a taste of apple

catching up series: sandbox adventure

2020-04-28T03:23:00.000+08:00

Here we go! This one I'm excited to write about. This was (still) back in July 2016. Yes friends, July pa din tayo in this catching up series. Pasensya na po, mahina ang kalaban. :)

As you all know, July is my birth month, so this was like my birthday adventure. This was extra special to me because prior to this, my last travel was way back 2013. That was when I went to Ilocos with Foursome. Wait, let's make it rain with links just as I usually do. Just in case, you wanna read some more? Hehe!

day1: ilocos sur - santa, bantay and vigan tour

day1: ilocos norte - batac and paoay tour

day2: ilocos norte - pagudpud tour

day3: ilocos norte - bangui and burgos tour

day3: ilocos sur - calle crisologo tour

So anyway, for my birthday adventure, we went to Sandbox in Pampanga. Can't exactly remember whose idea it was but most likely, mine. Hehe! I went there with my college friends and work friends combined. So baka nga ako ang nag-aya ng trip na 'to. Oo, ako nga siguro. :P

Also, I can't remember if we booked in advance or what. Medyo matagal na rin po kasi, ano po? Haha! But I remember that we all met up at a coffee shop in Cubao, and Dwin was the last to arrive. He was the one driving for us so hindi namin sya maiwan. Hahaha! Kidding! Of course, we wouldn't.

We got there a little late for lunch, so we started our Sandbox adventure with food. And again, I couldn't recall what we had for lunch. The thing is, the photos I took were saved in an old laptop that refuses to turn on already. I only stole photos from Jov's Facebook uploads, and some more that I posted on Instagram. Good enough photos to back-up this kwento.

So after lunch, first stop was the Aerial Walk Challenge. According to their website, it is an adventure course of nets and rope walkways that will test your agility, balance and flexibility. True enough it tested mine, most especially my balance. That's actually my weakness! I can't ride a bike, remember? Who you callin' loser? Haha!

For this challenge, you'd have to give your camera to the guides if you want photos. Non-joiners can't come near the rope course so even if Jhov didn't join, she was only able to take photos from the first part of the challenge. Sheena went first, and then me, Den, Jun and lastly Dwin. And as much as I'd like to describe each part of the challenge in detail, mahirap eh! Hahaha! But I'd let the photos do the talking..

Believe it or not, this was easy for me despite my short legs. :P

The next photo shows the most difficult part of the Aerial Challenge, at least for me. It was too high and you literally have to walk on the rope, with only hanging ones to help you out. My legs were shaking because duhhh, wala talaga kong balance, and to make it worse, it was hard for me to reach the rope guides. This was four years ago but writing about it makes me remember how I felt at that moment. Feeling ko wala ng katapusan yung challenge na yun. Hahaha!

Aside from Aerial Walk Challenge, other activities were Avatar One, Adventure Tower and the Giant Swing. Avatar One is the Philippines' first roller coaster zip line. Their website says, "You don’t just zip down the 180-meter course. You zigzag along starting from 12 meters high." Although, I wasn't able to find photos from this activity (there might be in the old laptop!), I'd borrow photos from the net just so I can you show. The Avatar one was such a fun twist on your rather usual zipline experience.

via

Next was the Adventure Tower. It's 15 meters of wall climbing, rappelling and free falling. We actually have a short video of this on Facebook but I can't download it. Also, the guide told my friend that taking videos wasn't allowed so he stopped recording. Weird if you think about it. Why would you prevent your patrons to record such thrilling moments? Hmm. But anyway.

I did all three activities of the adventure tower but I was disappointed with myself that I did not get to finish the wall climbing part. I was heavy at this point of my life kasi. Haha! But the first time I did this in Eco Park, I got to finish it. Must try again for the third time when I'm more physically ready aka thinner. Haha!

via

And then lastly the Giant Swing. Well, almost! Hehe! Unfortunately, we weren't able to do this because it started raining. Some visitors opted to still do it when the rain turned into light drizzles and honestly, I was inggit. No one from our group wanted to continue na kasi and the swing was made for two people. I'd look dumb if I do it alone. Haha!

via

Aside from the activities I've mentioned, they also have ATV, Go-Kart and Splash Tub. I think the latter was a new addition. I don't think they already have it when we visited. They also have a kiddie playground with picnic areas, mini golf, airsoft and paintball.

Now, if you're gonna ask me how was the Sandbox experience, I'd say it was fun and definitely challenging but kind of bitin. The rain was a party pooper kasi. But definitely, it was one for the books. Every new adventure naman is worth looking back to.

Would I want to go back? Yes! For the Giant Swing! Hahaha! Good night, folks! :)

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catching up series: birthday weekend

2020-04-19T16:06:00.001+08:00

It's another weekend and that means it's time for another throwback kwento! We're still in July 2016, by the way, and we're celebrating triple birthdays -- mine, my sister's, and my sister-in-law's. We're all July celebrants. ♡

Honestly, it's really not my thing to celebrate my birthday. I actually checked my old blog posts (via the labels), and I only found one birthday celebration with the family. That was back in 2012. But as I've said, 2016 was a special year, so we opted to celebrate. We decided to go bowling before dinner but before everything else, since we arrived at the mall first, Mithril had a little shopping sesh.

