my gift on Christmas day

This year was a bit different from last year's (me personally and health wise for my husband) but we managed to pull it through. If not for the power of prayers, patience, positivity and strong family ties, I think I would end up depressed and all. There were sleepless nights and tearing up(couple of times) but I prayed hard for proper discernment especially during the last quarter of this year. I got worrisome sometimes for no reason. Sabi ko pa, menopausal na ba ako? Bata pa naman ako ah. Kaya siguro kahit regular exercise ko I would end up having colds and cough every month. I was stressed.

prepping for Christmas 2016

Woah, Merry Christmas! I've been meaning to update but 'life happened' once again. How was your Christmas?

Just like in the recent years(pre-Christmas), I spent most of my time in my kitchen to prepare my baked giveaways and our Noche Buena. In between cooking, I could be found in malls, palengke and groceries shopping of course. Anywhere related to food. Haha.

I baked brownies(for my sis' office giveaways), cupcakes and cookies a week before.

injured

Last Thursday, the stand fan in our bedroom suddenly stopped. I thought of replacing it with the other one from our sala(living room). My boys were out so  I tried to lift it by myself. I didn't realize that the base wasn't properly screwed to the upper part(head). Ayun, bumagsak sa paa ko yung kalahati. Ooooouchhhh...

the culprit

Jack Reacher

I didn't watch the first installment of this movie but when husband asked me if we could watch last Tuesday, of course, I obliged. I like Tom Cruise, plus action movies, too. 

And we're glad we didn't miss this movie. It was intense and action packed, indeed.

Bluetooth earphones

It was just a casual conversation. I told my husband that I think I need one because while I was running on the treadmill last Tuesday I was holding my phone while listening to the music to prevent my earphones from falling off. When I was that active in running six years ago, I used headphones. Siguro naka-dalawa rin ako kaya lang nasisira. Wear and tear.

We were in the mall earlier and he surprised me with this... 

I love no occasion gifts. 

the high road

As I was scanning my FB timeline this morning, I was surprised to see a High school classmate post- a pic of a girl she labeled as home wrecker. She did this to serve as a warning. I understand her hate and anguish being a wife and Mom also. Some people really crosses the line-mapa lalaki yan o babae. I prayed that she'll have proper discernment and support that she'll need during this times.

Feeling...

Because of yesterday's rigorous fitness activity, I'm...

but one step stronger!

Amazed with today's candy colored sunset. One of those days that you're glad you stopped whatever you're doing and decided to just stare...

Inferno and Bakit Lahat ng Guwapo may Boyfriend

It seems we missed watching movies in the theater that in a span of a week we watched two current films. 

Last week(Monday), while having dinner husband asked me if we could watch Inferno by Tom Hanks. We headed to the mall and caught the last full show. I must say we're more impressed with the first two Dan Brown movies than this one.

catch me if you can

I'm happy that I didn't stop and didn't run out of breath. Almost 5 km today!

First thirty minutes...

brisk walked here most of the time

then the next thirty...

then ran the entire time...

After 10 mins of stretching, I was off to the grocery. 

thriving

Oooops, I've been neglecting my small urban garden because of other concerns the past few weeks. Yesterday, I managed to have a bit of gardening-- collected dry leaves with my trusted walis tingting(broomstick), cut long and stray Sampaguita stems, weeded out...

Saturday good vibes

Started my day yesterday with this on mind- maging magaan at positibo kahit may mga pinagdaraanang problema o pumangit at magkasakit dahil lagi kang nega, galit o masama ang ugali sa kapwa. Walang taong perpekto pero we always have a choice. 

Plateau anew

I decided to go to the gym yesterday though I'm still recovering from a pesky dry cough and colds over the weekend. What's important to me is that I'm not dizzy at all and I don't feel sluggish or weak to pursue exercise.

ADN Festival 2016

ADN means Aldub nation. It is known that I'm a follower of Aldub loveteam- Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza since day 1. Just click on this link to read my previous posts about them. 

Ginebra surprise

Tonight, I'm one of the millions of Ginebra fans that prayed for their win. My boys have different fave teams. They just watched the last quarter. 

birthday noodles

As I've said in my earlier post, we dined out on my husband's birthday due to some errands. I was still recovering from colds and cough I earned from last week, it was only now that I was able to cook my husband's birthday noodles-Spaghetti in meaty red sauce. I shared it to my Mom and siblings. I just bought two Goldilock's half rolls(Mocha and Ube) for them.

