Streetfighter In Love

Ethan Jude

2009-03-09T22:13:00.005+08:00

This blog has been silent for quite some time. Obviously, such is not surprising to hear. Since when did this writer become consistent in blogging? Your guess is as good as mine. :-)

The last post was marked with so much joy and excitement, anticipating the little angel eventually named Ethan Jude. Despite the hectic and stressful job of his Mom, it was a delight to know from the OB-Gyne that the baby's strong throughout the pregnancy - even if there were instances that Mommy was put to bedrest. And so Ethan was chosen for his primary name... it's of Hebrew origin which means "strong, firm, constant." His secondary name, Jude, was derived not just from Mommy's name but also in honor of St. Jude. Mommy's name, by the way, means "praised, gifted."

Here is proud Mommy's favorite photo (thus far) of their little angel. She took this using her camera phone right after breastfeeding him at the nursery. Baby Ethan was just one-day old then...

Ethan Jude Aca Saclamitao was born via normal delivery on 20 February 2009, 3:08 p.m. at Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Greenhills, San Juan City. He weighed exactly 6 lbs and was 50 cms long.

Since then, the sleepless nights have already begun. :-)

Maligayang Pasko! :-)

2008-12-26T14:18:00.003+08:00

Back from a loooong hiatus since my last blog on our first OB visit, Eric and I wish everyone a meaningful Christmas and a blessed, prosperous 2009!

To date, we already had a total of 7 visits to our OB-Gyne.... and I remember to have mentioned keeping you all posted on my pregnancy.... which obviously I failed to do, hehehe. Expecting mom's quite busy juggling her time mainly between being a good wifey, keeping her job on the go, and of course, trying her best to prioritize her pregnancy above all.

So much had happened for the past months; on from my first trimester towards this last stretch of my infanticipation. Not going into much detail, the 'streetfighter-in-love-soon-to-be-mom' continues to be a survivor despite all the challenges in life, her first pregnancy as the main highlight of 2008. :-)

And so without further adieu, please indulge yourselves in taking a preview of our little bundle of joy.... it's a BOY!!!

Expecting Mom's first OB-Gyne visit

2008-07-12T23:49:00.005+08:00

Finally, our search for our Obstetrician-Gynecologist has ended!

She was recommended by my good friend and classmate in graduate school (who's an OB-Gyne herself, by the way).... Hubby and I, being future first-time parents, would like to entrust my safe and healthy pregnancy to an experienced and highly-recommended doctor. I would have wanted my friend, Dra. Tessa Cardenas, to take care of me... Unfortunately, going to Veterans (where I was born ~ could've been very nostalgic, eh?) and/or Delgado would be very far from where Eric and I are residing. So apart from the OB-Gyne being Medicard-affiliated, we prefer clinics/hospitals within or near Mandaluyong area.

Our first choice of hospital is Medical City in Pasig. Although Dra. Solema Granados-Rivera can perform birth delivery there, she doesn't hold clinic in that hospital but is regularly stationed at Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan and does clinic at Asian Hospital in Alabang. Works good for us since I originally hail from the South and that would be another option for us. :-)

It was also nice to know that our OB-Gyne is a contemporary of my late second cousin-in-law, Kuya Benny ~ a top internist/endocrinologist also at Cardinal. My second cousin, Ate Nona, is a pediatrician and used to hold clinics in the same hospital and knows Dra. Solema, too. Ate Nona for the past years now has focused on their own hospital at Paete, Laguna (my dad's hometown).

Dra. Granados-Rivera is very kind and pretty-looking, too. Hehe. But it's not one of our OB-Gyne requirements, huh. After asking me questions on my LMP and she scribbling numbers in her pad, she told me that I'm about 7 weeks, 5 days pregnant. I told her that I have a longer menstrual cycle so she said that to be accurate, I need to have my transvaginal usg... But before that, she performed an IUE (hope I didn't get the letters mixed up, hehe) on me. Still, it felt a bit awkward even if I had already experienced my first pap smear last end of March in my physical examination.

I also showed her the results of that physical examination which basically reflects my UTI and high-cholesterol diet (uh-oh!). So apart from requesting me to have an ultrasound, she told me to take a urinalysis as well. In that way, we can check if my UTI is still there and she may have to prescribe me with necessary medicine (since I didn't take any before and just tried drinking more water and buko juice ~ but still has a tendency to forego my restroom breaks, hala!) which are recommended for pregnant women just the same.

And so still about 10-15 minutes before noon, off we went to the hospital's laboratory and signed up first on the urinalysis. I requested hubby to check out the 'women's section' (where ultrasound and the like are performed) so that we can fill out the form. I was able to submit my urine sample but unfortunately, the ultrasound section can accommodate us after lunch (they do lunch break unlike in the laboratory), at about 1:30pm...

We checked out the hospital canteen and took our lunch there. Set meals are quite pricey but hubby and I were glad that the food tasted great! So after our hearty meal, off we returned to the ultrasound area. A few minutes of waiting and the staff were back. I was first in line and was requested to take a pee first. Afterwhich, I was led on to the ultrasound room where transvaginal usg is performed. Eventually preparing myself and all, I waited for the doctor-in-charge (OB-Gyne, too) to come and see me. She's tall and pretty and seems to be a young doctor... we talked for a bit and I asked her if that 'microphone'-like instrument hurts... she assured me that she'll try her best not to make it painful for me. :-)

I actually took a photo of that 'mic' instrument when I was there lying in the examination bed of the room... I'll try to post it here next time, hehe. She placed a condom-like (hmm, I'm not sure if it's the same condom that is commercially available) 'suit' on top of the 'mic'. And before she performed the ultrasound, she placed a generous amount of gel on the tip of the 'mic'.... I did feel the coolness of the gel as the OB-Gyne performed the transvaginal ultrasound on me. A bit tensed at first, she told me to relax and to spread my knees and legs wide open. Haha, what an experience!

She tinkered on the keyboards of the machine with her left hand while her right hand continued exploring the different angles of my 'vagina/uterus/whatever' using the 'mic'. Yes, the said machine is used to determine exactly how many months, weeks, or days I'm pregnant.

A few minutes later, another OB-Gyne (who looked a bit older) walked in and checked how the tall OB-Gyne is doing on my ultrasound. They both checked on the machine's monitor and then eventually showed me my baby's position! One of the first things I asked as they were about to show me how the baby looks like was: "Isa lang po ba?" Hehehe. (Both hubby and I's families have a history of having twins. In fact, one of my older sisters has twin sons who are now turning 10 this November.)

They also let me listen to his/her's healthy heartbeat which sounded like a chu-chu train, yey! I was so delighted with the miracle of carrying a life inside my womb and hearing its heartbeat so closely! :D

The feeling was ECSTATIC.

It was so overwhelming that I forgot to request the doctors if I can record the heartbeat of my baby in my ever-reliable celfone.... but it's okay, there will always be next time. And for as long as that memory is very vivid in my heart and mind, I will always recall listening to our baby's heartbeat as such great melody to an expecting Mom's ears like mine. ;)

Both doctors congratulated me when I told them this is going to be our first baby. They were happy to say that the baby is doing good and has a healthy and normal heartbeat. I was told to wait for about 30 minutes for the results so that we can forward it to our OB-Gyne's clinic.

We waited and we were glad that it didn't take them very long. The results came with the first photos of our little angel and hopefully, after we get to scan and/or take a photo of them, I will have the chance to post the pics here. :)

It was already close to 2:00 p.m. at that time and so Eric and I decided to pass by our OB-Gyne's clinic just to give the results. Every Saturday, Dra. Granados-Rivera's consultation is until 12nn only. It was indeed surprising that after giving the results to Noemi, her secretary, our OB-Gyne was still there! She's all packed and seemed to be waiting for her to be picked up... but she still entertained us and looked at the results (original arrangement was for us to coordinate with the hospital to send the results to her clinic on Monday). She prescribed me medicine that I shall take for a week for my UTI and then gave me the go signal to start with the prescribed vitamin she earlier instructed me to buy. And yes, I shall continue taking my folic acid tablets once a day. :-)

Our next visit will be on the 9th of August, about the same time with our first appointment earlier. We will see her at 11:00 am instead of the 11:30 am appointment we had earlier. So there, this date has been certainly blocked off both in hubby and I's respective calendars....

By the way, the ultrasound results officially said that I'm 7 weeks, 4 days pregnant this 12 July 2008.

My expected due date will be on 24 February 2009, plus or minus two weeks. Yay, pwede pa silang maging magka-birthday ni Eric! (and other people close to my heart as well ~ you guys know who you are! *wink*wink)

Until my next pregnancy stories! :-)

(+)

2008-07-08T13:17:00.004+08:00

Today is hubby and I's 7th monthsary as a married couple.

He already came back from Singapore last Saturday evening and indeed, the two weeks that we have been apart just came by so swiftly. Thanks to my hectic schedule at work and my weekly badminton, I was able to get by and survived being home alone.

Feeling the symptoms for a little more than a week now, I finally decided to take the test early this morning.....

Home Alone

2008-06-22T23:44:00.003+08:00

This is one of those times when thoughts and emotions start pouring in.... just like what my college bestfriend would say, there are those 'blogging moments.'

It had me thinking twice whether to write how I feel at this very moment or just set things aside. Just as the therapy this blog is giving me, it also allows me to express how I feel on certain circumstances such as how my 'married life' would be in 'at least' next two weeks.

As the title suggests, I am Home Alone.... well, maybe not for the entire two weeks but for the most of it. A little over a week ago, I got a news from hubby that he was offered for a company training in Singapore. He consulted me first before giving his decision to his superior ~ and it wasn't too difficult for me at all to push him and make a go for it! As it is, it is not everyday that one gets such opportunity at work... and being off-shore even for quite a few weeks will definitely broaden his horizon as I believe that he will gain new perspectives not just at work but in life in general.

Was it the supportive and encouraging wifey that I am that prompted hubby to accept this offer? Perhaps, in many ways than one....

This will be our first time as husband and wife to be apart from each other that long and that far. Your guess is as good as mine that the first hours, the first days and nights, wouldn't prove to be easy for us both. But it is our commitment towards one another to love, trust and respect ~ that will guide us through this temporary separation.

I miss you, Eric. And I know that you miss me, too.

I am happy just the same for this wonderful opportunity given to you at work; just as how sad I am for us to be apart for some time. Perhaps it is a blessing in disguise that this week's another toxic one for me at work. As you know, I have to finish preparing the board materials' for next Monday's Excom meeting. Definitely, it'll keep me very busy at the most part of the day at work.

But as I go home to our humble abode, there would be no one to spend the rest of the night with. No one who always tunes in to basketball and/or sports tv... No one I can accidentally 'grab' soft pillows from... No one I can hug tightly and hug me back, especially when I am fast asleep already... No soft kisses to bid each other goodnight and wake each other up... No one to turn off my celfone alarm even if I repeatedly put it in snooze mode... No one to force me to get up ahead and hit the shower because it takes so long for me to finish taking a bath and to get dressed... No one to be the last person to leave the house and lock the doors as I turn on our car engine... And the list goes on and on!

This is not forever, true enough.

As I put myself to sleep tonight, I look forward to the coming days when you will be back again soon. Home ~ this is where I would be waiting for you.

Goodnight and sweet dreams, my love! *mwahhuggss*

Thirteen

2008-06-22T23:16:00.002+08:00

~ Kit and Mama Judy ~

I took this photo of us, my first nephew Kit and I, more than a year ago in his bedroom. :-)

Today, Kit is now thirteen years old and is happily celebrating his birthday!

We are sorry to miss your celebration party in Tagaytay yesterday, Kit.... We had to finish packing your Tito Eric's luggages and other stuff and spend some time together, too, prior to his journey to a foreign land. Yes, he just left earlier this morning and I couldn't forget this day.

It's the height of typhoon 'Frank' here in Metro Manila and we were in signal no. 3. And of course, today's Kit's 13th birthday!

Happy, happy birthday Kit. Welcome to adolescence stage and to teenage world! May you enjoy the ups and downs of teenage life and survive the growing up experiences that you will encounter in life. We wish you all the best and we love you very much!

Mwah! :-*

Home late, Early to Work

2008-06-18T08:26:00.002+08:00

Yesterday was the start of the 2 busy weeks for me this month. I practically stayed until past midnight here in the office last night (err, that's Wednesday already!) -- finishing the last batch of materials for editing (and ready for reproduction this morning) and working on the powerpoint presentation for our 2-day Management Team (Manteam) meeting.

And since the first session of our Manteam meeting starts today, I am early to work as well (hmm, I consider arriving in the office by 8:15 am EARLY.... hahaha). :-)

What about next week? Preparation of board materials will be at its peak for the upcoming Excom meeting of our Board of Trustees on June 30.

'Gotta go now and check our meeting venue. Ciao!

Summer of 2005....

2008-06-16T23:03:00.004+08:00

Can you 'spot' me in this photo?

This was how I spent my summer of 2005 in the United States. Photo was taken with my co-Fulbrighters before we sailed off to our canoeing activity (my first!) at the Saluda River in South Carolina. Imagine 18 different nationalities living together for 6 weeks and exchanging not just knowledge and ideas on US Foreign Policy but sharing respective cultures and identities! This was one of the best moments of my life and perhaps the highlight of my life as a 'single' person. ;-)

At the end of the program, we realized that despite our cultural differences, we share universal values of love, peace, and unity.