Wait, lookie, that's lola! Nakakatuwa lang to look back at days like this because now, lola is a already bedridden. She had an accident New Year's eve of 2018 and she never got to walk again. It's been so nice to see photos of her since I re-started this catching up series. Even the kids get entertained seeing old photos as I blog. Being a "memory keeper" really isn't easy but definitely so worth it. I say this as I encourage myself to finish all my backlogs and to continue writing for as long as I can. :)

So anyway, I guess it's safe to say that aside from actually playing bowling, we also had fun posing with the bowling balls. Haha! People these days talaga. Photos or it didn't happen. :)) Partly, it's a good thing because we would have something to look back to. But of course, we should not forget to enjoy the moment too even as we try to "document", especially now that vlogging is the "IN" thing.

After our pictorial, este bowling pala, we had dinner at Jay-J's. Again the usual Filipino food! Napaka-adventurous talaga namin when it comes to food, no? :P You really can't bring the parentals to a Korean, Chinese or Japanese resto. Filipino lang talaga, filipino lang! Haha! Our staples are Crispy Pata (dad's fave!), Sisig, Kare-Kare, Kaldereta, Roasted Chicken, Crabs and Shrimps, Pinakbet for veggies, and then Pancit or Pancit Malabon. Ayan ganyan. Paulit-ulit lang kami whatever the occasion is, whether we eat out or we cook at home. Haha! :))

And during this tough time (Read: Pandemic & ECQ!), I am definitely missing going out with the family. We had summer plans for the kiddos and looks like nothing will turn into reality at this point. But of course, we're still thankful and grateful that we are all safely stuck at home, with roof above our heads and food on our table. Really praying for this pandemic to be over soon.

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catching up series: let it gooo ♪♫♪

2020-04-12T13:02:00.000+08:00

Reminder yet again that on this side of the world, it's 2016. July 2016 to be exact and our dear Carin (my niece) is celebrating her 4th birthday. But in reality, she's seven already. Hahaha! Backlogssss! :P

It was a Frozen-themed party held at Sangkalan Bar and Grill in QC. Can you imagine? The first Frozen movie was released in 2013 but three years after, kids are still hooked to it! It was also Faye's theme when she turned five back in 2014. And as always, it was mommy (ate Tin) who baked the cakes and it was me who made the birthday banner and balloon columns. Team DIY forever and ever. :)

The party was hosted by Cait (Carin's big sister), and as usual, there were a lot of games for the kiddos! I remember Faye being so competitive. Well, she's always so competitive naman. She even won in the Trip to Jerusalem game. There's a video below of her winning moment. Hehe!

The host, ate Cait.

Stop Dance

Trip to Jerusalem

Faye's Winning Moment :P

You know what else I can vividly remember? The kids' chaos! Haha! In the photo below, Avie and Mithril were fighting on who gets to be carried by their favorite aunt -- who else? MEEE! Hahaha! I had to carry both of them because #superauntie is always after fairness. Back then, Avie was just two years old and Mithril was one, and they were frenemies! Fast forward to now, they can already tolerate each other. Thank goodness!

Avie and Mithril fighting over auntie :P

Mithy and auntie Pie
Carin and auntie Tin

Avie and ate Cait

Bear Fam!

auntie Dang and Mithy

As for Mithril's OOTD, this was the time I loved dressing her up like a grown-up. Hehe! Earlier that year, I loved dressing her up in gowns. Look here and here! :) It's been my self-assigned task to style her (and buy her outfits haha) since she was little and I can't wait to share more of her OOTDs here. Til then! Happy Sunday! ❤

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catching up series: sad reunion

2020-03-30T15:24:00.004+08:00

Life is a backstabbing b*tch, a friend used to say. While I was on a high because of the new job opportunity, my mom's side of the family suddenly went through a dark time when my uncle got ill and eventually passed away. He is my mom's eldest brother, Uncle Nar.

I would have to admit that we are closer to my dad's side. We would regularly go out with my cousins' families or visit each other's houses. We would celebrate special occasions with them too. Meanwhile, with my mom's side, we would only get to see them when it's All Soul's day. And in the habit of linking old posts, here are some Undas reunions with the Abadilla clan at Sanctuario de Paz. It is where my lolo Macho was laid to rest.

Undas 2011.

Late Visit for 2012.

Undas 2015.

See? We can't even make it a regular thing as a clan.

But of course we do visit lolo regularly even without the rest of the family.

Grandparent's Day 2013.

Random Visit 2014.

It's raining links, as always! :)

Anyway, speaking of reunions, we were suddenly forced into one back in June 2016 when Uncle Nar passed away. If I'm not mistaken (which I think I'm not :P), it was Mithril's first time to see some of her cousins. At this point, I have lost count of Kuya Jong's youngsters. The last time time we were all together, that was Undas 2015, he had six kids already. Fast forward to today, he has eight na yata! Grabe no? I can't even begin to imagine the daily chaos.

