Hello Again

It’s been more than 2 years since my last entry. A lot has happened and to sum it up—I got married, got pregnant, gave birth, and now a mother to an active 1 year old toddler. I also still work in our family business. I have my hands full, but I’m not complaining. It has been an incredible journey and still is up until now. While there are days that I wish for my old life back (who doesn’t?), I would not trade this experience for anything else. I admit it is not easy adjusting to this new life but I’m slowly getting there—settling in and getting into the groove of things. While I have given up many things, I also gained a lot in return. I have had my fair share of sweat and tears, but it’s all worth it because it has made me realize what I didn’t know I had in me all along.

I would like to believe that the learnings I have picked up along the way have made me into a stronger and better person. Marriage and motherhood has made my heart fuller in love and joy. I am excited. I am looking forward on what lies ahead and I hope I’ll be able to share my journey through this blog.

Wake Up Call

I stumbled upon a nice entry from thresca, which I can very well relate to. I always make a note to myself to appreciate everything (whether small or big) that comes my way. And I'm guilty that sometimes I take the small and simple things for granted. I should carry this list with me everyday so it could serve as a reminder for me.

If I had my life to live over

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the “good” living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather rambling about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television, and more while watching life.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick, instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment, realising that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, “Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.”

There would have been more “I love you’s” and more “I’m sorry’s”

but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute, look at it and really see it and never give it back.

- Erma Bombeck

THE Day

Wedding. December 18, 2010.

As cliche as it may sound, it was the most incredible feeling. Almost surreal. Just as the planning and preparations went by so fast, the actual day also breezed by as quickly as it started. I’m happy everything, (well, more like 90%) pushed through as planned. Just like any bride would say, I wish I could repeat it all over again. This time without the worries and stress. I will really just savor every minute of it and enjoy, and be in the moment-my moment.

There are so many people to thank. I’m overwhelmed with all the love and support of our family and friends. Thank you to Christine Ong-Te and her team, Veluz Reyes, Rupert Nicolas, and Leo Nicolas. Thank you. I’d definitely choose to work with you guys again if I could have another wedding.

Splurge or Save

I want to splurge on a gold and black watch...



and on a super fast i7 laptop...



But my instincts tell me to just put it in the bank instead. Wah!

Down Memory Lane

I’ve been sorting through a pile of pictures for our wedding avp. Seeing my childhood and teenage pictures brought me back down to memory lane. I can’t believe how different I looked back then. Baggy jeans, loose t-shirts, short puffy hair, sandals with socks, and flowered leggings with socks on top…oh my! And I thought I was cool before. Aside from having a laugh trip, it has made me realize that there were certainly a lot of beautiful and happy (some extra special) memories I’ve had throughout the years. There are some that I will never forget. I miss being an innocent kid where the world seemed just like a one big playground to me. I miss being a giddy teenager with numerous crushes on nerdy looking boys. I miss being in college where the world seemed like mine to take; with countless escapades and adventures to boot.

Ten years from now, I’ll probably look back and say the same thing again. I’ll probably laugh my socks off again when I see myself clad in today’s style (read: mini dresses and floral prints. Who knows what the style will be in the future?). Once in awhile, it’s nice to look back, trace back one’s path and see how much one has grown and changed (for the better I hope). It’s always a nice feeling to know that one has gone a long way and has achieved significantly.

DFA Rocks!

I had my passport renewal today at the new DFA building in Macapagal. I just have to share my experience; it’s a good one. =) I initially had my appointment scheduled on October through my travel agent. It was supposed to be the next earliest schedule available. I decided to check and try out DFA’s online appointment system in hopes of getting an earlier schedule. And I did manage to get an August appointment. I’ve heard of horror stories regarding passport renewals at the DFA. I heard people have to wait an average of 3-5 hours. They said there were a lot of people, long queues and fixers everywhere. I was actually prepared for the long hours wait at the DFA today. I brought water, a book, newspaper, and my ipad. I got there early, more than an hour ahead of my appointment. Luckily they allowed me to go in. Usually they only let you in 30 minutes prior to your schedule. I breezed by Step 1 (Documents) and Step 2 (Cashier). I made sure I came with the complete requirements to avoid having to fall in line again. Step 3 (Enrollment) also went by fast even if the ticket number I got was 100+. At this point, I actually didn’t mind waiting since there was good air conditioning with a sufficient seating area. Surprisingly it only took a couple of minutes before my number was called. There were about 75 personnel in the enrollment processing section which made the waiting very short. After taking my picture, fingerprints, and digital signature, I was done! I can’t believe it only took 3 steps to finish my passport renewal. It took me no less than an hour to complete everything. Furthermore, what makes me really happy is the fact that I did everything on my own. I didn’t have to go through fixers or through “special connections” or pay extra just to get an easy passport renewal. I was really surprised at how well-improved the DFA is now. They had a new, clean, well conditioned building and a fast efficient staff. I wish all the government agencies (special mention: LTO and airport) have the same efficient process and facilities. DFA's really a first! If only government officials start spending taxpayers’ money in the right places and pay attention to improving all the country’s facilities, then we’ll already be a great nation ten years from now! Diba?

