Wearing a Baker's hat

Dec. 21, 2015

For the past three years, I've been busy baking pre-Christmas. This year, I baked 15 dozens of cupcakes and 18 packs of cookies(six pcs. in ea) for my sis in law's and siblings' giveaways, respectively. I wasn't prepared actually. I just got a random call from my sis in law asking me if I could bake for her. This was the second time. The first one was when she requested for her only daughter's birthday giveaways last year. I was happy but surprised. I wasn't looking forward to baking this year. You see, I've been a "sloth" because of my Aldub fixation. Akala ko this season would just pass by just like that. In short, I had to move my ass. Haha. This is a blessing and I wouldn't shrug off the chance.

My Bebe Love

This is the only year in my life that I've been so excited to watch a particular MMFF movie come Christmas time. Ano pa nga ba kundi ang Aldub's 'My Bebe Love'? This is the first time that Aldub nation will see them in the big screen, thus, the eagerness. 

Good thing my boys are both fans, so there's no hesitation on their part. I went to Trinoma ahead of them because I expected that there will be a long line for the tickets. Husband will be coming from work while my son will just catch up as he is still at home. We will meet up instead. I was right. Pila pa more! 

Merry Christmas 2015

Just what I've said, the ever flexi in me had to cook even if I'm dead tired from all that baking. I came up wih a solution- cook something easy to prep. Ang smart lang di ba?

A pug's life

Ladies and gentlemen, meet our new puppy... Frankie!

He is named after Frankie Arenolli, a character from EB's Kalyeserye played by Jose Manalo. He was almost a husband twice to Yaya Dub, but of course it didn't happen. 

We had labradors before, shitzus and a beagle till today but this would be the first time that we acquired a pug. Isn't he adorable?

Salon day + Malling

Finally, a much needed pamper time after many months of laziness. I've been putting off this activity because I feel I have better things to do than sit and 'waste' precious time to beautify myself.

Lifehouse concert

Opposites attract. I like things to be planned, while my husband is very spontaneous. Case in point: this Lifehouse concert. He just woke up today and decided that he wants to watch it. Akala niya hindi pa ngayon. Buti pa ako alam ko.  *rolls eyes*

Sunday Pinasaya experience

Grateful for my sister who made this happen, my family with my Mom was able to see it live at GMA studio 7 today. 

St. Marc's Cafe

Oct. 1, 2015

After our sumptuous meal at Backyard, we went around the mall and checked some of their newly opened shops. I bought a black and white stripe long sleeves blouse. After which, my husband and I agreed to try this cafe one out. We ordered...

Backyard Kitchen + Brew

Just documenting one of our food adventures in UP Town center. One of those rare days that we would like to try a new resto. Occasionally, we would go for tried and tested favorites. We heard of this place from Sam YG's IG account. I think he's a part owner. We hesitated at first but I think it was worth a try. 

It was surprisingly yum!

that Aldub effect on me

It's been a month since I've updated this blog so I tried to make a long one(blogger app in my phone) yesterday while spinning. Then just when I thought I have saved it, it disappeared.  Anyare, blogger? I was so frustrated because the past few weeks obviously, my laziness with blogging got to me. Tapos, it went pffft just like that. Oh, well.

credits to the owner*

So many things can happen in a day, or some days pass by naman while I'm on an auto pilot mode. This month of September just went by like a breeze. October na pala! Nevertheless, I always try to chronicle it on Twitter as much as possible. I will try to backtrack one of these days and post it in details here.

Heneral Luna, my kind of movie

Sept. 10, 2015

The Historian in me strikes again. I've watched this twice. I majored in and taught History after college kaya huwag na kayo magtaka. Haha.

Good thing my husband and I share the same interest when it comes to this. In the first place, we won't end up together if we don't have the same wavelength. He will find me boring. Minsan nga mas passionate pa siya kaya sabi ko dapat hindi sya Math major(before he shifted to a Business course), aside from up to now wala siyang memory gap unlike me considering he's older by two years.

Sometimes...

you want your day be like... 

 

*pic from the net

McDo Monday

My week day routine starts at four in the morning to cook for my son's breakfast. Then I'll go back to bed and try to sleep again for a couple of hours. 