A crying Mithril and the Abadilla kids
Zai, Jonnel (back), Moimoi, Lawrence, Miyuki, Neya, PJ (back), JJ, Hael & Papao
kulang pa yan! :P

MoiMoi, Hael and JJ

Moi and Neyang

Mithril and ate Miyuki

Going back to the passing of tito Nar, he was also laid to rest in Sanctuario de Paz, in the other cemetery plot that my mom bought. It was honestly a bit on an issue cause if you think about it, my parents invested for the family's security but because their family failed to prepare for tough times like this, we had to give it up for them. Not that we ever wanna use a cemetery plot di ba, but you get what I mean. But my father was understanding of the circumstances and we just had to invest again for when the inevitable happens. But Papa Jesus, please, sa far future pa ha? :)

Whew! Family issues no? But I guess, as much as we should be there to help and support one another, we should also know where to draw the line. I am actually very proud of my mom for always being there for her relatives but sometimes, I, along with my sisters, can't help but remind her to realize what is too much already. Because ideally, everyone should work hard enough to be able to sustain themselves and their immediately family.

As for uncle Nar in heaven, I know he's happy with all the help that mom is extending to their family. But I'd like to believe too that he'd be happier when he finally sees his grown-up sons providing enough for the household that he left behind. One day, uncle Nar! Keep guiding them from above. :)

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catching up series: for our amazing dads

2020-03-29T04:21:00.000+08:00

First of all, I would just like to remind you that it's 2016 on the blog right now. It's actually June 2016 and it's Father's day. Hehehe! Kaya ko to! Pasasaan ba't matatapos din 'tong catching up series na 'to. :P

So anyway, we usually don't celebrate days like this. I was trying to look for old posts to link up but I only found THIS, a father's day celebration back in 2011. I didn't even find one for mother's day. I tried to recall what we usually do and I realized that oftentimes, we would only buy a cake or cook good food at home. Minsan nga, wala pa completely.

But back in 2016, it was a different story. I just got hired then, *kaching kaching* $$$, so I thought it's the perfect time to treat the family. It was actually a very happy phase in my life because I finally got back to the corporate world after three friggin' years of being a bum. The whole back story is in this POST so if you have more time to spare you can click on that link later. So ayun nga, sobrang masaya lang ako nito so aside from it was father's day, I had more reasons to celebrate.

So we went out for dinner tagging along our extended family. Yep, that's my cousin's little brood. Ayaw ko ng ikwento ulit kung bakit kami laging magkakasama. If you're curious why, you gotta read more of my posts. Hahaha! JK one half. :) We had dinner at Manam, roamed around a bit and then as usual, arcade for the kids! If my memory serves me well, parang we weren't very happy with the food at Manam. Yes they serve Filipino food, which is our all-time choice, but we felt like it's too pricey considering that the food is mediocre.

Pero teka nga, may isa pa kong issue! Damn, look at that hair! I completely forgot that I sported a hairdo this dugyot. HAHAHA! What was I thinking?? I was so surprised when I saw the photos when I was organizing and editing them. Hay, regrets, regrets!

But if there's one thing that I'm not regretting, it is that we went out to celebrate the day of our amazing dads! (Oh, nasabi na yung title! :P Haha! Gets nyo?) It makes me feel good thinking that I've been dedicating my life in giving back to the people who took care of me, not just my parents, but my older cousins too! Unfortunately, my equally amazing aunts were taken early from us because I would have loved to do the same for them. But I know they're proud of us and they're smiling from heaven because we (my sisters and I) turned out to be #superaunties too! It's the best feeling knowing that you are able to give back and pay forward also. Syempre, all that while working on yourself too! So ayun na nga, napareflect ako! I should probably write about my childhood heroes one of these days. It's just that I got to appreciate them more, now that the tables have turned.

But for tonight, my kwento ends here. Enjoy the photos but please don't judge my hair. I can't forgive myself either. Hahaha! :))

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catching up series: worthwhile weekends

2020-03-15T12:32:00.000+08:00

Worthwhile weekends -- May 28 and June 11, specifically! Not that I remember the exact dates but you know, Facebook is there to help. :P The first Saturday, we visited the Garcias. We just wanted to spend the weekend together, cook something special and of course, eat! Kumain lang talaga ng masarap, masaya na kami! Up until now, we make it a point to spend weekends together from time to time. And we make it a point to eat good food too. Haha!

And then two Saturdays after, we visited the Chuas at Rivercreek. It's a farm that was managed for a time by my cousin's hubby. This was actually the fourth time that I visited the farm. The first time was the impromptu visit with mom and the sisters. The next one was when my sister and I took care of my nephew when my cousin gave birth to her second baby, our dear Xana banana. And the third one was a year after, for Xana's first birthday celebration. Took us another year to be able to visit again but the wait was so worth it because this time around, we're visiting as a complete family. And mind you, there was nothing special to celebrate, we really just wanted to visit.

As usual, the kids were the stars of the day. Lagi naman eh! It felt so good seeing them having fun and enjoying nature. I myself appreciated the surroundings so much. If only it's possible to leave the city, no? Who wouldn't love staying at the farm, or by the beach. Hay sarap.