Forever21 in Manila

Last Thursday, we were lucky enough to get invites for the pre-opening of Forever21 in SM Megamall. Aside from a lot of models, artistas, and who’s-who, the main man himself Henry Sy, Sr. was there. I was thinking of getting a picture with him, but I was too dyahe to do so. He was smiling and he seemed very pleased with the turnout. I have to give props to him. He’s a genius in his own right. I wish I could be as successful like him someday.

I was not able to do any major shopping though because I thought I was coming back. I was only able to buy a few items, which I now regret. I just learned that Forever21 had a very long queue on its opening day and continues to be so until to this day (not sure what the situation is during weekdays though). You have to line up and wait for your turn to enter the store. What the?! I guess it’s because a lot of the stuff from the girl’s section are really low-priced and affordable. You get good fashionable stuff with a very good price tag on it. That’s really hard to resist. Maybe the “craze” will eventually die down. I think everyone’s just too excited and thrilled at the thought of having something so popular and nice available locally at a very affordable price. When Gap and Banana Republic opened in Manila, it didn’t create as much buzz as Forever21 did. So my guess is maybe it’s because of the price. I could just imagine if H&M will open in Manila. That’s going to be another story altogether. Although personally if my wallet had the choice (hehe), I would still prefer Zara. It’s pricier but it’s definitely a level higher, quality-wise and fashion-wise. I’m not even sure if both should even be compared. I hope Zara makes their sales more frequent and at BIGGER discount.

Shiny Happy People

It's a common belief that positive thinking leads to a happier healthier life. As children, we're told to smile, and be cheerful, and put on a happy face. As adults, we're told to look on the bright side, to make lemonade and see glasses as half full. Sometimes reality can get in the way of our ability to act the happy part though.

Ask most people what they want out of life and the answer is simple - to be happy. Maybe it's this expectation though of wanting to be happy that just keeps us from ever getting there. Maybe the more we try to will ourselves to state's of bliss, the more confused we get - to the point where we don't recognize ourselves. Instead we just keep smiling - trying to be the happy people we wish we were. Until it eventually hits us, it's been there all along. Not in our dreams or our hopes but in the known, the comfortable, the familiar.

-Grey's Anatomy

Everything Good List

Starting today, I'm going to surround myself with only the good and positive. There's so much to like and love, and I haven't been doing exactly that lately with all that has transpired last week. But today's a different day. It's a brand new week which equals to a fresh new start. =)

In no particular order,

-June 1 (Happy 2 Years to my one and only!)
-Vampire Diaries
-free Citibank movie tickets (we've definitely saved a lot on this promo...)
-yummy McDonald's hotcake and coffee
-SM bringing H&M and Forever21 to Manila
-Zara's current season (there's so much to buy!)
-decorating and fixing the house with Dolfo
-smooth sailing wedding preps
-dinner celebrations
-Europe hangover
-my new e72 phone
-finding the right red dress
-jogging and cooking nights with Dolfo
-positive month end figures
-paydays
-UCC coffee
-Vieux Chalet's yummy toasted pizza
-occasional rains (to beat the sweltering heat)

How?

When is it proper to speak up and defend a person without getting in trouble? Do you wait for the right time or do you go at it immediately? And should you, to begin with, take up on a fight that’s not even yours? Here’s my take…when it’s an adults only issue, the best way to go is to keep mum and let them handle their own situation. Even if you’re itching, dying to speak your heart out, you’ll just have to keep it to yourself. Word of caution though, you’ll need lots of willpower and tons of patience to do this. Because when the bully continues to provoke, it will become increasingly difficult to hold back and not get involved. So how do I go about this then?