The above photo depicts our first outdoor activity on the first Saturday of our 6-week program on the Study of the U.S. Institutes on U.S. Foreign Policy hosted by the Walker Institute of International Studies, University of South Carolina. Our Brazilian colleague, Flavio, was not in this photo... we were also joined by American staff members of our Program.

Reminiscing my three years of friendship with these wonderful people, I dedicate this blog post to these friends and colleagues I dearly miss!

I hope to cross paths with you all again. :)

Sleepy

2008-06-16T12:53:00.005+08:00

It's the first day of the week! And I don't know why I am sooo sleepy as I am blogging this at work. Makes me wonder if I need a boost of caffeine (haven't had one since this morning)....

Do I need to go here?

Or here?

Well, well.... I need not travel on those countries just to grab hot good ol' mug of coffee. Perhaps a trip to the nearby (a walk or pedicab-ride away) coffee shop will do!

But then again, why not the ever-reliable Nescafe 3-in-1 coffee? I hope it'll give me the much-needed perk.... it's less expensive and I don't have to brave the scorching heat of the sun outside the streets. Hehe.

Let' see. Have a good week ahead, everybody!

Friday the 13th...

2008-06-13T10:53:00.002+08:00

is considered to be a day of bad luck. Do you believe so?

Today is Friday, 13th of June 2008. So far I haven't experienced any bad luck (knock on wood!), except that I feel so sleepy....

Whatever the date is today, I think many people would still exclaim Thank God It's Friday!

Happy TGIF to all. :-)

L.P. #11: Kalayaan

2008-06-12T10:56:00.012+08:00

Ngayon ay ipinagdiriwang sa bansang Pilipinas ang 'Araw ng Kalayaan.'

Kapag ako ay nagkakaroon nang pagkakataon, kinukuhanan ko ng litrato ang ating pambansang watawat saan mang dako ko ito makita. :-) Kaya naman ngayong araw na ito, naisipan kong huwag nang lumayo pa mula sa aking kinaroroonan. Isang palapag lamang pababa mula sa aking 'work area' ay mababanaag ang tanawing ito....

Nanariwa sa aking kamalayan ang naganap na unang pamamahayag nang kalayaan o kasarinlan ng Pilipinas ni Heneral Emilio Aguinaldo noong ika-12 ng Hunyo, 1898 -- isang daan at sampung (110) taon na ang nakalilipas. Hindi ba't sa balkonahe nang kanyang bahay sa Kawit, Cavite naganap ang nasabing deklarasyon at dito rin unang iwinagayway ang ating unang watawat?

Makailang hakbang pa mula nang kunan ko ang unang litrato, binagtas ko ang direksyon nang balkonahe....

Malapitan kong kinunan ang simbolo nang ating pagiging malaya bilang mamamayang Pilipino. Lumalakas ang ihip nang hangin at nagsisimula na ring kumulimlim ang panahon bagama't tanghaling tapat nang kunan ko ito.

Hindi ba't tunay na kaygandang pagmasdan ang ating pambansang watawat, taglay ang tingkad nang mga kulay bughaw, pula, puti at dilaw?

Bago ko tapusin ang lahok ko ngayong Huwebes sa Litratong Pinoy, nais kong ibahagi ang isang maikling akda mula sa Tagalog na Wikipedia:

"Ang Pamamahayag ng Kalayaan ng Pilipinas ay ginanap noong Hunyo 12, 1898, kung saan idineklara ng mga Pilipinong rebolusyonaryo sa pamumuno ni Heneral Emilio Aguinaldo (na naging Unang Pangulo ng Pilipinas) ang soberanya at kalayaan ng Pilipinas mula sa Espanya matapos matalo ang mga ito sa labanan sa Look ng Maynila sa Digmaang Espanyol-Amerikano.

Ang deklarasyon ay hindi kinilala ng Estados Unidos at Espanya. Pagpapatunay ito nang ilipat ng pamahalaan ng Espanya ang Pilipinas sa Estados Unidos sa Kasunduan sa Paris, para sa halaga ng mga salaping nawala sa digmaan.

Kinilala lamang ng Estados Unidos ang kalayaan ng Pilipinas noong Hulyo 4, 1946. Ipinagdiwang ang Araw ng Kalayaan noong Hulyo 4, ngunit dahil sa nasyonalismo at sa payo ng mga eksperto ng kasaysayan ng bansa, ang Batas Republika Blg. 4166 ay nilagdaan ni Pangulong Diosdado Macapagal noong 1964, na naglipat ng Araw ng Kalayaan mula sa Hulyo 4 sa Hunyo 12."

Isang mapagpalayang araw sa ating lahat!

Rice Crisis?

2008-06-11T10:18:00.004+08:00

More than a month ago, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Arthur Yap made a very impressive presentation on the rice situation both in the Philippines and globally. I was fortunate enough to witness and document that Executive Committee meeting of our Board of Trustees. It was actually my first major assignment when I joined my present work.

On a lighter note, here's something I took from my camera phone where the TOSH staff gamely acceeded to my request. ;-)

It's now a few minutes before lunch time and I seem to be craving for pasta.... well, not necessarily spaghetti!

Cruisin'

2008-06-10T16:10:00.007+08:00

For a change, I am writing a non-LP entry today. :-)

On the first Monday of June (yup, that was two Mondays ago... June 2), I wasn't able to get up very early. This was, of course, unusual on a first day of the week since I normally leave the house between 6:00 to 6:30 a.m. Reason? My car plate ends in "1" so that means I'm banned from the Metro streets on Mondays during rush hours. Needless to say that despite the "window time" (to which I could hit the road), it isn't just applicable in Makati. Passing through this City to get to my place of work is a must... So to avoid getting caught by the YBs (the 'Yellow Boys' in uniform of Makati traffic enforcers), I'd rather be a law-abiding citizen.

You've probably get the drift. I commuted on my way to work and hmm, took a cab with hubby getting off in the corner of JP Rizal and Zapote Streets (he works in Makati, by the way). Taking the cab is the fastest, most convenient, and most comfortable way of going to the office! But then, this mode of transportation is definitely more expensive if I go by the 5-6 rides until I get to work. On second thought, it might just be a little bit more expensive... hehe.

FAST FORWARD. It's time to go home and call it a day at work.

Finally, I decided to try out the Pasig River Ferry on my way home. It has been more than a month since I started working full-time in Intramuros and I have always wondered when would be my chance to experience cruising along the once clean and clear waters of Manila's famous waterway. I was thankful for having missed out on waking up oh-so early; and of course, for having less work in the office that day! The last time a friend cum officemate and I checked at the nearby ferry station at Plaza Mexico, Intramuros, the last trip leaves at 7:00 p.m. That was sometime in April so I was keeping my fingers crossed that the schedule hasn't changed since then...

During rush hours, a 30-minute interval on boat trips is followed. Ergo, the second to the last trip is at 6:30 p.m. Well, at least that was the last time I knew! So I left the office at about 6:10 p.m. and took the pedicab on my way to the ferry station. Since the pedicab ride is about 5 to 10 minutes going to the station, I was comfortable with the thought that I would not be left behind by the 6:30 p.m. ferry schedule. It's always best to be in the station at least 10-15 minutes before the scheduled trip for there had been reported instances that the ferry leaves about 5 minutes in advance.... (I should know, I once missed the ferry from the nearby station in our place of residence en route to my workplace... so I ended up taking the cab!)

Nearing the station, I could see a boat transversing the river away from the docking area. My hunch tells me that 'oh no, I'm missing again the ferry ride?!'.... True enough, the people in the station told me that the 6:15 p.m. boat just left and that indeed, there were changes in the schedule. Which reads:

If there's any consolation, I can still take the last trip and experience the 50-minute ride from Manila (Plaza Mexico station) to Mandaluyong City (Hulo station). This would still be a better public transpo for me since after getting off from Hulo, I would just have to take a tricycle to get home. Travel time isn't bad either. And yeah, each ferry is equipped with good a/c! My list of rationalization goes on and on... I did my homework and did some research in the past on people who had already taken this mode of transport, so to speak. :-)

Having time to kill, I found myself naturally chatting with the people on duty in the Plaza Mexico station. I even got the station manager's mobile phone number so that I can reach him to verify the trip schedule. Since this station just opened up early April, they do not have a phone line yet nor electricity! Ayus, hindi ba? But don't get me wrong. The station is sparkling clean and looks very modern (station in the photo is not in Plaza Mexico but the general appearance is comparable to it and other stations). It even has a water dispenser.

Anyhow, the ferry which was scheduled to depart at 7:00 p.m. already docked at Plaza Mexico as early as 6:35 p.m. At about 6:50 p.m., I decided to move closer to the ferry and took quick shots from my ever-reliable camera phone. :-)

And just before boarding Pasig River Ferry 2, I had an eye for this....

Having successfully boarded the ferry, I got mesmerized with this view of the bridge (Hmm, what's the name of that bridge near the Post Office Building? I don't think this is Jones Bridge... I'm referring to that one near Escolta where the next station is located. Could it be Sta. Cruz bridge?!). And then again, my camera phone clicked away!

A bit tired from work, I decided to go inside the ferry and check out how the 'inside' looks... and since we were about to start our journey in the River, it was time for us few passengers on board to take our seats. Since I wasn't able to take photos already (I told you, I was a bit tired already... hehe), here's how the ferry's interior looks. :-) That's minus the television since I was told that Ferry 2's TV set is under repair... nevertheless, there was background music to keep passengers entertained. :-)

The a/c was too cold for me despite many passengers boarding the ferry in Escolta and Quezon Bridge stations. Maybe I chose a seat almost across the aircon vent? Whatever! This just proves that despite the ferry 'carrying' people from all walks of life, cleanliness inside the boat has thus far been maintained and the a/c, thank goodness, has been functioning well, too.

I actually tried to catch a nap during the boat trip. Apart from the a/c being too cold for me, I became so eager in finding out the other stations before I reach my destination. I had this flyer which I left in the office containing a map of different stations all the way from Plaza Mexico, Intramuros to Kalawaan, Pasig. Nonetheless, let me share with you the entire stretch of the Pasig River Ferry Service Project. For now, the stations towards Marikina area are not yet operational. It is also possible that there are now modifications from the said proposed plan.

Alas! On the ninth station (including Plaza Mexico) from where I boarded, I had to alight the ferry at Hulo station. I definitely enjoyed my ride home and it was a far-cry from the hustle and bustle of the Metro streets... no traffic jams (well, except for those water lilies! haha) and sans high humidity. One gets entertained by just merely marveling at the varous sights along Pasig River -- from ruins, shipwrecks, old and/or abandoned factories, major bridges, old yet picturesque buildings, to slum areas -- you name it!

For a good price of Php 35, my trip from Intramuros to Mandaluyong was a very pleasant experience! There will definitely be future trips to take (what with the neverending price hikes of gasoline, hmp) and I do look forward to taking photos during day time. Indeed, given more time and perhaps good marketing, the Pasig River Ferry would prove to be a better alternative mode of transport for commuters, adventurers, and tourists alike. :D

Until my next ride!

P.S.

Oh, the river wasn't smelly! According to the ferry staff, there are only certain times that one gets to experience the stinking smell of the river.... But then again, if you prefer to stay inside the airconditioned part of the ferry, there wouldn't be such smell after all! Not bad, huh? ;-)

As Ate Shawie would say in her then famous WG&A Superferry advertisement, Sakay na!!!

L.P. #10: Pag-iisang Dibdib

2008-06-05T00:33:00.007+08:00

Narito ang aking mga lahok sa Litratong Pinoy ngayong Huwebes. Naaliw na naman ako sa 'paghalukay' nang aking 'baul' nang mga litratong nakuhanan ko magmula nang ako'y magkaroon nang sariling digital camera.

Bakit nga ba kakaiba ang saya na nadarama kapag nakakakita tayo nang mga magsing-irog na nagiisang-dibdib? Narito ang mga larawan nang mga nasaksihan kong kasalan mula 2005 hanggang taong kasalukuyan.

Namamasyal kami sa Palace of the Fine Arts sa San Francisco nang masulyapan ko ang gaganaping Garden Wedding na ito. Nakakaaliw dahil bagama't isang maliit na grupo lamang ang nagsipagdalo, iba't ibang lahi ang mga bisita rito.

Bridal bouquet toss (kakaiba ang damit pangkasal n'ya, hindi ba?)
Ang Pag-iisang Dibdib sa Palace of the Fine Arts, San Francisco
Sina Elvin at Maila sa altar nang Calereuga

Sa wakas, ang pag-iisang dibdib nang kapwa ko kamag-aral noong hayskul!

Ito na ang pinakamatinong kuha ko sa kasal nang aking pinsan na si Ate Aleth kay Kuya Jinky. Ako kasi ang kanilang Maid of Honor kaya medyo abala ako sa kanilang pag-iisang dibdib.

Sina Chie (aking pinsan) at JJ ay kapwa magkamag-aral pa noong hayskul. Naging magkasintahan sila noong nasa kolehiyo na ata. Hindi kataka-taka na ang napili nilang lugar nang reception ay ang memorableng Paco Park sa mga taga-Masci na tulad ko. ;)
Ang pinakapaborito kong kuha sa lahat nang larawang nakuhanan ko sa mga kasalan! :D

Sina Jonas at Kathy sa Paco Park (haha, matapos ang isang linggo ay naririto na naman muli ako!) kung saan idinaos ang seremonya nang kanilang pag-iisang dibdib sa St. Pancratius Chapel.
Sina Raymond at Xian sa Naga Cathedral

Matapos ang seremonya nang kasal, nasaksihan ko ang pagpapalipad nila nang mga lobo... hindi ko alam ang kahulugan nang maaaring tradisyon na ito.