Aside from enjoying the nature, can you guess what else we enjoyed? Hehehe! Food, of course! Sometimes we joke around na kung hindi siguro kami matatakaw, mayaman na kami. Haha! But seriously, I know I've recently just mentioned this but really, food is our guilty pleasure!

We spent the day just chilling and eating at the farm. As for the kids, they enjoyed the indoor pool too! This was four years ago but I can clearly remember how happy they were! When I think about it now, has it really been four years already? It's so cliché but I really just have to say this.. time flies sooo fast!!! I honestly can't wait to progress with this catching up series so I can share their most recent photos. Oh how they've grown!

I actually have one more farm visit to write about in this catching up series. That would be the last one though because as of this writing, my cousin's hubby no longer manages the farm. Sayang! But at least we have memories to keep and to look back to. I miss you already, Rivercreek!

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catching up series: gotta love summer

2020-02-26T01:49:00.000+08:00

Summer na summer na talaga on this blog! Summer 2016 that is! Hehe! This was back when Dana just graduated college so to celebrate another family milestone, we thought of visiting another nearby resort, Pacific Waves. O dba, hindi naman Patio Isabel this time. Haha!

Actually, we had quite a few reasons to celebrate April. Aside from Dana's graduation, the said month was also my mom and my brother's birth month. All special occasions in one go para tipid! And as usual, we were with our cousin's family. We used to live in one compound kasi that's why we were so used to doing life together. And after all, they still live near us so it's still convenient for all of us to share special occasions and holidays.

Unlike our impromptu visits to Patio Isabel, this time around we came prepared. We had a lot of baon! But honestly, food is our family's guilty pleasure. We don't travel a lot.. we are not brand conscious when it comes to clothes.. Pero sa pagkain, naku! We don't even follow a certain budget when it comes to our daily meals, or when doing the groceries. Like crispy pata anytime, ganun!

As usual, there were a lot of picture taking! Especially of the kiddos! I'm actually the culprit when it comes to this. I'm the master memory keeper and documenter (ano daw?!) Hahaha! But kidding aside, I really love looking back kasi. And everytime I feel blue, I would just browse through my gallery or read my old blog posts to make me feel better. Instant pick-me-upper! Who else can relate?

But at this point, I'm running out of words. I actually just finished work before I thought of de-stressing by writing. Pagod na yung brain cells ko. I guess I would just let the photos below do the talking. And maybe I'll re-introduce my family via the captions. I know I've been gone too long from the blogging world. :)

my brother, mom, grandma (mom's mom!)
my sister, my sister-in-law, Mithril and me, pop

Mithril

ate Faye and ate Avie
my cousin's daughters

of course here's Mithril's OOTD

my brother's fam

Faye, Avie, my sister Dana and mommy (my cousin's wife)

Avie and finally, my cousin Yags

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catching up series: patio isabel yet again

2020-02-22T13:33:00.000+08:00

Patio Isabel yet again! On this blog, it's the fifth -- first, second, third, and fourth! But in reality, it's much much more visits than that! It's 2020 already and remember we're only blogging about 2016?! Haha! The thing is, it's the most accessible resort from our home. So whenever we feel like swimming, where else would we head to?

So as usual, we started the day with Mithril's pictorial. It's actually what we do up until now that we have Aya already. WAITTT! Who's Aya you might ask? She's the latest addition to the fam who's three years old already. Oo, haha! Pero sa blog na 'to, hindi pa sya pinapanganak! HAHAHA! Summer 2016 pa lang kasi sa blog na to, dbaa? :P

But I'll tell you one more reason why I'm really pushing to have everything documented.. Aside from the fact that's it's my sanity project, I am also doing this for the kids. Ako kasi, I loved looking at our photo albums as I was growing up. We're lucky enough that mom loved taking photos and arranging them into albums. But nowadays that printed photos and albums aren't a thing anymore, we only have Facebook to depend too. And I'm not quite satisfied with that so as much as I can, I'm trying my best to organize everything in our PC and different forms of backup storage. OC LIKE THAT!

And even as early as now, it entertains me when Mithril and Aya would look at their baby photos. Mithril is five and Aya is three, by the way. So there! I'm really determined to make this blog catch up with our lives. Todo explain talaga ako cause I know my catching up series would weird out some. (Assuming na may blog readers pa these days!)

(Hehe! Sorry for the randomness of this post.) So going back to the Patio Isabel visit.. It was just another impromptu one. We got bored one weekend so off we go! No baon, whatsoever. If my memory serves me right, parang we just bought roasted chicken at the nearby Chooks-to-Go and we're solved! Also, it was just Mithril's second time to swim so we were still excited. Obvious naman no how excited we were with our baby! Case in point -- see photos and videos below! :)

And because it was summer, Mithril's dada (my brother!) thought of getting her an indoor pool. We planned a pool party with her cousins, ate Faye and ate Avie. It was timely that her cousins' cousin, ate Charisse, was there too for a visit. We just ordered pizza and it was another fun and busog day at the Borbon's residence. Of course, more indoor swimming followed. Sometimes Mithril only, sometimes with the cousins, and sometimes with the momma and aunties too! Haha! Enjoy the photos below! :))

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catching up series: birthday picnic

2020-02-12T14:07:00.001+08:00

Once again, it's Papi's birthday on the blog. And once again, I will mention that Papi and my cousin, Yags, share the same birthday. Paulit ulit ko tong sinasabi every year. Hahaha! And if there's one birthday that we wouldn't fail to celebrate, it's Papi's birthday. He's obviously everyone's favorite in the family because aside from the fact that he's so old already, he's always been the gentle and very loving kind -- especially to kidsss! (I must have gotten it from my papa!)