This morning is quite different. I woke up at 9am and to this...

Accident

After visiting my Mom and sis from a nearby village, I drove to the nearest SM Hypermart for a quick grocery trip today. 

Stay classy

Now that we think everything is Instagrammable or FB worthy...

from Fashion and Style Twitter account

dental and traffic issues

For the past two weeks I've been driving to and from my brother-in-law's clinic. He's been our dentist for nearly a decade now. If you're a regular reader, you'll know what my 'tooth issues' that I've been dealing with. Again, I'm grateful that we have him in our family. We could have our dental visits from someone just a walking distance from our home, but we still rely on him as our dentist. He's that good.

Colorfy App

Adult coloring books are the rage now. This is successful because maybe a lot of adults are really stressed. Lalo na dito sa Pilipinas. Paglabas mo pa lang ng gate mo ma-stress ka na. Traffic, lack of road discipline and simple garbage problem bubulaga sa iyo. I salute kung sino man ang nakaisip ng Adult coloring books. It is really a great way of de-stressing. 

home love

"Love begins by taking care of the closest ones - the ones at home." ~Mother Teresa

Have a great Sunday to all!

Figaro coffee date and Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation

Aug. 7, 2015

It's been a week from it's first showing date. I didn't want to miss it so I asked my husband if we could catch it.

After we bought the tickets, we chose to stay at Figaro while waiting for the actual screening. 

No Pluviose

While my boys are out working, I'm home alone with kulog, kidlat at ulan while brunching...

Financial peace

July 31, 2015

where my money would go...

My future self will thank me today. I happily got to tick off one financial goal from my 2015 to do list. Actually, it's been part of my 2012, 2013, and 2014 list. But I didn't have the courage yet to do so. 

San Fernando, Pampanga roadtrip

Today, my husband and I decided to take a different driving route. We wanted to visit again San Fernando, Pampanga just to check out the sports depot that we frequent there whenever we visit the Northern part of Manila. We are obviously tired of city driving and the crowd in the malls. We want a different kind of date. We left at about 3pm.

Thunderstorm looming in the horizon just after the tollgate in Mindanao Avenue. This didn't dampen our spirits. Tuloy pa rin ang lakwatsa.

North Luzon Expressway

Eat Bulaga's Aldub Kalyeserye

image from the net

For almost a month now, my husband and I are currently hooked with Eat Bulaga's(local noon time show) phenomenal loveteam Alden Richards and Yaya Dub. Alden Richards is a local boy next door actor and Yaya Dub is Maine Mendoza, known as the Dubsmash Queen of the Philippines. Their team up was accidental and they haven't seen each other yet in person.

How not to spend much for an event

For girls/women only

Sometimes the worry in showing up in a party or an event are the preparations that goes with it, lalo na for an anti-social like me. Nakakatamad. Plus, the thought of spending is impractical most of the time since it's just for a few hours of socializing and you have to spend for everything from head to toe. At my previous alumni homecoming, I successfully pulled it through.

Here are some of my budget moves:

motherhood

I love this. It ain't easy, but nothing beats the feeling of nurturing a person in your best ability. I was given four chances but only one survived. 

source: FB

It isn't a bed of roses, but still, I love being a Mom. Best role ever.

Ant-Man

July 16, 2015

I enjoyed this film so much than Jurassic World and San Andreas. Worth the cholesterol from my favorite Tater's butter popcorn.

Full trailer here...

Reunion hits

July 18, 2015

And it happened. I'm so glad I attended UST's College of Education Grand Alumni Homecoming tonight. We paid p1000 for the ticket(dinner and souvenir t-shirt). I drove to the venue by four in the afternoon, where our former Gym/pool was situated, now UST's Alumni center. 

In the news

I'm a self-confessed news junkie. I spend a lot of time reading(twitter), listening and watching the news everyday. I feel I'm living under a rock when I'm out of touch. Siguro kaya ako naging History teacher. No wonder.

