kuro kuro ng isang binibini

happy day!

2011-07-18T13:51:00.002+08:00

i finally cracked my password woes to this blog! my first entry for so long! i don't really know what to say except a lot has happened.

follow me on twitter @mygromit. till next post. :)

i'm reading...

2008-04-12T00:03:00.002+08:00

this book by joel osteen

i'm very encouraged. i listen to his podcasts too!

i think so too mom!

2008-04-10T00:09:00.000+08:00

biglang tingin daw...

2008-04-03T23:51:00.001+08:00

i look like i'm in a bikini?!

go figure.

i'm stuck!

2008-03-12T23:56:00.000+08:00

everyone's been telling me how i've lost weight. but now, i'm stuck. my weight won't budge. so i'm coupling my not so limited food intake with exercise. i'm doing yoga and hip hop abs. it's fun! here's to hitting my ideal weight this year!

i love this site...

2008-02-28T23:57:00.000+08:00

http://www.abeautifulrevolution.com/

here are a few of my faves

the holidays

2008-01-19T00:14:00.000+08:00

every year i make it a point to go home for Christmas. i book my ticket ahead of time and i file my leaves as early as october. it's just not Christmas if i don't spend it in ilocos with my family.

on Christmas day we gather at my maternal grandparent's house for a sumptuous Christmas lunch. after lunch we open gifts and after that it's time for the neighborhood 'palaro'. we host one every year and every year the children just keep coming. the day after Christmas we troop to Dibua which is just out of the city limits for the Tercia -- a tradition that we keep for as long as i can remember with the farmers who tend our lands (what was left after agrarian reform that is which doesn't amount to much really). every year it's the same menu - tinola, pansit and roasted mudfish - and yet we keep coming back for it.

this year we started a new tradition for the Monroy grandchildren and spouses. Dec. 27 we shall gather for an annual gift-giving which includes lunch of course and all that it entails. this year we did all the cooking which was fun. it was a moment to bond with my cousins and their spouses. i hope we keep this new tradition that we started.

it's that time of year -- again!!!

2007-11-30T00:25:00.000+08:00

aaaarrrgh! how did it creep by wihout me noticing?! december is just around the corner! i don't even have a list! no list and no gift ideas either. maria corazon del monte! ano ne?!

for real...

2007-09-24T10:21:00.000+08:00

MY biggest fear is that if i ever have children,
they will inherit my genes!

welcome DAJ!

2007-09-23T10:09:00.000+08:00

the newest addition to the Monroy-dela Cruz clan

DAMIEN ANGELO JOAQUIN GANO DELA CRUZ

to the future...

2007-08-17T21:24:00.000+08:00

to love found
to love lost
to broken heart
to becoming a stronger person
to lessons learned
to people and experiences that make you reevaluate your entire outlook on life
to places traveled
to hope
to fear
to success
to failure
to boredom
to fun
to sick
to healthy
to rich
to poor
to sad
to happy
to the future
to life!

thanks to J. Michael Haas of The Daily Purge

way to go sisters!

2007-08-05T23:01:00.000+08:00

congrats to our (nursing and PT) board passers! go forth and earn big bucks!

wag kalimutan si doktora - congrats ading!

book 7!

2007-07-23T21:32:00.000+08:00

very early in the morning (quarter to 7) of july 21, my cousin lizet and i drove to greenhills to get our copies of the last harry potter book. i had a book reserved at fully booked and, of course, i lost my receipt. fortunately for me, i had the foresight to photocopy it and so that's what i presented to the cashier. because there was a relatively long line, she didn't give me a hard time. she gave me my copy which i quickly browsed through (i read the chapter titles mainly and the dedication).

I tried to read the first chapter while waiting for lizet (to finish chatting with her friend over breakfast), however, i was so sleepy (i only had an hour and half or so of sleep). so instead of a marathon reading fest as i had planned to do -- i slept the saturday away. i finally finished reading the book on sunday night -- i wanted to pace my reading and really take my time and savor the experience of reading the last book but i just couldn't put it down. i had to know how jk rowling ended the series. so i read like a junkie on crack.

i was touched with dudley's change of heart and i cried when hedwig died. i think tonks and lupin deserved a death scene and dobby dying left me cold. i'm sorry but i never found dobby endearing -- kreacher yes but dobby nah. fred weasley, however, did not have to die i mean really ms. rowling, why? -- i ask you why?! i'm glad snape was a good guy after all and way to go mrs. weasley for offing bellatrix! the epilogue left me wanting (for more) but all in all it was a satisfying read. it was a good end to a great series. thank you jk rowling, for making me believe once more.

--=oOo=--

I got the british version too! many thanks to syed!

me too!

2007-07-16T22:10:00.001+08:00

i said no to a weekend in boracay because it coincided with the book 7 release date.

i'm not 36 (yet) but i too watch cartoons still

my fave pink shirt ever!

2007-06-21T20:50:00.000+08:00

how do i love thee? let me count the ways...

after a relaxing massage at the spa.

christmas '06

the day before gina's wedding

at the blando's one weekend

the goal...

2007-06-07T22:40:00.000+08:00

i'm thinking of going back to basics. i want to consider becoming a farmer. i want to raise chickens, pigs, goats and grow vegetables. too far fetched for me? i don't know i've been reading a lot about simple living oft late and the idea is so inviting. comforting even. think organic farming -- well that's the goal 4 -5 years down the road.

----==oOo==----
i think so too

cutypatootsy!

2007-05-18T22:06:00.000+08:00

this is daniel henney (ang bago kong kinababaliwan!). he's half korean and half british-american. i saw his latest movie on you tube called seducing mr. perfect -- button down shirts and suits never looked so yummy. oh and the subs were good too!

para kay mudra dear

2007-05-13T00:10:00.000+08:00

my fave things in life...

2007-04-16T12:36:00.000+08:00

1 - bonding time with my siblings and cousins (some lang not all)
2 - having great conversation at the dining table
3 - listening to my sisters recount my nephews' and nieces' latest antics
4 - having the giggles at the most inappropriate time
5 - falling asleep in front of the TV
6 - new supplies from national bookstore
7 - a good book
8 - a good laugh
9 - a good cry
10 - a good movie
11 - cold and hot showers
12 - iced tea
13 - SPAM
14 - the smell of freshly laundered sheets
15 - air conditioning
16 - "pink" -- my favorite body lotion
17 - my new ceramic styler
18 - facial wipes (can't do without them)
19 - my ipod
20 - my high look havaiana's in brown and black
21 - the spa
22 - getting a pedi
23 - shopping!
24 - bananacue at toron

My Celebrity Look-alikes

2007-03-18T23:58:00.000+08:00

My cool celebrity look-alike collage from MyHeritage.com. Get one for yourself.

my celebrity look-a-like is a white woman?!

o magsaya at magdiwang!

2007-02-12T14:39:00.000+08:00

this is reason enough to blog after several months of silence...

-----Original Message-----
From: Cruz, Nilo S.
Sent: Tuesday, February 06, 2007 5:02 PM
To: HPWorkers.AsiaPacific.PH
Subject: Farewell

Dear HP Philippines,

After a little over seven years, the time has come for me to move on. My stint here at HP has been a meaningful and rewarding one for me, personally and professionally. I'd like to thank you all for the support, partnership and collaboration the past few years. I look forward to spending some downtime and pursuing my other interests. I wish you all the best!

Rgards,
NILO

christmas 2006

2007-01-18T22:20:00.000+08:00

with flosie, giselle, monique and nelly

all i want for christmas...

2006-10-07T01:15:00.000+08:00

this book by frank warren!

serenity now!!!

2006-10-06T21:51:00.000+08:00

i'm swamped! i mean really! there's just so much to do and so little time.

