Thursday, December 27, 2007

Mga Kababawan

There are some small things that I need but never got around to buying/getting them. That's why I was so pleasantly surprised when one of my officers gifted me with a placemat and a bunch of post-its. I guess he heard me going about needing those stuff (he's my seatmate after all. Hehe).

We got a lot of wonderful stuff this Christmas. Our first Christmas as a married couple. Really great.

I'm supposed to start packing for our trip tomorrow. I don't know where to start!

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Sayang ang Miles

As Leo and I forsee that we will be doing a lot of travelling next year, we're going to get Miles membership. We're choosing between Asiamiles, Mabuhay Miles and Worldperks.

As my credit card is affiliated with Asiamiles, I'll surely get that so I can convert my credit card rewards points to miles. Come to think of it, we might be getting membership for all! However, my concern here is that my passport is still under my maiden name. Can I just wait to apply until I renew my passport? Or can I apply now and just renew later?

Any suggestions from the well-traveled group?

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Merry Christmas!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1686083153

May the Christmas season bring peace and joy to our hearts, remove all our fears, worries and anger and replace them with courage, confidence and love. Merry Christmas!

All the best,
Leo and Sunshine

Merry Christmas!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1686083153



May the Christmas season bring peace and joy to our hearts, remove all our fears, worries and anger and replace them with courage, confidence and love. Merry Christmas!

All the best,
Leo and Sunshine

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Taylor Hicks Live in Manila!



I saw the ad last Sunday. I've been a fan of Taylor Hicks since Season 5 but I had no plans on going to this one. With the workload that I have, good luck on being able to leave early.

However, Tita Rosa sent me a text telling me that she just saw Taylor Hicks rehearsing across Glorietta 4. She kept on texting me until I gave in. At 630, I called it a day, packed up and walked towards Glorietta 4. It's not as easy as I thought as I was carrying 3 big bags--what I do for Taylor Hicks.It will definitely be faster than trying to get a cab during rush hour.

Tita Rosa managed to get a table at Superbowl where they have a clear view of the stage right across G4. Taylor Hicks took the stage at around 7pm. I wanted to scream when I saw him but it would freak out the other diners. I just ate, barely tasting what I ate, while watching him across the street. Unfortunately though, we can't hear him.

I quickly finished my dinner and walked across the street. What I would give to have my camera with me so I could at least take a picture of him. Man, he could really sing! Maybe why he did not make it as big as Daughtry or Carrie Underwood is that is songs are not mainstream. His style is more of Ray Charles and it's not popular to the pop generation.

It was great seeing and hearing him live, more of it's free!      

Monday, December 17, 2007

Haagen-Dazs Craving

I've been craving for Haagen-Dazs Dulce de Leche ice cream the whole weekend. I gave in and ate two scoops last Saturday at MOA. It does not help that there's a Haagen-Dazs stall at ATC where I'm picked up by the driver every night before I go home. I have to fight the urge to buy a scoop or two whenever I pass by the store.

I told Leo that if/when I get pregnant, that ice cream will definitely be in my cravings list. He should have enough money to buy at least a pint of the delectable yummy ice cream (600/pint!!!). He said it's ok as long as it will last me a month. I disagreed. It will last me a week the most!

All the while, I thought Dulce de Leche was a Filipino-inspired flavour. Apparently, it's inspired by Latin America's treasured dessert. It's a delicious combination of caramel and sweet cream with swirled ribbons of gold caramel. Aaarggggh!!!!


Sunday, December 16, 2007

Departure for Bangkok

Start:     Dec 28, '07 5:00p

The Golden Compass

I haven't watched the movie yet but it's something that hubby and I will watch soon.In the meantime, I checked my own daemon. I laughed when I saw it was a gibbon. Would you agree?

Saturday, December 15, 2007

One Night in Bangkok

Actually, it's 4 days and 3 nights.

My hubby and I are going to Bangkok on the 28th of December and we'll be back just in time for the New Year's Eve festivities. We've always wanted to go out of the country together and this will be our first time. It's also my first time on a big plane in 20 years (not counting local flights)! We already bought a Lonely Planet book and Leo has started reading up on places where we will do the tourist thing. Can't wait for that.

On another happy note, Leo gave me my birthday/Christmas present. It's something out of my wish list! A Nintendo DS! Yay! Now, I have something that will keep me occupied while enduring the shuttle waits.

Now if I can just get rid of this persistent cough and colds, I'll be one happy camper.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Christmas Parties

This past week, I attended 3 Christmas parties one day after the other.

The first one was last Thursday which was the industry awaited Mastercard Christmas Party. The prizes were absolutely fantastic! Of course, I didn't win anything but it was great seeing old friends from the industry. Incidentally, the grand prize was a 42" plasma TV. Other big prizes were laptops and cameras. Really nice.

The second one was Friday which was the SCB CB-Operations Christmas Party at Grilla. This one was also great as I won a nice prize (Nokia 5070!). The theme was also quite nostalgic (80's) and it had such great dance tunes. Everyone, including me, was dancing all night long. I just got back from a 2 day sick leave so I was not feeling quite well but it did not stop me from "swaying" on the dance floor.
In keeping up with theme (and to make things simpler), I just wore a simple Bagets shirt (Bagets was an iconic 80's movie), jeans and rubber shoes. I decided to forgo the make-up as I said, I was not feeling good.

My boss, Joanne, was also sick with the flu but she dragged herself out of bed just to join us in the celebration. I mean with 2 Dupods and an Ericsson P100 and a grand prize of trip to Boracay, I would drag myself out of bed!


As for yesterday, we had the CAU Christmas Party. We went by the same route we took last year wherein we rented a 1 bedroom Condotel for the festivities. This time, with our increased number of people, we rented a 2 bedroom Condotel at the BSA Mansions at Makati. The place was very spacious to fit all 21 of us comfortably. However, we had a laugh when we entered the room and found a condom wrapper on the bedside table. Apparently, the previous occupants got jiggy with it and housekeeping forgot to do its job. We forced one of the boys to remove it and he picked the wrapper up like he was handling some toxic material. He rigorously washed his hands afterwards. Not contented, he sanitized his hands and poured alcohol over them.



I won a prize but I donated that to them. Prizes were minor compared to the CB-Ops Christmas party but the games were hilarious. Most importantly, the guys enjoyed themselves.

I just have one scheduled Christmas party to go and that one is more difficult to dress into (Awards show). So we have the wear long gowns and everything. I'd go for the prizes though. We have numerous trip prizes so I'd go with that.

Sunday, December 09, 2007

SCB CB-Operations Christmas Party




Christmas Party was held Dec. 7, Friday at Grilla (near Rockwell), Makati City.

It was really really fun! The prizes were also outstanding! Incidentally, I won myself a new Nokia 5070! Hah! I was really hoping to get the Sony Ericsson P1 or the Dupod but I'm very happy with this one.

The theme was 80's and the organizers even got a band to play 80's music which really got the people (including me) bouncing around the dance floor.

Thursday, December 06, 2007

The Best Proposal Ever

I read this post from the N@W website and I cried through the whole thing.

As most people know, Neil Gaiman, one of my favourite authors, was in the country a couple of weeks ago to give a speech/talk at the recent Ad Congress at Subic. One of the people there actually got Neil Gaiman to propose in his behalf to his girlfriend.




Read the girl's version here
Read the guy's version here

You will no doubt be teary-eyed as well.

Neil Gaiman even wrote about it in his website
(Check under Journals)

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

In My Boredom

Spending the second day at home wherein the most strenuous thing that I should be doing is lying down (actually, I can stay in front of the computer but not in long periods), I decided to revise my blogs. So far I'm done with my blogspot and now I've changed my multiply site.

I've customized it in a sense that my posts in both sites will be fed to each other. I can't give up my blogspot as I can customize it more than multiply. Well, one can do it with Multiply but CSS feed is too complicated for me. Blogspot has type and drag. And you can use any format that you like.

Anyway, I'm returning to work tomorrow so this would probably be my last post for quite a long time. The next few weeks will no doubt, be very busy for me.

Don't Speak

It's the second day of my incarceration. I texted my boss and immediate reports that I won't be coming in again today. I just need this day of rest to deal with the coming hectic days ahead. My throat and head still hurts and hopefully, the fever won't return. I have to come in tomorrow.

In my boredom yesterday (one can only sleep so much), I reconstructed my blog. I figured it had the same look for more than 3 years now and I have to renovate. After all, with the recent changes in my life, my blog deserved the new look.