Dekada Historic Filipino cuisine

June 28, 2015

It was a late 12th birthday celebration for my nephew. We weren't able to celebrate it because they went to Sierra Madre resort for a quick getaway last May 27.

dental visit

You know you're getting older when your set of teeth is getting weaker and weaker. It's been my problem ever since I was a child. My Mom would tell me kasi daw hindi daw niya ako naalagaan ng husto sa vitamins when I was in her womb. 

from running to biking

I've been a gym member three months after my son was born. I was determined then to really get back into shape. During the '90s, p16,000 pesos lang lifetime member ka na. My sis became a member two years ago for p35,000 pesos. Grabe ang inflation no?

Random Tuesday

This is one of those days when my husband was the one who initiated for us to go malling. So I immediately jumped on the offer. I needed to go to the grocery  and he wants to have a massage. We will wait and meet up with our son na rin whose coming from work para sabay na kami umuwi.

But before we proceed to our individual plans, we ended up having our merienda first at Cafe Mary Grace. At first, we sat on the noisy side of the cafe. Na-stress ang asawa ko. Natuturete daw siya sa daldalan ng mga katabi namin. He wants to eat in peace daw. Haha. We requested to be transferred. 

speed ala Lizardo

This is so pathetic. I pity us, Filipinos. We don't deserve this. 

diamond jubilee birthday

We are celebrating my Aunt's 75th birthday today. She is our Aunt(my Mom's cousin) cum Yaya since childhood. She never married and just devoted her entire life to us. She was able to take care of my son for some time and nowadays, my nephews and niece. We are very lucky to have her. We are happy that she survived an accident while crossing the street last November brought by an irresponsible motorcycle rider. Would you believe that was the first time she was hospitalized? Hindi pa natural ang cause. She has a very strong body that one time I asked her what her secret diet is. Haha.

Father's day 2015

June 21, 2015

We've spent this special day for the last two years in Tagaytay. My husband wasn't feeling well this year so we just decided to spend it here in the city. Ayaw pa nga lumabas. He told me to just cook for him. Naku, hindi naman ako handa.

DIY hair dye

In my attempt not to spend for the coming reunion, I didn't buy a new dress. I did my own manicure and pedicure too, which isn't new anymore since I do it every other week. 

This one's new. I dyed my hair on my own. I thought my hair isn't that long unlike before which was an inch above the shoulder, so there's no need to go to the salon this time.

Cranberry Juice

My husband and I both have high cholesterol. This means we have to go on a healthy diet at least for a month while on medications. My OB suggested too that instead of Apple Juice which I've been consuming for a few days now, I should drink daw Cranberry juice instead which is more nutritious.

I googled the benefits of Cranberry juice and I'm sharing it with you: 

at the playground and some Chocolate Kiss treats

After days of no exercise because of monsoon rains, we headed today to our favorite playground. My husband ran while I biked for 13 kilometers. It was still gloomy at 3pm and we didn't feel much humidity unlike weeks ago. 

funny Minion kalokalike

We saw the Minions' movie and was entertained as usual. But I was expecting a bit more. Pambata talaga siya, I should say. 

I didn't mean to mock our President but this really made me laugh today. 

Silver Jubilarian

I hate to admit it but it's been twenty five years since I graduated from college(there goes my age!) in UST. I was reminded by my batchmates thru FB about our Grand Alumni homecoming on the 18th. I was surprised because all along, I thought it was set on December. Oh noes, hindi ako handa. My hair need root touch-ups. I'm not on my fittest because I'm on a month of Lipitor. Sana sa FB na lang mag-reunion no? Walang gastos. Hindi ka matra-trapik. No need for an appointment for a make up and hair do session. Haaay. 

I thought of not attending. It's too soon. I don't have a gown. Formal attire daw because we will be awarded with medals as jubilarians. My husband said in jest, "Ano na ba ang nagawa niyo at dapat kayo maparangalan?" 

I don't want to spend for a gown that I'll be wearing just for a night. Lalo naman ayaw ko manghiram.

But the urge to see my batchmates and close friends made me decide to give it a go. We will see how this would unfold.

Rainy day specials

I've been having headaches since Monday which forced me to get a massage yesterday. My throat is itchy. Nahawa yata ako sa husband ko. 