Hubby's natal day 2016

His operation was barely three weeks ago so my plan to have an out of town trip as we always do to celebrate was scratched, understandably. Two months ago, he scheduled for an appointment for his passport renewal without knowing that he'll have an operation last September and incidentally, it ran right smack on his birthday. In addition to this, his driver's license is also overdue. When it rains, it pours indeed.

Messy Frankie

I was able to document yesterday through IG story how our doggie eats. The first time I saw him eat, I was heartbroken. But my husband assured me it was because how his mouth and nose is designed. Anyway, naubos naman lahat nang nasa paligid. Kahit yata isang piraso walang natira. That's how a pug eats.

Pork Binagoongan

We had this for dinner last week. It is one of the optional dishes that you can cook aside from sinigang, adobo, inihaw, afritada or pan fried.

guiltless

After a one hour zumba(yup, two days in a row!) session yesterday I went home directly. I was trying not to window shop because when I checked on my finances towards the end of the year, I realized I didn't meet my expected savings of the year. I have so many unnecessary purchases this last few months(plus health emergencies). I need to keep my wallet close. And one tip is not to linger in the mall, if possible stick to my schedule that is.

Batman says

Convo between my husband(a self-confessed Batman fan) and I last night:

BIB: May dalawang fruit bats umaaligid sa puno ng Atis! (anxious)

Batman: Oo nga malalaki pa. (deadma)

BIB: Marami kasing bunga sa taas di ko na maabot para pitasin.

Batman: Hayaan mo na para sa kanila na yun.

BIB: Natatakot ako. Nangangagat ba sila?

Batman: Ma, huwag ka mag-alala hindi ka naman prutas. 

BIB: Sabi ko nga. (grrrr)

Pitch black

My Tuesday is action packed. Last Friday, I called off my facial appointment just because I binge watched the Netflix series "Stranger Things"(I"ll have a separate post on this). Kaya ayun jampacked today. I deposited at the bank first, then facial/diamond peel and lastly, zumba. Ay meron pa pala, grocery. Mukhang tatlong beses na ko nag-gro-grocery since Thursday ah? Kaya siguro when I weighed myself earlier I was three pounds heavier. Aaargh. A case of "Tinimbang ka ngunit sobra." 

Be kind

There are a lot of stressors around but we should bravely confront it by not letting it consume us. Positive vibes should reign so that we could radiate it to other people instead. 

Be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud. ~Maya Angelou 

Have a great week ahead!

Sunday mix

I started today with blog updates over coffee. I missed out on the last two days. Losing the momentum once again would make me lazy kaya I pushed myself to update.

giving thanks

For the first time in two weeks my husband was able to work. Of course, I have to accompany him in case traffic in the metro becomes unbearable. We were up by 5:30 am. 

Hospital episode

Last September 22 my husband finally had his surgery(neither minor nor major) at a local hospital. I can't disclose much for privacy reasons but I assure you that it's nothing cancerous or critical. It just required immediate attention because it was giving him discomfort already.

Chicken salad macaroni

Though we consider it a classic in our family Christmas dinners as a kid, I rarely prepare this salad. Maybe because I didn't like the aftertaste of mayonnaise. Plus I love prepping baked mac instead. 

This was our merienda for two days. I like it chilled with no overpowering mayo taste. So, I tweaked this recipe a bit.

ran today

It's been a long time since I ran. I think mga 4 1/2 years. I can't remember if I already mentioned it here but my husband and I used to join marathons back in 2009-2011.

I joined 3k and 5K marathons then. In 45 mins I could run at least 7 km with a speed of 8 in the treadmill. There were times that we run also at ULTRA's oval. 

snapchat

Nilagang Beef Bulalo (Stewed Beef shank)

It's a rainy day today. Hmmmm... seems what I cooked for lunch is on point. Habagat rains call for something hot and soupy. I'm missing my fave cabbage and Baguio beans here because I thought I could drop by the wet market this morning. Oh well...

Monday motivation

I was hesitant if I will go or not. My husband has a check up(final) and I want to accompany him but he insisted that he can do it by himself na raw. He'll drop me off na lang daw sa mall if I want. I thought I can go to the gym and attend zumba after two weeks of absence. Yesterday, I tried to spin for thirty minutes here at home, but I ended up dizzy and having a migraine the whole day. I needed Paracetamol just to get through the day.  :( 

Senator Dick Gordon

After cooking breakfast and lunch, I started prepping for today's grind- bank errand, check up for my husband, zumba and grocery shopping. 