The picture in my header was taken at Palawan. It is where my hubby and I spent our honeymoon (Lagen Island, El Nido). As the time stamp shows, it was taken at 637 am and the cloud formations are so wonderful. How come we don't have that in Manila? Anyway, I'll try to change that photo as much as I can.

Join The Trillanes Fan Club


Got this from Allan's site who in turn got it from The Philippine Comedian, which I subscribed to.

Here's a quote from the site:

Download the decal and post it on your blog, website, notebook, iPod, laptop, car, bed, bathroom floor or Philippine flag! Send it to your favorite opposition politicians and artista-activists! Blah-blah-blah-blah.

Makati hotels are highly encouraged to post this in their doorways and lobbies!

I am so happy to say that I did not vote him (actually, I was not able to vote last May--my grandmother died that day). I mean, I do understand that he has had enough but he's already a Senator, for God's sake! He can institute the changes that he wants to make in a legal and proper way instead of going to the streets and trying to initiate another People Power revolution which lacks public support.

I read a post somewhere that his actions actually inconvenienced a lot of people. And that's what I don't understand. How come if there's a rally, why the hell do they have to take it to Makati??? What happened to the old times when they used to go to Malacanang or to Batasan for the people to hear their cries of outrage? Is it because Binay won't hassle them too much as he's obviously anti-GMA? Is it because they want the so-called minority white-collar workers or business executives to hear the cries of the majority poor? I mean, come on! Do you think you'll accomplish your goal by disrupting businesses in Makati? Won't that do the opposite?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not pro-GMA. However, as I read in another post, the way she handles the opposition makes her look more intelligent than them. Before 2010, I will ensure that my voting precinct gets transferred so I can vote and I will vote for someone who can really make a difference. I hope we will have a candidate who will fit the bill.

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Acute Tonsillopharyngitis

When my fever wouldn't subside this afternoon, Leo decided to take me to the nearby AAVA clinic (note, their rates are cheaper than E-Med at Paranaque where I used to previously go. Consultation is only P247). The doctor said I should continue taking paracetamol, gargle with Bactidol and drink lots of fluids. Heck, I've been drinking lots of water the whole day that the toilet is my NBF. I'm supposed to return if my fever does not subside after 3 days. According to the doctor, there has been reported dengue cases in our village.

I should get some sleep soon. The doctor gave me a certificate to rest for 2-3 days. I have to be in the office on Thursday though.

Sick and Tired

Well, at least I didn't get sick on my birthday.

I previously mentioned that I was feeling under the weather last night. When I was in the shuttle on my way home, I could feel my throat getting sore by the minute. That's why I only ordered warm calamansi juice instead of my usual lemon iced tea at CPK where Leo and I had dinner.

Leo took me home and I slept earlier than my usual time. I woke up at 1am feeling slightly feverish and my throat hurting so much. Leo made me drink a paracetamol tablet. He told me to forget going to the office today.

Anyway, I still woke up at 6am but did not get out of bed. I read and rested while waiting for my hubby to wake up so we can eat breakfast together. I already sent a text to my boss and my one-down that I won't be able to go to work today. I'll just rest and try to get more sleep.

However, I'm tempted to finish wrapping or fixing our other room. As you can see, plastic bags containing stuff we bought at the bazaar are all over the bed (good thing we don't sleep there) and all the wrapped gifts are piled on one side of the room. It's embarrassing, really.

Behind me is my table where I do the wrapping and writing. I'm almost done with the Christmas cards so I just have to send them off.

Anyway, I'll probably sleep again. I drank my ascorbic acid and another tablet of Centrum. I'm also drinking gallons of water to hopefully flush away the virus.

Monday, December 03, 2007

Wala na sa kalendaryo, pero meron pa sa Lotto

When people asked me how old I am today, I answered them with the phrase above. I can't believe I'm already 32! Gah!

The day started off really blah. In other words, I really didn't want to go to work today but I'm out of leaves already.

Anyway, I was a bit disappointed when I arrived at work and saw that my workstation was not decorated. Nevertheless, I put aside my hurt feelings and focused on ordering merienda for my humongous team (I have 2 teams comprising of 33 people. Go figure). I finally decided on CCME and ordered a couple of gallons of spaghetti, another couple of gallons of pancit sotanghon, a couple of trays of cheese sticks and another 2 trays of chicken lollipop.

I asked one of my unit heads to accompany me to buy softdrinks at Landmark for the team. When I got back, this was the sight that greeted me. It somehow uplifted my spirits but I still felt a little blah.

I then went back to my evaluation and discussing business stuff with one of the unit heads over-the-bakod when I heard people singing behind me (my desk is facing the window). One of my teams gave me a birthday cake (I was not able to take a picture before I sliced it). It was a triple chocolate cake from Goldilocks. I was not able to taste it but according to them, it was delicious. They also apologized for not being able to decorate my workstation earlier as they had to leave early last Thursday due to the curfew thing and they came in late today. It made me feel better though. I thought they forgot (not like other people I know). Hehe.

At least I have a bigger cake to serve my "guests". I also bought a cake at Landmark in case they did "forget". Hehe. I bought that cake home instead.

That's me beside my "handa". I thought the food was not enough but there were still some leftovers when I left the office.

I left the office at 6pm for my dinner with Leo. Actually, Leo and I already celebrated yesterday when he treated me to lunch at Spirals at Sofitel. Speaking of Spirals, the food is really really delicious! And they're the only hotel buffet I know (unless there are others) that has a wine bar! I consumed two glasses of Asti together with my food. Yumyum! That's why Leo and are only going there once a year. You can only pig out that much.

Since I was feeling under the weather, Leo and I ended up at CPK where we had dinner. My throat is now hurting and I feel I'm going down with fever. Gosh, I don't need this. I have three Christmas parties lined up this week! And another one next week! Argh! I want to attend every one of them!

For gifts, my boss gave me my first ever formal bag (it's a really nice black clutch bag. At last, I have a formal bag!); My friend Cessna gave me a very enlightening book which I will definitely read from cover to cover (The Power of the Praying Wife). According to her, it helped her marriage last for 7 years and counting; My sister-in-law gave me a nice blouse from Marks and Spencer (hah! it fit! she guessed my size pretty well); and my parents-in-law gave me nice wonderful cash (which I used to pay for the merienda. Haha!). :)

The past weeks after my last blog have been hectic as well. Leo and I went to the Annual St. James Bazaar the past 3 days to make headway on our Christmas shopping. I'm happy to say that we're almost 90% done. I'm so proud of what we've accomplished. Now the bloody part begins--wrapping them up.

On Nov. 30, Friday, we celebrated my dad's birthday at where else, Dad's! :) We treated him to the ultimate Dad's buffet. I also gave/bought him a couple of CDs (Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman).

On a sad note, I thought this year of deaths is already over. However, I was greeted with news that my friend's father passed away on Nov. 30. We paid our respects (again at Sanctuarium--what a very posh place) yesterday. It was great seeing our friend again (he's based in the US so we only get to see him when he's in town) and seeing pictures of his wonderful family. His father also died of lung cancer (like my lolo). In his dad's case, he only lasted a month from the diagnosis (as compared to 4 months for my grandfather) before he passed away. May his soul rest in peace.

Well, that's my weeks so far and my birthday. After this, I'll take a shower and finish off our Christmas cards. It's already the first week of December and I have to send them out this week if they're going to make it to the US, England and Australia on time.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Unleashing Your Personal Potential

On Nov. 8 and 9, I attended a seminar given by the company about unleashing one's personal potential. It was more of a personal development seminar rather than something that had to do with the business--which I really appreciated.