***

I’m amazed at how some people can willingly pretend as if everything’s fine when clearly it’s not. People do it for a variety of reasons. I guess it’s because most people love to keep appearances because that’s what makes them look (and feel) good. Some people on the other hand, want to maintain status quo, fearful of rocking the boat. I don’t know how I fit in all of this. Do I suck it up and play along or do the exact opposite? I strongly feel the need to stay true to myself. I can’t pretend to like a person whom I truly detest. I can’t find it in my guts to smile and do small talk if I know this person will just stab me in the back. Frankly, I just don’t want to have anything to do with someone who’s not even worth my time and effort. Being civil, maybe I can do. But from its definition in dictionary.com, being civil is even an understatement.

—Synonyms
7, 8. respectful, deferential, gracious, complaisant, suave, affable, urbane, courtly. Civil, affable, courteous, polite all imply avoidance of rudeness toward others. Civil suggests a minimum of observance of social requirements. Affable suggests ease of approach and friendliness. Courteous implies positive, dignified, sincere, and thoughtful consideration for others. Polite implies habitual courtesy, arising from a consciousness of one's training and the demands of good manners.

So how do I go about this too?

Love, Love, Love

Too many negativity today. Gosh! Or was it too much alcohol? Hmnn…too much alcohol can really bring out some of the worst qualities of a person. It turns you into a greedy green-eyed monster. If you want to see the true colors of a person, give him/her lots of alcohol. You’ll see what I mean. It’s a painful sight, close to pathetic, almost amusing but not quite; pitiful if I must say so. Drinkers really have to put in mind that having too much to drink doesn’t give you an easy ticket to barrage people with your angst and insecurities. Geesh get over it and face it like a man. Haay, why don't we just make love and not war? To quote Kris Aquino, "love, love, love". Isn't that a whole lot better? Love, love, love.

7 more months and counting..

Dolfo and I are done with most of the wedding preps, for now. I can say it's been a fun, smooth, and stress free planning (with some minor bumps here and there) so far. *cross fingers* We can now both rest and relax in the next few months since we've already completed most of our suppliers. I'm sharing my wedding mood board with you. I really have no specific theme. I just want it to be simple , intimate, sweet, romantic, and elegant. I'm choosing pale blush pink, silver-greyish purple, with a touch of green. I hope it's a good choice and everything turns out exactly (if not as close as) the way we imagined it.

Good Luck to Us! God Bless the Philippines.

A fair, truthful and successful May 10 election

To All Moms

Image via likes

Do NOTHING.

vi.sualize.us

Today's one of those long weekend holidays. And I'm absolutely doing nothing. I feel as if I should be doing something productive. Then I remembered about this magazine article I stumbled upon while having late lunch at Apartment IB a few months back. It left a strong impact on me, I decided to copy random excerpts from it on my iphone. I forgot to copy the magazine source though. Oops sorry!

I'm declaring today as my DO NOTHING day. :)

"Go bumbling. Wandering around without a purpose. Indulged by the poets of the 19th century in Paris. Children are good bumblers. Try making a deliberate effort to slow down your walking pace. You'll find yourself coming alive and you'll enjoy simply soaking in the day.

Idleness it seemed is not bad. It was noble. It was excessive busyness that caused all the problems.

Remind people of the forgotten simple pleasures of doing nothing.

Aristotle had praised the contemplative life, and monks spent a lot of time just praying and chanting. Guilt for doing nothing is artificially imposed on us by a calvinistic and puritanical culture that wants us to work hard. When you understand that it hasn't always been this way, it becomes easier to shake it off.

Declare at least once a day of the week as a do nothing day. Don't clean the house or do laundry; don't get in the car. Stay home and eat chocolate and drink wine. Be kind to yourself.

Indulge in contemplation, reflection, and that underrated pleasure, thinking without fear of disapproval."

I'm currently thinking of...

PB Co.'s Peanut Butter Black Forest Sandwich. This is what happens to me for skipping dinner. It's making me think about food. Peanut butter, chocolate spread, white cream cheese, and cherries on white toasted bread. Yum! I know it sounds like an odd combination but surprisingly it tastes good. It's just so far from my place.