1 - i'm almost always late for something.
2 - i'm exhausted most of the time (not enough vitamins -- hello!).
3 - i skip breakfast most days -- heck i skip breakfast period.
4 - i forgot to greet a friend on her birthday -- sorry chet.
5 - i haven't been in touch with most of my friends -- not even on email.
6 - i don't have time to read the entertainment news on msn.com -- i used to be always in the know.
7 - the minute my head hits the pillow i'm out like a light -- i can't even finish reading a page anymore.
8 - did my alarm go off this morning? who the f*ck knows!
9 - i can't remember any of my outfits last week. this is just hell when you're dressing up most mornings i can tell you.
10 - it's imperative that i take a nap in the afternoons.
11 - i'm spending way too much money on food.
12 - i don't have time to put on make up. most days i don't even have time to brush my teeth (after lunch) let alone brush my hair -- you getting the picture yet?!

HELP!!!

desperately seeking solace,
XXXOOOXXX

my first day on the job

2006-08-15T17:06:00.000+08:00

it can only be described in one word -- GOSH! but really the people are friendly and generally accommodating -- a little aloof as can be expected but otherwise kind. the premises are a bit antiquated but otherwise sound. the equipment -- well i'd rather not say. i was expecting the worse but all in all it was a good day.

more in the days to follow.

today is my last day at hp.

2006-08-11T01:14:00.000+08:00

It is with both regret and anticipation that I say goodbye to a company I have come to love over the past 9 years. It was a difficult process and my decision to leave has come after much deliberation. It truly is time for me to move on. Many thanks for the prayers and support. Please continue to pray for me as I transition to the new company.

Here's to new beginnings!

my first ever...

2006-08-05T04:16:00.000+08:00

korean novella obsession is the funny and ever kilig My Girl!
all because of this guy -- LDW.

sarang eh oppa!

loverly!

2006-07-21T18:34:00.000+08:00

i'm just drooling over this fab shoe -- yummy!

all the best!

2006-07-21T15:21:00.000+08:00

please don't forget our belgian chocolates! ;D

E	Enjoyable
D	Dignified
E	Entertaining
N	Naughty

P	Playful
E	Enchanting
R	Realistic
E	Eccentric
Z	Zippy

what's not to love about bernie...?

2006-07-20T18:18:00.000+08:00

this is an SMS from my cousin Medette:

i went to the grocery 2 saturdays ago. and today we ran out of stock. bernie said, "mommy we're like the poor people already. we don't have biscuits, we don't have yakult, nothing! we're very poor! ate cereal na lang (talks to the maid). wala din?! oh mommy, no cereal. we're really very poor. i will tell you to daddy."

what's not to love about my niece bernie? she's quirky, imaginative, a chatterbox, she sings -- in tune i might add, she loves wearing dresses, she loves make-up, her fave color is pink, a regular animal lover, she has a name for just about everything (the cat in her arms is called dongwa -- don't ask me why) and can be very opinionated -- all that at a very tender age of 5. oh, and i'm her favorite aunt to boot!

i'm reading...

2006-07-12T11:18:00.000+08:00

leon uris best selling book -- exodus.

it was published in 1958. the copy i have is so tattered and brown with age. in fact, i had to patch it up with tape just to keep it from falling apart. my sister and cousin have read the book a few years back with raving reviews. the "book" went missing in action but has since now resurfaced. i took it as a sign. so far i'm finding it pretty interesting. my take on it to follow.

Blogthings

2006-07-11T14:59:00.000+08:00

what are Blogthings you may ask?! -- apparently they are
Cool Things to Put In Your Blog

this one i like!

Your 1920's Name is:

Philomena Esperanza

What's Your 1920's Name?

73% lang?!

You are 73% Scorpio

How Scorpio Are You?

may not be my color at all

Your Hair Should Be Purple

Intense, thoughtful, and unconventional.

You're always philosophizing and inspiring others with your insights.

What's Your Funky Inner Hair Color?

really?!

The Movie Of Your Life Is Film Noir

So what if you're a little nihilistic at times?

Life with meaning is highly over-rated.

Your best movie matches: Sin City, L. A. Confidential, Blade Runner

If Your Life Was a Movie, What Genre Would It Be?

at ang pamatay...

Your Job Dissatisfaction Level is 66%

Your job is a total bummer, and probably the worst job you've ever had.

Your co-workers stink. Your boss is a jerk. And your company is probably in trouble.

Think about finding a new job quickly, even if it's just a not-so-great transition job.

You've got to get out of there as quickly as you can!

Should You Quit Your Job?

amy mertnay

2006-06-26T23:33:00.000+08:00

dinner at seaside for marilen's big day!

it was followed with coffee at starbucks in the newest, hugest mall ever built in this here republic of the philippines -- mall of asia. it was a fun night! let's do this again -- on my birthday! (yan e kung may maiimbita pa ko sa nobyembre)

abangan ang susunod na kabanata...

2006-06-16T11:12:00.000+08:00

eto lang masasabi ko...

2006-05-30T12:45:00.000+08:00

last week started out just like any other week...

on wednesday morning i had words with a colleague at work because of a process error. it was supposed to be a telecon which ended with just me venting. but that was nothing compared to what i did to the OIC manager of watsons at the enterprise. i bought several items and one in particular which was tagged 25% off. however, when i got back to the office and checked the receipt, the discount was not reflected. so i called the store and asked them why there was no discount and they told me there was no memo on that particular item and that they didn't even know the original price. you can imagine that what they told me only enraged me even more. suffice it to say that after a lengthy discussion and an even lengthier wait i got my money back -- that was very satisfying even if i had to trek all the way there and back.

on thursday, i was helping simon book his flight to singapore via the web. when we got all the details ironed out -- which took awhile because of all the information that was needed -- and finally clicked on purchase, my card was denied. i immediately called the card company and told them what happened. they tell me there was nothing wrong with my card and that i had sufficient funds to cover the purchase however, they said there was a problem with the merchant to bank systems. i told them that was not my problem. my visa card should be accepted wherever visa is accepted. if there are such problems then a notice should be sent to all visa holders that the visa card should not be used at certain establishments. and do you know what they told me?! they said they would consider it and they kept insisting i should call the airline and request for a manual approval. i asked to speak to a manager instead and got hold of a reasonable lady and she asked me to try once more. i still didn't get an approval but i was able to book it over the phone and ended up paying another extra $6.00 per person. if that ain't the most darn damn thing!

on to friday. i had so many errands on that day that i was a little crazed already. michelle kindly tagged along. we first had lunch at mcdonald's and then off to bpi. i had to wait in line for the longest time (around 15-20mins) and i was pissed. so i asked to speak to the branch manger who (fortunate for her) was not around. anyway, i complained to a bank personnel and expressed my dissatisfaction with regards to the queuing system. upon leaving the bank, i reached for my wallet and coudn't find it! i had to pause and tried to look for it again but it was nowhere to be found. michelle said i must have dropped it at mcdonalds and she insisted we go back there hoping against hope it was returned. we approached the guard and asked whether a wallet was returned and he asked us to wait as he called his manager. it was few a minutes before the manager came out and she asked how much money i had in the wallet. i honestly didn't know how much i had but i knew what was inside my wallet so i started to enumerate them. she gave me back my wallet intact. the guard found it! i was about to give the guard a finder's fee but he refused the money saying it was a service they provided. I asked for his name instead. I plan to write a letter commendation to mcdonald's for mr. romulo navarro for his honesty and personal integrity.

eto lang masasabi ko -- ang lakas talaga ni mommy kay Lord! ;D

au revoir to all of you!