I want Marian's healing hands(remember her?) to ease whatever pain I was in. Paborito ko ngang linya sa asawa ko "ayokooo nang ganitong buhay!" and he would grin at me. He knows how energetic I am kaya alam niya na naiirita ako kapag di ko magawa yung usual na gawain ko. 

a different Sunday

Husband has colds and can't bike as he usually does on Sunday mornings. After two months of having a dry season aka summer, we woke up to a rainy and gloomy weather. Finally, the humidity has dissipated. Storm Egay is forecasted to head to Ilocos Norte but the habagat is causing the heavy rainfall. 

Strava

I use this app whenever I want to track/record my route and its length when I'm out biking. It is very helpful, indeed. It can be used in running, walking, too.

afternoon ride

It's a great day to bike around. Started again today after four months of MIA.

Lovin the sunflowers around UP Diliman campus! 

Mott's Apple juice

Another healthy drink for my husband and I. No more sodas for me at the moment. 

Cafe Adriatico

May 16, 2015

My husband and I were around the Araneta center, Cubao area once more for a meet up, Gateway specifically. We chose Coffee Bean at first but there wasn't any vacant table so we headed to Cafe Adriatico instead, just adjacent to  Krispy Kreme. Apparently, a Vice Ganda concert pala will be staging later at 8pm, which explains the early crowd around the coliseum.

For a change

I was happy yesterday that I got to go back to cycling(indoor) after many months of no exercise. After an hour, I stretch a little and took a bath. I didn't lift weights muna. I'm trying to start again slowly.

in the saddle again

My blood chem results last Saturday weren't that impressive. My cholesterol is a bit high and my creatinine level isn't normal. It's inevitable that I was given meds for this for a month. Hello, Lipitor!

Happy purchase

It caused me stress and sleepless nights. I've been going back to the shop and trying it on thrice on different occasions already. 

Pap smear at last

June 17, 2015

For girls only

I admit, I've been postponing. My annual physical check up was last July, 2013. Though I almost got a clean bill of health(a bit high with my cholesterol results), I failed to do it last year. Save for some headaches and a bout of flu early this year, I'm thankful I always recover and bounce back in top condition. 

Back to Prepaid

I gave my p999 Smart plan to my son just because I pity him that he spends two hours on the road commuting by bus five days a week. He dislikes using the MRT. Mas madalas pa daw sira. At sa sobrang siksikan, dugyot na raw siya hindi pa nakakapasok sa opisina. True story.

on coping

This has been the theme of the day. My son didn't go to work today since he's been suffering from allergic rhinitis. I told him it isn't unusual to catch a cold when one is working too hard. He went to work  last Independence day, which was a national holiday and last Saturday for overtime. I told him to relax a bit today and get some rest. 

Gugo shampoo

I've been patronizing organic products for two years na. Hindi naman lahat but as much as possible I try to stay away from chemical laden products. Pati food actually. I've been having hair loss which is common naman daw for women. Hair coloring must be the culprit. If I could just live without it.

Blog mode on

With how poor internet services in the Philippines, sometimes I can't also fathom why I still keep on blogging. You will really need buckets of patience just to 'afford' this hobby. To others, it's a profitable profession. Nauso na yung collaborations with sponsors. Ok lang yun. Basta malinis na pagkakakitaan.

Tiendesitas and Recovery Food

June 5, 2015

A day after recovering from Vertigo, I went out. Feeling ko yung one day that I was stuck in my bed isang linggo na akong nasa bahay. Haha. The lakwachera in me strikes again.

Vertigo, on repeat

Nawawala, bumabalik. 

Eto na namaaan... (sing it ala Gary Valenciano)

This isn't the best way to celebrate Independence Day.  I'm in bed the whole day. Last week ganito rin, nanood lang ako ng sine, the next day vertigo again?

I think I won't be watching a movie in a cinema for a looong time. Sigh.

Jurassic World

It was a date with the dinosaurs. We watched the earlier franchises, so we expect that this would be a good one, too. 

It was entertaining, yes. But I watched better movies than this. Siguro nga ma-eenjoy ko kung 3D but I can't. Vertigo is just around the corner. CGI effects were really amazing and Chris Pratt can pass as the modern Indiana Jones(pero Harrison Ford pa rin ako), but warding off dinosaurs in heels is like a fairy tale to me. 

Watch the trailer here...