It was really more of discovering myself and finding out what I want to do with my life rather than finding out what to do with the company. A favourite activity that we did was to list down the things that we all want to do but never got around to doing so. Here is what I wrote down:

1. Cook and bake more - which I'm actually doing now. I cooked another pot of pancit molo yesterday morning and Leo bought me some baking equipment today.
2. Go to ALL amusement parks in the US - this has always been my frustration. The last time I was in the US, I was 11 years old and the primary reason why I went there was to go to Disneyland. But for reasons which I can't remember now, I was not able to go and the nearest thing to Disneyland that I managed to go to was Universal Studios. Hopefully, Leo and I would be able to go there soon so I can fulfill this dream.
3. Visit all the 7 wonders - I think there's more than 7 now. Hopefully I'll be able to do this before I die.
4. Have twins - being a twin myself, I want to have twins as well. According to people, chances that I will have one will be quite big but I do believe it skips a generation. But well, I'll still keep my hopes up.
5. Watch/Compete in Iron Chef - I'm only a mediocre cook that's why I love Iron Chef so much. Heck, I love watching cooking shows and watching two cooks going against each other makes me love cooking more.
6. Go to cooking school - One of my groupmates is a frustrated cook like me. He actually went as far as to inquire tuition for the cooking school of Benilde (horribly expensive). He cooks for his own pleasure anyway.
7. Visit my mom and sister in the US - This would hopefully push through soon. We have plans and we pray that this one would push through.
8. Be a house/car owner - I never did place much value on acquiring these things. But now that I'm married and would hopefully soon have a family, we want to own those things as a form of security for our future children.
9. Visit old churches and places full of history - When I was choosing a major in college, I actually ticked "History" as a second choice. I've always been fascinated with old places. If the walls could just talk, they could give me unbiased stories on how the past was like.
10. Go back to school - I'm 2 subjects short (excluding the Oral Comprehensive Exam) in attaining my MBA degree. Leo already graduated three weeks ago. I'm planning to return next term.
11. Get an eye laser surgery - My eyesight is fast deteriorating. In my last check-up, I'm already at 5.00/4.50. I'm halfway to being blind. Not surprising as I'm in front of the computer the whole day. Just last week, I switched the resolution of my screen to make the letters and icons larger than it was.
12. Lose weight - After the wedding, I binged on food. I ate after depriving myself for the past year. However, I'm fast returning to my old size last year. Probably after the Christmas season. I won't dare go on a diet during Christmas. I'll be very depressed.
13. Own a grocery or bookstore - Ever since I was a kid, those two have been my dream/s. I remember playing tinda-tindahan with my siblings. My aunt also owns a sari-sari store in Tondo and I loved spending time there when we were there during the fiesta. As for the bookstore, I'm on my way there. with hubby - I think this would be in conjunction with #9.
14. Road trip - Unfortunately, hubby does not like driving much. I guess I really do need to learn how to drive so I can do the driving.
15. Go to Disneylands around the world - What can I say? it's the child in me. I love amusement parks.

Incidentally, I had a haircut this morning. It was the haircut that I had when I was in first year high school! Hah! I look like a boy. At least my husband still has shorter hair than me. Harharhar!

Pictures for Panganiban Calendar




Requested by Tita Mae and Tito Nesty for the annual Panganiban calendar

Unleashing Your Personal Potential

On Nov. 8 and 9, I attended a seminar given by the company about unleashing one's personal potential. It was more of a personal development seminar rather than something that had to do with the business--which I really appreciated.

It was really more of discovering myself and finding out what I want to do with my life rather than finding out what to do with the company. A favourite activity that we did was to list down the things that we all want to do but never got around to doing so. Here is what I wrote down:

1. Cook and bake more - which I'm actually doing now. I cooked another pot of pancit molo yesterday morning and Leo bought me some baking equipment today.
2. Go to ALL amusement parks in the US - this has always been my frustration. The last time I was in the US, I was 11 years old and the primary reason why I went there was to go to Disneyland. But for reasons which I can't remember now, I was not able to go and the nearest thing to Disneyland that I managed to go to was Universal Studios. Hopefully, Leo and I would be able to go there soon so I can fulfill this dream.
3. Visit all the 7 wonders - I think there's more than 7 now. Hopefully I'll be able to do this before I die.
4. Have twins - being a twin myself, I want to have twins as well. According to people, chances that I will have one will be quite big but I do believe it skips a generation. But well, I'll still keep my hopes up.
5. Watch/Compete in Iron Chef - I'm only a mediocre cook that's why I love Iron Chef so much. Heck, I love watching cooking shows and watching two cooks going against each other makes me love cooking more.
6. Go to cooking school - One of my groupmates is a frustrated cook like me. He actually went as far as to inquire tuition for the cooking school of Benilde (horribly expensive). He cooks for his own pleasure anyway.
7. Visit my mom and sister in the US - This would hopefully push through soon. We have plans and we pray that this one would push through.
8. Be a house/car owner - I never did place much value on acquiring these things. But now that I'm married and would hopefully soon have a family, we want to own those things as a form of security for our future children.
9. Visit old churches and places full of history - When I was choosing a major in college, I actually ticked "History" as a second choice. I've always been fascinated with old places. If the walls could just talk, they could give me unbiased stories on how the past was like.
10. Go back to school - I'm 2 subjects short (excluding the Oral Comprehensive Exam) in attaining my MBA degree. Leo already graduated three weeks ago. I'm planning to return next term.
11. Get an eye laser surgery - My eyesight is fast deteriorating. In my last check-up, I'm already at 5.00/4.50. I'm halfway to being blind. Not surprising as I'm in front of the computer the whole day. Just last week, I switched the resolution of my screen to make the letters and icons larger than it was.
12. Lose weight - After the wedding, I binged on food. I ate after depriving myself for the past year. However, I'm fast returning to my old size last year. Probably after the Christmas season. I won't dare go on a diet during Christmas. I'll be very depressed.
13. Own a grocery or bookstore - Ever since I was a kid, those two have been my dream/s. I remember playing tinda-tindahan with my siblings. My aunt also owns a sari-sari store in Tondo and I loved spending time there when we were there during the fiesta. As for the bookstore, I'm on my way there. with hubby - I think this would be in conjunction with #9.
14. Road trip - Unfortunately, hubby does not like driving much. I guess I really do need to learn how to drive so I can do the driving.
15. Go to Disneylands around the world - What can I say? it's the child in me. I love amusement parks.

Incidentally, I had a haircut this morning. It was the haircut that I had when I was in first year high school! Hah! I look like a boy. At least my husband still has shorter hair than me. Harharhar!

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Christmas/Birthday 2007 Wishlist

The usual wishes apply (1. peace and happiness for me and my family; 2. a happy year ahead; 3. less stressful working year ahead), however, I do have some material wants which I'm  dreaming to get. Just getting one is enough:

1. Book - Strengths Finder by Tom Rath (I'm only interested in the online test actually)
2. Havaianas (to grow my collection of 2)
3. Graphic Novel - Marvel 1602
4. New Cellphone (yung medyo may color naman at may camera)
5. Trip to Hongkong with shopping money!
6. Nintendo DS or PSP (I get bored waiting for the shuttle)

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Mommy Elvie's Problematic Show


The show is a spin-off from the Misadventures of Maverick and Ariel. Mommy Elvie is Ariel's mom. The premise of the show is that Mommy Elvie wants to be famous before she turns 80. I saw an advertisement of this show months before but I keep on forgetting to catch it on TV. A few weeks ago, an officemate shared that he managed to catch an episode and it was so hilarious. I resolved that I'll try to catch it whenever I can.

Good thing I came home early today and while channel surfing after Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition (I love Yayo Aguila so sue me), I chanced upon the show at ABC5.

I did not know how the spisode started but by the time I tuned in, Ariel was interviewing Long Mejia in his home at Bulacan. Apparently, Long ran for councilor in the recent elections but he lost. After the interview, Long asked if he could hitch a ride back to Manila.

Next scene shows Mommy Elvie trying to wake up Ariel and she mistakenly thought Long to be a girl. It's hilarious the way she trades puns with her son and with Long (when he finally woke up). I fell off my chair laughing. I could feel the laugh all the way up to my head. That's how funny the show was. Especially when Ariel told his mom that Long will be staying with them for a month. Her facial expressions were priceless.

Anyway, try to catch the show if you can. 10pm Tuesdays at ABC5.

Monday, November 05, 2007

All Souls/Saints Day




Trips to Batangas, Pampanga and Makati to visit our dearly departed.

Circle of Life

2007 is a year wherein the Circle of Life is fully manifested. It's the first time in my life that I experienced a lot of deaths and on the other hand, a lot of births.

I've been writing death announcements one after the other and just recently, a friend of my mom passed away. My sister, her husband and I, went to her wake this evening to represent my mom. There were so many people there and the flowers were all in abundance. It's obvious that she was very much loved and will be very much missed. Just seeing the AVP prepared for her brought tears in my eyes.