Ang pag-iisang dibdib nang kamag-aral ko noong hayskul na si Chini sa matagal na niyang kasintahan na si Xian. Ang kasalan ay naganap sa Nuestro Senora de Gracia.

Sina Pizza at Jay sa altar nang St. Therese Chapel. Si Pizza ay dati kong estudyante noon sa La Salle. Siya rin ay isang mabuting kaibigan at kabiruan. :)

Ang pag-iisang dibdib nila Phil at Tin. Si Tin ay estudyante ko rin noon at kamag-aral rin sya ni Pizza sa kursong Psychology noong kolehiyo.
Sina Colin at Maricar kasama ang kanilang flower girls matapos ang seremonya nang kanilang pag-iisang dibdib. Si Maricar ay nakilala ko sa W@W at naging isang mabuting kaibigan.
Nakisabay ako sa pagkuha nang litrato sa kanilang opisyal na potograpo. Kuha ko ito sa kanila noong pauwi na kami ni Eric. Ang kasalan ay naganap sa Fernbrook Gardens.

PANGHULI, narito ang dalawang larawan na bagaman ay hindi kuha nang aking mga lente, ay nais kong ibahagi sa mga ka-LP. ;)

Kuha ni Paul Vincent de los Reyes, ang aming opisyal na potograpo.

Mula sa Fotoloco booth nang Konsepto

Maligayang araw at buwan nang pag-iisang dibdib sa lahat!!!

L.P. #9: Ihip ng Hangin

2008-05-29T02:25:00.009+08:00

Bumabawi ang inyong lingkod sa huli kong pagsumite nang lahok sa LP noong nakaraang tema. Kaya't narito ang ilang larawang nakunan ko taong 2005 at 2007 kung saan masasalamin ang 'ihip ng hangin'....

Kuha ko ito habang binabaybay ang isa sa mga 'freeway' sa California kasama ang aking kaibigan noong hayskul at kanyang mag-ama. Patungo kami sa Dublin mula sa Tracy.... Nang binalikan ko ang larawang ito, saka ko lamang napagtanto na ang ilan sa mga 'windmills' na ito ay tila mga nagkasira na? Bakit at paano kaya nangyari ang mga ito? Dahil kaya minsang lumakas nang todo ang ihip nang hangin??

Muli, bilang isang pasahero sa sasakyang ngayon naman ay minamaneho nang aking Ate, nadaanan namin ang mga 'windmills' na ito patungo namang San Jose, California. Sa bilis nang takbo nang aming sasakyan sa 'freeway' ay ikinagagalak kong makuhanan ang mga makinang ito na pinatatakbo nang ihip nang hangin. Epektibo raw ang mga ito sa pagbibigay enerhiya sa mga nasasakupang lugar.
Narito pa ang ilan sa napakaraming 'windmills' na aking nasaksihan sa kahabaan nang 'freeway.' Syempre pa, ang tanawing ito'y lubos na nakapagpapaalala sa akin nang ating mga 'windmills' sa gawing Ilocos Norte. :)

Dahil na rin sa pag-alaala nang Araw nang Pambansang Watawat (o 'National Flag Day'), ang mga sumusunod na larawan ay ibinabahagi ko sa lahat, lalong-lalo na sa mga kapwa ko Pinoy, bilang isang paggunita at pagsaludo sa ating angking talino at galing....

Ang watawat nang Pilipinas na pumapaimbulog sa bakuran nang ating Embahada sa Washington DC, USA
Sagisag nang kabayanihan nang mga kapwa Pilipinong naghahangad tumulong sa ating bansa sa pamamagitan nang pagtulong sa mga nagnanais na magkaroon nang sariling tirahan at mabuting pamumuhay. Bawat Pilipino, Bayani!
Gaano man kalakas ang ihip nang hangin, ang watawat na ito'y mananatiling sagisag nang ating mahal na Republika nang Pilipinas!

Sana'y naibigan ninyo ang aking mga munting lahok ngayong Huwebes sa Litratong Pinoy.

Magandang araw sa lahat at ako'y 'excited' na sa ating napipintong LP salu-salo! :D

L.P. #8: Tubig

2008-05-28T00:29:00.022+08:00

Huli man daw at magaling, naihahabol din??!

Tsk, tsk, tsk.... nahuli nang isang linggo ang aking mga lahok sa Litratong Pinoy para sa temang TUBIG. Nais ko ring ipagpaumanhing muli sa mga katotong bumisita sa aking nakaraang lahok ang di ko pa pagsilip sa inyong mga larawan. Sadya pong napakaraming gawain sa aking bagong trabaho nitong nakaraang dalawang linggo. Sisikapin ko po kayong mabisita sa darating na mga araw. :)

Ang mga susunod na larawan ay iba't ibang interpretasyon ko sa tema nang LP noong nakaraang Huwebes, ika-22 nang Mayo. Ang lahat ay mula sa aking "baul" nang mga kuhang litrato mula taong 2005 (kung saan una akong nagkaroon nang digital camera).... maliban po lamang sa unang larawan na kuha ko kamakailan lamang gamit ang aking camera phone. ;)

ANG IBA'T-IBANG ANYO NANG TUBIG

Isang nakauuhaw na hapon matapos ang dalawang oras na 'Board meeting'

Kuha mula sa loob nang aming pribadong bus habang nililibot namin ang lugar nang Charleston, South Carolina
Mas malakas na patak nang tubig-ulan mula sa bintana nang aming kuwarto sa Jury's Hotel, Dupont Circle nang Washington DC
Uuyy! 'Waterworld'.... isa sa mga atraksyon sa loob nang Universal Studios, Los Angeles, California. Kasama kong lumibot dito ang isang mabuting kaibigan mula pa noong hayskul na si Richard ~ na nakabase na sa Amerika.

Sa 'loob' nang Waterworld set/show.... kitang-kita ang hagupit at hampas nang tubig, hindi ba?

Hehehe... bakit nga ba di ko nahalungkat ang larawan na ito sa temang 'Umaapoy'? May tubig na, may apoy pa! :)

Teka... ano naman ang 'kasayahan' o 'kaguluhang' ito??!

Hindi po sila nagra-'rally'.... masayang-masaya lamang na nagpapabasa mula sa tubig nang 'fire truck' matapos ang ilang araw na pagkakabilad sa arawan habang nagtatayo nang mga bahay sa isang GK Village sa bayan nang Goa, Camarines Sur.

Ang mga 'bumbero'

Bata o matanda, lalaki o babae, lahat nagsasaya sa dulot na presko nang tubig!

Minsan ko nang naisulat dito sa aking blog ang paborito kong lugar na ito sa University of South Carolina (Columbia, SC)

Mahilig talaga akong kumuha nang mga 'water fountain'.... ang isang ito'y kuha ko mula sa aming pribadong bus habang nililibot ang siyudad nang Los Angeles, CA.

Tubig mula naman sa 'fountain' nang Paco Park... isa ito sa pinakapaborito kong kuha sa mga koleksyon ko nang mga larawan nang 'water fountain' :D

Narito pa ang isa... Kuha ko ang mga ito habang nagre-'reception' sa kasalan nang aking pinsan. Pababa na ang araw nang mga oras na ito.

Isa sa mga makasaysayang 'canal' ~ ang C&O Canal ~ sa Georgetown, Washington DC. Naranasan ko ang sumakay sa isa sa mga 'canal boats'... isa sa mga sinaunang paraan nang pagbibiyahe sa lugar na ito lalo pa't kapag patungo sa Potomac River.

Ang malinis at asul na tubig-dagat/lawa(?) nang Monterey Bay sa California

Nami-miss ko ang mga-knee/wakeboarding sa CamSur! Kuha ko ito sa isang kaibigan nang simulan na niya ang isang 'round' nang kneeboarding sa CamSur Watersports Complex. Kakaiba ang naibibigay na 'hype' sa akin nang bawat hampas nang tubig at hangin habang ine-'enjoy' ko ang isport na ito. :D

Ang aking mga pamangkin dito sa Pilipinas (maliban kay LJ na di nakasama sa bakasyon naming ito) ay walang sawa sa pagtatampisaw sa malinis at malinaw na tubig-dagat nang Boracay... keber kung gaano pa katindi ang sikat nang araw!

Haaay.... kailan kaya ako muling makakabalik dito sa ikalimang pagkakataon? Ang 'beachfront' nang Boracay mula (ata) sa Boracay Regency Resort, Station 2.

Maligayang LP sa lahat!!!

L.P. #7: Umaapoy

2008-05-14T23:26:00.012+08:00

Isang maalab na Huwebes sa inyong lahat! :D

Narito ang aking mga lahok sa linggong ito nang Litratong Pinoy. Mula pa noong isang linggo, iniisip ko na kung ano ang maaari kong kunan nang litrato na nagpapahiwatig sa tema ngayong Huwebes, "umaapoy."

Napagdiskitahan ko tuloy ang aming gas range sa bahay at pagkauwing-pagkauwi naming mag-asawa kagabi, ay nagpainit na kami nang tubig sa takure. Inihahanda na rin namin ang aming mainit na tubig para sa kape sa kinaumagahan... Ang apat na sumusunod na larawan ay mga kuha ko gamit ang aking 'maaasahang' camera phone. ;)

Medyo bagong bukas pa ang kalan....

Ipinihit ko sa pinakamalakas na apoy at kinunan ito nang malapitan :)

Hayan... mayroon nang nakapatong dito sa umaapoy na kalan! Ano nga ito?!

Tyaaa-raaaan!!! Walang iba kundi ang aming mahal na takure
na iniregalo sa amin noong aming kasal! :D

Matapos kunan ang mga ito at ma-download ang mga litrato mula sa aking cellphone, bigla kong naalala ang mga "luma" kong litrato na nagpapahiwatig din nang apoy.... Dali-dali kong hinalukay ang mga files sa aking My Pictures folder at sa wakas, nakita ang ilang litratong kuha ko noong isang taon (2007) sa Clark, Angeles, Pampanga.

Ang pagdiriwang na ito ay walang iba kundi ang Hot Air Balloon Festival na ginaganap tuwing Pebrero sa Clark Air Base. Kung hindi ako nagkakamali, pang-sampung taon na nang pagdaraos nito noong masaksihan namin noong nakaraang taon. :)

Narito ang ilang piling kuha gamit naman ang aking Sony cybershot digital camera....Tuwang-tuwa ako nang ma-timing-an ko ang pagbuga nang apoy mula sa pinaka-base nang nakadipa pang "balloon' na ito.... kaya pala tinatawag talaga itong 'hot air balloon'.... mainit na apoy ang binubuga upang "malagyan" nang hangin ang malaking lobong ito. :D

Heto pa ang isa kung saan kitang-kita at saktong nakuhanan ko ang malakas na pagliyab nang apoy mula sa mala-basket na base nang hot air balloon. Marami sila na nagtutulong-tulong upang malagyan nang hangin at tuluyang maitayo (at nang lumaon ay mapalipad o mapaangat man lang) ang mga hot air balloon na tulad nito.

Bagaman tigil-apoy muna sa larawang ito, nais ko lamang ipakita na medyo lumobo na at nalagyan na nang mainit na hangin ang loob nitong makulay na 'lobo.' Nakakaaliw, hindi ba?

At siyempre pa, narito ang isa sa mga ganap nang hot air balloon! :D

Inyong mapapansin na patuloy ang pagbuga nang apoy sa loob nito... ito ay para na rin mapanatili ang korte nang naturang 'lobo.' Kuha ko ito nang kinagabihan na at kasalukuyang ginaganap ang tinaguriang "Lights and Sounds Show" na sinasabing pinakatampok sa piyestang ito. Ayos ba ang napili kong huling larawan para sa lahok ko ngayong Huwebes sa LP?

Tunay na isang Tatak Pinoy rin ito, hindi ba? Hangad ko na tayong mga mamamayang Pilipino ay patuloy na magkaroon nang nag-aalab na pagmamahal sa ating dakilang bayan.... ang Republika ng Pilipinas!

Mabuhay tayong lahat!

L.P. #6: Mahal na Ina

2008-05-08T00:57:00.008+08:00

Wala nang patumpik-tumpik pa, ang aking mga lahok sa Litratong Pinoy ay ilang litratong kuha ko sa aking mahal na Ina. Siya rin ay magdaraos nang kanyang ika-animnapu't walong kaarawan sa susunod na Huwebes, ika-15 ng Mayo.

Natural na masayahin ang aking Ina. Hanga ako sa taglay niyang tibay ng loob, sipag at tiyaga, at maabilidad na diskarte sa buhay. Isang mapagmahal na Ina, siya rin ay malapit sa ating Poong Maykapal at isa ring deboto nang Mahal na Birhen.

Ang mga sumusunod na larawan ay mga kuha ko noong nakaraang taon (2007). Kapansin-pansin ang natural din niyang pagkahilig sa pagpapakuha nang litrato tulad ko (hmmm, kanino pa ba ako magmamana?). ;)

Maraming salamat sa iyo, mahal kong Ina! Isang paunang pagbati para sa darating na Araw ng mga Ina sa Linggo at iyong kaarawan sa susunod na Huwebes. Nawa'y patnubayan ka nang ating Panginoon at bigyan nang marami pang biyayang walang-sawa mong ibinabahagi sa aming lahat. Hangad ko ang iyong mahaba pang buhay kapiling ang ating pamilya at lahat nang iyong mga kaibigan; ang iyong mabuting kalusugan; kapayapaan; at kaligayahan.