2006-05-19T10:39:00.000+08:00

all the best and see you around dears!

to the quote loving mistress -- here's one of your own --
"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow. It's what sunflowers do."
- Helen Keller
not really a quote pero sige na nga:
"hala bira!
sugod mga kapatid
tayo ay magsamasama
iwagayway na ang bandera
rakenrol hanggang umaga!" by sandwich

my marse always and forever! itaguyod mo ang iyong inang bansa! IOWMYMP!
(in other words -- make your mama proud ;p)

and last but not least --
to the one and only debbie labs, grow where you're planted.
ces, don't forget our deal -- sagot mo ko pag-bisita ko sa OZ -- lodgings and allowance ha! hope you find your blue-eyed kangaroo. ;D

The A-Z of yours truly

2006-05-17T19:32:00.000+08:00

Still not feeling up to writing anything worthwhile -- I got this format from another blogger -- thanks ari!

Accent: I had an american classmate in highschool and he told me I sounded quite like a texan.

Booze: I don't do beer because it's high in uric acid. I'm sorta a tequila shooting, vodka drinking, gin and tonic loving chick. But I won't say no to a margarita from time to time! ;D

Chore I Hate: getting organized -- my sister's into organization -- I'm not!

Dogs/Cats: I'm most definitely a dog lover

Essential Electronics: I never leave home without my cellphone and my ipod -- at least I try not to.

Favorite Perfume/Cologne: not much of a perfume lover but I love bath and bodyworks

Gold/Silver: I used to be a great fan of silver just cause gold can be so pretentious till I discovered white gold!

Hometown: my father hails from batac -- the home of great leaders. and my mom is from laoag -- the sunshine city of the north. can't get more GI* than that!

*genuine ilocano

Insomnia: yep

Job Title: contract administrator -- yes, as boring as that sounds.

Kids: oh, love them -- just not so keen on keeping them! ;p

Living Arrangements: I have various domiciles but at the moment sharing a studio with a friend and on the weekends I go home to a 5 bedroom house (owned by my ever generous aunt and uncle) in the wonderful suburb of sampaloc.

Most Admired Trait: chivalry from a guy and honesty from a womyn

Number of Sexual Partners: dalagang pilipina po ako

Overnight Hospital Stays: the only time I ever got confined was at st. luke's in qc

Phobia: heights and losing all my teeth

Quote: at the moment it's "We have to dare to be ourselves, however frightening or strange that self may prove to be." by May Sarton

Religion: roman catholic

Siblings: deux sisters et deux brothers

Time I usually wake up: 7-ish ;D -- well to be sure i'm not a morning person really

Unusual talents: I always know where the car is parked and i have an excellent sense of direction (although, i did lose my way in HK).

Vegetable I refuse to eat: hey, I love veggies! I can't think of anything I'd refuse to eat.

Worst Habit: forgetul jane that I am, leaving important stuff behind has become a habit indeed! oh, and i'm a pack rat -- i absolutely refuse to let go of my kalat!

X-Rays: uhmm I had one for my annual physical exam this morning

Yummy Foods I Make: I make a mean risotto and my pasta recipes are generally good too!

Zodiac Sign: scorpio

my all-time favorite movies ever!!!

2006-04-28T15:38:00.000+08:00

http://www.hotfreelayouts.com/movies.php

check this out!

2006-04-20T18:15:00.000+08:00

http://www.hotfreelayouts.com/movies.php

i'm still not in the mood to blog really but don't you just miss the girls?

my ina-anak!

2006-04-12T16:41:00.000+08:00

ka-cute man guid!

my dream cake!

2006-03-03T13:32:00.000+08:00

need i say more?

our newest bundle of joy!

2006-02-25T19:51:00.000+08:00

my sister-in-law gave birth to giselle claire angela in the early morning of february 6th at the ilocos norte provincial hospital. the baby arrived promptly and healthy after just over 2 hours of labor. they have asked me to be godmother to her (i know, i know poor child). i didn't get to carry her but she smelled like all new-borns do.

day of hearts!

2006-02-15T20:15:00.000+08:00

went out with my office friends on valentine's day. we were all in the same boat so to speak and decided to go out on a group "date". pizza, pasta, good conversation, plenty of laughter and the company of friends -- what more can one ask for?

happy chinese new year!

2006-02-04T17:30:00.000+08:00

my fortune for this year of the fire dog.

Ox's Overview Horoscope

General Situation
You'll begin the year with good resolutions: to put your love life in order, to pull away the bad grasses of doubt and boredom, to dispel once for all the last misunderstandings. But such are things that are not as simple to achieve as they are to say. Fortunately, the astral influxes will stimulate your willpower and allow you to get results worthy of your requirements and hopes.
Generally speaking, you'll have a new rendezvous with luck, success, vitality and love this year. The stars will help you solve your various problems, whatever they may be, because you'll be borne by great enthusiasm and will no longer be alone. Nothing could succeed in discouraging you; on the contrary, obstacles will stimulate you. You'll be well decided not to let yourself be disheartened.

Wood Ox
Do not isolate yourself; accept all invitations, as you'll always draw profit from them. Think of creating a peaceful atmosphere around you. Refrain from pitting some people against others.
Fire Ox
Learn to like reading: This occupation is convenient, agreeable and useful to the highest degree. Do not let the television screen hamper this activity -- it may become a true passion.
Earth Ox
You'll be quite ready to graciously accept certain inevitable obligations and constraints with a view to climbing quickly to the summit of the professional hierarchy. Your task will be facilitated by the joint support of several stars.
Metal Ox
You'll be rather possessive and touchy, and this may give rise to a stormy love atmosphere, all the while a fierce physical attraction will fling you more than you would wish into the arms of your mate of the moment.
Water Ox
The financial atmosphere will be positive. This will be the time to go ahead in order to obtain what you want and to keep it. You'll have every chance to succeed.

Ox's Romance Horoscope

First quarter
The star Dau Quan present in House XI at the very start of this period will provoke some quarrels among couples, where each mate will suspect the other of infidelity; but there'll be nothing really serious, and reconciliations and renewed oaths of love can be particularly touching. As for singles, they'll have difficulty keeping up the tempo; being too slow to react, they may miss good opportunities to tie a durable relationship. No matter what, try to live this somewhat troubled period as best as you can.

Second quarter
You'll evolve in a climate of serenity and euphoria. The strong influence of the star Liem Trinh -- harmoniously related to your natal Sun -- will incite you to make use of tolerance and understanding toward you spouse or mate. You'll need sweetness and tenderness in your couple life and you'll do your best to avoid risks of tensions and conflicts. You should enjoy cloudless sentimental happiness during this period. If you're single, your situation will begin to evolve favorably.

Third quarter
Heartwise, the sky will be rather cloudy. On one hand, the planet Dao Hoa will render you much more romantic and dreamy than usual but at the risk of filling you with illusions. Be careful, then, especially if you're single. On the other hand, the planet Hong Loan promises warm relationships with your spouse or mate, but also risks of disputes if you infringe upon their personal freedom or if you disagree with them on the subject of shared money. Any how, you won't have to complain about monotony in your love life!

Fourth quarter
Supported by the planets Benh Phu and Thien Hi in conjunction, you'll feel a powerful surge of passion for the dear one of your life. The monotony and ordinariness that had begun to invade your couple life will be swept away: A candle-lit dinner or a small trip together is possible; torrid nights are probable. In any case, you'll express your feelings with force, and your mate will have the wonderful impression of living on a cloud!

Ox's Health Horoscope

First quarter
The planet Pha Toai, habitually very gentle, won't be so at all at this time. Jammed between the elements Fire and Wood, he's believed to favor a weakening of the gall bladder, thus causing difficult, slow digestion. In case of trouble, don't commit the error of abstaining totally from all fats for fear of intolerance: the absence of lipids does not favor an increase of gall production, but it can instead impair the absorption of certain vitamins and trace elements. With this being said, be careful nonetheless not to abuse too fatty foods -- nuts, walnuts, almonds, croissants, brioches, mayonnaise, whole milk, as well as all saucy and deep-fried dishes.