Her death was caused by the same virus that killed one of the twin daughters of Benhur Abalos. They do not know where she got the virus, how it was transmitted and somehow, the specialists still don't have a cure. It was touch and go. When we spoke to her father and gave our condolences, he started crying again. He said he hasn't stopped crying ever since his daughter died.

As we practically did not know anyone except for the immediate family of the deceased, we kept to ourselves and stayed until the end of the mass. We marveled at the beautiful flowers and how magnificent the funeral home was (Sanctuarium is one of the newest things in the funeral business).

The whole thing got me thinking how fragile life is. Anyone can just die without due notice. Death sorts of gives one a different perspective on things. It made me think if I have lived or am living a meaningful life--a life which I can be proud of when I meet my Maker. It's not perfect nor is it bad. I still need to improve a lot of things and to decide on things that I'm hedging on.

======================================
Leo and I visited three places this All Souls/Saints Day.

First of all, we visited Lolo Prime's grave at Batangas. The place was all clean and Lolo's grave was quite pristine. The one who cleaned up the place did a really good job.

We went there last Oct. 28 with Che, Mhon and of course, Miguel. We joined Tita Mae and her family. We had lunch at Tita Melen's place and we went to the cemetery.

Unfortunately, neither of us has the key to the mausoleum so just lighted our candles through the grill bars. Noticed though that the "PANGANIBAN" at the front is missing. I hope the letters were just taken out to be polished.











On the 1st of November, we joined Leo's family on a road trip going to Pampanga. We visited the grave of Papa's parents and brother at Sta. Ana. We rode with Tricie and her family on their nice Fortuner.

I'll post more pictures in the photos section.






Then lastly, on November 2, we went to Makati to visit Lolo Ruben and Lola Pacing's ashes.

Mhon, Che, Miguel, Nessie and Chloe were there. We had lunch there. Leo and I left at around 130 pm to go to Tagaytay as his family is waiting for us there.

We had dinner at Tagaytay Highlands where we went bowling with Leo's nephews and Leo's dad. Papa actually gave me tips on bowling. Didn't know that there's a science to it. I'm excited to go bowling soon to test all the new things I learned. Heck, it was the first time I bowled a score of 116 and at two strikes in a row! That has never happened to me before. I had an embarrassing moment when the ball flew out of my hands as I was pulling back to throw the ball. Good thing it did not hit any of the people sitting behind me.


Sunday, November 04, 2007

Iron Chef

I've cooked some dishes the past few weeks. I cooked pumpkin soup last week as well as a potato croquettes. Both were yummy although the pumpkin soup was too thick. It could use some croutons though. But it was absolutely delicious!

Today, I cooked pancit molo. I badgered my mom's friend who's now based in Ireland months about it. Ever since I tasted her Molo years and years ago, I asked her to teach me how to cook it. It was absolutely delicious!

Her daughter finally sent me the recipe a couple of months ago and it was only today that I was able to cook it. I taste-tested it after I cooked it, it tasted absolutely the same! I'm so happy I managed to get the right taste.

Friday, November 02, 2007

Road Trips

We went to Pampanga yesterday to visit the tombs of my father-in-law's parents and brother. First time I've been to full cemetery for quite a long time. For the past years, my relatives and I avoid the November 1 crowd by either visiting before or after All Saints/Souls Day.

We left Manila around 10am. We met up with the family of Leo's sister over at Filinvest so we could ride with them comfortably (nice Fortuner). There was a traffic build-up over at SM City North EDSA all the way to the Balintawak tollway. Even saw a couple of drivers who were arguing. One even was supposed to get out of the car. Scary.

We had lunch at Teriyaki Boy over at SM Pampanga (yep, we went all to way to Pampanga just to eat at Teriyaki Boy) and was at the cemetery by 230pm. We stayed there for a couple of hours. By the time we were on our way home, daylight was gone.

We had dinner over at one of the highway stopovers. We rode with Leo's parents on the way back. Noticed that my father-in-law has one of those portable dvds. We watched Lea Salonga's broadway concert on the way back.

I'm getting ready for our trip today. We're visiting my dad this morning and have lunch with him. We'll also visit my paternal grandparents' ashes. After that, we're going to Tagaytay to spend the weekend there again with Leo's family.

I'll post pictures when we get back.

Thursday, November 01, 2007

SCB Halloween 2007




I didn't notice but there was something wrong with the settings of my digicam. All of the pictures that I took (except for these 3), are all blurry.
Anyway, I don't know how much you would get to enjoy them but at least I posted something.

Nightmare on B Street

It's quite apt that I experience my first nightmare here at my new home on Halloween.

The dream started off innocent enough. I visited a friend (I can't remember who) at her office. While there, I kept trying to talk to people but they can't seem to hear me. Finally, she went off to lunch.

While waiting for her, I spoke with people who could hear me. It somehow dawned on me that I'm dead and it was something like out of Sixth Sense. When I figured that out, I dreamed that I woke up and I was back in our room. I got up and went to the bathroom to pee. But I was still hearing people who were supposedly dead. I tried running out of the bathroom but the door suddenly disappeared. I was trapped inside a yellow room and I couldn't find the door.

Finally, I was able to yank the door open and I ran to our bed. I tried to wake Leo but he couldn't hear me because I'm supposedly dead. Thankfully, this was the time I woke up.

I nudged Leo awake and started crying when he woke up as well. He hugged me and I brokenly told him about my nightmare. He held me for a few moments and when he said he wanted to go to the bathroom, I couldn't let go of him. My bladder was bursting as well so I let him go with me tagging along. He wanted to go to the other bathroom when I said I'm going too but I started crying again.I didn't want him to go anywhere. So he waited for me to do my business and when I was done, I waited for him as well.To think it was already daylight.

Now that I have eaten breakfast, taken a bath, drank my vitamins, I couldn't believe I was that distraught and needy. I hate these kind of nightmares. Morpheus, in Neil Gaiman's Sandman series calls it the "Eternal Waking" (In Vol. 1 of the series, Morpheus sentenced Alex Burgess, the son of his captor, to this punishment. Alex keeps on waking up to nightmares and people in the real world can't wake him up).

Anyway, we're just waiting for my in-laws to get ready. We're leaving for Pampanga in a few minutes to visit the tombs of Leo's paternal grandparents. Tomorrow, we're visiting the ashes of my paternal grandparents in Makati. We already visited our maternal grandfather's tomb last weekend. It's quite an improvement compared to last year's.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

To confess or not to confess

You accidentally met your childhood sweetheart that enabled the both of you to have an open communication again. Are you going to tell your husband/wife about it or you’ll just try to hide it because you feel it will only hurt your partner?

Well, I don't have a childhood sweetheart, but I do have an old flame who is based in the US and recently contacted me. In fact, he sent me an email message a day before my wedding saying hi and congratulating me! A week after my wedding, he said further that he asked to be reassigned here in the Philippines!

I went cold all over when I read his yahoo message. I even showed it to my hubby.He was pretty quiet about it but if my ex suddenly gets reassigned here and asks me out for lunch, I'll bring my hubby. Hehe.

Besides, my hubby did the same thing before. At that time, Leo and I were a new couple when his ex-girlfriend called him out of the blue. He immediately called me after he spoke with her and told me about it. I was very touched when he did that. He didn't have to but he still did.

Friday, October 19, 2007

It's an Explosion! (my love for you)

My officemate and I had lunch at RCBC today. As we both had errands to run, we went out early and were back in the office by 1230. Quite early for a Friday where almost everyone in the office goes out for lunch.

Around 130 in the afternoon, I heard and saw fire trucks and ambulances careening down Ayala Avenue (the plus on having a window seat). A few minutes after, news filtered in that there was an explosion at Glorietta. Everyone first thought that it was a bomb and later on become an LPG tank explosion. It was later on that it was FINALLY confirmed to be a bomb.

Everyone got all excited and momentarily left their seats while gossiping on the number of body count and guessing which restaurant was hit. People were on the phones trying to get some news from the outside world.

I'm so thankful that I did not decide to go to Glorietta today. Glorietta 2 is where I have my personalized stickers made and the shop is near the blast site. I just saw the pictures (c/o Yahoo News) and was shocked by what I saw. It just shows that anyone can go anytime. Better to be always prepared. Prepared not only financially but spiritually as well. 

If it wasn't for the Glorietta 2 signboard, I wouldn't know that it was Glorietta 2. The place was absolutely unrecognizable with all the debris of concrete and wooden planks. The ceiling was blown off and there's a large crater on the floor where the bomb probably exploded. Really horrific.