Strawberry Yoghurt cheesecake

We agreed to wait here at Coffee Bean for my son(from work) and for the Jurassic World screening time. 

I fell in love with this cheesecake variant back when I had a reunion with my bff last May and swear to have my husband taste it. It made me let go of my fondness with their blueberry cheesecake. I think Sugarhouse now owns the crown for it. At first it wasn't in their display window. Buti na lang I asked the manager about it. Available daw pero nakatago. Huh? Ganon ba siya ka-in demand? 

The French open Men's finals

June 7, 2015

I had an early celebration. I used my precious china while watching the Men's Singles Final. I was rooting for the world no. 1, Novak Djokovic against Stan Wawrinka. Novak will make history if he'll win this one. He would have been the seventh man to win a Career Grand Slam in tennis history. This was the most elusive Grand slam title for Novak because Rafael Nadal, the King of clay always dominate this event. 

Green tea + Black Forest cake

I partied too early. Stan was the better athlete. Novak incurred too many errors. I'm so saaaad...

Vertigo, go away!

June 4, 2015

Na-miss niya ako. My curse is here once again. After watching San Andreas last Thursday, I experienced it once more after two years. It was November 8, 2013 when I had it last. No warnings, at all. Basta pag gising ko pagtayo ko to prepare my son's breakfast before heading to work, I can't focus my eyes. I lost my sense of balance. I felt sweaty next. Nilabanan ko. I managed to cook pa but I drank my meds after and slept the whole day. 

Royal Albert teacup

May 30, 2015

A Saturday, I woke up wanting to go to Rustan's Shangrila to buy a Royal Albert teacup. I've been controlling myself for the longest time. I tried to convince myself that it isn't practical. It isn't a need, it's a want. I've talked about this before. But talagang hinihila ako ng tukso. Napagod na rin siguro ako sa pabalik balik na 'window shopping' sa Rustan's and Instagram.

San Andreas date

I thought that it was timely to watch this movie. After the deadly Nepal earthquake a month ago, we can't help but become more aware more than ever. We also experienced it here in our country, the latest was in Bohol in 2013. Although one can't predict it, preparedness is always better would be a big factor. Kahandaan at kaalaman.

Yabu lunch date

May 17, 2015

I was invited by my Mom and sis to lunch. I don't normally go out on Sundays dahil the weekend tends to be too crowded but since I haven't tried it before, I quickly gave in. I drove to Yabu Robinson's Magnolia for our girl bonding. 

It was full as expected and we have to wait for an available table for ten minutes.

Carry your bag

I've been seeing this kind of situation in a lot of places- malls, church, streets, parks etc. The boyfriend or hubby is tasked to bring her girlfriend's or wife's bag. I dunno with you, but I can't help but cringe most of the time. 

shopping ban... not!

I promised to have a shopping ban a few weeks ago, di ba? Sad to say, I broke it. Huhu. Since then, I purchased a Uniqlo white shorts, a Fitflop sandals, a cheap coin purse, an eyeliner, two pillow cases and a teacup set. The shorts and sandals were actually exempted because the husband paid for it. After computing, reachable pa rin naman yung financial goals ko at the end of the year. But I really, really have to put a padlock on my wallet for the rest of the year kung kinakailangan.

Sundate anew at Mesa Filipino Moderne

Yesterday, my Mom texted me asking if I could accompany her and my sis to lunch in the nearby mall. Husband was out for bike Sunday and son was enjoying his usual day off- playing video games online. So, I thought it would be nice kung mag day off din ako even for a while. Hehe.

popcorn addiction

Aside from Halo-halo, I'm addicted to buttered popcorn since last month. Though I'm glad my halo-halo craving is almost waning, it seems may kapalit na siya. Hindi na nga matamis, pero oily naman. Que horror. 

while waiting...

No reason to get bored. I have everything that I need.

Life's happening so fast that as much as I like blogging everyday, it seemed that the past two weeks came by so quick I wasn't able to keep up. Updating soon!

New baby

Our contract at Sun mobile expired last May 14. After four years, it was time to say goodbye to them. Medyo bitin kami sa services nila. You know naman the quality of internet services here in the Philippines, pang-21st slowest out of 22 countries.