Nagmamahal, ang iyong Bunso. :)

Introduction

2008-05-07T13:19:00.004+08:00

I am now working full-time as Senior Executive Assistant to the Executive Director of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP). Here's how W, now the Foundation Affairs Unit Manager, introduced me to everyone via e-mail....

-----

Dear colleagues,

Let's welcome JUDY ACA-SACLAMITAO to the PBSP family!

Judy was into freelance teaching and was working part-time for Gawad Kalinga prior to joining PBSP. Judy also worked for the Senate. She studied at the Manila Science High School, and UP (Masters degree in Public Administration, and BA Political Science - cum laude). She was a Visiting Fellow at the Study of U.S. Institutes (formerly Fulbright) at the University of South Carolina. Her interests are Asia-Pacific studies, globalization, national and local government relations, and governance issues.

Lebel na lebel di ba?... " )

Eman Ragasa is her friend (so we got to Judy straight away, thanks Sem!). Newly-wed sya! Her skin is flawless (nasa Humana ang derma nya -- Dra. Susan Arcigal). She plays badminton. " )

Cheers to Judy! Suportahan taka!

-----

Thanks again, W! Di talaga kinaya nang powers ko 'yung flawless skin part... This was indeed a very candid description about me. :D

New Job

2008-05-06T21:22:00.002+08:00

It has been fourteen working days since I started with my new job. That partly explains my 'seeming silence' at blogging these days. Well, with the exception of my LP entries, of course.

I am faced with very challenging work demands but I am glad that I am getting by.... Thanks to the former person occupying my position ~ she has truly been supportive and a good mentor to me!

I will share in my next post how she introduced me to our colleagues in the organization via e-mail. Her very candid description of both my professional background and a little something about myself really rocks!

Stay tuned, folks. :-)

L.P. #5: Malungkot

2008-05-02T01:26:00.012+08:00

Alas! Ipagpaumanhin at nahuli na naman ako nang ilang oras sa aking mga lahok ngayong linggo sa Litratong Pinoy.... Muli ay Biyernes na naman nang madaling-araw at tulad nang nakaraang linggo, ay di ako umabot sa takdang oras ng Huwebes. :-(

Gayunpaman, narito ang samu't sari kong larawan na kuha mula taong 2005 hanggang sa kasalukuyan na pawang sumasalamin nang iba't ibang kalungkutan ~ ang tema ngayon sa LP.

Una. Sulyap mula sa Bintana

Ito ay kuha ko mula sa aking silid (#535) nang Jury's Hotel, Dupont Circle nang Washington DC. Isang di malilimutang gabi, kung saan ako ay nag-iisa habang malakas na humahagupit ang ulan pati na rin ang mga kulog at kidlat sa labas nang aking kinaroroonan. Noon ay ika-siyam nang gabi at sa saliw nang awiting 'Weak,' ay magkahalong lungkot at pangamba ang aking nararamdaman. Aking napagtanto na ang aking kalungkutan ay di lamang dala nang isang masamang panahon; bagkus ay ang matinding pangungulila sa mga mahal sa buhay na aking naiwan sa Pilipinas...

Ikalawa. Ang Mama at ang kanyang alagang aso

Matapos ang masaya at nakabubusog na hapunan sa 'Kabisera' (by Dencio's) sa B:2 nang Bonifacio High Street, The Fort (Taguig City), kami ay nagpalakad-lakad sa kahabaan nang may kabaguhang establisamentong ito (Bonifacio H.S.).... Nakasama ko noong Miyerkules nang gabi sa hapunang ito ang aking mahal na esposo at apat pa niyang kasamahan sa trabaho. Dahil sa pagnanais kong makakuha nang naaayon sa tema ng LP, pasimple kong ginamit ang aking celfone camera. Maaaninag sa larawang ito ang isang lalaking nakaupo katabi ang kanyang alagang asong puti (nakikita mo ba ito?) na kinunan ko mula sa kabilang dako nang water fountain area. Akin syang pinagmamasdan nang makailang minuto na rin ang lumipas nang kami'y napahinto sa lugar na ito. Dama ko ang animo'y pangungulila nang Mamang ito habang sya ay malayong nakatingin sa dako paroon at maka-ilang beses na napabubuntung-hininga...

Ikatlo. Ang Babae sa Restawran

Umiral na naman ang pagka-papparazzi ko! Kanina (Huwebes nang gabi) ay sinubukan namin ni Eric na kumain nang hapunan sa Ohana Hawaiian BBQ. Ang 'bagong'(?) restawran na ito ay matatagpuan sa Megamall. Naparami ata ang pamimili namin (salamat sa 10% off on all items only for May 1 promo ni G. Henry Sy para sa mga SM Advantage Cardholders at napagastos talaga kami, hehe! .... teka, ang lahat naman nang aming napamili kahit hindi sa loob nang SM Dept Store ay puro sale items rin naman po), at medyo pasado alas otso na rin nang gabi nang kami'y nagpasyang maghapunan. Habang hinihintay ang order naming mga pagkain, dumating ang babaeng ito at umupo sa may di kalayuang lamesa mula sa amiing kinaroroonan. Napaisip ako kung sya ba'y mayroong hinihintay o sadyang nababalisa sa kanyang pag-iisa. Di man kita sa larawang ito ang buo nyang mukha, bakas sa kanyang mga kilos ang matinding kalungkutan...

Ika-apat hanggang Ika-anim. Ang Lungkot nang Kahirapan

Pamilyar ba sa iyo ang lugar na ito? Marahil ay tipikal mo itong nakikita sa iba't ibang sulok sa Kalakhang Maynila... Oo, MALUNGKOT talagang makita ang ganitong paligid hindi lamang dahil sa ito'y isang eyesore sa dami nang nagkalat na dumi at basura; bagkus ay sumasalamin ito sa sinasabing pitumpung porsyento (70%) nang ating mga kababayan na naghihirap o living below poverty line sa kasalukuyang panahon.

Personal kong napuntahan at nasaksihan ang kahirapang ito sa lugar nang Baseco, Maynila. Kasama ang aking 'tour guide' (Dan B.) noong mga panahong iyon nang Marso 2007, ang aking pagdalaw rito ay bunga nang aking unang assignment mula kay G. Tony Meloto (o mas kilala bilang 'Tito Tony' o 'TM' sa mga taga-Gawad Kalinga). Matapos kong malibot ang parte nang Baseco kung saan naroroon ang naggagandahan at maaayos na tirahan na bumubuo sa komunidad nang GK, may mga ilang bahagi pa rin nang lugar na ito ang lugmok sa kahirapan.

Mapapansin sa huling larawan na ito ang sulyap nang pag-asa sa kabila nang kahirapang tumatamasa sa buong Baseco. Sinadya kong kunan ang ilang kabahayan na naitayo sa pamamagitan ng GK (mayroon ding iba na mula naman sa Habitat for Humanity), katabi ang ilan sa mga barong-barong na nagpapamalas nang lungkot nang kahirapan sa ating bayan.

*****

Umaasa akong naibigan ninyo at naging makabuluhan para sa inyo ang aking mga lahok ngayong linggong ito. Mabuhay ang Litratong Pinoy!

L.P. #4: Hugis ay Parihaba

2008-04-25T00:56:00.009+08:00

Araw na naman nang Huwebes (naku, Biyernes na ngayon...)! Narito ang ilang larawang kuha ko gamit ang aking Sony Cybershot digicam, halos tatlong taon na ang nakalilipas. Tulad nang mga nakaraan kong lahok sa Litratong Pinoy, hayaan ninyong ipasyal ko kayong muli sa ilang lugar na nabisita ko sa iba't-ibang lugar sa Estados Unidos noong 2005. Tayo nang maglakbay! :)

Ang 'air traffic control center' na ito sa McEntire Air National Guard Station sa South Carolina ay kinunan ko matapos naming akyatin at bisitahin ang napakatayog na istrakturang ito. Sa tuktok nito ay nakita ko ang teknolohiyang gamit nila sa pagko-kontrol at pagbibigay direksyon sa iba't ibang 'military planes/jets.' Nakakaaliw rin ang ilang beses na pagde-demonstrasyon nang ilan sa mga jets na ito sa paligid nitong paliparan hanggang sila'y magpaimbulog sa himpapawid. Nakabibighani ang ganda nang mga ulap, ano?

Matapos ang apat na linggong pagpasok sa Walker Institute ng University of South Carolina, ang aming grupo ay nagtungo naman sa Los Angeles, California. Doon sa Santa Monica ay namalagi kami nang apat na araw. Isa sa aming mga field exposure trips ay ang pagbisita sa siyudad nang LA sa pamamagitan nang isang bus tour. Ang establisamentong ito ay napagkatuwaan kong kunan nang litrato habang sakay nang aming umaandar na bus. Hehe... Hindi ba't sinasabing sa pelikulang ito ('Mr. & Mrs. Smith') umusbong ang pagmamahalan nila Angelina Jolie at Brad Pitt?!

Matapos ang apat na araw na pagbisita sa California, tinawid naming muli ang Amerika. Ngayon naman, ang aming destinasyon ay matatagpuan sa Hilagang Silangan nang bansang ito. Pamilyar naman siguro sa inyo ang larawang ito na matatagpuan sa Washington, DC. Sinasabing kabilang sa National Mall nang lungsod na ito, ang Washington Monument ay sumisimbolo sa pagiging 'Ama ng kanyang Bansa' nang kauna-unahang Presidente nang Estados Unidos na si George Washington. Sinasabing ang monumentong ito ay nagbibigay-pugay sa pagiging isang magiting na pinuno ni Washington para sa pagkamit nang independensya nang Amerika. Kinunan ko ang larawang ito mula sa isa sa mga hagdan nang Lincoln Memorial. Sana sa susunod na makapunta ako sa lugar na ito ay maakyat ko naman ang matayog na monumentong ito. Sinasabing mula sa tuktok nito ay makikita mo ang napakagandang tanawin hindi lamang nang buong National Mall kundi lalong-lalo na nang Capitol.

Ang huling lugar na aming pinuntahan sa loob nang anim na linggong iskolarsyip sa pag-aaral nang 'Ugnayang Panglabas nang Amerika' (US Foreign Policy) ay ang siyudad nang New York. Pagkatapos nang isang linggong pamamalagi sa Washington, DC, ang aming grupo ay nagtungo sa NY sa pamamagitan nang halos anim na oras na byahe sa bus. Matapos mag-check-in sa Grand Hyatt New York Hotel (nakks, ang sarap at lambot nang kama namin dito!), ang aming grupo ay tumulak na papuntang Circle Line Harbor Tour para sa aming tour ng New York skyline at iba pang karatig pook tulad nang Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, atbp. Malamang ay nakikilala ninyo ang pahabang gusali na talaga namang prominenteng-prominente sa larawan kong ito. Walang iba kundi ang Empire State Building! Sinubukan ko itong akyatin mag-isa matapos ang aming harbor tour ngunit sa kasamaang-palad ay di na sila nagpapapasok dahil punum-puno na raw ang itaas nito (ganap na ika-sampu nang gabi nang makarating ako dito... syempre puro lakad lang mula sa pier hanggang dito at pagkatapos ay pabalik ng hotel). Muli, ipinangako ko sa aking sarili na sisiguraduhin ko ang pag-akyat sa napaka-pamosong gusaling ito sa susunod na pagkakataong makabalik ako sa NY. Itaga ninyo iyan sa bato! Hehe.

Muli sa NY pa rin... ang lugar na ito ay kuha ko sa tinaguriang 'Financial District' nang siyudad ~ ang Wall Street. Mapapansing talaga namang halos dikit-dikit (hmm, 'wall to wall' nga eh, di ba?) talaga ang mga gusali rito gayundin ang mga kalye. Malapit sa kinunan kong mga gusali na ito ang New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Hindi ko lamang sigurado kung ang gusali sa bandang kanan nang larawan ay ang mismong gilid na nang gusaling NYSE. :-)

* * * * *

Oooppsss! Pahabol po.... Ang dalawang sumusunod na larawan ay kuha ko naman noong isang taon sa ating Lupang Hinirang, sa bandang Kabikulan. :-) Kasama ang aking ina, kaklase noong elementarya, at isang kaibigan na naka-destino sa Bicol, kami ay nag-overnight at nag-relaks sa CamSur Water Sports Complex (CWC). Dito ay nasubukan kong mag-kneeboarding, ang paunang pagsasanay bago subukan ang pagwe-wakeboarding. Haaay, nais ko ring balikan ang lugar na ito! Nakaka-adik ang isport na ito at bigyan lamang nang mahaba-habang panahon at pagsasanay ay matututunan ko rin ang pagwe-wakeboarding! Kaya naman, babalik rin ako rito.... sama kayo? :-D

Hanggang sa susunod na Huwebes! Maligayang LP sa inyong lahat!

L.P. #3: Apat na kanto

2008-04-17T13:55:00.005+08:00

Alam n'yo ba kung anong uri nang larawan ang nais ko sanang ibahagi sa araw na ito? Hinalukay ko ang mga dating larawan na aking kinunan at pilit na naghahanap nang kuha ng mga 'kalye' (opo, medyo mahilig akong magkukuha nang mga larawan habang naglalakad o nakasakay pa ~ lalong-lalo na noong nasa Amerika ako). Kung mayroon lang sana akong kuha nang apat na kanto/kalye (na tinutumbok ay ang interseksyon) ay ito ang ilalahok ko! Kaso hanggang 2-3 kanto lang po ang nakita ko... Gayunpaman, narito ang APAT na larawang sumasalamin sa tema ngayong Huwebes nang Litratong Pinoy.