Looks like we won't be malling for awhile. Malls won't probably be as crowded as before and security tighter than ever. I can't believe that bomb managed to get through Ayala's tough security. We'll probably know more once the findings have been confirmed.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

What Now?

Before I moved in with Leo, I swore that I will blog everyday due to the ready internet access. However, that was not the case as you can see.

I get home almost 10pm everyday and it only leaves me enough time to take a shower and get ready for bed. If I have to be coherent the next day, I have to be asleep before 12 midnight.

Anyway, a lot of people have been asking me how's married life. Maybe I should start with that.

Well, I will give the answer that I give to everyone--it's ok. We're still not yet done tying some lose ends with regards to our wedding (photo album and wedding video) and fixing our rooms (our other room is full of our stuff. It's absolutely horrible to look at), but we're happy.

So what's next? A baby would be nice to make our family complete but it's not something that we REALLY REALLY want right now. If I get pregnant this year, then that's great! I feel that getting pregnant and having a baby would take all our time and effort and we haven't really given much with regards to that aspect. Maybe when we're done with our to-do list. But for sure, we would really want to have a baby.

Other than that, work has been keeping me busy. I still work 12 hour days and it's taxing me and because of that, I tend to eat more. I think I gained the weight Leo has lost these past two months. I should join him in his exercise and diet but I feel at it's going to kill me. I'm an emotional eater and I don't know how I will cope with the work-related stress that I'm exposed to right now.

On another note, Leo's going to march on Saturday and he will officially be an MBA graduate. Buti pa siya. I hope to return to school by January but next year will be another challenge at work. The department that I'm handling right now will be split into two with the big half going to another division--and I've been asked to go and lead that big half. This arrangement will be effective January 1, 2008. The thing is, my one-down will be getting married next year and he'll be gone for 3 weeks. Heading the department will take all my strength and wits so I don't know if I can go back to school. And I'm 200% sure that business will want to exceed their targets this year.

That is why I REALLY need to get my non-pro driver's license ASAP. I don't want to be held hostage by shuttle schedules and I can leave and go anytime I want. Shuttles are very convenient, yeah, but I don't like the waiting time--especially at night. There are times I would wait for 30-40 minutes for a shuttle to be full before it can leave. That's almost my whole travel time!

Leo picked me up from work today and miracles of miracles, he let me take the wheel when we entered the village. I really love automatics. Feels like I'm driving a bump car. Unfortunately, I think manual clutch is used for the driving test. I'll manage.

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Pet Peeves

I've been longing to write this piece for quite a long time. But I never could seem to find the time. Moreover being the professional commuter that I am.I seem to find something irritating everyday. Leo told me that once I learn how to drive, these pet peeves will change to something driving-related. In the meantime, let me share my pet peeves.

1. People who makes the shuttle an extension of their dining room
I take public transportation going to work and going home. It irritates me to no end if the person seating beside me decides to eat breakfast or dinner inside the vehicle. My head aches and my stomach rumbles whenever I smell Jollibee french fries and burger. There was a time I even smelled Jollibee burger steak!

2. People who shares their private their conversions in the shuttle
Going to work in the morning, I try catch some shuteye in the shuttle. However, there have been some instances wherein there are people who converse at the top of their voices, either with their companion or someone on the cell. I reluctantly learn about their health problems, love problems, work woes and their schedule for the day.

3. Cigarette smoke
Fortunately, I haven't ridden a shuttle where people smoke inside the vehicle. However, I've had the misfortune to be seated beside a person who just came in after finishing what smells like a whole pack of cigarettes. I had to cover my nose throughout the whole trip.

4. Uncomfortable shuttle seats
There are two kinds of shuttles that are being used for public transporation. The one wherein the seats are arranged vertically and another arranged horizantally. Equal comfortable seating can be attained if the seats are vertical i.e. against the sides of the shuttle. However, taking a nap can be quite difficult. As for the other type, sleeping is easier however, it can get rather cramped and it can be quite umcomfortable if the seat is not good. Note that sometimes, they try to seat 4 people when a row can only hold 3 comfortably.


Sunday, September 23, 2007

Things to do

Gosh, I have SOOO many things to do. The late nights at work means that I only have the weekends to do all these things. However, weekends are also the only time that I can see and spend time with my husband. There's only one week left from September and the means I have to have them done soon.

1. Thank You Cards
    Etiquette says that thank you cards should be sent one month the most to people who gave gifts or attended the wedding. I haven't barely started on them. I managed to list down the stuff that people gave so at least it gives me an idea on what to write. I don't know why I'm making it difficult for myself by insisting that I handwrite all of them. But well, it is what etiquette dictates and being the sucker that I am, it's what I'm now doing.

2. Fix the 2nd Room
    We have a second room where we're supposed to put our other stuff and my books. Somebody gave us some bookshelves and we have to put them up. Then I have to get the books from Banzon and store them here.

3. Choose Pictures for Wedding Album and Video
    We were given a guide to choose pictures for our albums. We still have to go through all our pictures (hundreds of them!) and chose what we want to appear in our album. Such a difficult thing to do when all the pictures are exceptional!

4. Sort our gifts
    As 90% of our gifts are kitchenware, we can't use all of them so we're storing them away for future use. We've already allocated the cabinets for them. I just need to write everything down and catalogue them for easy retrieval in the future. Who knows when the 3 sets of pyrex plates will come in handy.

5. Store away our wedding stuff
    I've already managed to send my wedding gown out for dry cleaning. I just need to store away the rest (unused invitations, petals from my bouquet, wedding horseshoe etc). I need to find a nice storage box where I can put all these things. Some sort of memoir box.

6. Do our Christmas shopping
    Actually, we've started this already. I'm so happy over the stuff that we've already bought. Bazaars over at St. James are already done every week so it's easy to buy stuff.

Saturday, September 22, 2007

Bridal March - Anima Choir sings "Ikaw Lamang" video

For those who were not able to hear or would want to hear the choir again who sang during my bridal march, they videotaped their performance during my wedding. They sang "Ikaw Lamang" acapella. It's really beautiful. I found myself getting teary-eyed just listening to them sing the song again. You can view the video here.

Monday, September 17, 2007

50 First Reactions

Got this from Ivy's blog.

50 first reactions ...before you start, erase my answers so that you're not influenced by my answers. Message: Okay this is called 50 FIRST REACTIONS... type what comes to your mind FIRST whenever you hear these 50 words. Don't think and don't go back and change. Doesn't matter how random just type it! Repost it for all of your (bored )friends.

1. Beer: SAN MIG LITE (though I don't drink the stuff)

2. Food: PIZZA

3. Relationships: LEO

4. Your CRUSH: Other than my husband, PAPA PIOLO!

5. Power Rangers: ALLAN, MAX and the picture they took during my wedding

6. Life: IS BEAUTIFUL

7. The President: CANNOT PLEASE EVERYONE

8. Yummy: WEDDING CAKE

9. Cars:HONDA

10. Movie: SIMPSONS

11. Halloween: COSTUMES and PUMPKINS

12. Sex: FEMALE

13. Religion: ROMAN CATHOLIC

14. Hate: POLITICS

15. Fear: IS FEAR ITSELF

16. Marriage: LEO

17. Blondes: JESSICA SIMPSON

18. Slippers: HAVAIANAS

19. Shoes: RUSTY LOPEZ

20. Asians: JAPANESE

21. Pass time: SURF, WATCH TV, READ!!!

22. One night stand: IS THAT A BOOK?

23. Cell Phone: RIGHT NOW NOKIA. I MISS SONY ERICCSON

24. Smoke: NEVAH!

25. Fantasy: DRAGONLANCE!

26. College:LA SALLE!

27. Highschool Life:ST SCHO

28. Pajamas: LOVE WEARING THEM WHEN IT'S COLD

29. Stars: BIG DIPPER, SMALL DIPPER...

30. Fitness Center: FITNESS FIRST PLUS

31. Alcohol: GREEN CROSS

32. The word love: IS SOMETIMES OVERRATED

33. Friends: JENNIFER ANISTON

34. Money: CANNOT BUY YOU LOVE

35. Heartache: IT DOES END

36. Time: AFTER TIME

37. Divorce: NO

38. Dogs: PUG!!

39. Undies: JOCKEY AND BENCH

40. Parents: I HAVE NEW PARENTS!

41. Babies: WOULD WANT ONE SOON

42. Ex: Y Z?

43. Song: SING A SONG

44. Color: PERIWINKLE BLUE

45. Weddings: SEPT 1 2007

46. Pizza:YELLOW CAB AND DOMINO'S

47. Hangout:ATC

48. Resto:CIBO

49. Goal:FIX OUR ROOM!

50. Inspiration: LEO

Sunday, September 16, 2007

The Newlyweds

Leo and I have been married for two weeks and I could say that we've managed to fix some stuff and our schedules quickly.