I've been following both Senate and Congressional hearings for the past few weeks and caught it today once more. I like that Senator Gordon took over the Chairmanship of Extra judicial killings hearings. He is objective, calm and speaks appropriately as Chairman of Justice and Human rights.

Reminder

I'm slightly guilty with this, but in my family I'm still the one who is mindful when it comes to using cps especially when we are at the dining table or at the car. 

Don't. Technology is helpful but nothing beats personal interactions and conversations. 

Weekend mode on

After catching the anticipated mass at 6:30 pm today, we had dinner at home afterwards. Husband asked me if we could have some coffee and dessert somewhere near just to unwind.

Posted this on my Instagram story...

Chicken Curry

It's October! After days of monsoon rains and a week of house arrest(this deserves another post soon), it's a great feeling, well at least for me, to wake up to a sunny day outside. Sun worshipper talaga ako. I'm sad whenever we have a gloomy kind of weather.

Anyway, I just want to share what I cooked for lunch today.

end to blog hiatus

Hello! Yes, I'm still here. Sorry for not updating for months.

Well, there are no exact reasons for my hiatus. Maybe it's a mix of laziness, internet's slow pace, change in lifestyle, etc. I can't say I'm too busy because I could always update even here on my phone on a daily basis, but still, I didn't. Writer's block perhaps?

Fri-yay!

As soon as I finished cooking lunch(Sinigang na Talakitok), I drove to the gym for my 12-1 pm Hiphop class. This will be my second time this month. I came to like AJ(the new dance instructor) after attending one of his classes while substituting for M, the regular instructress. I've always liked male/gay dance instructors(nothing against women) for their energy and vowed two years ago not to dance again until a new one comes along. 

parking lot

Monday blues

I've always regard Monday as something valuable. I want it to be always almost perfect. I believe that if you will have a great one, the following days of the week will follow suit.

Kalayaan 2016

Coming out from Zara, this caught my eye and I just need to take this shot. 

SM MOA

Yes, we are forever grateful what our forefathers fought for to be free from oppressors and conquerors- to be who we are and who we wanted to be(of course, with matching responsibilities). 

Cheers to 118 years of freedom!

social life ignited Part 2

It was my student's(in Grade 3?) invitation last May 21. He wishes to see his former mentors since he's in Manila till the end of June. He is now based in is hometown province Isabela. He belongs to a political family, his father being the incumbent town mayor. When his father isn't available, he takes over as OIC. At 27, he is currently taking up Law. We are so proud of him.

gloomy Metro

Rainy season daw is coming...

took this shot from SM Annex's parking 

social life ignited part 1

For the last two weekends I've been reuniting with my friends. Mukhang na-miss nila ako. Of course, na-miss ko din sila. Haha. 

The past year, I chose to be on a 'hiatus mode' both in my social life, online and offline. Wala lang. I really have this side of me to shut the door once in a while. Parang I need time to think things over, that's why I distance myself. My social life on the latter part of last year was limited to just my family and extended family only. 

daddy remembered

It was my Dad's supposed to be 72nd birthday yesterday. He's gone for six years na but our memory of him still lingers. For us, he is the best husband and Dad in the world. We might not have all the luxury of material things back then, but we were able to managed. He was very hardworking and simple. His salary as bank employee and an insurance agent as sideline made him built and own two houses in his lifetime. Plus, he was able to send me and my siblings to college.

condo unit baptism

May 22

My cousin is now a certified condo owner. We are all happy for her. Her dream of owning one is now realized. She's been paying for the past three years out of her not so big salary as an online teacher. My parents adopted them(together with her sister and brother) when she's just five years old ata. Their parents separated and her mother was unable to take care of them. My parents gave them food, shelter and education. Her story can pass for a story in a tearjerker film. 

healthy change is coming

May 14

Just to change my routine since I've been spinning here at home at least thrice a week, I decided to visit the gym.

Incidentally, the contestants for Miss Bikini Philippines were present. Super thin girls abound the area. Obviously, one thinks they don't need to be on the gym to lose weight. But do you know some of the gym goers are for weight (aside from muscle gain also) gaining? 