Ito ang magta-tatlong taon ko nang laptop na aking binili sa Atlanta, Georgia noong ika-2 ng Hulyo, 2005. Hindi lang ang mismong laptop ang may apat na kanto; isama na rito ang makikita sa keypad, stickers, at pati ba naman sa wallpaper ko noon?! :D

Ang mga susunod na larawan ay 'nahalukay' ko sa My Pictures folder nang aking laptop....

Ito ang isa sa apat na parte nang West Quad Dormitory sa University of South Carolina (USC) na matatagpuan sa Columbia, South Carolina kung saan ako ay namalagi nang isang buwan. Mas mainam sana kung nakuhanan ko mula sa tuktok ang apat na gusaling bumubuo sa dormitoryong ito (napapansin mo ba ang dalawa sa gilid nito?). Ako ay tumira sa gusaling nasa harap ng nasa larawang ito. Kapansin-pansin pa rin ang napakaraming bintanang may apat na kanto; isama pa rito ang landscape grass sa bandang ibaba nitong larawan.

Ang Thomas Cooper Library nang USC ay punum-puno din nang apat na kanto. Mula sa istraktura nang silid-aralan na ito hanggang sa kanyang mga pinto, bintana, mga ilaw, at pati na rin ang disenyo sa ceiling nang entrada nito.

Narito naman ang isang inn sa Charleston, South Carolina. Kuha ko ito habang ako'y naglalakad sa isa sa mga kalye nang siyudad na ito. Ang lugar nang Charleston ay kilalang destinasyon para sa mga turista at isa ring makasaysayang pook sa Estados Unidos. Dito naganap ang sinasabing unang pagputok kung saan nagsimula ang American Civil War noong 1861.

Hanggang sa susunod na Huwebes po! :)

Diamond Birthday

2008-04-15T02:52:00.010+08:00

This post should have been written exactly on His 75th birthday.

Unfortunately, the youngest daughter (now a new wifey) got so domesticated on a manic Monday. Just the same, she was able to talk to Him over the phone as soon as she got up from bed (don't ask now what time it was, hehe).

The day before (13 April, Sunday), His seven children which includes moi (hmm, that sounds like Father Abraham...) hosted an intimate luncheon party in His honor. This gathering invited members of His family and immediate relatives, together with His close friends.

To you, our Father dear, belated happy 75th birthday! You've reached the diamond years of your life and here's wishing you good health, joy and laughter, kindred spirit, peace of mind, lots of patience, and more wisdom filled with God's loving grace. :)

We love you, Papa! *mwahhuggss*

*N.B. More birthday photos from my brother's multiply site ~ http://elsonaca.multiply.com/photos/album/4/Dads_75th_Bday

L.P. #2: Tatlo ang sulok ko

2008-04-11T00:53:00.008+08:00

Nitong nakaraang mga araw ay nagkaroon na naman nang isang long weekend dito sa Pinas. Ang regular holiday na ika-9 ng Abril bilang "Araw ng Kagitingan" ay pansamantalang "inilipat" nitong nakaraang Lunes (ika-7 ng Abril). Alalaong baga, dire-diretso nga naman ang pahinga nang mga mamamayang Pilipinong tulad ko. :)

Kaya naman noong Linggo at Lunes, kaming buong pamilya ay bumyahe at nagbakasyon sa Southridge Estates, Tagaytay. Ang aming pagpunta doon ay hindi lamang pag-iwas sa mainit na klima dito sa Kalakhang Maynila; bagkus ay ang pagdiriwang nang pagtatapos sa elementarya nang aking panganay na pamangkin na si Kit.

Bitbit ang aking Sony Cybershot digicam at Sony Ericsson fone, mataimtim kong pinagnilayan kung ano ang maaari at interesanteng "tatsulok" na mahahagilap hindi lamang nang aking mga mata kundi pati na rin nang lente nang aking kamera. Isama na rin dito ang isang nakatutuwa ngunit makabuluhan na kwentong aakma sa likod nang mga larawang ito...

*****

Isang napakasarap at napakasayang tanghalian! Idagdag pa rito ang sangkatutak na pagkain at iba't ibang handa sa aming salu-salo. :) Ngunit, wala akong maaninag ni isang "tatsulok" sa loob nang bahay-pahingahan kung saan kami ay nagdiriwang. :( Buo pa naman ang aking loob na ang aking "tatsulok" ay dito ko matatagpuan habang nagbabakasyon sa Tagaytay. May pag-asa pa kaya?

Ayun!

Habang kami ay nasa byahe paakyat pa lamang nang Tagaytay, nasa pag-iisip ko na ang traffic sign na ito. Hindi naman eksaktong yield ang kailangang nakasulat basta't makakita lamang ako nang may ganitong hugis na senyales pang-trapiko. Tsk, tsk, tsk... Akala ko ay di na ako makakakita nito! Buti na lamang at pagbisita namin sa isang bagong subdibisyon kung saan may nabiling lote ang aking ina, dito ko lang pala "sya" makikita. Haha... salamat sa aking mahal na esposo at kanyang tinawag ang aking pansin pagkababa namin sa sasakyan. :D

Sa sobrang kagalakan, tinakbo ko ang ilang metrong layo nito mula sa lote nang aking ina. Di naman ito kalayuan at naroon din sa kalyeng kinatitirikan nang bakanteng loteng aming binisita. Ang loteng ito ay nais kasing patayuan nang bahay-pahingahan ng aming pamilya (hmm, ang bahay sa Southridge Estates ay pagmamay-ari nang pamilya ng isa sa aking mga bayaw).

Narito pa ang ilang "tatsulok" mula sa logo nang subdibisyon, ang Prime Peak Tagaytay. Natagpuan namin ito noong kami'y papalabas na nang subdibisyon at nagkayayaang mag-kodakan sa welcome gate. :D

At panghuli, narito ang ilang mga bahay-pahingahan mula naman sa Southridge Estates (hehe, ang mga lote po rito ay hamak na malalaki kumpara sa Prime Peak). Marami ring "tatsulok" sa kani-kanilang mga bubong, hindi ba? ;)

*****

Pagmumuni-muni ni Dragon Lady sa kahulugan at kabuluhan nang senyales pang-trapiko na yield...

Di nga ba't ang isa sa mga ibig sabihin nang salitang ito, pati na rin sa kanyang gamit sa trapiko, ay ang "magbigay"? Ang kalyeng kinatitirikan ng senyales na ito ay hindi kalakihan at medyo pababa pa nang kaunti. Ito ay isang pagpa-paalala na kailangang "magbigay" o "magpauna" ang daraan rito. Sa ganitong paraan, mas magiging maluwag at maayos ang trapiko at makakaiwas rin sa maaaring sakuna. :)

Marahil ganoon rin sa pagpapatakbo ng (o mismong paglalakbay natin sa) ating buhay. Kung minsan ay kailangan din nating mag-menor... o kaya'y magpahinga. O dili kaya'y magbigay o magpauna sa ating kapwa upang mas maging maayos ang ilang mga pangyayari sa ating buhay.

YIELD. Ito ang aking ikalawang lahok sa Litratong Pinoy at tumatalakay sa temang "Tatlo ang sulok ko."

Sana'y naguluhan, este, naging makabuluhan sa inyo ang natatangi kong kontribusyon sa linggong ito. Maraming salamat po. :D

It's our 4th...

2008-04-08T17:54:00.005+08:00

wedding monthsary today. :D

Our honeymoon photo taken at Plantation Bay, Cebu

Hubby reported half-day to work. Not really because it's our monthsary (hmm, both of us didn't remember and failed to greet each other this morning...) but because he wasn't feeling very well when he woke up. Perhaps it was a 'lag' of some sort from our busy weekend spent cleaning our little condo-apartment (Saturday) and having some R&R in Tagaytay (Sunday to Monday) with my family. We celebrated my eldest nephew's elementary graduation and had lots of foodies! And to cap our stay in Southridge Estates, Tagaytay ~ I went swimming with my brother and four nephews while hubby played basketball. My brother-in-law, on the other hand, played his usual tennis sport.

Hopefully I can write about our busy but fun long weekend and match it with pics. :D

Going back to this day's turn of events, hubby and I had some little bickerings just before he left for work! Haaay. Both us did not realize that today's actually a special day... tsk, tsk, tsk. I looked at the calendar upon my return here at home (that's after sending him off at the 'tawiran' and then my supposed-pick up of our laundry) and lo and behold, it's the 8th day of April!

Hubby normally calls me up as soon as he arrives the office. This time, he didn't. I didn't care to check on him, too. (Yeah, bad wifey me!) And then as I went online, I checked my mailbox and found my siblings' and I's exchanges. We've been preparing for a BIG event this Sunday, April 13, as we're throwing a birthday luncheon to the Diamond Star, our dear Father, as he celebrates his 75th year (on April 14) in this world. I found myself replying to my siblings' concerns for the party and then on my last paragraph (btw, our respective spouses are included in the mailing list), I told them about hubby and I's 4th month of being together as a married couple and requested prayers from them. :)

Minutes have passed since I ticked the 'send' button and here comes our home phone ringing. It was hubby and he was asking about my cousin's work number. Impassingly, he apologized for what happened earlier as I told him WE forgot something about TODAY. I did my part and said sorry, too. Although we weren't able to really talk about IT during our subsequent phone conversations after that 'icebreaker' he did, I am hopeful (and a believer) that things are in a better state between us now.

We are meeting up tonight in Makati. I have yet to take a quick shower then give him a call (or call him first then that quick shower). I am bound to pick up our laundry, too... since Krystel (the laundy house owner) told me to pick them up at about 7:00 p.m. as she was out earlier after lunch. Hubby and I intend to do some grocery shopping at Rustans Supermarket so that we can finish off our GCs and replenish our food stocks here at home. If there's still time (and energy), we'll go to my ancestral home in Sucat to 'exchange' cars. Hubby was kind enough to shoulder the expenses for my dear Kia Pride's tune up and change oil maintenance (thanks Eric!). And so last night, we had to borrow my Dad's Sentra for the time being... I told my Mom that either we return their car tonight or by tomorrow (and bring them their 5-gallon Nawasa H2O from here, hehe).

Enough said, these are the confessions of a wifey celebrating her fourth wedding monthsary with her hubby. ;)

Looking forward to a happier and better night ahead. Still a....

Happy 4th Wedding Monthsary, my dear Eric! I love you. :D

PAHABOL sa L.P. #1: Ako ay Bilog....

2008-04-06T18:52:00.005+08:00

Katuwaan lang po. :D

Aking binisita ang lahok ni Jeprocks sa L.P. at natuwa sa literal nyang interpretasyon sa unang tema nang Litratong Pinoy. Nagkaroon tuloy kami nang ideya ng aking esposo sa isa pang maaaring interpretasyon nito. Datapwa't hindi ko po mga kuha ang mga sumusunod, nais ko lamang ibahagi ang ideyang (pati na rin mga larawan) ito sa inyo. ;)

[Mula sa friendster account ng Ginebra San Miguel]

O di bah, BILOG talaga ang mundo ayon sa komersyal nang GSM?! Heto pa ang isa, este, 'dalawa.' Galing pa rin sa parehong friendster account, hehe. :P

Ang GIN Bilog. Hindi Lapad. (We, thank you... Bow!)

Congrats Kit!

2008-04-06T10:59:00.003+08:00

Kit & Mama Judy

My eldest nephew, Francisco III, a.k.a. Kitkit, now prefers to be called simply KIT. :-)

He just finished his grade school at The Seed Montessori School and had his graduation yesterday.

Congratulations and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors!

Tagged [Hubby’s Turn]

2008-04-05T02:20:00.006+08:00

Being a 'subscriber' to MPG's tags (she had to create a separate blog site for her memes, hehe), I am answering these questions about my relationship with my husband.

How long did you date?

:: As boyfriend-girlfriend? A little more than three years before finally tying the knot. :-)

How old is he?

:: Just turned thirty-two ~ he's five months older than me.

Who eats more?

:: He does... (wait 'til I get preggers, haha!)

Who said “I love you” first?

:: Of course, he did. (though I was first to say ~ "I love you, too"... har-har!)

Who is taller?

:: He is, perhaps by 6 to 7 inches... (wait 'til I wear my pairs of shoes/sandals with killer heels!)

Who sings better?

:: I think I do. But if he'd practice enough, maybe we could be at par with each other. I'll still beat him with my 'showmanship' though. ;-)

Who is smarter?

:: The guy is a street smart person (as if I'm not, too! hehe). But since he married me, I think he's SMARTER. Hehehe, lagot! :-D

Whose temper is worse?

:: No doubt, it's mine.

Who does the laundry?

:: Both of us used to do it. But now there's that lady in 'Cost U Less' who does our laundry within 24 hours at only Php 20 per kilo (so far no missing/mixing of clothes, hehe!). And yeah, at times there's the ever-reliable Ate Piling at my in-laws' place. ;-)

Who does the dishes?

:: Both of us ~ although most of the time, I do.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed?

:: I do (syempre).

Who pays the bills?

:: Definitely, he does.

Who mows the lawn?

:: What lawn?! I wish we have one here in our building, hehe...

Who cooks dinner?

:: We seldom cook dinner for ourselves. So usually it's either the cook at Cusina ni Virginia or the one at CAD Balot-Balot.

Who drives when you are together?

:: AKO... lagi na lang AKO!!! (I don't know why I just can't let him take control of the wheels, hehe... maybe because I'm such an experienced driver compared to him?! Again, wait 'til I get preggers... huhu)

Who is more stubborn?