I wake up every morning at 530, quarter the 6 the latest. I eat breakfast and then  the driver brings me to Alabang Town Center where I catch a shuttle going to Makati.

Work was not traumatic this week. Everyone congratulated me on my wedding and still received gifts.

It took me a couple of days but I found a nearby terminal (where I used to catch the shuttle going to BF) where I can catch a shuttle that will drop me at Town Center. The driver will then pick me up from there and bring me home.

However, Leo and I only "see" each other during weekends. His office schedule is from 2pm to 12am. Thus, I'm already asleep by the time he gets home.

Today was productive for us. We've managed to squeeze our respective laptops and the TV here in our room. We've also managed to arrange our closets and bathroom. We still need to fix our other room which we will use as storage and where my books will be placed. We got some bookshelves as a wedding gift and we need to put that up. My books are still in BF and we need to get them as well. Our wedding gifts are all stocked up in one corner and we need to store those that we still cannot use.

It'll probably take a few more weeks before we've finally settled down. By that time, I'll be able to focus on the post-wedding stuff (photo album, wedding video etc) and decorating our room.


CSI Season 8 Premier (US)

Start:     Sep 27, '07
Hay naku, it would probably reach us February pa :(
I can't wait to find out what happened to Sara

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Honeymoon Pictures - El Nido, Palawan 9/3/07-9/5/07




We had our honeymoon at Lagen Island, El Nido Palawan. We left Monday, Sep. 3 and returned to Manila, Wednesday, Sep. 5. We stayed in one of the water cottages near the breakwater.
If ever you see pictures wherein Leo and I are in the same frame, it means that our co-tourists/honeymooners took the picture for us (or Leo took it for the both of us). Incidentally, we were the only Filipino tourists on the island. Most of the guests were Koreans or Japanese.
Enjoy and see how beautiful Palawan really is.
On a side note, this was my first time on a plane since 1990. So it was a nice repeat experience for me. :)

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Prenuptial Pictorial 8-23-07




These pictures were taken on August 23, 2007 at Tagaytay Highlands where we had our pictorial. Our photographer is the one and only John Mateos Ong.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Back to Work

After 3 weeks of vacation, I'm returning to work tomorrow. I don't know what to feel when I get to the office. Happy that I had a perfect wedding yet sad as my lolo passed away. I'm going to be one confused person.

We had our lolo cremated this afternoon. It was surprisingly fast. Our lola took almost 3 hours while my lolo was done in an hour and a half. Maybe because he was not embalmed and having no food or water intake for the past 4 days drained his body of fluids. We took his ashes to Sacred Heart where a mass was said and the urn was blessed. We then proceeded to my lolo's house in Makati where a small gathering took place; where people talked about him and remembered him fondly.

I'd better turn in early as I've set my alarm for 530. I intend to leave by 630 so I can be in the office by 730. I have 3 weeks of email to go through. Also, I have to look for the terminal for the shuttles going to Makati at Alabang Town Center. If I can't find it, I'll just have the driver bring me to my previous shuttle terminal in BF.

It was good while it lasted. The real world beckons.

Sunday, September 09, 2007

Goodbye, Lolo

My lolo Ruben passed away peacefully at 2 o'clock this afternoon. He died in his home surrounded by family who loves him.

Lolo Ruben was diagnosed with liver cancer last May. It was a big surprise to all of us as he's known for his healthy living. My grandmother, his wife Pacing, died 4 days after his diagnosis. It was Mother's Day.

I guess it's only apt that Lolo died on Grandparents Day. He was a loving lolo to all of his grandchildren. We will really miss him.

Two weeks before my wedding, he was rushed to the hospital as he had difficulty breathing. It turns out that his cancer has metasticized to his chest cavity area and the mass was pushing against his trachea thus the difficulty in breathing and eating. He was hooked into an IV and it is only there that he gets his nutrients.

I used to have this fear that he would pass away days before the wedding or on the wedding day itself. But when I visited him a week before the wedding and saw him lying in bed, I just let everything go. I silently told him that if he needs to go, I won't mind. If he wants to be with my lola, then nothing should stop him. I'll be fine. We'll be fine.

But he hung on. When my dad came home from the wedding, he whispered to my lolo that the wedding was done. My dad said that my lolo smiled and after a few minutes, his arm began to swell. Apparently, the vein where his IV was connected collapsed. They couldn't find any vein anymore on his arm so they connected the IV to his foot. When we got back from our honeymoon on Wednesday, we were told that the IV was removed as the veins on his feet also collapsed. We knew then that it is only a matter of days before the inevitable.

My best memory of my lolo was when I was a little girl, he knew of my budding love for books and magazines. He would call me from our house next door and he would tuck me beside him and we would read his magazine together. I remembered we would look at the Larry Alcala comics and we would make it a contest on who would find Larry's head first.

In compliance to my lolo's wishes, we will hold no wake for him. His remains will be cremated tomorrow and we will have a memorial service for him right afterwards in his home in Makati. Still a simple man up to the end.

My lolo was a great man. He will be very much missed.

Thursday, September 06, 2007

Pictures and More Pictures!

Jong gave me 3 CDs of all our wedding pictures (3-4GIG all in all). I'm choosing the nice ones to post and so far, I've already posted some in the photo album portion here. Give me a few more days and I'll be able to finish posting all the pics. I've also managed to post the slideshow presentation that Jong prepared that was shown during the reception. You can view it here. It took forever to upload but it's so worth it.

I also need to upload our prenup pictures at Tagaytay Highlands and our honeymoon pictures at Lagen Island, El Nido, Palawan.

I'm doing the upload while fixing our room, closets and bathroom. Who knew both of us have so much stuff! And our wedding gifts! We still haven't sorted them out yet.I'm already done with the bathroom. I just need to transfer Leo's clothes to his new closet and I need to get my clothes from BF and bring them here. I have 3 days left to finish everything as I return to work on Monday.

Leo & Sunshine.mov




The slideshow that was shown during the wedding reception.
Photos and slideshow by John Mateos Ong

Wedding Pictures




Some pictures of our wedding. Photos by John Mateos Ong.

Sunday, September 02, 2007

Mrs. LPS III

I am now officially Mrs. LPS III. It will be quite confusing if somebody calls the house and asks for Mrs. LS. Hehehe :) I have to get used to this.

Leo and I got married yesterday and everything was just so perfect. It was how I wanted it to be. Of course, there were some glitches but I was able to let go of them. I'll be posting supplier ratings and some pictures soon. Actually, I have the official pictures already as well as the slideshow presentation shown at the reception. Unfortunately, the slideshow is too big (174MB!). Youtube and Multiply doesn't want to accept it (unless anybody has other suggestions).

As for the pictures, my father-in-law is still browsing through them. Each picture file is more than 2MB! (HIGH RES!). We also opened our gifts today. 90% of the gifts that we got are cookware. So far the best gifts we got are (other than the cash) the luggage (thank you Tita Melanie!), the comforter (thank you Ninong Nes) and the towels (thank you Eddie and Ipe!). I got the nice spice rack from some officemates (thank you Abby, Ca, Macris, Shey, Peter, Anthony, PJ and Mark) as well. I can't wait to start cooking!

Leo and I are leaving for El Nido tomorrow. I'll post more when we get back.

Friday, August 31, 2007

Tomorrow!

I'm getting married tomorrow.

I really don't know what to feel. I'm excited of course. I mean, this is what we've been waiting for. After more than 12 months of planning, we're finally getting married!

Monday, August 27, 2007

In Five Days

After more than 12 months of planning, this is it. The big day is less than five days away. Let me take a moment to pause and reflect because things are hectic as it is.

My mom, my sister and my brother-in-law arrived Friday morning. I picked them up at the airport and brought them immediately to Cecilio Abad's for their fitting. As expected, neither of their gowns would fit (too loose!). We're going to return on Wednesday for the final fitting (including me!). My gown will be delivered on Friday at Vivere where I'm checked in for the preparations.

