doing this for two years now. The machine was sold to us by my husband's nephew four years ago but somehow along the way I never get to use it. I've always been aware of how I should treat my body with regular exercise and an almost healthy diet. But there would be lapses, of course. Sometimes due to work loads, schedule or just simply laziness were the reasons of my inconsistencies. 

A health alert last July 2013 made me change my diet abruptly. I was diagnosed with high cholesterol when my annual physical check-up's result came out. I was frustrated because dieting isn't really my cup of tea. Mas gusto ko magpapawis pero kakain pa rin ako nang kahit ano at gaano kadami. I could dance or run and bike for hours pero huwag mo akong pilitin mag-diet. Hmmm...matanda na nga talaga ako. Hindi na kaya ng exercise lang. Ang lungkot.

Nathaniel's Buko Pandan

Just the right sweetness. I'll choose this over ice cream for dessert. Any day.

Congrats, anak!

I'm one proud Mama. My unico hijo is officially a working boy now. He will start today at the animation company where he had his OJT or on the job training last year when he was still in college. Though I worry about how late his sked is, I think I would just have to rely with God's continuous protection to be with him.

Stay focused, enjoy and love your job.  Always be alert. Ingat lagi anak.

Zara, Landmark shopping and Cafe Via Mare

I don't usually go out on Sundays. As much as possible, I avoid crowds during weekends in malls. Sa dami ng tao ngayon sa Metro Manila mas madalas ma-stress ako kesa ma-relax. Sa parking lot, puno. Sa fitting room, pila. Sa cashier, pila. Sa CR, pila. Pila-tes everywhere. Normally, it's the husband only that goes out and gets to bike with his buddies and as for me and my son, we just stay home. 

Pero today is an exception dahil may misyon ako- Project Shabby chic. As I've said, I want to refurbish our interiors with the French as an inspiration. I went to the mall by FX transpo and asked my husband to just fetch me when he's homebound na. I decided to take a peek at Zara first, one of my fave stores nowadays. Silip lang naman. Hindi ba I imposed a personal shopping ban last month because when I audited my expenses last year it turned out I went a little overboard. Kaya lang may SALE. Punyemas. Bakit ba ako napunta dito. 

Cafe Mary Grace and a failed movie date

Actually this was the second time around that my husband and I tried to catch American Sniper at the movie house. The first time was last Wednesday but we found the time too late for a last full show. Baka matulog lang daw kami sa sinehan. Gone were the days that 9pm for us is still too early. Sign of aging?

Today we tried to watch it again. But when we got to SM cinemas at 6:45pm the schedule of  screening got us confused. I thought we could watch already at 7 pm. They made two films 'share' in one cinema. Hello? It was the first time we knew  of such thing. They split the screening with another local movie, 'That Thing called Tadhana'(4pm and 7pm). We felt so disappointed. Ganun na ba talaga mag-business ngayon? Para siguradong puno ang cinema at all times they would limit the screening time? American Sniper's sked is 1pm and 10 pm.  Obviously, the 10 pm schedule is way too late for us na. 

French inspired

When I was a young child, my sisters and I would always play bahay-bahayan and lutu-lutuan. Our house back then was a modest bungalow type in one of the suburbs north of Manila. Kaya ang pangarap ko noon yung bahay na may hagdanan. I've always dreamed of having a two storey kind of house. I would always draft my dream house kahit na stick drawing lang on pad papers, coupon bonds or at the back of my notebook.

As a young bride, I think one of my dreams has been fulfilled. We had our own apartment first day we got married. I could decorate my own home na. I get to design it according to my plan. Fan na fan ako ni Rachel Ashwell, the Shabby chic guru. Yes, some may find it girly but I like how she puts everything together. 

Gardening

After a quick bank transaction, I decided to finally drop by a nearby garden center just to buy soil before doing my groceries. I keep on postponing this at madalas nadadaanan ko pero nakakalimutan ko rin. Tanders na talaga.

Everything's here...

from small to gigantic pots...

various plants

Home Improvement 2015

I've been meaning to have this made. We are blessed that we have a skyline to gaze at right where we live. Sunsets used to be awesome here. But the recent constructions of our neighbors' properties vertically made us think of a better way to improve our surroundings. Higit sa view, mas mahalaga sa din sa akin yung privacy. Sabagay, sino ba naman ang may gusto na paggising mo ang makikita mo sampayan ng mga damit? Very unsightly, di ba? At kapag dumungaw naman ang kapitbahay mo kitang-kita ang bakuran mo. Paano na lang kung magwawalis ka at short shorts or pajama ang attire mo? Alangan naman magpalit ka pa ng magandang damit para sa kanila?

Thankful that my husband heeded out my suggestion. It became a reality today.

Pancit convo

Over lunch I asked my son to buy me some pancit bihon at the mini grocery just outside our village gate.

Me: Anak, later pakibili mo ako ng Pancit Bihon sa G and A. Ayaw ko na lumabas. Magluluto ako ng pancit mamayang hapon.

Son: Sige po.

Husband: Ano naman naisip mo at mag-papancit ka? Mayroon bang may birthday?

Me: Wala naman, naisip ko lang. Ang alam ko anniversary nila Mommy at Daddy(he's in heaven) today. I'll give some to Mommy din.

Baclaran and Quiapo

Being a first Wednesday of the month, I asked my husband if I could go to Baclaran and attend a novena prayer today. We split our ways after a heavy breakfast of steamed rice, binagoongan and adobong pusit. He needs to attend to some business and off I went to the church and a bit of shopping afterwards. I bought big plates from a nearby Japanese surplus store and fresh fruits.

p490.00 for the two

gave also some to my Mom + a box of diced hopia

Atis

It is always a joy to have fruit bearing trees in your home. This made my morning.

Celebrate

After a quick bank transaction for our business permit renewal payment, my family headed to the mall for lunch. Hubby and I are quite disappointed how the renewal for business permit rates increased again this year. Grabe ang yaman na talaga ng Quezon City government. But we still keep on complaining about traffic, criminality, etc. Simpleng parking sa mga kalsada ng walang garage di nila ma-implement ng maayos. Compared 5 years ago, may pagka- chaotic na ang lansangan.

We comforted ourselves with food, ano pa. Plus it's my first time to visit after a week of sickness. Kinilig ako nung makita ko open na ang Tim Howan! I've been waiting for months since I ate from their first branch in Megamall. I want to eat there again but my son is not fond of Chinese food. 

Winner

Went for a quick afternoon drive for my MCDO fix. Drove thru for a cheeseburger meal, one pc chicken for my son and just fries for my husband.

It was no ordinary Sunday. As I predicted, Novak got his 5th Australian Open championship against British Andy Murray. Victorious indeed. I'm missing it already now. Till next year.