:: Haaay, AKO na naman po. ;-)

Who kissed who first?

:: Of course, he kissed me first! Dalagang Filipina ang drama ko nun. Hihihi.

Who is the first to admit when they are wrong?

:: Whoever is wrong. Usually he is wrong --> siya may sabi nito ha. Hehehe.

Whose parents do you see the most?

:: Both. Even if that means spending each weekend alternately or, travelling from far North to far South (or vice versa) just on a single weekend. Hehe, kaya n'yo yun?!

Who proposed?

:: He did! Merong soft proposal at 'this is it' na version (with matching E-ring). ;-)

Who is more sensitive?

:: I am. But he's quite sensitive, too. :-P

Who has more friends?

:: I am Ms. Friendship/Congeniality wherever I go, hehe. Plus if you check my friendster accounts (yes, I've got two!) and compare it to his, hmm... I'm a hands down winner! Haha.

Who has more siblings?

:: I do. Hindi masyadong masipag ang parents ko with me having six older siblings. Hubby only has a younger sibling.

Who wears the pants in the family?

:: Literally, we both wear pants. Figuratively, he does. (sige na nga at baka malagot ako nito!)

Sometimes 11 or 12 is my hubby's shoe size. If your hubby’s shoe size is 8 and over, you’re tagged.

L.P. #1: Ako ay Bilog

2008-04-03T20:01:00.010+08:00

Isa-isa kong binalikan ang mga nakaraang larawan (2005-2007) na aking kinunan sa pamamagitan ng aking Sony Cybershot DSC-L1. Mayo 2005 nang ang kamerang ito'y iniregalo sa akin ng isa sa mga nakatatanda kong kapatid. Maliban sa kanyang paunang regalo para sa aking kaarawan sa darating na Hulyo nang taong iyon, ito raw ay akin ring "premyo" matapos kong makakuha nang isang maikling iskolarsyip sa Estados Unidos. Mas magiging makabuluhan at masaya nga naman ang aking napipintong pag-aaral noon sa iba't ibang lugar sa Amerika sa loob nang anim na linggo (Hunyo 11 - Hulyo 24) kung aking maisasa-alala ang mga lugar, bagay-bagay, at mga tao na aking nakasalamuha sa byaheng ito.

Narito ang apat na larawang may hugis bilog ~ kung saan nakatutuwang isipin na ang mga ito'y sumasalamin sa ilang aspeto nang aking katauhan. :D

Ang ceiling ng South Carolina State Legislature

Ang tinapos kong kurso noong kolehiyo ay Agham Pampulitika. Hindi nakapagtataka na ang makapasok sa ganitong institusyon sa South Carolina, USA ay muling nakapanumbalik sa aking apat na taong (1992-1996) pagsusunog nang kilay sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas-Maynila. Ang pagbisita sa Lehislaturang ito ay nagbigay-alala rin sa aking makulay at halos tatlong taong pagseserbisyo sa Senado ng Pilipinas taong 1999-2002.

Ang lugar kung saan binaril si John Lennon

Paalis na kami mula sa maghapong pagpi-piknik sa Central Park, New York. Ilan sa aking mga kamag-aral at kaibigan mula sa Mataas na Paaralang Pang-Agham ng Maynila ay nagmagandang-loob na ipasyal ako sa napakalaking park na ito. Nang kami nang aking kaibigang si Dave ay papunta na sa kinaroroonan nang kanyang sasakyan, itinuro at ipinakita niya sa akin ang makasaysayang lugar na ito. Tulad ni John Lennon, ang aking puso't isipan ay mayaman sa ideyalismo. Ang kanyang awiting Imagine ay isa sa mga paborito kong kanta na may napakagandang mensahe.

Ang Xtremely Xpresso Pizza sa Subic

Kasama ang mga estudyante ko sa UPEPO (UP Extension Program in Olongapo) na pawang mga propesyonal sa kani-kanilang larangan, aming ipinagdiwang ang huling araw nang aming pasok sa restawrang ito sa loob ng Subic Freeport Zone, Zambales (ang lugar na ito ay sa dakong norte ng Luzon). Ang pizza ay isa sa mga pinakapaborito kong pagkain. Kailan kaya ulit ako makakapunta dito sa Xtremely Xpresso?

Cafe Mocha sa isang Kapihan sa Naga

Kasama ang aking ina, kamag-aral noong elementarya, at mga kaibigang pari at seminarista, kami ay nagkape at naghuntahan sa isang kapihan sa Naga City, Camarines Sur. Nakaligtaan ko ang pangalan nang kapihan na ito ngunit ang sarap nang mainit na kapeng ito ay di ko malilimutan. Ang cafe mocha ang kadalasang uri ng kape na aking ino-order sa anumang coffee shop na aking puntahan.

*****

Ito ang aking munting kontribusyon ngayong Huwebes sa Litratong Pinoy. :D

Hello and Goodbye

2008-03-15T14:51:00.012+08:00

I got this phone for free as part of Globe's loyalty rewards program to their existing clients last December 2005. I grabbed the opportunity despite the 1-year lock-in period for a postpaid subscriber like me. I just knew that I will be holding on to my mobile phone number for quite some time; so making a GO for it wouldn't hurt, right? Besides, after being a consistent Nokia-mobile phone user in the past (having owned the ff models ~ 3210, 6210 Cyber Silver, and 6100), I thought it was the perfect time to try and hmm... switch to Sony Ericsson!

So after 2 years and almost 3 months of being my constant companion (more constant than being with Hubby all those time, hehe), I am saying GOODBYE to my beloved Sony Ericsson K300i....

And a warm HELLO to....

my new Sony Ericsson K770i! :-)

Sunlight

2008-03-14T23:01:00.002+08:00

I chose this very inspiring song by Kevyn Lettau to be the background music for our onsite video. Once again, Dan Pamintuan and his team were creative enough to capture the highlights of our wedding preps and church ceremony. Together, with our mtv/prenup video, this was also shown to our guests sometime during our reception at the Oasis Pavilion.

Take a peek to our BIG day celebration.... happy viewing!!!

Everything

2008-03-14T20:05:00.001+08:00

Finally!!! Our wedding videographer, Shierdan "Dan" Pamintuan, has just uploaded a few days ago our prenup/mtv video in his website's gallery. Hubby and I have been longing to see this posted in his blog just like what he used to do with his past clients. YES... despite a DVD of this and our onsite video being given to us right after our wedding reception! Unfortunately, our copy has a different format and uploading it in youtube wouldn't work (believe me, I tried! haha). Obviously, we would love to share this to people who weren't able to witness our big day. It was a very, very busy December (and we believe until the start of 2008) for Dan and his wife Jen so we understand the delay of uploading.

This has been shown sometime during our wedding reception. So for those who were unable to view it yet, please allow me to share with you Dan's cool video with Eric and I in the starring roles, hehehe. (Trivia: Hubby chose the song!)

The GIFT

2008-03-13T02:57:00.010+08:00

Hubby loves me more than just giving this, of course. One of the reasons which keeps me smiling since Monday night. Alas, the much-awaited gift! :D

.... the paper bag

the box ....

.... open sesame!

Thank you, my one and only E.... mwah! :D

False Alarm

2008-03-12T00:40:00.003+08:00

P E R I O D .

*****

Let's see if I can blog more about it next time. For now, it's time to hit the sack or hubby-cum-ex-boyfriend will wake up and decide to....

a. have our dsl connection discontinued

b. get 'mad' (kuno) at me

c. recall his very recent GIFT (hehe, that will be a subject of one of my future blogs --> stay tuned folks, especially MPG!) to me

d. do all of the above :(

*****

'Can't wait? Same here! But I've been sleeping quite laaaate since Saturday, errr make that Sunday dawn already. Busy days recently for me and my GK work. In fact, I just had a Super/Long Tuesday! Great that our events today turned out pretty good. So it's pampering time for me tomorrow. ;)

*****

It's my vanity/beautification/whatchamacallit Wednesday after I get this much-needed sleep. Finally, my monthly appointment with my dermatologist is pushing through after we had to re-sked and move our original session for the 3rd time now! And so, February had passed and my supposed regular monthly facial cleaning (with diamond peel, hehe) didn't took place the past month. This is the first (and originally the only?) agenda I have which starts at (oh my!) 8:00 a.m. Her clinic's just walking distance from hubby's office so we'll leave the house together at about 7:30 a.m. Hubby's official time starts at 9:00 a.m. but I think he can do some flexi-time at work tomorrow ~ 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. so we can buy his new pair of shoes, hopefully! (Well, that's what he told me before he went to sleep.)

Second stop? Haven't finalized my sked yet although the ff are a mix of TO DOs and MIGHT DOs. Thus, the 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc... (not necessarily in order):

* Pick up 2 buffet meal certificates at Club Edsa Shang for my referrals (daw!)

* Lunch with w@wie sis Char in Makati?

* Get a good manicure & pedicure (waaah, I pity my toenails!!!), if possible, also a relaxing foot spa/massage.... haaay! I so miss Aling Josie ~ she's my resident manicurista for how many years now. She does home service in our family home in Sucat and for both mani-/pedicure, it'll cost me just P100.00 :) (Can you imagine that's with TIP already? That's why for the past few years now, I always give her a Christmas present!) It's not just the price which keeps me from sticking it out with her. Apart from being veeeery familiar with my finger-/toenails, there's this extra massage on my hands & feet and not to mention her magaan na mga kamay even with her pair of eyeglasses on. Best of all, she truly handles my nails with TLC....hahaha! She's not digging deep into my "in-grown"(haha, whatever! if you know what I mean ~ how shall I spell it? yaaaikks, I'm OC when it comes to spelling pa naman....credit it to my 'Best Speller' award in fourth grade, ahihi). So there... albeit temporarily, I need to find a good and reputable salon for this vanity's (uyy, hygiene din, divah?) sake without spending too much moolah! If only I'm a few minutes away from our home down south ~ she's just a text message away. As earlier mentioned, the past days and especially this recent weekend was a tight sked for us. So I really wasn't able to squeeze in my session with her in my weekend TO DOs (not to mention that usually it's on Sundays that we get to visit my side of the family). This coming weekend is pretty tight, too, so no way for me and Aling Josie to bond. :( And then, it's Holy Week already! (Time to hit my Dad's hometown in Paete, Laguna.) BESIDES, all my nails, especially my toenails, can't wait until the end of the week.... I don't think it's a wise and practical idea to drive all the way to Sucat spending on gas, toll fees (P96.00 back & forth!), and P100.00 for my vanity session with Aling Josie. Hey, that's accounting for the monetary costs alone and not the tiredness I'll get out of traffic and driving my non-aircon car, huh? So the VERDICT? Hopefully find someone as good as (or at least close to ~) Aling Josie to take her turn at least just this time (when sked gets tight). Basta magaan ang kamay (heck, how'd I know that ahead of time? just trying to be silly here, hehe) and NOOOOO to deep "in-growns(?)" [spell check, please]. Wish me luck in my hunt!!!

*Meet Mareng Noemi (former UA&P colleague) by 2pm onwards ~ subject to her availability which she will text to me, hehe... She was supposed to schedule a visit to our little abode (another hopeful blog subject... are you counting, MPG? haha!) waaaay back pero so far nasa drawing board pa. Anyway, either we meet up somewhere in Ortigas tomorrow (I asked her to treat me for merienda, if that's the case. Hehe) or she'll visit me here at home. Of course, if it's going to be the latter, all my errands/beautification campaigns must be duly accomplished already! If drawing ulit, then we have Friday after lunch as our back-up date.... that's assuming I don't have to report for a GK work ha. :P

*Go to Megamall with hubby to look for and eventually buy his new pair of office shoes (preferably leather).... of course, Adviser/Consultant lang nya ako but he is definitely the FINANCIER! :))

*Catch AI on Philippine TV (QTV 11 channel)

*Etc., etc., etc....

*Ooopss! Prepare for my talk in our meeting with MCU for our GKBI partnership with them on health programs for GK ~ 13 March (Thursday), 9:00 a.m.

*Of course, a MUST is my quality time with my one and only E. :D

*****

Whew! And this blog post was just supposed to be....

*****

False Alarm

PERIOD.

*****

Gets?!

08.03.08

2008-03-08T00:17:00.004+08:00

Three months have passed since we celebrated this very happy occasion in our lives. I look forward to more discoveries, laughter and tears, kissing and making up ~ with this very important man in my life. :)

Happy 3rd Wedding Monthsary, Daddy-o!

Tagged [20 Qs]

2008-03-07T14:56:00.007+08:00

MPG strikes again with another tag. :D

Here are the rules: Remove one (1) question from below, and add in your personal question, make it a total of 20 questions, then tag eight (8) people in your list. List them out at the end of this post.

1. At what age do/did you wish to marry?

:: 27 or 28. Ideally, I would have wanted to be in a steady relationship for about two years before settling down at that age. I was 28 when I got into a relationship with my (now) ex-boyfriend and then eventually married him at the age of 31. Hehe.

2. What color do you like most?

:: Violet and other shades of it

3. Have you ever shoplifted?

:: No and I have no plans of doing it.

4. Where is the place that you want to go the most?

:: Our bedroom. I love sleeping these days. I just love our comfy bed and lotsa soft pillows!

5. Which part of you that you hate the most?

:: Can I say none? Hehe. I love it just the way God created me. :)

6. When you encounter a sad moment, what would you do?

:: Usually, it will brought me to tears.