I'm excited, of course, but I don't feel like I'm getting married. I don't know if it's because merging my life with Leo is not as traumatic as other couples paint it to be? Of course, my room is a mess right now as I'm trying to pack stuff which I can bring to our new home. Unfortunately, I can't bring all my stuff. So I have to choose carefully.

I'll be bringing my books, of course. Although not everything. The first books I packed were my Harry Potter Collection (hardbound!). I saw in National Bookstore that they have the HP collection on sale with its own box! I want that! But Leo said it's impractical as I have all the books already. Why do I need another set? Well yeah, but I want the box!

I also had my despedida de soltera last Sunday. I only invited immediate relatives. It was great seeing everyone. Some people got confused and thought that it was my shower (which incidentally, my matron of honor was not successfully able to pull off. No worries though).

What Leo and I are more nervous about is the reception. We're not used having the spotlight on us. That's why we tried to abbreviate the program as much as possible so the focus won't be too much on us (as if we could avoid it). We skipped some usual traditions (goodbye garter and bouquet toss). We reasoned out that our age group is too (ahem) mature for such a segments. We opt for some couples' games instead.

Anyway, starting Thursday, I'll just leave everything to the capable hands of my wonderful coordinator and to God. Whatever will be will be. The important thing is that Leo and I get to say our vows in front of a priest and God. The others are just secondary.

Lord, don't let me turn into a bridezilla. Help me to let go.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY FOR SEPT. 1

Traffic Advisory for Sept 1

The Alabang Viaduct is currently being rehabilitated. There's an expected build-up of traffic at the southbound lane from Sucat to Alabang. Please add 30 minutes lead time to your usual travel time going south.

Also, after Sucat, we advise you to take the rightmost lane in order to avoid the traffic buildup of vehicles crossing the viaduct.

For those coming from the north area (specifically Quezon City thereabouts), please leave at 7 or 730pm.

Thank you.

Wish List Update

We've updated our wish list!

http://sangalang-david.weddingannouncer.com/giftregistry.html

Of course, our bridal registry is still with Rustan's. These are just stuff that you can't find in Rustan's :)

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Trial Make-up with Jesy Alto




Pictures below of my trial make-up with my HMUA, Jesy Alto at their studio at Oasis

Monday, August 20, 2007

On the 12th day

Ok, 12 days to go. 12 days to go.

I'll be starting my block leave on Wednesday. So that means I have one day left at work. Yay! I can barely concentrate anyway as my mind keeps on wandering to my wedding preps. At least my one downs will be both present tomorrow so I can turnover properly.

This is it. Oh my gosh, I'm getting married! Aaaaggghhh!!!

I had my make-up trial this morning at the studio of Madge Lejano. Jesy Alto did my make-up (also on the wedding day) and may I say, I have never looked so gorgeous in my entire life. Haha! I'll upload the photos as soon as I can download them from my digicam.

On the downside, our lolo was rushed to the OSMAC Acute Care Thursday afternoon. My tita called me and she was crying. She didn't know what to do as apparently, the doctors wanted to intubate lolo as his cancer has mesasticized to his chest area already pressing against his trachea making it difficult for him to breathe. I rushed to the hospital and spoke to the doctor. In the end, the children decided to bring their father home where he will be more comfortable. I think he would rather die at the peace and comfort of his bed rather than the noisy and chaotic hospital. The family decided that if anything happens, they will not resuscitate and they will make his last days as comfortable as possible. It's a waiting game now and anything might happen.

I would like to ask prayers in behalf of my lolo. Not for recovery as we've all accepted the inevitable will be near (Stage 4 cancer). We ask prayers that the rest of his days will not be too full of pain and that he will be readily accepted into God's kingdom. Well, we know that he will be. That's the reason why our lola went ahead--to prepare for his place.

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Sunshine and Leo's Gift Registry and Wish List

http://sangalang-david.weddingannouncer.com/giftregistry.html
For those who intend to give gifts, please check out the site for our registry and wish list.

He Passed!

In all the excitement that has happened, I forgot to post that Leo passed his Oral Comprehensive Exam and is now a candidate for graduation. He will march on October.

Each graduate is given 2 tickets but since Leo's dad is a professor, he has his own ticket. So Leo's Mom and I will be seating together.

Gosh, I really do need to get back to school. I intend to return on January. Since my field is now in Operations, I intend to take a subject that's really in my field. I'm thinking of Supply Chain Management. Also, if I could go back to my Production and Operations Management subject (hey, I did get a 4.0 there. Hehehe), I would appreciate it more.

This is the reason why interested people should take up their MBA when they've had more than 2 years (heck, 2 years is even less. Make it 5 years) working experience. It's difficult to appreciate a subject when you haven't really moved up the corporate ladder.I believe MBA is more suited for middle management people or team leaders. Makes it more meaningful and would make the student more appreciative.

There are exceptions though and Leo is one of them. He's an IT person and he just loves to study (he talks of taking DBA *shudder*). While me, I'm going to take up cooking classes after I finish my MBA. Why do I need it when I have people cooking for me? I guess it's just one of my childhood dreams (actually, my childhood dream is to own a grocery store/supermarket, but that's another story). I've always loved cooking and this would help me to enhance my skills more. And who knows? I might take an early retirement and just focus on cooking/baking.

Friday, July 27, 2007

Reflective Thinking - Taking the 8th Habit Challenge: The Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs in 2007

My Nomination for Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs

Blogs I Read

I have an intermittent internet connection so I don't have the luxury of visiting blogs as much as I would want to. However, these are the blogs that I have bookmarked and visit whenever I have the connection and the time:

An Apple A Day
Mermaid's Sneakers
Occupation: SAHM
Life on Prospect Avenue
Deeper Shade of Soul
Norrie's Good Life
Life's a Passionate Bitch
Mommyba's Journey

Enjoy!

Back to Work!

My doctor gave me my clearance to return to work yesterday. I'll be going back to work on Monday. Oh joy joy. I'm really looking forward to going back to the daily grind. I can only take so much inactivity. Yes, I've been busy this past week printing out invitations and making lists of all the stuff that we still need to accomplish.

My counter says that we have 1 month and 5 days till our wedding. Time surely flies by SOOO fast. I'm trying to pscyhe myself that there will things that will not go as planned. No wedding is perfect but I'll try my damnest to make it as perfect as possible.

Anyway, that's 5 more weekends to go to accomplish all the stuff before our wedding. As of now, I just want to get it over with! Aaaargggh!

Thursday, July 26, 2007

All Clear!

I had another check-up with Dr. Ejercito this morning. He removed all 3 of my bandages and said I could take a bath normally without covering them up. The wounds have nicely healed and in his words, "Your wounds are the most beautiful wounds I've ever seen". (Oh doc, you say that to all your patients. Hehe). I've recovered quite nicely and I'm ready to tackle work.

He gave me my return to work clearance as well. I'm ready to return on Monday. He said I could return to my normal activities -- exercise, swimming, sit-ups and whatever. I was also supposed to accompany my father-in-law to the La Salle-Ateneo game this afternoon (Ateneo won in overtime. My father-in-law would be very bummed). But Leo said I should just stay home and rest. So I did just that.

Actually, I watched the game (some parts of it) on TV and alternated by watching Heroes (I'm on my 12th episode!).

This would also mean I'm going back home to BF. Even though it's already tempting to stay here, my stuff are still in BF. Also, I would have no way of going home everyday. I'm practically helpless without a car. At least in BF, I have no problems with transportation. Jeeps, shuttles and tricycles abound.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Claudine and Jeff's Wedding


Contract signing (wala nang atrasan!)

Pictures taken from my Palm Pilot at Claudine and Jeff's wedding last April 2004.

Despedida de Soltera

Start:     Aug 26, '07 12:00p
Location:     TBA
Party thrown by the parents of the bride. Literally translated, it means "Farewell to Maidenhood"

Monday, July 23, 2007

The Palms Country Club

http://www.thepalmsclub.com/
Our Wedding Reception Venue

ANIMA Choir | ..makes your special occasion extra special...

http://www.freewebs.com/animachoir/
Our church choir

Anima Choir

We have a new choir and I'm very very happy with this new one.

Check out their site and download some of their songs. They're really, really AS IN REALLY good.

http://www.freewebs.com/animachoir/

Try to download their version of "Now That I Have You".