Second quarter
Good energy on the whole. This aspect of the star Long Tri will prove fairly favorable to you concerning your health. Those of you who suffer from a long-time health problem will see their state stabilize. This will be the moment to try new treatments, as you'll have chances to find cures that suit you better. The only delicate thing with Long Tri: You'll have a better appetite than ever, so you should therefore control your diet closely.

Third quarter
You should recover a better strength than you've had lately. However beware, for the basic astral climate will remain rather difficult. Of course, you won't run the risk of a serious disease but, more simply, you'll lack some resistance. Some of you will on occasion fall prey to great nervousness; a homeopathic treatment or some acupuncture sessions should suffice to invigorate them. In any case, you should be in good health if you observe moderation in all things.

Fourth quarter
You should, as a rule, enjoy good physical balance. With this being said, beware of Luc Si, the planet of energy, in the sign opposite yours. He'll be responsible for your uneven strength. In good shape some of the time, you may subsequently feel out of sorts or nervous. Do yoga or hiking: This will help you balance your energies.

Ox's Finance Horoscope

First quarter
The star Phuong Cac, highlighted in your chart, will prove very favorable to you as far as your finances are concerned. He'll assure you of chance, success and an easy life. There'll be important, sometimes unexpected, money movements that are often connected with far-away countries. Better luck in chance games, fruitful initiatives in financial transactions. But beware of beggars!

Second quarter
No planet will directly affect the money sector of your chart, and so you can manage your budget calmly. With Loc Ton, one of the financially positive stars, being favorable to you, you could perhaps even improve your income or make some savings. Simply be careful not to spend all your money on the spur of the moment and especially on something that's futile. This period will be favorable to the acquisition of household electrical appliances.

Third quarter
You won't hesitate to take financial risks in the hope of improving your situation more rapidly. You should succeed thanks to the tonic influxes of the star Tau Thu. However, show great discretion and avoid revealing your intentions to persons other than trustworthy counselors. You'll also probably have some money coming in.

Fourth quarter
Be extremely careful concerning your finances. You won't run any serious risk if you remain attentive and if you control your expenses closely. But if you lack rigor, you may have to pay a very high price for it. Why? Quite simply because Long Tri, a planet of restriction, will be in conflict with the star Tang Mon. Consequently, beware of errors in your accounts, and also of a bad appreciation of your situation that might induce you to take too many risks on the financial plane.

Ox's Career Horoscope

First quarter
Not a single planet in view in the work sector. This doesn't mean that you'll remain with your arms folded, only that you'll carry out your current professional tasks without showing excessive zeal. In this climate, which seems to be rather routine, there could still be a place for the unforeseen. Indeed, one could propose that you tackle a new vocational training or to improve yourself in your present sector of activity.

Second quarter
Chance will always be at your side and, even though no planet directly influences your professional life, you can still strengthen your situation. Many stars will grant you exceptional drive and a potential of chance that others will envy you. Don't spoil everything, then, by giving in to the more delicate impact of the star Nguyet Duc, who may inspire you excessive behavior. Remain courteous and don't entertain excessive ambitions.

Third quarter
Your career will come under the spotlight. Thien Phuc, the star of chance, will help you to make good choices, and he'll grant you some exceptional strokes of luck. It will be in your interest to profit from this period so as to progress in your job, as Thien Phuc will amplify the beneficial influences of other stars and lessen whatever nefarious influences they could have.

Fourth quarter
The professional climate will be rather delicate. You who habitually are not very ambitious will have the desire to improve your situation, but without much success. Promises will be made to you, certain projects will seem to have the wind in their sails...and then nothing really important will take place! Above all, remain patient, for chance will soon come to your rescue. Everything will then be rapidly on-the-go. Be prepared to take control of the new situation.

check out --

2006-02-01T18:29:00.000+08:00

My Music Personality -- like anybody would want to know! well, if you want to check out YOU'RE music personality you can click on the link, otherwise, read on...

i went on a book buying spree again (i know, i know). i was browsing through the juvenile or young adults section and picked 2 in particular and they were pretty good picks. i found both books uproariously funny!

book 1 - the unlikely romance of kate bjorkman by louise plummer

about the book
I’m Kate Bjorkman. I don’t like romance novels. They’re full of three-paragraph kisses describing people’s tongues and spittle. But what do you do if you’ve lived a real romance with a great-looking guy (Richard) and he loves you as much as you love him? I know what I did. I wrote this romance novel about myself, using the Romance Writer’s Phrase Book. I also used stuff my English teach taught me about writing. He said a story must have conflict. No problem there. My life was one big conflict last Christmas. I didn’t make anything up. This is the honest truth and I want truth even in romance. I’m betting you’ll want the same.

book 2 - One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies by Sonya Sones

about the book
My name is Ruby.
This book is about me.

It tells the deeply hideous story
of what happens when my mother dies
and I'm dragged three thousand miles away
from my gorgeous boyfriend, Ray,
to live in L.A. with my father, who I've never even met
because he's such a scumbag that he
divorced my mom before I was born.

The only way I've ever even seen him
is in the movies,
since he's this mega-famous actor
who's been way too busy
trying to win Oscars
to even visit me once in fifteen years.

Everyone loves my father.
Everyone but me.

two thumbs up for both -- fun read coupled with a few "kilig" moments -- what more can you ask for?

year of the fire dog

2006-01-29T17:44:00.000+08:00

i forget now which site i got this from. general prediction for this year.

2006, the Fire Dog (Bing Xu) Year
January 29, 2006 through February 17, 2007

The optimist sees opportunity in every danger; the pessimist sees danger in every opportunity.
-- Winston Churchill (a dog)

The Dog is rich in Chinese history and tradition. Whether shown guarding ancient Buddhist temples or depicted as protector of sacred buildings and a defender of law, the Dog is known for it's loyalty, tenacity and watchfulness. Many times displayed in a powerful guarding position, the Dog was the protector of peace and serenity in the sanctuary it was guarding.

The "Foo Dog" is a popular representation and is known as the Celestial Dog or Happiness Dog. It is a symbol of energy and value, and is often displayed in a male/female pair. The male holds a sphere that symbolizes the Earth, while the female holds her offspring.

The year of the Yang (+) Dog teaches the lessons of watchfulness, defense of the weak and fair play. International justice will be the order of the year. Causes, protests and the righting of wrongs defines Dog years. Out of intense complexities, intense simplicities emerge.

What to avoid in 2006:
- Guilt-trips (would have/ should have/ could have's)
- Pity-parties (I'll just sit here in the dark by myself)
- Pride ("cutting off one's nose to spite the face")
- Hanging on to dead-end anything (from relationships to clutter)
- Excessive worrying
- Panic (and it's ugly sisters -- anxiety and worry)

What to hold on to in 2006:
- A cause or special purpose
- Old friends who have stood the test of time
- Your Principles
- The Family Circle

The Dog year and those under it's influence are protectors of morals and defenders of the weak. Causes, revolutions and human-rights are on the agenda for the Dog year. The watchful Dog keeps us one step ahead of those who would harm us. However, while a single dose of anticipation is healthy, a double dose can be toxic and result in paranoia, expecting problems around every corner and jumping to conclusions throughout 2006.

Parents can expect to pull their offspring out of a scuffle or two this year. In like kind, these same parents may have to exercise herculean self-control at the workplace when the office bully flexes their muscles. Loyalty in relationships becomes more important than ever this year and best results are achieved by taking the high road in any given situation. Best results are acheieved when worry is transformed into advance thinking and planning.