7. What are you afraid to lose the most?

:: My dignity (chariiing!). Of course, all my loved ones.

8. If you win $1 million, what would you do?

:: Save, Donate (especially to Gawad Kalinga to help uplift poverty in my country), and Travel with Eric.

9. What do you loved the most last year (2007)?

:: My blessed union with (now) ex-boyfriend. Har-har! :D

10. List out 3 good points of the person who tagged you: :

: Prolific writer, Domesticated wifey & mom, and my Best friend... not necessarily in that order ;)

11. How do you cope with boredom?

:: I get as much sleep as I can, hehehe. Or imagine myself in this pic! ;)

12. Till now, what is the moment that you regret the most?

:: None. I don't believe in regrets.

13. Which type of person do you hate the most?

:: Untrustworthy liars!

14. What is your ambition?

:: To be happy and successful in life ~ with my loving husband and future kids.

15. If you had one wish what would you wish for?

:: World peace, hehe.

16. How did you celebrate new year?

:: This time as Mrs. A-S. New Year's Eve with my parents and New Year's Day with my in-laws.

17. Name your body part that hubby tells you he adores.

:: Hmm....pwede bang lahat? I can't remember which one. ;)

18. It is already 2008, do you have a new year’s resolution?

:: I don't usually make new year's resolution. Haaay.

19. What do you look forward to in 2008?

:: Conceiving our first baby (babies kung twins, hehe).

20. What were your accomplishments last year?

:: I'll single out my greatest accomplishment... Organizing our happy and lovely wedding. :-)

I'm RESSURECTED again! Hahahaha.

For this meme which signifies my 2nd ressurection, I hope to hear again from these friends (active bloggers or otherwise) ~ Dial, Dyes, LT, Divine Miss M, Jake, Lem, Suzi and Angela... you guys are tagged!

Tagged [Simple Pleasures]

2006-05-22T20:17:00.000+08:00

I got tagged by Meeya.

Instructions: Name ten of life’s simple pleasures that you like the most, then pick ten people to do the same. Try to be original and creative and not to use things that someone else has already used.

Here goes mine (not necessarily in order):

1. Banana cue (with lots of sugar).

2. Lots of sleep.

3. Playing with my newest nephew, LJ.

4. Nestea Lemon Iced Tea (ICE, with Extra Cooling Action).

5. Sun Cellular's unlimited call and text feature.

6. Relaxing whole body aromatherapy massage.

7. Free unlimited wi-fi access.

8. Razon's halo-halo.

9. Johnsons Baby Softwash (Calming).

10.Having coffee with my S.O. (of course, his treat! hehe).

Now I'm tagging you guys....

Dial, Dyes, Ella, Portia, Vergie, Lem, Eric, Angela, Judith, Suzette.

Who's Your Movie Star Double?

2006-04-25T00:15:00.000+08:00

Judy, your movie star double is Drew Barrymore

A free spirit like you needs to be played by someone who knows what it's like to carve out her own niche. That's why Drew Barrymore would be great for the part. Whether she's starring in unique films like Riding in Cars With Boys and Ever After, or heading out into town with daring dates, Drew refuses to conform to Hollywood's mold for leading ladies. Like Drew, you have a unique outlook and passion that shines through everything you do. And if you're truly like Drew, you're not afraid to show everyone who you are.Back in high school, were you the one listening to bands that others hadn't discovered yet, or branching out with political or fashion statements of your own? How about raising quirky questions that stumped your teachers? But now that you've grown up some, people are starting to value your individuality and your creative way of looking at the world. Or at least, they will soon. So who better to play you in the role of your life than Drew? Doesn't it seem she was made for the part?

Who's Your Movie Star Double?

Brought to you by Tickle

50 First Dates

2006-04-21T22:01:00.000+08:00

This film never fails to entertain and bring out the lovestruck in me. :-)

The first time I watched this, I was with my male bestfriend in a movie theater. I was single then and dearly hoped that I would eventually have a boyfriend as persistent as Henry. Well, especially if I happen to be in Lucy's shoes...

The next time I was able to watch it again, aloha, I was aboard the bus en route to Atlanta, Georgia! Our three hour and a half trip from Columbia, SC certainly wasn't such a bore having this great film on board to keep us company. Of course, I do remember my loving significant other back home...who presumably can't wait until I get back.

And now, here I am catching it again at HBO in the comforts of home. I really love this movie, together with its soundtrack, you bet!

The most striking message that the movie has imparted to me?

That it would be truly wonderful to find that man who can make you fall in love every single day...

I hope that Eric will continue to be my Henry, even if I'd become a Lucy someday. :-)

BORED!

2006-04-19T15:17:00.000+08:00

It's another hot summer day. Worse, I feel so bored now that school's over. Funny but a few days ago, I was swamped with papers to check and that practically kept me busy all throughout. Now here I am wondering what to do to keep me busy. Tsk, tsk, tsk...

Of course, it's the time of the year to perfectly hit the beach and enjoy the outdoors. How I wish I could go out of town again, just like what I did last year. Going back to Boracay would be great, but exploring other beaches like in Bohol or Palawan must be exciting, too! Oh, if only I could spend a longer vacation time in some place outside the metro, I'd probably pack my bags and leave as soon as I can. Meanwhile, maybe I should be doing my research on a good package trip to Thailand. My aunt and I have been planning to have that trip since late last year. Boyfriend suggests that it would be better to have that trip once the political situation in Thailand becomes stable. So hopefully, we could have that trip sometime this May. Ahh, I can't wait!

For now, maybe it would be best to imagine myself doing this...

My Funny Valentine

2006-02-15T01:42:00.000+08:00

February 14 is a red-letter day for most people who are very much in love.... and that includes yours truly. :-)

Last night, my Significant Other (S.O.) treated me for a sumptuous dinner at Sentro, a restaurant located at Greenbelt 3 (Makati) known for its modern Filipino cuisine. What can I say, but, dining in that place just seem to be perfect! From great-tasting food, to courteous service, to nice ambiance.... indeed it was a wonderful experience we had as we celebrated our 2nd VDay together as a couple. First time for us to dine there together, if I may add.

The waiter was kind enough to take us a photo after stuffing ourselves with yummy-tasting food and cool drinks...

The night wouldn't be complete without having some coffee at a nearby Starbuck's coffee shop at the ground level. Thanks to our freebie coupon (included in the freebie planner I recently got), the second drink of the same or lesser price is on Starbuck's. I got myself a hot marshmallow mocha while my S.O. ordered for a mocha frappucino. We enjoyed our drinks as we sat in the coffee shop, engaging ourselves into good conversations.

And hmm.... the shutter-bug in me strikes again once more! I took this one as we were finishing our coffee. :-)

And oh, Starbuck's coffee shops (especially that branch in Magallanes) have been great witnesses to our love story. What started as a good friendship developed into a loving relationship. It wasn't surprising to soon find myself as a....

Streetfighter in Love! :-D

Finally!

2006-02-10T00:35:00.000+08:00

After quite a long wait (hmm....almost a month?), I finally got this last night (a few hours ago, that is!) from an unexpected branch. :-)

Well, pardon for the inaccuracy of the date in my photo (hehe, that's Guam and not Manila time so it's 2 hours ahead)... I had dinner with a college friend who's set to leave very soon for a 1-year volunteer work in Papua New Guinea (and oh, she just can't wait to leave the office she's been with since we graduated from college! talk about loyalty, hmm). Ironically, we had dinner at a rival coffee shop which originated from Australia (the country, where, incidentally, my friend recently met her much-awaited boyfriend...yihee!). And because I was so eager to find out if, by chance, the coffee shop across from where we are have an available planner already (I tell you, it's been out of stock ever since I tried to claim my freebie!), I told my friend to accompany me there. The rest is history.... I even find myself ordering a mango tart for my friend and I to share...and...upon the barista's prodding, got myself a brewed coffee, too.

Well, that is one of the interesting pages in the planner as I flipped it open. And so, I am marking the date when I finally got my Starbucks Coffee Planner for 2006....

09 February 2006 (Thursday)
Starbucks
Harbor Square, Manila

A sneak peek at what's inside....

I'll fill out these blank pages in a while!

I'll end this post with another mug shot of my newly-acquired and long-awaited planner sans the "Thank You SparkHope" tag. :-)

Indeed, I hope to find my favorite!

Check this out :-)

2006-02-08T00:39:00.000+08:00

I'm happy and proud to share an article which featured my brother and his passion for humpback whales in yesterday's (07 February, Manila time) issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. For details, you may want to check out the following:

Research volunteers await arrival of humpback whales
Posted 03:23am (Mla time) Feb 07, 2006
By Inquirer

Incidentally, he was selected to be one of the Global Fellows in the Marine Conservation for 2006 hosted by the Duke University in North Carolina, USA. Thus, from 10 July to 11 August, he will be attending the Duke University Marine Laboratory's 2006 Summer Term II Integrated Marine Conservation Program. :-)

He was supposed to attend the said program last year (about the same time I was attending my academic program at South Carolina....whew, that was close!). Unfortunately, he was too busy observing the humpback whales and doing volunteer work at the Babuyan Islands when the e-mail notice came. Obviously, there was no internet access in the area so he found out all about it when he got back to Manila. His slot had to be given to somebody else and I know, he got disappointed about that wonderful opportunity.

Well, everything happens for a reason... AND... God is good all the time!

Kudos to you, Kuya Elson. Your dreadlocks rock!!! :D

My Favorite Spot

2006-01-29T23:27:00.000+08:00

I was thinking of what to blog about until I came across with this photo in my pics folder. I took a snapshot of this wonderful sight on my way to Gambrell Hall, the place where I attended a summer academic program for four weeks last year at the University of South Carolina.

It was my favorite spot in the campus, so to speak. Let me count the reasons why. First, I've always loved the cool sound of water splashing. These water fountains gave me a cool break from the uphill morning walk Mondays to Fridays. Second, it's the halfway point between the West Quad Dormitory and Gambrell Hall. So obviously, this is the place where I tend to slow things down and rest. Some sort of a pit stop for me. Imagine a twenty-minute walk under the summer heat of the sun everyday in Columbia, SC? Third, after a whole day seminar-discussion at Gambrell, again reaching this place meant that I was half-way to our Dorm -- the final resting place at the end of a busy day for me and my colleagues. Fourth, it's just across the Thomas Cooper Library and a good place to hang out while enjoying a good book and perhaps sipping some hot coffee. Fifth, the place just gives me a certain kind of serenity and calmness deep within.

Truly a sight to behold and a nice place to relax and recollect good old memories at USC.

My favorite spot, I miss you.

Sleepless in the South

2006-01-25T00:54:00.000+08:00

I have just written what I believe as a well-composed blog with the above title when suddenly, as I attempted to align the paragraphs into justified position.... arrrghhh! All that I've written just vanished! That simple.... and too bad I couldn't recover it any longer. :-( 'Guess I could have pressed a wrong key. *Sigh*

Moral of the story: Don't hesitate to click the "Save as Draft" button. Or, copy-paste what I have just written in my notepad!

Geesh, if only I can reconstruct all my thoughts in that original post. The fluidity of ideas and emotions just poured in as I was typing the keys away minutes ago.

Everything happens for a reason, I know....

Maybe I should get some sleep now. Good night.

Welcome...Back!

2006-01-12T23:56:00.000+08:00

I'm back at blogging!

I realized it took me more than a month to post. I don't wish to blame the busy season during the recent Christmas holidays. Although true enough, mine was filled with social gatherings (read: pigging out, hehe!) here and there. It was a festive time to celebrate and be with family and friends. Most important of all, it's the season to be thankful for all the wonderful blessings received for the year that has just passed. The coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ, illuminates the true meaning of the holiday season. I think that is something which we should never forget. :-)

Career-wise, blessings just continue to pour in my life. Aside from my part-time teaching job in UP, I have recently started with the International Studies Department of the De La Salle University (DLSU) - Manila this month. I'm back with teaching undergraduate students (they are American Studies majors though) and actually handling courses on American Economic Development and another on American Diplomatic History, a seminar-course. Preparations are quite tough, having to prepare my own course syllabus and the like. *Sigh* The life of an educator.

And oh, this is a 'comeback' of sorts for me as well at La Salle. I had my first job in this Institution and that was almost ten years ago since I started teaching after college (September 1996). I left La Salle April 1998 when I decided to study full-time with my masters. It was a juggling act to study in Quezon City, teach in Manila, and go home in Sucat, Muntinlupa City for a year. Somehow, I survived. But concentrating with graduate school was an important and I believe, a wise decision that I had made. I have set a goal of finishing graduate school in a span of two years (on first year, I had to do it part-time); to which I gladly and thankfully did!

Now I am wondering what my next goal in life would be....

As I ponder on this, let me just wish everyone a happy, blessed, and peaceful 2006!

*****
Until my next blog.... let's hope it will not take me too long to post again.
(Back to 'busy schedule' mode for me!)

LJ Mi Amore

2005-12-05T21:38:00.000+08:00

ELIJAH PAUL T. ACA

Today, my newest nephew's celebrating his 3rd month here on earth. Isn't he mucho gwapito and such a little charmer? Happy "birthday", my dear Epoy / LJ! :-)

Fun-filled Saturday

2005-12-04T22:42:00.000+08:00

It's the fourth night of the last month of the year.... and barely 21 days to go before Christmas.

Time flies so fast, indeed. Early this morning, my sister went back to the US. Tomorrow evening, it's my other sister's turn to go back to Guam. And oh, how can I forget my newest nephew's 3rd month birthday also tomorrow? Good to have him with us here at home today until tomorrow. The little boy's (he's also my godson) such a charmer and a darling!