HP7: The Deathly Hallows (Spoilers that need answers)

Ok, I'm finished with the book and I'm still very emotional. It's absolutely fantastic! Great ending for a great series. I'll write a more comprehensive review when I'm in a better frame of mind.

I have one question that's bothering me though and I hope somebody can answer:

What was the fluid that flowed out of Severus Snape in the end and why was there no mention of it in the final moments of the book?

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Laparoscopy -- A Wonderful Thing

I came home Tuesday night with a nagging pain at my lower right side. I tried ignoring it and even ruling out appendicitis as other than the pain, I was feeling ok. No fever, no vomiting. I retired early and slept regardless of the pain.

However, I woke up around 130am Wednesday with the pain continuing to be persistent. I could not ignore it anymore so I asked my aunt to bring me to Asian Hospital. Though Medical Center Paranaque is relatively nearer, I did not want to go there (after all, it was where my Lola died).

Upon getting to Asian, a nurse took my vitals and my aunt called Leo. The ER people took a blood sample for a complete blood count. The ER doctor on duty readily called it as appendicitis but they need to do some tests to make sure. Leo arrived around 3 am and stayed with me. When the results came back an hour later, my white blood count was
quite high which is an indication that there is an infection. The ER doctor had me admitted.

It was a battery of tests from then on. I was also endorsed to my OB-Gyne to rule out any gynelogical problems. From the ER, I was taken to the "Genesis" area where I stayed for observation. My attending physician, Dr. Carlos Ejercito, saw me there as well. He explained to me his suspicions and ordered more tests. I was taken to the Ultrasound station afterwards to check my pelvic area. The ultrasound doctor saw my still-polycystic ovaries and possibly a swollen fallopian tube. They took me back to the Genesis area afterwards to await for the next set of tests.

After an hour of waiting, I was told that my room is available but instead of taking me there, they took me back to the Emergency Room. My sister, dad and brother arrived. It was already 9 am and according to the doctors, I should eat something before 10 am. My family fed me a small croissant and orange juice. By 10am, I was taken to my OB Gyne's clinic where I was further examined and probed. She said she'll just give me antibiotics for the swelling but it's still up to my attending physician whether I can be discharged.

I was then taken to my semi-private room on the 8th floor. My health plan entitles me for a regular private room but the hospital was fully booked. My sister and I settled down and I tried to catch up on my sleep. A few minutes later, the nurse woke me up telling me that I can't stay in the room as I'm sharing a room with a male patient which apparently is against their house rules. So they transferred me to another room at another floor.

When I got there, there was already a female patient occupying one of the beds and the vacant bed is beside the window. No wonder she did not stay there. The room's thermostat was broken and it was so bloody cold in the bloody room.

My attending physician saw me again and saw the results of the ultrasound (Pelvic Inflammation). He said that he does not agree with the verdict as the pain that I was feeling was relatively high to be considered Pelvic Inflammation. He ordered a CT-Scan as a final check. If the scan results are ok, he'll release me the next day.

At 730 pm, I was taken to the ultrasound room. I never realized that it can be so uncomfortable and the nurse on duty was so cold. It was over in less than 15 minutes and was I soooo GLAD. After that, I was taken back to my room.

When I got back, Leo's mom was waiting for me. She brought food as well as dinner for my sister (I haven't eaten since 10 am that morning--doctor's orders).

At 9 pm, the nurse came in with a weighing scale. He said that they need to take my weight for my operation. We just stared at him in shock. Operation? What Operation? Apparently, when my CT-Scan results came in, the nurse called my doctor and told him what they saw. Apparently, my appendix, which should be the size of an IV tube has swelled to the size of my little finger.

My aunt, dad and brother arrived a few minutes later and we told them the news. My mom also called sounding panicky.

By then, I was accepting my fate already and began to mentally prepare myself. Dr. Ejercito came in after 930 and gave me options. I could go with Option A wherein I will be sliced open and my appendix will be cut out. For that I would have to go through spinal anasthesia and recovery time would be a month. Option B is called laparoscopy wherein he will just make 3 incisions (1 for the camera, 1 for the cutting tool, and another where my appendix will be pulled out). I don't have to be cut open and recovery will be fast. General anaesthesia will only be used. Of course, Option B sounds better so I chose that (although it is more expensive).

I was picked up at 10pm where I was taken to radiology for chest x-rays (they said they need it for the operation--I have no idea for wwhat purpose), and then straight to the operating prep room. I dozed off for awhile and then I woke up when they wheeled me in the operating room. The doctor was there and the nurses where moving around preparing what it is they need. The doctor remarked that I looked pale. I just it was just so cold. It was my first operation and it would only be logical that I be scared. My curiousity apparently, was more powerful than my fright. Next thing I knew, I was asleep.

I woke up in the recovery room when they tried injecting me with something on my skin. I groggily asked what it was for and they said they were skin testing one of my meds. I dozed off again and I could feel something squeezing my right arm. Apparently, they have this apparatus attached on my arm which automatically takes my BP every 5 to 10 minutes. I also have something on my finger which triggers something when I move.

Probably a few minutes after, they wheeled me back to my room where I slept off the rest of the anaesthesia. I "woke" up around 7 am the next morning. I gladly ate my first meal after almost 24 hours of no food and drinks. I also had my first bath in 36 hours. I felt so refreshed! My stomach was pinching and I could not bring myself to look at the bandages.

My brother who stayed with me during the night said that the doctor called him after the operation. They showed him my appendix and how hard it was. Apparently, it was ready to burst when he operated on me. Thank God they got it on time.

By lunch, I learned that my health insurance will not fully cover the bill as I chose an operation which has a cap.

I lost my appetite when I learned that my running bill is already at 100Kphp!!! And that was excluding my doctor's professional fees. I called my boss and our HR and after a few hours in tenterhooks, I was told to just charge it and the office will just reimburse me for it. I made another phone call to temporarily increase my company card credit limit and I paid the balance (don't ask now much).

I was discharged, Thursday night, 36 hours after I was admitted. Laparoscopy is indeed a good choice. I can walk now although I still find difficulty in sitting up.  I'm going back to my doctor on Monday so he can take out the bandages. I'll know also when I can go back to work--not that I'm looking forward to it but I need to rest and recuperate.

I'm just glad that it's over and done with. All the things that they did to me were so uncomfortable. At least the hospital's amenities were all modern and high-tech. The bed was comfortable and the room was spacious--for a semi-private room. They need to improve on their service though. I was transferred so many times and apparently, the meds which I was supposed to take were not given to me. The doctors though were all top-notch. I was told that my doctor has a good reputation. He's also very nice and looking at his card, he also has clinics in Makati Med and Medical City. He must be that good to have clinics in Type A hospitals. I'm happy that I only have 1 appendix that needs to be removed and I should not worry about it anymore.

The next time that I go back to the hospital is when I'm giving birth. No more.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Probably Last Posts

We're already nearing the 1 month mark and after that, I don't think I'll be able to post anymore. Our weekends are fully booked for our wedding preparations.

Yesterday was a full day for us. Leo picked me up right before lunch and we brought my wedding banns to Parish of the Ressurection of our Lord our BF which is the parish that I belong to. The wedding banns will be read/posted for the next 3 Sundays and I'm supposed to get certification from them after that which we would need to submit to St. James.

After that, we went to Edwin Valerio also at BF where Leo got measured for his barong and pants.

We then proceeded to Palms for our food tasting. Man, their food is really superb. To those attending my wedding, make sure you try the Pumpkin Bisque with semi-whipped cream. We had the chef make the broth a bit thicker.

They revised the package that we're getting and we also got their strings to play at the church. Since we're getting an acapella choir, they can only sing so much.

After that very filling meal and paying for the 50% of the final bill (don't even ask), Leo and I went to Papemelroti at Alabang Town Center to get our giveaways. They all turned out ok. I just need to find a nice twine/ribbon to wrap them up. The twine that they used is too....country and doesn't go well with our "theme".

We also dropped by St. James to give them an affidavit for my name (I thought that I would need to legally change my name. They just made me accomplish a notarized affidavit).

Our pre-nup pictorial with Jong is scheduled on the 24th of August. I have no leaves left so we can only do it during my leave prior to the wedding. Hopefully we can have some nice photos to show during the wedding.

I've also initially drafted my "guest sheets". Instead of a guest book we're going to have guest sheets. These will be distributed to the guests when they enter and they can fill it up while waiting for us. We'll then have them bound afterwards.

We're meeting with our coordinator next week. So far things are still going according to plan.