Forecast Period: January 29, 2006 through February 17, 2007
- Best Year For: Rabbits, Dogs
- Great Year: Tigers, Horses
- Good Year: Pigs, Snakes
- Mixed Year: Goats, Monkeys, Oxen, Rats
- Difficult Year: Roosters, Dragons

The hidden element in the yearly Dog branch is Earth. Bing Xu (Yang Fire) is the 23rd year in the stem/branch cycle of 60. The Earth of the Dog year branch combining with the Fire element stem of 2006 will be very good financially, as Earth supports Fire and therefore enables wealth.

Your Element in 2006 Fire Dog "Bing Xu" Year:
Best Year for those born into Year of: Earth (Which Supports Fire and therefore Enables Wealth)
Good for: Water element (which controls Fire)
Mixed Year for: Fire element souls as the double-dose of Fire may consume much of their energy
Challenging Year for: Wood element souls (Wood is consumed by Fire and therefore leaves the person feeling depleted)
Difficult Year for: Metal element persons (both Birth Year element and "daymaster" element) Metal loses it's form and is melted to liquid by Fire. Powerlessness can result

Feng Shui:
Wu Qu Wealth energy transits the NORTHEAST during 2006
Excellent for financial speculation, entrepreneurial efforts, real eastate and investment. Use this Metal energy to increase your authority, power and fortune.
Orient important rooms, buildings, projects, travels, etc. toward this area.
Avoid breaking ground and expect obstructions and potential problems in the WEST during 2006 as the 5 Yellow star Lian Zhen transits.

addict!

2006-01-27T11:55:00.000+08:00

i was out of action yesterday due to menstrual cramps (it happens!). anyhoo, i camped all day and all night in the den. i happened to catch this show on national geographic about comets and their origins -- it was riveting -- trust me on this one. for instance, i learned that the tail of a comet (which is mostly made up of dust and chunks of rocks) can be millions of miles long and that everyday we get showered in cosmic dust -- it's in the air we breath! we breath it in people! some scientists believe life on earth started from cosmic dust because the nucleus of a comet has all the necessary building blocks for life. of course it got me thinking -- which is to say i had more questions than answers. i mean in those instances, i don't know whether to seek a priest or a psychiatrist. so the moral of the story is -- nothing good can ever come from watching (too much) tv! that's huge coming from a self confessed couch potato like me. HUGE!

here comes the bride...

2006-01-23T12:28:00.000+08:00

my friend gina, got married over the weekend and i have to say it was a beautiful wedding. it was the couple who planned for everything -- from the invitations, to the flowers, to the venue, to the tokens for the guests -- everything! it was very well organized -- there were a few close calls but otherwise just perfect. we were honored (and i use that term very loosely) to help coordinate on the day itself and although it was nerve wracking and tiring (running around in heels is not my idea of fun!) not to mention the fact that we had to be up at an ungodly hour because the wedding was to be at 7 in the morning!!! -- it was well worth it though. here are a few of the pictures:

the heroes of the day! we accept events coordination for KBL (kasal, binyag at libing)!

the holidays are here!

2005-12-28T10:49:00.000+08:00

i have failed once again to take stock of all the groaning tables i came in contact with over the holidays. there were a few that could necessitate a visit to the doctor but i don't have photos i'm afraid. i do have photos galore of the children though and what fun they had!

hep break muna...

2005-12-12T10:30:00.000+08:00

cheers to dan my love -- may pagnanasa ako sa kanya!
don't we make a cute couple? ;D peace out to dan's fiance -- pahiram lang.

hp goes star struck!

2005-12-09T16:50:00.000+08:00

christmas 2005 at the rockwell tent. the venue was better than last year and the food was so-so but the entertainment was great!

laking national ata ito!

2005-12-06T16:32:00.000+08:00

i got all my christmas gifts from national -- i got the kids covered and most of the adults too!

my fondest memories were the saturdays spent at national quezon ave. we would usually have breakfast at mcdonald's and then crossover to national as soon as they open. you discover something new all the time going around the store. i'd read a book and then hide them on-site so i could get back to it the next week. that was (still is) my idea of fun!

check out their website: http://www.nationalbookstore.com.ph/

i just love this store!

yikes!

2005-12-01T11:12:00.000+08:00

it's the first of december! how in the world did it sneak up on me? i made a list months ago like the responsible adult that i am (not!) but i still don't have anything -- no gifts, no ideas, nada! i can't seem to make up my mind what to give to people this holiday season. do i bake or do i buy or do i just give cash?

ay si seester!

2005-11-24T17:28:00.000+08:00

may blog na din -- see "osang" link.

"don't judge me, i'm not a book! and more importantly, don't hate me 'cause i'm beautiful -- no matter what they say. charing!"

songer ka ba?

2005-11-23T22:57:00.000+08:00

what is it about the karaoke that brings out the "singer" in everyone? just take a look at all the wannabes!

it's my party!

2005-11-21T17:35:00.000+08:00

i celebrated my birthday last week and boy, oh, boy what fun i had!

on the eve of my birthday, i scheduled a dinner and a movie with my sweetie jules and darling eric. we had dinner at chili's, followed by coffee at starbucks and finally, a movie at greenbelt 3. it was goblet of fire and it was amazing!

we (the november celebrants and one "pahabol" october celebrant) had planned to stay overnight at southwoods but we never got around to ironing out the details. so on the very day i turned 32 (with no plans whatsoever), by 10 am it was decided we were going out to lunch and by 11:30 we were on our way out to market2. we had lunch at our ever favorite fast food -- KFC! then we bought cake and ice cream for merienda. after work we decided to go out for coffee and a little window shopping. all in all it was a great birthday. thanks to my friends! mwah!

it was, of course, a 3-part celebration with mhela, ces and myself.

book review: "the historian"

2005-11-17T15:27:00.000+08:00

i read this book recently called "the historian" written by elizabeth kostova. a harmless enough title for a book, right? the book, however, was way scarier than anything i've ever read before. it gave me goosebumps upon goosebumps. i just couldn't put the book down though. first it would lull you into this false sense of security and then quietly frighten you with just one sentence. pretty creepy especially when you're reading it alone at night. a must read!!!

From the Jacket

"To you, perceptive reader, I bequeath my history....

"Late one night, exploring her father's library, a young woman finds an ancient book and a cache of yellowing letters. The letters are all addressed to "My dear and unfortunate successor," and they plunge her into a world she never dreamed of—a labyrinth where the secrets of her father's past and her mother's mysterious fate connect to an inconceivable evil hidden in the depths of history. The letters provide links to one of the darkest powers that humanity has ever known—and to a centuries-long quest to find the source of that darkness and wipe it out. It is a quest for the truth about Vlad the Impaler, the medieval ruler whose barbarous reign formed the basis of the legend of Dracula. Generations of historians have risked their reputations, their sanity, and even their lives to learn the truth about Vlad the Impaler and Dracula. Now one young woman must decide whether to take up this quest herself—to follow her father in a hunt that nearly brought him to ruin years ago, when he was a vibrant young scholar and her mother was still alive. What does the legend of Vlad the Impaler have to do with the modern world? Is it possible that the Dracula of myth truly existed—and that he has lived on, century after century, pursuing his own unknowable ends? The answers to these questions cross time and borders, as first the father and then the daughter search for clues, from dusty Ivy League libraries to Istanbul, Budapest, and the depths of Eastern Europe. In city after city, in monasteries and archives, in letters and in secret conversations, the horrible truth emerges about Vlad the Impaler's dark reign—and about a time-defying pact that may have kept his awful work alive down through the ages. Passing obscure signs and hidden texts, reading codes worked into the fabric of medieval monastic traditions—and evading the unknown adversaries who will go to any lengths to conceal and protect Vlad's ancient powers—one woman comes ever closer to the secret of her own past and a confrontation with the very definition of evil. Elizabeth Kostova's debut novel is an adventure of monumental proportions, a relentless tale that blends fact and fantasy, history and the present, with an assurance that is almost unbearably suspenseful—and utterly unforgettable.