Truly, the recent month that has passed was extremely busy for me and my family because of our various family occasions. All went very well and how I wish I can post some of the photos from those memorable gatherings.... perhaps that could wait for my future posts, hehe. Besides, I currently don't have the digital photos with me yet. (Although I've been bugging one of my OFW sisters not to forget to burn me a copy of the photos before she goes back to Guam)

Among the things I've been expecting to do but have not yet started doing is learning Mandarin Chinese. God knows how much I have wanted to start but unfortunately, I am still waiting for the slots to get filled so that we could proceed with the classes. I think I better follow it up tomorow.... otherwise, I might consider another language school. Lucky me, my OFW sister from Guam will be my generous sponsor. :)

Anyhow, I've finally met my students in graduate school last Saturday. Good to experience teaching in a very serene and relaxed atmosphere inside SBMA (Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority) in Olongapo. My classes are easy to manage as I only have a few students. In my morning class, I only have 12 (not everyone's present though since a couple of them were volunteering for the ongoing SEA Games). On my next, only 7! I find my students very warm and respectful... well, the latter despite the fact that I'm still young (ehem!) and even look younger than my age (ehem again!).

Hey, my co-lecturers were a blast, too! They're fun to be with and yeah, never a dull moment even if our regular travel time one way (from Quezon City to Subic, for instance) was almost three hours. Of course, it helped that one of them (we're the only two ladies among the lecturers) is someone I've been very much familiar with and in fact, a former colleague from an alumni association I used to be a board member of. We were also accompanied by our Program Director (also the one heading UP extension program in Clark, Pampanga), a true-blue Capampangan like my Mom, our efficient Administrative Officer, and of course, our very good Driver. I did experience a very comfortable trip inside the Hyundai Starex van together with 7 other fellow mortals and warm souls. :)

And so you think that it was just purely academic teaching for me and my colleagues last Saturday?

Haha, not at all. Here's why....

We didn't head straight back to UPD (in Quezon City) after our Subic stint ended. Although it was a bit traffic, our group headed to one of Pampanga's cool towns named Guagua. I learned that most of the early settlers here were of Chinese descent. It was very traffic once we have entered the town proper but we reached our destination just the same. We had a sumptous dinner at the big and beautiful abode of one of the UP Professors who's a good friend of our Program Director. It is actually the Professor's retirement home and boy, it is really huge and lovely! Oh well, I have to admit that the house style is very Western, especially once you come inside. Talk about a centralized aircon, whew!

The thing is, our adventure didn't end there. Our next stop: Duman (a.k.a. Pinipig) Festival at Sta. Rita, Pampanga, a nearby town from Guagua. :)

Now that was one helluvah fiesta celebration! The setting was at the church patio.... all the fiesta perks were there. There was a huge stage to host the evening's presentations (which, by the way, we weren't able to witness anymore....it was getting late and we still have to travel back to the city). Not to mention the various booths selling different Pampanga delicacies (yum-yum!)... Do you know that Capampangans are best known for being such good cooks therefore they are also synonymous to great-tasting food? You bet! Anyway, there were also several tables and chairs set up along with the booths. So it wasn't so surprising to see many people gathered together enjoying all those great food and drinks offered by the people of Sta. Rita... And of course, the "shopper and food connoisseur" in us just came out. We bought different sorts of delicacies, from duman, to homemade sorbetes ice cream, halayang ube, suman, bibingka, puto bumbong, tsokolateng batirol, etc... What's more, some of us (including me, hehe) stuffed our stomachs again with some of these. I, for one, had my favorite and freshly-cooked puto bumbong and matched this with the yummy drink -- what else but the tsokolateng batirol! I can't help but remember my late grandma (of course, also a Capampangan) who used to prepare tsokolate with her ancient and precious batirol made of pure bronze during Christmas season. I remember those times after attending those Simbang Gabi masses at dawn and coming home with puto bumbong bought from the friendly stands near the church. And there would be my Lola Apu's (yup, that's one way of calling our loving grandma) best-ever tsokolate drink to match our yummy food!

Ooops, going back to the town fiesta. As I have mentioned, we didn't stay anymore to watch the program proceedings. We had to drop off our Program Director to Angeles, still one of the towns in Pampanga. And since we had another stop-over at a famous store of Pampanga delicacies (Tita's), we had another round (good thing, it was our last, promise!) of shopping spree... I bought tamales, suman, skinless longanisa, vigan longanisa, tamarind (sampalok de asin), and choc'o flakes. Of course, all of these are to be shared and given to my loved ones. :)

So there went my looongg and fun-filled Saturday! Hey, look it wasn't just Subic, Olongapo after all. I wonder what we would be up to next week.... ;)

Advanced Merry Christmas!!!

Sweet (and Busy) November

2005-11-19T00:47:00.000+08:00

It's such a busy and sweet November for me....

I came home more than two hours ago from watching Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. :-)

It was a movie date I had with my former classmate in graduate school who generously treated me earlier this evening. What's more, she even bought me a CD of one of the promising Pinoy bands and gave it to me (just as when I told her that I'm ready to burn myself a copy of it at home). Lucky me, indeed!

Watching the almost two hour and a half film was a great way of ending my very busy and long Friday. Well, I can't say it's the end of the week for me 'coz my forthcoming Saturday and Sunday are fully booked as well.... Church-related activities and family social occasions. ;-)

And hmm.... there are many things to look forward to in the coming days -- homecoming of my two sisters from abroad, my twin nephews' 7th birthday celebration (other birthday celebrants are my brother, sister, brother-in-law, some of my godchildren, & well-meaning friends), my eldest sister's wedding (alas!), my newest nephew's christening, my graduate school teaching in far-flung Subic, my forthcoming language lessons on Mandarin Chinese (or Spanish?) -- and yet, this question still lingers in my mind:

I wonder when's the next date I'll be watching this H.P. movie again?

Muggle Me and Harry's Poster at Warner Bros Studio, L.A.

The HARRY in my Life

2005-11-17T00:29:00.000+08:00

I'll be watching you soon....

Yesterday, the fourth book movie in the Harry Potter series opened to theaters worldwide. A self-confessed H.P. fanatic, I told myself not to watch the movie on its first day of showing. I can wait until Friday comes.... lucky to be treated by my former classmate in graduate school. Hehe. :-D

And besides, I know that just like the previous Potter movies, I will be watching it in the big screen more than once. Although I haven't figured out my next movie date, it would be with my three nephews and with my significant other.... all the five of us. Last year was quite a blast, I can vividly recall. I treated all my Pinas pamangkins (3 nephews + 3 nieces) and my eldest sister to the H.P. and the Prisoner of Azkaban. So you can just imagine my sister and I watching the almost three-hour movie along with six gregarious kids (ages 5-10) inside the theater's dark halls. I wonder when would I ever do that again.... hmm, perhaps when these kids get a little bit older.... say, wait for the seventh and last installment of the H.P. series. By that time, my newest born nephew, Elijah Paul, will be three years old (that's assuming Book 7 will be shown by 2008) and maybe I can tag him along to join us, too.

Meantime, maybe I should finish reading the fifth book (H.P. and the Order of the Phoenix) that's been with me since last year.... Hence, I can finally move on to my very memorable Book 6 (H.P. and the Half-Blood Prince) which I acquired at the strike of midnight of July 16 in Washington, D.C.

Here are some of the photos I took right after claiming my latest H.P. book at Books A Million located at Dupont Circle (bookstore's right across Jury's Hotel where we stayed for a week in DC!)....

Muggle Crews Busy at the Counter

Queuing Fellow H.P. Fanatics

A Welcome Sight at the Bookstore Entrance

Books A Million @ Dupont Circle, Washington D.C.

Domesticated Daughter Thanks Her Parents

2005-11-15T00:45:00.000+08:00

It's the start of the week and I feel so domesticated today. Finally, my room experienced its much-awaited general cleaning it so rightfully deserves! I have yet to finish the rest of my cleaning tasks by tomorrow. Finishing almost two rolls of bathroom tissue while doing the chores, I guess, is enough. It's proven and tested.... I wouldn't stop sneezing with all that dust around me! :-(

Cleaning my room (and uncluttering my stuffs) is my Mom's greatest desire ever since I came back from that US trip. But of course, she was the one who initiated/motivated/forced me to finally get down into business.

Dad and I went to the service center to have my car aircon checked after lunch. I've been driving sans aircon for the past three months now (well, it was already bad even before I left for the US last June) and I didn't mind it at all.... for all it's worth, it meant less consumption of gasoline. The downside though of driving without aircon, there were times I'd get so humid and sweaty.... Thus, I am thankful to my friendly anahaw fan who'd keep me company while on the road.

After hours of spending time at the car shop, finally the aircon was revived. I am lucky that my Dad was generous enough to pay for the whole thing.... I wonder if that was already his belated Birthday and advanced Christmas presents for me? Hmm, not bad. Thank you, father dear! :-)

As we reached home, my Mom has started to clear my room of my glorious clutter. She's just an expert when it comes to cleaning possibly everything she can! But she knows me, I wouldn't want anyone to just throw away my stuffs.... so with that, she'd leave them to me. It's always a nice way for her to get me started on things. And as always, mother dear was successful in doing so. Appreciate it, Mommy! :-)

And oh, it's time to get some rest to an almost completely clean room.... But I think I should be getting a quick shower before I sleep. Thanks to the accumulated dust and dirt I've had for the day, hehe.

Tomorrow's just another day, I know....

Remembering the Fulbrighters

2005-11-13T23:35:00.000+08:00

I've been thinking of something to write today. It actually surprises me why suddenly I get so inspired to blog.... in two consecutive days at that!

Let's see what's randomly in my thoughts at the moment....

Oh, it has been five months already since I first experienced a taste of the "Land of the Free." I can vividly recall how I spent the 13th day of June attending our first session on the US Foreign Policy academic program. Apart from the welcome reception that was hosted for us the night before, that second Monday of June was our first official day of forging friendships and engaging ourselves into intellectually-stimulating exchanges. The Ms. Congeniality in me shone through as I easily made friends with my seventeen colleagues in the program.... Black, brown or white; short, medium or tall; male or female; young or old.... It didn't really matter at all. Imagine I am speaking of people coming from various cultures around the world.

Canoeing at Saluda River: Our First Outdoor Activity

Admittedly, I miss these new friends I have met five months ago. Being with them for six weeks was truly life-changing and an experience I would always cherish. Perhaps that is why, during our farewell banquet, I kept on holding back the tears wanting to fall from my "deep-set" eyes (haha, they have become such due to successive late nights!)....

Earlier today, I got an e-mail reply from one of my colleague-friends: that vivacious and intelligent lawyer from Jordan. I remember he was the tallest in our group.... and I happen to be the shortest (and who looked like the youngest, too!). I was worried about him and his family when I learned about the recent bombings in his country.... just as how worried I was for my Indian roommate & Pakistani colleague when a strong earthquake hit their countries (not to mention the bombings in New Delhi); same with the ongoing riots happening in Paris where our French guy (our "Mafia boss") in the group is.... and so on and so forth.

Alas, I can't help but wonder when would I see these seventeen wonderful people again.... Thanks to Ibrahim (my Jordanian friend), he mentioned about a possible reunion in his e-mail. The idea has since then kept lurking at the back of my mind. I wonder if the government of Uncle Sam would gladly finance us once more for such get-together in the future. Haha, dream on, Ms. Philippines!

Group Photo Inside the HART Senate Office Building:

Our First Formal Meeting in Washington, D.C.

But who knows, we might cross paths again.... I will definitely look forward to that day. :-)

Resurrection

2005-11-12T18:41:00.000+08:00

Renaissance....Rebirth....Revival....Resurgence....Revitalization....

These are synonyms of this entry's title. I am thus resurrecting this blog after more than eight long months of hiatus.

I really don't know what propelled me to write once more and express myself in this form. Yes, the streetfighter in me is still very much in love and passionate about life. I have to admit though, that there are just times when boredom sets in and I wish there are better things for me to do. I guess I am just not used to being idle for so long....

Very soon, I'll be back to contributing to the formation of minds in the society. This time, they are not the typical teenagers I used to interact with for the past three years or so. They are much lesser in number; but I believe that they are more matured individuals already leading professional lives.

Unfortunately, we have to wait until the first Saturday of December to be able to meet personally. Social family occasions have already been set way before I agreed to give it a shot in teaching in graduate school.... From now until the first quarter of next year, I will be spending my entire Saturdays up North of the metropolis. Subic, Olongapo.... here I come!

Now I'm a blogger!

2005-03-07T16:23:00.000+08:00

Thanks to my college bestfriend, now I'm a certified blogger. :-)

It is great to recollect memories I had with people who were with me all those four years I have spent in college. We were said to be a formidable block, the "future block" of PolSci students, as inscribed in our cake during a party we had in Picnic Grove, Tagaytay more than a decade ago.

By next year, we will be celebrating our tenth anniversary since we graduated from our dear alma mater....some are happily married (and with bundle/s of joy), others might be planning to settle down and start a family, and still....there might be a few who might want to remain single for the time being and stay away from commitments.

Guess to which category would I belong....ahhmm....this remains to be seen....

On another note, why be a "Streetfighter In Love"? I got the Streetfighter moniker in college when I engaged into our fencing matches. My moves could probably remind one of what is seen during Streefighter video games. I'm such a makulit and galawgaw na fencer!

Finally, why be In Love? And then again....why not? ;-)