And because it's been a while since I was last acquainted with this blog, I did check our previous celebrations for papi. On this blog, it started 2011. It was during that time when I was trying to learn how to cook. So I cooked carbonara for him. How was it? Pwede na rin! Hehe! For the record, I never really learned how to cook. Haha! But at least I tried, no?

2012 - we had dinner at Max's, had a studio pictorial, and shopped polo shirts for him. 2013 - we had dinner at KKK, and then fooled around at an amusement center. 2014 - mommy baked a cake, we visited our favorite church, Grotto, and had dinner at a resto nearby. Finally 2015 - we did exactly the same thing as we did the past year. Hehe! Except that it was a lot more special because it was his first birthday that we finally have Mithril, ang kanyang unang apo.

So for this year (yes, I'm referring to 2016), we went to La Mesa Eco Park. Maiba naman! But as usual, we have Yags' family with us to celebrate his special day too. At this point, we have three babies in tow already, ate Faye, ate Avie and finally baby Mithril. The last time that we visited Eco Park, we only had baby Faye then. At iba pa ang jowa ng kapatid ko. HAHAHA!

But the more, the merrier! It was such a blast having picnic with our extended family once again and with more babies in tow now. As for Mithril's outfit? It was my idea yet again. There was even a time that I was using the hashtag #styledbysuperauntie on Facebook. Yep, I was that dedicated! And I love taking photos too! So I am warning you, more family and baby photos are coming up really, really soon! Meanwhile, the snaps below were from Papi's birthday celebration at the park.

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catching up series: calvin turns 7

2020-02-12T12:24:00.000+08:00

We started the year with a family gathering. It was my nephew's 7th birthday and of course, #superauntie (that's me!) took it as an opportunity to dress up Mithril. And with her dainty dress, she could pass as the birthday celebrant. Hehe!

The birthday was held at the clubhouse of their village and the theme was Star Wars. They even hired an events decorator, and there was a magician too! Bongga! Of course there were games and as usual, ate Faye was so game. It was such a fun day especially for the kiddos because it's not always that the cousins get to be together.

Mithril with Auntie Apple and Auntie Dang

Mommy, ate Faye and Avie

Teigs and Kuya Koi

Carin and ate Faye

The best part for me though was the after-party because it was Mithri'ls first time to swim. We were just too excited to make her wear a swimsuit! Haha! But the swimming time itself was such a riot. There were a lot of kids to watch out for and we didn't have floaties. We had to take turns in carrying them in the water. Imagine that! But as I say, always worth it for the kiddos. ♡

dada, mama and Mithril

ate Cait and friends

happy Avira ♡

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catching up series: used to have friends :P

2020-02-09T21:55:00.000+08:00

I warned yah, right? So here we go! I honestly contemplated whether or not I would include "friends" posts in this catching up series because I no longer get to see most of my friends now. Oopsie, what is anti-social? Hehe! But here it is anyway! I just decided to gather everything in a single post so I can easily get this over and done with. I actually realized just now that 2016 was the last year that I was actively seeing friends. Anoba, I'm so tita now! And I mean it literally 'cause all these time that I was on hiatus, I was just very busy with my nieces. More on that soon, of course! (You were kind of expecting that, right?)

JANUARY

It all started with a mini-reunion the past month and then all of a sudden, I was constant buddies with some college friends. We started the year with dinner and desserts at Maginhawa. From the same month, I also met-up with my closest friends from Accenture. (These people) It was a korean bbq kinda night at Bulgogi Brothers, Greenbelt. I think this was the last time that we were ever complete. Yah know, friendship dramas and falling-out. HUHU.

Wicked Kitchen, Maginhawa

Bulgogi Brothers, Greenbelt

FEBRUARY

We took the close-close-an to the next level when we went to Star City, just the four of us. We were never a group back in college so it was funny that we were doing korny things together when we got older. Up to now, we have this group chat in Messenger that we call "Road to 40" to mock our age. Ironically, we mainly use the group chat to exchange memes. Haha! We refuse to adult sometimes.

Star City

It was also the month that I decided to go back to the corporate world so I got busy attending interviews and taxing exams. This was from when I visited friends from PLDT/Smart. Remember Tin? My friend from way back when? I think this was the last time that I saw her. Dont judge me! I actually told myself to reunite with friends this year. And guess what? I met up with my high school best friend last month. Yep, after not seeing each other for like three years. :P

MARCH

Another mini-reunion, and in Eastwood no less! Stayed in Eastwood for quite a long time so it had so many memories both good and bad. Say it with me.. Awww! Hehe! I met with another group of Accenture friends because Mark was leaving for US. Remember Foursome? Now both Job and Mark are in the US, and Monique is in NZ. While me, on the other hand, never really liked the idea of working abroad. Pilipinas kong mahal. Haha!