my ilocos retreat

2005-11-08T10:39:00.000+08:00

it was a retreat from work and life in the city -- the "rat race" so to speak. it was a necessary break for me. my soul was just raring to go home. home -- how on earth could one simple word evoke so many memories of feelings and tastes and smells? i will never know. my good friend jules, who i saw a few days after i got back from ilocos, mentioned that i was looking more rested and radiant (all right he didn't actually say radiant but it was implied). well, it's because a - i had fun with my nephews and nieces, b - i enjoyed catching up with my siblings and cousins, and c - the weather was just fabulous! that and i'm using this new soap and facial wash that brings out the shine (not oil) in me.

of course my holiday was filled with bingeing on my favorite -- chinese bibingka made from rice flour, coconut oil, and sweet peanut paste -- yumm. my sister remembered i looove them and she bought me a few from the market. too bad i didn't take a photo -- i was too busy stuffing my face. it was a never ending march of parties and get togethers and loads of laughter and fun and more chinese bibingka! see for yourself...no tables groaning with food though.

the kids having a blast bathing outdoors by the well.

at the cemetery...

bernie's party at my maternal grandparent's house

ang bading na darna

2005-10-26T18:30:00.000+08:00

presenting zsazsa zaturnnah!

mga mare naloka ako dito! good read promise! at may babala ito -- para sa mga mature readers ever! i can't seem to stop myself with the exclamation points! they make a statement seem fabulous! chuva ever mga tsong!!!

a day at the spa...

2005-10-24T19:43:00.000+08:00

well not exactly a day but we enjoyed every minute of it, didn't we ladies? *wink wink* the day was indeed a treat for the senses. it started with a sumptuous lunch at the seafood club (red crab) in greenbelt 3. deelish! for some reason there was a problem with the electricity at the mall and we ate in the dark for several minutes -- not a good idea by the way. then after work, we hauled ass to get to the spa on time. traffic was horrendous and we couldn't find a cab that would take us. on top of that, our "host" did not know how to get there exactly but we got our (pretty) heads together and we did get to the spa with time to spare. we got to use the steam room but we opted not to use the jacuzzi as you had to be in your birthday suit to plunge into that inviting bubbly warmness. after a quick shower and lots of water and ginger tea we were ushered into the room for a deluxe full body massage. it was glorious! a perfect ending to a relatively stress-laden day. a big thanks to our good friend mr. basha!

MURPHY'S LAW

2005-10-20T20:03:00.000+08:00

share and share alike i say...i first read this at the waiting room of dr. lapus -- the family opthalmologist. i'm not sure how relevant that information is -- just thought i had to say something by way of introduction.

MURPHY'S LAW
1. Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.
2. You will always find something in the last place you look.
3. No matter how long or how hard you shop for an item, after you've bought it, it will be on sale somewhere cheaper.
4. The other line always moves faster.
5. In order to get a loan, you must first prove you don't need it.
6. Anything you try to fix will take longer and cost you more than you thought.
7. If you fool around with a thing for very long you will screw it up.
8. If it jams - force it. If it breaks, it needed replacing anyway.
9. When a broken appliance is demonstrated for the repairman, it will work perfectly.
10. Build a system that even a fool can use, and only a fool will use it.
11. Everyone has a scheme for getting rich that will not work.
12. In any hierarchy, each individual rises to his own level of incompetence, and then remains there. - I especially love this one!
13. There's never time to do it right, but there's always time to do it over.

Murphy's law and Other Observations

If anything can go wrong, it will.
If there is a possibility of several things going wrong, the one that will cause the most damage will be the first one to go wrong.
If anything just cannot go wrong, it will anyway.
If you perceive that there are four possible ways in which something can go wrong, and circumvent these, then a fifth way, unprepared for, will promptly develop.
Left to themselves, things tend to go from bad to worse.
If everything seems to be going well, you have obviously overlooked something.
Nature always sides with the hidden flaw.
Mother nature is a bitch.

O'Toole's Commentary on Murphy's Laws
Murphy was an optimist.
Ginsberg's Theorems
You can't win.
You can't break even.
You can't even quit the game.
Forsyth's Second Corollary to Murphy's Laws
Just when you see the light at the end of the tunnel, the roof caves in.
Weiler's Law
Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself.

you gotta hand it to the guy -- whoever the heck he is -- bless you for seeing the humor in life!

what i have...

2005-10-11T21:25:00.000+08:00

in my drawer

under my table

inside my "rummage" bag

ode to my schu!

2005-10-05T14:01:00.000+08:00

basic black pumps --

sexy as they come.

one look is all it took,

i was a goner for sure!

will that be cash or plastic?
manolo blahnik's?
no, i got it from schu

on a budget to boot!

life's sweet when

shopping for shoes,

my most favorite things!

a quote from the master

2005-10-03T17:43:00.000+08:00

"Defeat cannot dishearten me. It can only chasten me. I know that God will guide me. Truth is superior to man's wisdom." - M. K. Gandhi

amici di don bosco...

2005-09-28T18:50:00.000+08:00

is an italian deli/cafeteria --

where the pizza is crisp, the pasta a dream and the gellato is simply sublime

try it yourself and see! yumms the word!

all that clutter!

2005-09-23T19:01:00.000+08:00

i love clutter!

my work area is something my obsessive-compulsive sister and cousin would love to fix -- well they can't!

isn't it lovely?

meron pa sa ilalim! ;D

not godmother material

2005-09-19T18:15:00.000+08:00

it truly is beyond me why parents would consider me -- me?! to become a godparent to their precious ones. i mean it's a huge responsibility and to be honest, one i'd rather not be any part of. sadly, over the weekend i was enjoined to be a godparent not once but twice to two adorable babies!

ashley victoria and the proud parents with the excessively oily and generally late godmother

michael keidashi -- who is like God and who is both strong and righteous -- don't ask me why "good meaning" parents would burden a child with that.

quota na ko for the next 10 years people! for the love of God please take me off your godmother material lists! really i'm not!

kneeling chair

2005-09-17T03:24:00.000+08:00

kneeling what?!

i was stumped myself till i saw this...

it's supposedly good for your back -- improves your posture and all that -- don't take my word for it though.

Trees!

2005-09-16T16:01:00.000+08:00

Trees by Marty Casey

I don't wanna go through this life
Without you by my side
And I have got it all worked out
In my head
Here's how it's got to be
It will be you and me up in the trees
And the forest will give us the answer
We, we make believe
In a world we rule together
We, can build our dreams
With a knot tied tight to last forever
It will be you and me up in the trees
And the forest will give us the answer
It will be you and I up in the sky
It's a combination for disaster
We got one shot
So,...where do we go from here?
It will be you and me up in the trees
And the forest will give us the answer
It will be you and I up in the sky
It's a combination for disaster
And I know there's more for us in this life

belting out 'Trees' on Rock Star: INXS

RockStarINXS!2

2005-09-15T15:48:00.000+08:00

let's hear it from my high school friend mike -- who was and still is (that remains to be seen) a huge INXS fan...

My deepest thoughts about RockstarINXS:
(1) Here's one of the losers wearing a nice shirt .

(2) It's a good idea to hold auditions for a lead singer. None of the members know how to sing.
(3) It might have been "Aussie Idol", but got rejected for copyright infringement.
(4) Can we now get Kylie or Gwen to audition? Please?
(5) RockstarINXS. Kulang ang retirement savings namin!

salo-salo

2005-09-01T23:31:00.000+08:00

the reason why i'm as big as a beached whale! tables groaning with food -- it's amazing!

mga munting salo-salo tulad nito...
what's that saying about the best intentions...?

our despedida for max and tina z. -- here's for all the good times -- we wish you all the best!

simon says...