Dad's special day

Today is my late father's birthday. He could have been 71 years old. Honoring his unconditional love for family, hardwork, and kindness with these Sampaguita flowers I personally plucked from my garden.

We miss and love you, Daddy. Have a great party in heaven!

Sunday cooking

Fresh crablets in coco milk and langka

The fifty percent Bicolana(known for food cooked in coco milk and chilis) in me strikes again...

Happy Sunday!

in bad shape

The heat is so unbearable that I needed to buy a new pair of short pants. Wearing long pants is a big no, no if one lives in a tropical country like ours. Pero ang dami ko pa rin nakikita nang nakasuot ng pantalon. Ang init. Bakit kaya? Ayaw umitim? Ayaw magalusan ang flawless logs, este legs? O ayaw makita ang mga peklat? I would rather wear a dress than to maltreat myself in doing so. Of course, to each his own.

Saturday at Glorietta and Sakura

I confess I have a tempura addiction for two weeks now. Bad, bad, bad for my cholesterol.

the Equalizer

the last batch from our tree

My Halo-halo addiction this summer should stop na. I hate to admit but I'm too lazy to have my blood sugar level check.

I hope munching these freshly picked duhat or black plums will be suffice for now to keep me away from diabetes.

the rest of Mother's day

May 10, 2015

noontime seemed like 6pm

We went down from Baguio as soon as we checked out of the hotel. We wanted to dine at a nearby restaurant but the rain made us decide to just have our lunch at Matutina's in Urdaneta, Pangasinan(an hour drive away) just like we used to do. It was raining and foggy. After all, there was a typhoon, Dodong, specifically, but was far enough to affect Benguet province.

Mother's day 2015

It's my turn. I'm happy to celebrate this occasion with my boys in a much different way. 

Vizco's Cake shop Baguio

May 9, 2015

More than blogs, I love Instagram too, to find anything new in the restaurant scene. Since we've been to Baguio many times, I'm always searching for anything new that this cool city would offer. We are not anymore after the touristy places but for the weather and the food trip na lang.

Camp John Hay + Chocolate de Batirol

May 9, 2015

When in Baguio, going to Camp John Hay is always a part of the itinerary for my family. It is a crime not to. It is here where we truly feel that we are in Baguio because of the numerous pine trees and lush floral vegetation that is seemingly decreasing in other parts of the city as time goes by.

Tim Howan SM North Edsa anew

May 8, 2015

We were here for merienda on our third visit, if I'm not mistaken. 

Haircut + Army Navy

I'm happy to note that I finally decided to chop off my hair in "a huge way". I do have my hair trimmed at least twice a year for seven years na. It was long but has layers because it lessens the heaviness that I feel courtesy of having a long mane.

Valenzuela fire

I was quite shocked when I saw this from my dirty kitchen's window.

Sounds of sirens from fire trucks are all over. I knew from the looks of it that it will be a big one. Praying for minimal damage and everyone's safety.

Journal writing

Yes, I'm an old soul. Apart from this site, I still like to jot down things with a pen and a journal or on any piece of paper. I used to receive planners as Christmas gifts from my students when I was still part of the academic world. I wrote there my thoughts, my daily/weekly sked, the details of a seminar, the agenda for a faculty meeting and sometimes my skeletal lesson plan. A very handy tool for me indeed, if I may say so.

morning habit + coffee

I buy one now for my weekly meal plans, budget, expenses, and anything worth writing that catches my interest.

Birthday lunch at Cafe by the Ruins

May 9, 2015

We were quite surprised that it wasn't full on a weekend. I'm happy that we would not wait in line just like in our previous visits. A relaxed kind of lunch is what we need after a road trip. 

Baguio weekend

As I've said in my previous post, my son and I agreed to celebrate our "special days" here in Baguio. My husband liked the idea because he wanted also to make new memories with his new bike, too. Plus, we would like to escape the hot 34 degree temperature of Manila even for a while. We woke up late so we were on the road by 6:30 am na instead of 5:30 am. No worries, as we just want to have a relax kind of "roadtripping". We traversed the NLEX and SCTEX  without a hitch. Thanks, God. Sa dami ng aksidente na nangyayari araw-araw, one can't help to be thankful.