TGI Friday's, Eastwood

Still from March, I went bowling with my college friends. I told you, we were suddenly so close after that December mini-reunion. I can no longer remember what ensued that night but most likely I got the highest score in bowling. Hahaha! Kidding, of course. But if I remember it right, we had dinner right after courtesy of Juni and Den. Thanks, guys!

Bowling Center, Megamall

APRIL

Maginhawa night, yet again. With college friends, yet again. Random realization: I miss restaurant hopping in Maginhawa. Also, I miss going out with friends. Hehe! You have to believe me when I say that I really haven't been going out with friends for a few years now. Grabe! I've been so focused with my nieces that they've become my only social life. Haha! #superauntie, much!

Maginhawa yet again

MAY

May was the month when I finally went back to the corporate world. Shoutout to Bayview for taking me in. Haha! It was also the month that I started boxing regularly with Noni. I've always loved the sport even if I'm not really good at it. Hehe! And I just thought I'd linked up my old boxing posts, here and here. Nakakamiss!

And since I was a Makati girl then, I got to meet my fellow corporate slaves regularly. Photo below with Sheena and Dwin was taken from Charlie's somewhere in Makati. During that time, the other member of ASDS aka Silina was in Switzerland for work.

Charlie's somewhere in Makati

JUNE

Another boxing sesh with Noni! And if you're gonna watch the video below, please don't judge. Haha! I love the sport but the sport doesn't love me back. Hahaha! I remember posting this video on Facebook and getting teased by friends because of how I punch. Haha! Tse! Suntukin ko kayo jan, eh!

Also, since I was back to the corporate world, lunch & dinner outs left and right has started again. I can't remember from whom I stole the photo below but it was from a team dinner at Yakimix, Greenbelt. And although it may not seem like it, team buildings like this are so awkward for me. I am a self-confessed introvert so it takes so much for me to socialize especially with people I'm not really close with.

Yakimix, Greenbelt

JULY

Up next, July! Birthday month! It was a busy month that started with a coffee date with Sheena. I remember us video calling Silina because as I've said she's in Switzerland. It was also the time when Snapchat was a thing. Sheena introduced me to it and I was very unamused. I was reacting like "Ito na yun?" Bakit sila tuwang tuwa? Haha! I was such a grinch!

Starbucks, somewhere in Makati

My teammates at work also surprised me with a birthday celebration. Someone called me to go to the pantry and they were all there waiting with a cake. Sweet, eh? Office perks that I no longer get because I'm working from home now. Although to be honest, I wouldn't trade what I have now for anything else. Because, duh, Caloocan to Makati = Traffic. So never again. :P

Sheena and I met up with Joel, too! Silina's boyfie! He treated us to dinner at Yabu and we ambushed him with love life questions. Haha! That's what he got for meeting up with nosy people. JK, one half!

Yabu at (I don't remember where, Haha!)

And the highlight of the month was when we went to Sandbox, college + Accenture friends combined. At that point, I was sorely missing traveling because the last time I traveled was 2013 pa to Ilocos with my Foursome friends. Wait, let's make it rain with links cause #shamelessplugging.. 1, 2, 3, and 4! I am going to write about this Sandbox trip in detail so hold your horses. Hehe! But really, it was like a breathe of fresh air after taking a hiatus (no work = no travel for three years!)

Sandbox, Pampanga

SEPTEMBER

More random dinner outs with Sheena! I remember us having dinner at Paper Moon cafe + froyo at Llaollao. On top of the good food are the realest conversations.

Llaollao, Glorietta

And then more lunch outs with teammates because if I remember it right, it was Teo's birthday. I am actually blaming the free food left and right why I became out of shape from 2016 to 2017! But the latter year was worse! Haha! I am actually dreading the time when I would work on my 2017 posts. Parang I can't share how chubby wubby I got! And speaking of chubby, photo below was taken from Chubby's somewhere in Makati. See what I did there? :P

Chubby's, Makati

OCTOBER

October was another exciting month because it was the "summer" outing for the newbies. They brought us to Puerto Princesa, Palawan, all expenses paid! We even stayed at Princesa Island Garden Resort, a 5-star accommodation. It was extra fun because from a group of three (Carlo, Mike and I), we got along with another group and we made the most out of our stay. Of course I'll be writing about this in detail too. Because why not, photos galore!

Bohemian Party

And then finally for October, the Halloween Party at the office. I dressed up as Minnie Mouse by decorating my red skirt with white dots and buying a Minnie Mouse headband. Haha! That's the best that I can do!