2005-08-30T16:03:00.000+08:00

my good friend simon in various guises - i mean poses ;D

look ma i'm fox mulder!

do i look all right?

why won't you take me seriously?

take it easy simon -- hope you get well soon!

along came medette

2005-08-21T12:51:00.000+08:00

Their first weekend away from the brand new house and I was requested to house sit -- I took a picture of her list of things to do for the manangs --

trust me when i say it was long, detailed -- complete with threats of imminent decapitation and impossibly entertaining ;D

home alone -- well practically alone

2005-08-20T17:23:00.000+08:00

must've been the quiet that woke me up. i haven't been awake that early since my schooldays and that's a long way back. it was raining the night before and when i looked out the window -- the sun was up and shining. i went out into the garden with my camera and took pictures. here are the results of my attempts at photography.

dawggoneit!

2005-08-12T21:31:00.000+08:00

my cousin bert dubbed him mojo. why you ask? well because he wants every opportunity to say: "where's my mojo?"

look at those eyes -- sullen, bored, indifferent...sigh! i can't even get a dog excited.

Driver, take me to Rustan's...

2005-08-05T16:54:00.000+08:00

i couldn't let this opportunity pass. i mean how often do you meet a living icon like celia rodriguez?! here she is in the flesh!

RockStarINXS!

2005-08-05T16:51:00.000+08:00

go MiG!!! he was born in the philippines, raised in australia and is now living in london. he can sing and more importantly he can rock!

to learn more visit
http://rockstar.msn.com/

at the right to royalty concert

2005-07-29T17:21:00.000+08:00

we were privileged enough to hang out at the VIP area. we got to "meet and greet" a few celebrities.

chettie and me with geneva and rachel

me and mushi with claire (a new MTV VJ) and rico (of rivermaya)

mark b. and moi aussie

mga nag-gagandahang dilag

chettie and me

direk, i'm ready for my close up!

2005-07-15T21:26:00.000+08:00

got meself a digi cam -- at last!

chettie and michelle making faces

say cheese! erick, joy, chet and cathy

folks at work posing for posterity

somebody said sit! and like obedient dogs we all did -- complete with goofy faces -- ay ako lang pala! ;D

ang saya di ba?!

isang tulog na lang!

2005-07-15T15:41:00.000+08:00

I can't wait!

ah ewan!

2005-07-05T18:19:00.000+08:00

call it whatever you want -- heck call it sourgraping. this is just not right!

come on! you have got to be kidding me?!

jezza's capital confessions

2005-07-02T00:49:00.000+08:00

i was a fan of his show which used to be with virgin radio (the most fabulous radio station on audio streaming, if I may say so myself). i tuned in one day, only to find him gone! with no forwarding address whatsoever (typical) -- and to say i was crushed is an understatement.

and now i've found him at last! after nigh a year long search my jezza is back!

but the indignity of it all he turned pop on me and moved to 98.5 capital fm -- feel good, feel london. at first i was outraged -- i mean how could he?! -- but then i saw richard bacon -- and he's way cuter!

i say, bring home the bacon, do let's!

oh, behave!

Polaroid-o-nize!

2005-07-01T22:56:00.000+08:00

i just love this site! see what it can do

attitude problem!

2005-06-22T12:00:00.000+08:00

if there is anything that would describe my relationship with my "boss" this will be it...

lessons in life

2005-06-14T18:30:00.000+08:00

i lost a shopping bag yesterday amounting to -- well the amount is irrelevant (at least i'd like to think so) but the experience taught me an important lesson.

this prompted me to write down a few notes to self:
- don't rush
- take things slow
- stop, look and listen
- pay attention
- never assume
- do not take things for granted
- take stock of things
- breath in, breath out

lessons are tough and more often than not painful but important in life. it teaches you courage and perseverance. it shapes your character and personality like no one else. it gets you to see the real you and it makes you who are.

in honor of my fave munchies

2005-05-25T17:57:00.000+08:00

and hindi ko ipag-papalit kailanman
ang twisties kong mahal!
unang kagat at ako'y nabighani
maalat ka man at bawal sa akin ('cos let's face it -- salt = water retention -- i'm bloated enough!) hinahanap ang kanainais mong amoy at lasa
walang kasing-sarap
ang twisties kong mahal!

proudly ilokano made

2005-05-25T17:08:00.000+08:00

eleanor's lechon baka is still the premium brand! don't take my word for it -- read the article

Foodie's guide to Ilocos
Posted 09:23pm (Mla time) May 18, 2005
By Reggie Aspiras
Inquirer News Service

ibang klase!

2005-05-13T20:11:00.000+08:00

this summer is one for the record books. it is one of the hottest i've ever experienced. phew!

---=====oooOOOooo=====---

i went on a retreat over the weekend. it was truly a blessing! the retreat was geared towards finding a purpose in life -- something which i have been questioning for awhile now. this came at a time when i was ready and willing to accept my mission - the Lord is indeed GREAT! my facilitator was just wonderful. may God bless her. she shared with me her vision of heaven -- which i will cherish for always. in this retreat i learned that i was a royal princess by virtue of being a child of God. I've been waiting my whole life for someone to tell me that and now i can shout it from the rooftops -- I'm a pretty princess!

---=====oooOOOooo=====---

my sister and i talked on the phone recently. (there are 4 kids in the house on account of the summer vacation)

me: how's everything sis?
flosie: i'm going to go bankrupt!
me: why?
flosie: everytime i cook it's like i'm preparing for a horde! i'm tired of thinking what to cook next. i asked gian how long will he stay in the house and he said, "for one year, auntie."

nyek! mamumulubi ka nga nyan!

book lovers

2005-03-15T19:46:00.000+08:00

1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the sentence in your journal along with these instructions.
5. Don't search around and look for the "coolest" book you can find. Reach for what's actually next to you.

Lottie was thoroughly upset, and wanted comfort.

from Renaissance Faire

Edited by Andre Norton and Jean Rabe

bambie evermuch!

2005-03-15T15:33:00.000+08:00

here's an sms conversation my friend and i had recently.

me: i'm off to bed.
bambie: me i'm on bed. hehehehe
me: i think you meant to say i'm in bed. correct lang kita.
bambie: ano ba kabaligtaran ng off eh diba on. dapat slow!

i love you bambie -- miss na kita. wala na ko mautusan eh. mwah!

unica bernie!

2005-03-07T11:35:00.000+08:00

my cousin sent this sms to me a few days back. and it goes...

bernie anecdote of the day. she asked me to curl her hair. after fixing and clipping her hair, she said: "wow, i look like a woman. will my boobs get big?"

atta girl bernie!

old friends

2005-02-28T19:36:00.000+08:00

i was browsing through the web one day (just like any other day) when i clicked on a link that looked promising. i saw a familiar name so i called the no. listed (which was an overseas no. but what the heck!) and to make a long story short i found my old college friend. i was sooo excited! it was like my birthday and christmas rolled into one. unbelievable! and when i finally got to talk to her it was as if it was just yesterday when we saw each other last. we've set up a date so looking forward to that.

happy hearts day

2005-02-17T13:58:00.000+08:00

in honor of st. valentine's day my aunt sent me a text message that reads:

frank sinatra sang faithful once upon a time with a line, "you'll love but me as the sea loves the shore."

another friend sent me a love sonnet by pablo neruda via e-mail.

Love Sonnet XVII
by Pablo Neruda

No te amo como se fueras rosa de sal, topacio
o flecha de claveles que propagan el fuego:
te amo como se aman ciertas cosas oscuras,
secretamente, entre la sombra y el alma.