I took a snapchat of their dance class.  

I remember how I was as thin back in the day...

X-Men Apocalypse

We watched yesterday this latest installment of the X-Men series at Trinoma.  I haven't seen the trailer yet so I don't have any expectations. I enjoyed their past offerings so I have no qualms watching it. 

My reaction while watching the film, if I could shout my thoughts would be- "WOW!". It was epic- story, action, animation wise. It's on top of my fave movies this year, behind are Civil War and Batman vs Superman.

Go, watch it. I highly recommend it. 

Duterte it is

My family is happy that the one we supported to lead the nation was chosen also by the majority of the Filipinos. By June 30, we will have our 16th President take his oath. 

santol tree gifts

It's a joy not buying fruits for once. Our Santol tree blessed us this year with sweet and juicy ones.

Yum!

my unico hijo's bday 2016

May 9, 2016

He's 23! It was Mother's day when I gave birth to him. Today, it was equally memorable for us- he voted for the first time in the national elections. I greeted him as soon as he woke up and gave him our gifts(in kind and cash). He went to the precinct at 5:20 am and fell in line for the opening of the polling precincts at 6am. He was second in line and the process started at 6:20 am.

inked

Errands + Gringo Chicken, Ribs, Friends

Today is another errand day. My husband and I met at the mall after his work lunch time. I went to the bank, window shopped and shopped for some grocery items.

We tried out one of the newest restos at SM North the Block. It is just right in front of Hypermart(grocery).

a blessed Sunday!

always...

Mayor Duterte's Miting de Avance

May 7, 2016

I won't be able to vote this coming Monday since I failed to have my biometrics checked during the registration period. I know I'm not a role model in terms of this civic duty. But this didn't stop me to be informed and keep track of the candidates this campaign season. We all should be. After all choosing our country's leader for the next six years is not an easy task.

Mom's day 2016

Last year, we celebrated it in Baguio and I enjoyed it a lot. If I could have it my way, I would really wanna spend it again the same way. I have valid reasons for these- it's summer, it coincides with my son's birthday, cooking on a hot summer day is doubly stressful(as well as prepping the house), and restaurants are always packed to the brim. Need I say more? Malamang yung mga Moms sa halip na masaya sa araw na ito, maimbyerna. Haha. 

broken

Yesterday, I started my day by turning my leftover Melon chunks into a fruit juice.

Vote wisely

This made me laugh early in the day. 

from Twitter credits to the owner

                      

As I was saying, there's too much noise this year if Philippine politics is concerned. Toxic is the right term. Nowadays, I'm more concerned with how peaceful and legal this elections will turn out next week.

Pag-isipan at kung maaari ipagdasal din natin kung ano man ang magiging resulta nito.

in full bloom

One more thing why I love summer in the Philippines(aside from its beach season and birthdays in the fam) is that I get to see our flowering plants in full bloom as well as our fruit trees(duhat and santol). I'm excited to share it to you...

My orange bougainvillea...

Captain America Civil War

It's been sometime since I saw a movie, Batman vs Superman pa if I'm not mistaken. I didn't join them in watching Deadpool. My husband and son of course wouldn't have this movie pass. In short, we trooped to the mall last Wednesday(first day of opening).

my movie watching essentials-Lemonade and Butterific flavoured(new!) popcorn

Election 2016

If I could have my way, I want the elections to be done already. Aside from their supporters, I find the bickerings and mudslinging of candidates with their opponents so stressful na. House of Cards(US tv series that deals with politics) is one of my fave shows and I can see na parang it's becoming a reality here as I watch the news or read headlines, articles from Twitter. When I opened my FB(I'm bored that's why) the other day, mas malala pa pala.

wink

I told my husband last night to edit this out and insert his profile picture.

H: Heneral ka lang Mama, ako ang Presidente. 

Me: *rolls eyes*

gadget crazy?

Are you like me? Am I hopeless?

I just noticed, so I took a pic

scam

Beware! 

Huwag maging funny-walain. Tsk.

Eden Nature Park and Resort

April 10

The other half of our Sunday was equally fun. I've been here last 2009 and I enjoyed it that's why I want my husband to experience it, too. After a quick nap and freshening up in the hotel, we hired a taxi at around 1:30 pm to bring us to Toril(30 minute ride) where the famous park is located and paid p550.00. It's on top of a hill and we needed to ride a habal-habal for p100 for another fifteen to twenty minutes. It was scenic throughout, don't worry. 