NOVEMBER
Up next, November! We pretty much spent the next few months with the people we met from Puerto Princesa. We would have lunch together at the pantry and sometimes go out too! Photo below was when we had lunch at Yellow Cab. Sobrang dami pang lunch outs that we didn't have a photo of. But one thing I realized is that people really just come and go. I'm not even friends with these people anymore. To think we had such a grand time when we were in Palawan.

Yellow Cab, Makati

And then after what seemed to be ages, I finally met with my high school best friend again. Akalain mo yun! She was about to work as a nurse in Jeddah so we had to see each other. My brother, sister-in-law and of course Mithril, tagged along. The next time I saw her was three years after na. But the thing about our friendship is that we just pick up where we left off. Don't you just love friendships like that?

Pizza Hut, SM Fairview

DECEMBER

And then finally, December! Contrary to what is expected for this month, I didn't have much going on. I decided to skip the Christmas Party at work and no reunions whatsoever! I only got to meet Jhov for dinner at Maginhawa.

And that's it! Wheww! Napagod ako! After this, it's gonna be all about the fam especially my nieces. I am so giddy about this whole resurrecting-my-blog-thing. I don't care even if blogging isn't an IN thing anymore (and probably no one would get to read my posts), I am doing this for myself. FOR MY SANITY. Let's do this! More posts comin' right up!

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SANITY PROJECT: The Catching Up Series

2020-02-08T13:32:00.000+08:00

Looks who's back! Mwahaha! I know, I know. Sabi ko noon goodbye to this blog already but here I am again. Funny right? (or not really?) But why am I back nga? Bakit nga kasi? Hahaha! First of all, I really miss writing. Sometimes I write long captions on Facebook when I feel like writing. Kaya lang we all know that Facebook isn't the best platform for our deepest thoughts. But aside from the fact that I miss writing, I suddenly had this urge to "fix" everything. Feeling ko andami kong backlog sa buhay so here I am again trying to get my $h!t together. And of course, that would include making this blog catch up with my life.

So where did we stop? Are you ready to know? Dundundun! 2016!!!! Hahaha! So that's gonna be four years worth of photos and blog posts. BUT I AM READY! (naks!) Actually, I have edited all photos for my 2016 posts already. Kitams?!! This time around, I am serious about this. Sabi nga ng tagline ko, I have a penchant for documenting life; and I feel like I won't be able to move forward until I no longer owe this blog those four years worth of documentation. Hehe! Me and my issues! Call me petty if you want. :P

But what happened to Borbonita.com, you may ask? I wrote a few travel posts early 2018 but life happened and I became a bad blogger again, as per usual. Haha! But I'll see. I might just turn it into a travel blog, or maybe my new blog altogether. I'll decide when I get to finish my backlogs -- 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019. Easy peasy! Ano ba naman yung apat na taon. :)) Hahaha! But I am loving the process so far cause I also get to organize the gazillion photos lying around. I stopped doing back-ups since I stopped blogging so this little sanity project is gonna hit two birds in one stone. So please bare with me. Or better yet, cheer for me! ;)

Blog posts comin' up in 3.. 2.. 1!

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goodnight, a taste of apple

2016-08-06T18:56:00.000+08:00

I saw thing coming -- the day I'd say goodbye to A Taste of Apple. And let me tell you, making the decision wasn't easy. This has been my home since late 2010 and I love this little island in cyberspace. Six years ain't no joke, man! But I haven't been a good blogger since ~~forever~~ the second half of 2014. I had sporadic updates until October but after that I was completely gone. It's only until March of 2015 that I finally decided to resurrect the blog. I realized that life was picking up and I didn't want the blog to miss up on the wonderful memories. So I played catch-up. Check out the CATCHING UP SERIES here. I made detailed posts for the second half of 2014 and the entire 2015.

Aside from the fact that I've been neglecting the blog, another reason for this goodbye would be the fact that life lately is all about new beginnings. I know I've said this numerous times already but I'll mention it again for the last time here. I had to stop working for exactly 3 years and 3 months {because I was sick and not because I only want to -- you got that?}. That's from February 2013 to April 2016. Imagine that! But God remains to be good. Come May 2016, I finally got myself a new job. I can't say I completely got my good health back but at least I'm well enough to go to work again 5 times a week.

Another milestone would be me turning 30 last July. Yuck dba? Hahaha! As much as I hate the idea, we all don't have a choice when it comes to aging. So I'm embracing it with open arms. I am considering August 2016 as a new beginning. Fresh start, bagong simula! I'll write more about this milestone soon. Hindi pwedeng hindi because I feel like I have gained so much wisdom from the 3-year break that I took. Ang daming life lessons, ang daming realizations. So I really have to write about it. I honestly can't wait to do just that, if only I have enough time in my hands.

So with all that's been happening, I thought to myself, heyyy, my blog needs to be revamped. I was thinking of changing the layout, probably come up with more precise categories and make it feel edgy {because fashion-wise I bid farewell to my girly self already}. But the thing is, I love A Taste of Apple so much that I can't get myself to touch it. It was a war in my head. I wanted a fresh start yet I can't let go of what I have now. So I made a decision -- I'm preserving A Taste of Apple. I'm preserving the template, the layout, the pages, everything! Including the goals that I never got to do. Dito lang sila. Even if it's embarrassing that I never got to do a lot of things that I wanted to do, okay lang. I still plan to accomplish them in time pag naayos ko na ng tuluyan yung buhay ko but for the meantime, dito lang sila. Utang ko muna sa sarili ko. Hehehe.