I do not love you as if you were the salt-rose, topaz
or the arrow of carnations the fire shoots off:
I love you as certain dark things are to be loved,
in secret, between the shadow and the soul.

Te amo como la planta que no florece y lleva
dentro de sí, escondida, la luz de aquellas flores,
y gracias a tu amor vive oscuro en mi cuerpo
el apretado aroma que ascendió de la tierra.

I love you as the plant that never blooms
but carries in itself the light of hidden flowers,
thanks to your love a certain solid fragrance,
risen from the earth, lives darkly in my body.

Te amo sin saber cómo, ni cuándo, ni de dónde,
te amo directamente sin problemas ni orgullo:
así te amo porque no sé amar de otra manera,

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where,
I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride:
so I love you because I know no other way

sino así de este modo en que no soy ni eres,
tan cerca que tu mano sobre mi pecho es mía,
tan cerca que se cierran tu ojos con mi sueño.

than this, in which there is no I or you,
so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand,
so intimate that when I fall asleep it is your eyes that close

hmmm....

2005-01-31T14:43:00.000+08:00

i want a change of scenery. i'm exploring a career change -- in foreign service. the glamour of travel awaits...

christmas card

2005-01-05T16:57:00.000+08:00

a few friends of mine still send me christmas cards via snail mail -- a novelty these days which i treasure. one friend in particular wrote this verse:

"the same stream of life that runs through my veins night and day runs through the world and dances in rhythmic measures. it is the same life that shoots in joy through the dust of the earth in numberless blades of grass and breaks into tulmultuous waves of leaves and flowers. it is the same life that is rocked in the ocean-cradle of birth and of death, in ebb and flow. i feel my limbs are made glorious by the touch of this world of life. and my pride is from the lifethrob of ages dancing in my blood this moment." -- rabindranath tagore from gitanjali

and in another card that was sent the year before:

"listening to your heart is not simple. finding out who you are is not simmple. it takes a lot of hardwork and courage to get to know who you are and what you want." -- sue bender

all i want for christmas!

2004-12-10T11:00:00.000+08:00

'tis the season to be jolly -- or is it? for some reason this period (of peace and goodwill) brings out the grinch in me. honestly, it can be very trying especially to a constant whiner and a downright meanie like moi. traffic simply crawls to a stop everywhere and anywhere in the city; you suffer the multitudes of people at the mall; no cabs in sight and if there are any they rob you blind; you have parties ad nauseam (-- and i mean that literally!); you receive gifts you have no need for -- i know it's the thought that counts but what the f#ck do you do with a figurine?! all these just makes you want to scream, "serenity now!". whenever i start with the whining my sister would quickly remind me and just simply say "cancer cells". she's always telling me that every whine i make, every bad thought, every temper flare, every worry i have will produce toxins in my body and will activate my cancer cells. well that's a thought. so you stop, you take a deep breath and then you count your blessings.

-----=oooOooo=-----

i look forward to the day i pack my bags and leave the city for my hometown. i look forward to spending time with my siblings and cousins. i look forward to seeing the faces of nieces and nephews as they open their gifts on christmas day. i look forward to the sumptuous meals prepared with love and care. i look forward to our yearly visit with the nuns at the carmelite monastery. i look forward to the "palaro" for the neighborhood kids. this year though, the reason why we gather at the family house in laoag, my lola -- the matriarch of the family, will not be there. but the memories will live on. so this christmas i look forward to tradition and the warmth and love of family and friends alike.

shopaholic's corner

2004-11-30T10:31:00.000+08:00

the wonders of divisoria!

i went down to divisoria this weekend and i had a blast!

i got there around 9am where the multitudes that visit the shopping mecca that is divisoria has just started to build up. divisoria is the place to go for anything and everything -- i tell you they sell anything you can think of.

first of all, you have to go there in comfortable clothing -- you don't dress up when you go to divisoria. oh, and leave the bling behind -- you can't wear flashy jewellry lest you attract the wrong attention.
be prepared to get your feet trodden and trampled so put on your grubbiest pair of sneaks.
you have to have a list when you go there because you will get sidetracked into buying just about everything that you can see.
next, you will need a budget -- if you have a target in mind then stregthen your resolve and do not falter. if you are out for a bargain then be prepared to haggle -- oh, the joys of haggling best adrenalin rush you can get without doing death defying stunts.
the trick is knowing where to go so i suggest you ask around -- may be a cliche but knowing is half the battle.
be on your guard against pickpockets so take care where you keep your money.
keeping up with the crowds can be harrowing so, if you're going with friends be sure to have a rally point so you don't lose each other.

if you don't mind the stench, the crowds and all that walking the experience is well worth it.

bwahahaha!

2004-11-13T10:50:00.000+08:00

The way to happiness: Keep your heart free from hate, your mind from worry, live simply, expect little, give much. -- Barney O'Lavin

and with great determination i shall achieve happiness...

smorgasbord

2004-11-10T17:28:00.000+08:00

i went home to the province and it was another one of those gastronomic weeks -- non-stop eating fest -- for real!

it starts with the most important meal of the day -- at least for some people -- breakfast! moi of the "aliping sagigilid" and therefore have-no-time-for-breakfast-unless-i-go-on-halfday-leave breakfasted in style everyday i was home. my sister indulged my every whim. i'd wake up and she'd ask me what i wanted for breakfast -- service deluxe!

and then of course there was the pool party at my aunt's abode where we had barbecued chicken and pork chops -- juicy! the next day was lunch at my late lola's house where the table was laden with chicken and fish and beef and vegetable galore. after a 2 hour respite we were again munching on picnic staples of chips and ham sandwiches and the all important coca-cola at the cemetery. my aunt commissioned my sister to bake the bestest brownies i ever had before -- with hersheys dark chocolate -- they were absolutely to die for! next day we had pizza and pasta at the cemetery in batac. and whenever you're in batac you can NOT absolutely NOT miss eating the empanada which another aunt of mine calls ilokano tacos -- with beans and an egg and longganisa -- heavenly! the next day was another luncheon at my grandaunt's place where we had lechon -- crispy and salty and fatty -- what more can you ask for. and the next day we had paksiw na lechon -- no words come to mind except -- sublime.

my ilocos sojourns are filled with memories of food, food and more food. until next time!

pablo neruda too

2004-11-09T13:55:00.000+08:00

to all you pablo neruda fanatics out there -- sigh!

Tonight I can Write
NERUDA

Tonigt I can write the saddest lines.

Write, for example, 'The night is shattered
and the blue stars shiver in the distance.'

The night wind revolves in the sky and sings.

Tonight I can write the saddest lines.
I loved her, and sometimes she loved me too.

Through nights like this one I held her in my arms.
I kissed her again and again under the endless sky.

She loved me, sometimes I loved her too.
How could one not have loved her great still eyes.

Tonight I can write the saddest lines.
To think that I do not have her. To feel that I have lost her.

To hear the immense night, still more immense without her.
And the verse falls to the soul like dew to the pasture.

What does it matter that my love could not keep her.
The night is shattered and she is not with me.

This is all. In the distance someone is singing. In the distance.
My soul is not satisfied that it has lost her.

My sight searches for her as though to go to her.
My heart looks for her, and she is not with me.

The same night whitening the same trees.
We, of that time, are no longer the same.

I no longer love her, that's certain, but how I loved her.
My voice tried to find the wind to touch her hearing.

Another's. She will be another's. Like my kisses before.
Her voice. Her bright body. Her infinite eyes.

I no longer love her, that's certain, but maybe I love her.
Love is so short, forgetting is so long.

Because through nights like this one I held her in my arms
my soul is not satisfied that it has lost her.

Though this be the last pain that she makes me suffer
and these the last verses that I write for her.

i wish i could write like that. or better yet have that yearning to express myself so honestly and passionately.