Slow Motion Videos

I got these from Mo Twister's blog. This one is a Pedigree ad using slow motion video. It captures the reactions of the dogs so candidly and vividly. Nice concept. Watch!



Another slow motion video, "The new trend in sports videography is catching "special" moments in slow motion, high-definition. It brings the viewer to an even greater appreciation for athleticism and the harmony between athlete and task. Below is a 30 frame per second shot of some Australian dude surfing--simply amazing." -Mo Twister

IN: Green, OUT: Pink

I have to agree with the new color scheme. Green is definitely looks better than pink. I like MMDA's new green campaign. They've put up "green awareness" posters all over the metro. I think it serves two purposes; literally it increases environmental awareness and figuratively it sort of gives, encourages everyone to have a positive outlook. This is why (aside from among many reasons) I am going to vote for BF.

Pink is out; MMDA going ‘Gibo’ green

“Green” and bear it, BF! Looks like Gibo’s color is taking over your formerly “rosy” turf.

Not only is the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) repainting various road structures from pink to green, but it is also putting up signs trumpeting its new choice of color.

Tarpaulins printed with slogans like “Green is Cool,” “Green Is Go,” Green Is Hope,” and “Green is Clean” would be mounted this week along major thoroughfares, especially along EDSA (Epifanio delos Santos Avenue), to formally launch the agency’s “Go Green Metro” program, MMDA Chair Oscar Inocentes said Monday.

“Green symbolizes environmental growth,” Inocentes said in a statement. “We would like the world to know that through the MMDA, Metro Manila is doing its share to conserve and protect our Earth, our environment.”

He sought the cooperation of the 17 Metro Manila mayors in promoting the agency’s “green ideology.”

The agency had initiated a metro-wide paint job on the pink street signs, foot bridges, sidewalk urinals and lane barriers installed during the term of then MMDA Chair Bayani “BF” Fernando, now an opposition vice presidential candidate.

Fernando’s pink motif—sometimes with a touch of blue—also extended to the facade of some private homes that line major roads and to the MMDA building itself on EDSA in Makati City.

No political brushstroke

In an interview last December shortly after he took over, Inocentes justified the color change, saying in Filipino: “Green is easier on the eyes, while pink is a color associated with gays.”

The MMDA chair denied speculations that the change was a political brushstroke in support of Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro, standard-bearer of the administration party Lakas-Kampi-CMD, whose campaign color also happened to be green.

He insisted that the similarity was just a “coincidence.”

A member of the ruling party, Inocentes earlier served as presidential assistant for political and judicial affairs with the rank of undersecretary under the Office of the President.

4,000 ficus trees

In the statement Monday, the MMDA chief said the agency would also plant at least 4,000 ficus trees on the center islands of primary and secondary roads all over the metropolis.

Ironically, the MMDA under Fernando considered trees planted on center islands and sidewalks as traffic hazards that obscure the view of motorists or hamper the movement of pedestrians.

Trees thus became a casualty of road-clearing and widening projects at the time.

Though his view had its own share of supporters, Fernando’s tree-cutting operations drew the ire of affected residents, environmental groups, and some lawmakers.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20100323-260311/Pink-is-out-MMDA-going-Gibo-green

Pyromusical at MOA

Dolfo and I watched the fireworks finale last Sunday at Mall of Asia. There were a lot of people. We were lucky to get good seats, right exactly at the middle. Australia and Philippines were the last countries to compete that day. I liked the Philippines' fireworks display especially its grand finale. They used popular songs which went aptly with their fireworks. But they didn't win though. First place went to United Kingdom. Australia placed second, and third place went to Japan. This one's going to be in my to-do list again next year.

Be Nice

I have to agree on what Michael Tan wrote in today's newspaper...I like.

By Michael Tan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:28:00 03/16/2010

“EXCUSE ME, LOLO. EXCUSE ME, LOLO. . .”

It was my 4-year-old son, gently but firmly trying to interrupt my father, who was having a small argument with my mother.

My father finally paused, looked at my son and growled, “What?”

With all the confidence of a Supreme Court justice, complete with high chair, my son promulgated his order in his falsetto voice: “Be nice, Lolo. Be nice.”

That broke the tension and we all broke out laughing. I had to explain to my son that my father had raised his voice because my mother is hard of hearing, but that was difficult for him to grasp, so he insisted, as I do with him when he gets too rowdy, “Lolo, whisper, whisper.”