Yellow Fin

April 10, 2016

Back in 2009, I thoroughly enjoyed Davao as a foodie haven. I was particularly impressed with how delicious(and fresh) their food were. I loved Banok's Inasal chicken, Blugre's Durian coffee, Pearl Farm's lunch buffet and Davao Marina Tuna's crab and Tangigue.

Right after our visit at the Phil. Eagle center, we specifically chose to eat at Yellow Fin Lanang branch, a three minute drive away from our hotel. We were surprised that it wasn't that full since it was lunch time, but I already liked the vibe around the resto. I suspected that the reason might be Pacquiao's fight with Bradley. A lot of people were still in the comfort of their homes watching. After a few hours under the summer sun, it was a refreshing treat that the place was clean, quiet and cold enough.

Phil. Eagle center

April 10

After our breakfast at McDonald's, we asked and hired a taxi in going here. We haggled from p2500 down to p1500. :D I just told Manong Driver that I've been there back in 2009 and paying p2500 is just too much. Take note that one can also go here by public transpo which I did then. The center is one hour away from the city and is located in Calinan town. Yes, it's that far but there's no heavy traffic that you'll encounter and I enjoyed the scenic view while we travel. So, no worries. 

Hotel Tropika Davao

I just googled "Hotels in Davao" and find myself researching at Agoda and Trip advisor sites. I have an account in Agoda which I use every time we need accommodations when our family is planning for a trip. It is indeed helpful. Back in 2009, we were billeted at the Waterfront Hotel Davao. I chose this hotel because it has a rating of 8.2 in Agoda, plus the price per night is only P2,600++($60) for a deluxe room. Another thing it's about fifteen minutes away from the airport and Magsaysay port(if you wish to go to Samal island). It's a steal, indeed.

Good morning, Davao!

We arrived fifteen minutes earlier, 6:30 am. I'm sad that I wasn't able to capture today's sunrise because I'm not on the window seat. Anyway, the cool morning breeze and sunshine welcomed us. 

Davao bound

As what I've been hinting in one of my recent posts, I'll be spending my pre-birthday celeb by traveling. I chose presidential candidate 'Duterte country' this year because I want to go back to Pearl farm; but they don't offer day tours anymore(option B won), indulge in their yummy food,  it's my husband's first time and just simply explore the safest city in the Philippines.

Teresita's and Magnolia ice cream

I know this is one of those food related posts again. I should've been a food blogger instead, right? Haha.

But I'm too weight conscious to be one. 

beach talk

I was about to jot down notes today in my planner when I saw this...

suits me well!

April is my fave month of the year just because it is where my natal day falls and it ushers in the summer months. I'm a beach lover so it isn't surprising that despite the heat starting this month, it's perfectly fine for me.

alone time on a Friday

Yesterday, my son went to work early in the day and husband went hunting for his bike accessories and would later meet his friends at Metrowalk, Pasig city. I figured this would be a great opportunity for me to go back to the gym which  I've been planning since last week.

lezzgo

Aldub in Trinoma

March 30

It was just a fifteen minute trip to the mall from our home, so upon knowing they will be in Trinoma at 5pm to launch their newest endorsements(Bench fragrances for Maine and hair products for Alden) today, we decided to go. But we didn't purchase anything(worth p500) just to take a glimpse of Alden and Maine closer. Ok na makita lang namin sila from afar. We had our privilege na last month.

ground floor

I love Body Shop

Aside from my liptint in a super cute packaging...

truth

What you see isn't what you get sometimes...

pic from Twitter

I'm speaking for myself. :)

Easter mass and Batman vs Superman

Happy Easter! May we had the same  reflection from the last Holy week- Resurrection, Rebirth and Hope. Thank you Jesus for saving us. Thank you God, our Father.

On a roll

One of those few days I got to open my laptop. Huwag lang mag-'turtle net', mas madali talaga dito than using my Blogger app on my phone or the Ipad. 

After my usual house chores and exercise(spinning for an hour) yesterday, I decided to update my blog. Allelujah!

visita iglesia 2016

Staycation during Holy week has always been my family's choice. We love Manila when hundreds of thousands make an Exodus starting Holy Wednesday. 

light traffic along Congressional avenue