He’s repeated that “be nice” routine several times, with his grandparents when they argue with each other, or with the household help, and with me when I raise my voice scolding him.

Be gentle

It all began when I caught him several months ago calling someone “gago.” When I frowned, he responded right away, “Bad word?” And I replied, “Not bad word. It just isn’t nice.”

Since then I’ve been using the phrase, “Be nice” quite often, not just for “bad” words but also for assorted situations, like when he fights with other kids, or gets rough with pets.

I know it all sounds wimpy, but a “be nice” campaign is something we need badly in an increasingly mean world. When foreign friends visit, they always tell me Filipinos are so, well, nice and pleasant, and I ask where they’ve been. Inevitably, it will be to the higher-end tourist areas where people are almost forced to be nice. Sometimes I’m tempted to take them to lower-end shopping malls where they’ll see how people shove the elderly aside, or how vendors shout at you to move aside because you’re blocking their displays.

Last month when I boarded a plane and was trying to put a bag into the overhead bin, a man shouted at me, something about his Goldilocks bag being in the compartment. “Use another one,” he practically ordered me. I was tempted to argue that there was enough space for his precious cargo and my bag, but decided it’d be a waste of time, so I did take another overhead compartment.

A few minutes later, a burly American man boarded, opened the overhead with the Goldilocks treasure, shoved in his huge backpack, slammed the compartment door and took his seat. I could almost hear the Goldilock bag being crushed. Did the “nice” Filipino complain? Of course not. He was being nice.

We really need to learn to be kind for kindness’, and goodness’ sake.

We think that to get our way, we have to assert ourselves by being mean. I have fellow professors who will tell their students, “You’re wrong,” pausing to take a deep breath and then adding, “You’re absolutely wrong.” It doesn’t end there. I’ve even seen professors demanding an apology from the student for daring to contradict them.

Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but even if the student is absolutely wrong, I will still go: “I’m not sure about that. Can you check your sources again?”

I was amused the other week when I watched “Pilipinas Got Talent,” a local spin-off of “American Idol.” I know many people get a thrill watching Simon Cowell getting really mean with contestants. Mercifully, the local version has judges, including Kris Aquino, apologizing, “Sorry ha, pero...” to contestants before sending them off to oblivion.

I know, I know. . . what about our noontime shows where they have contests to make fun of people? Precisely. It’s because we are getting more and more of such entertainment fare that I worry about how we might lose all sense of “nice-ness.”

‘Nuno sa Internet’

Niceness is even more endangered now with the Internet. Look at the comments people post on e-discussion groups, and in response to YouTube videos. Blog writers can be especially vitriolic, confusing harsh and brash language with intelligence. I’ll admit, too, the temptation to be unkind is strong with columnists.

All this comes about, ironically, because both old and new mass media are built on respect for the freedom of speech. We’re all encouraged to speak our mind with few limitations. The Internet has opened more spaces, with even fewer rules—it’s almost impossible, under present laws, to sue a person for libel or slander if the offensive remarks are made on the Internet. It’s gotten so bad now there’s even a term for people who just roam the Internet trying to pick arguments and fights over the most trivial issues: “trolls.” (I call them Nuno sa Internet, playing on our traditional mythological nuno sa punso or grumpy creatures inhabiting anthills.)

I do wonder, at times, if I’m being unfair to children (my own and others’) when I urge them to be kinder in a world that’s becoming more and more unkind. Will they survive? I wonder.

I think so. I do explain to them that there are indeed people who are “gago” and “tarantado” and sometimes they should be called that—nicely (meaning with a smile). Seriously, I’m convinced he stands a better chance of surviving because quite simply, unkind people are a turn-off. Whatever your views are, you might initially catch people’s attention with mean remarks, but eventually they turn away, no longer interested in your views because you come through as too vexing, too toxic, to the spirit, too toxic.

Working for 25 years as an administrator in NGOs, UP and a foundation, has entailed dealing with the most difficult people imaginable, and I can say with confidence that kindness, or at least graciousness, doesn’t mean compromising on firmness and fairness. In fact, unkind people are shocked when you turn the screw on them with grace. Unkind people want to fight, and the best way to be “unkind” to them is to deny them that pleasure.

If a “be nice” admonition doesn’t work out, walk away, assuring yourself, “It’s his problem, not mine.” You might actually find yourself feeling sad for the person. That, too, is being kind.