Another decision that I made? Adopt a new island in cyberspace. That's how it goes right? Goodbyes come hand in hand with new beginnings. I decided to preserve and say goodbye to A Taste of Apple but I'll give life to borbonita.com soon. See? I even bought a domain this time. And I vow to be a better blogger. I also vow to keep loving life and staying inspired so I won't have to go through another hiatus. I generally feel good about everything right now and I'm so grateful.

So pano? Til Borbonita.com is up! :)

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catching up series: faye's school activities

2016-07-10T10:20:00.000+08:00

Guess where I'm at? Sirit? Sabihan ko na? Hehehe! In the office! Yep, yep! In the office! I'm back to work, folks! After three friggin' years, I'm back to work. I'll be spilling more details next time but for now just let me work on the next item on the back burner -- a compilation of my niece's school activities. This is actually the last item on my catching up series. After this, it's officially goodbye 2015 on this blog. Funny that it's already halfway through 2016 but whatever! I'll find a way to put everything in this blog by hook or by crook.

Since I've been a bum for so long, I was able to witness Faye's school activities from her first year in grade school. I was there every single time! Snapping photos, taking videos, clapping, cheering for my niece. You already know that I'm a stage aunt, right?

First, Nutrition Month! The Grade One students presented a play and she bagged the lead role of a girl who prefers gummy bears over fruits and veggies. Of course there's a moral lesson from the story and the girl later on realized that it's important to have a healthy diet. And they sang.. Makulay ang buhay sa sinabawang gulayyyy! Hahaha! Too bad their school doesn't have a very good sound system and you can barely hear what they're saying.

Next, Linggo ng Wika! They sang Ako ay Pilipino, costumes and all. And this rarely happens BUTTT I lost the photos that I took from that day. It's so weird that I only got to save the video below. Oh well. At least I got to savage something.

And then, Christmas Concert! Once again, she was the lead singer. While everyone was wearing yellow, there she was, in an all red standout outfit. I mean, how can you not be proud? She's just six for crying out loud and yet, she has done this and that. I can definitely tell we have a future over-achiever in her. No pressure though, kid! :P

She also joined their school's pageant, Mr. and Ms. OLOMS. I know, right? Lahat na talaga! They had a pre-pageant where they showcased their talent and then of course, the question and answer. She sang Let It Go while donned in an Elsa gown. It was a very good performance, I'd dare say, 'cause she won Best in Talent. O dba? Sadly for the question and answer, she was asked a difficult question in deep tagalog so she wasn't able to answer very well. We asked her afterwards and indeed, she wasn't able to comprehend the question. Weird that I got hurt for my niece. Yung tipong kung may magagawa ka lang to save her from the difficult situation. But life's like that, you can't always win.

The pageant was a money contest so we had to sell tickets. In the end, she was the fourth place. Not so bad because we really didn't exert much effort in selling tickets. What's important for us was that she got to experience joining the pageant. And what an experience it was! She sang again as she was the best in talent. She delivered a good rendition of Reflection this time. On top of everything, there was cotillion too! Eh ako nga, I never got to dance in a cotillion everr! Indeed so many experiences at a very young age.

And then, she also showcased her singing prowess in another school. It was actually a talent contest but only three contestants showed up. Two groups danced and then she was the only one who sang. Hehe. They ended up picking one of the dance group but my niece still went home with cold cash worth P500 -- her very first hard-earned moolah. Hahaha!

Lastly, her Moving Up day! And I tell you, hindi lang sya singer! She's an academic achiever too! She was the second honor in their section, and fifth overall. She was also the Best in English, Best in MAPEH, Most Attentive, Most Helpful, Most Obedient and of course, Most Talented! I really hope she gets to keep her interest in everything that she does right now. It's early to tell because uhmm.. she's just Grade 1 but it'll be really cool if she remains that way til her high school years. Frustration ko kasi yung maging cool kid growing up. Hehehe.

And I just realized that I won't be able to do the same in her Second Grade because I have work already. Boo! I'll demand to the parents that they take my role so that at least I can watch in videos. I'd really love to witness them grow up. And more than just witnessing, I'd love to participate in making them better human beings. Hayy. I love my nieces so much it's crazy.

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catching up series: 2015 baby photo dump

2016-04-20T14:35:00.000+08:00

Here's the thing: 2015 was the year that my cousin's family moved out of our compound. In other words, it was the year that Faye and I separated homes. If you've been following this blog, you'd know just how close I am to my niece. Since I resigned, she's been my constant companion. I even once said that she's my only social life because there was a time that I refused to go out with friends. There was a point that I was feeling all depressed and I can confidently say that my niece was the one who saved my sanity. There are times before that I refused to go out of my room, or worse get out of my bed, and she's the only one who would knock and can make me open the door. It was that bad at some point.

I don't mean to ruin this post with drama but since we'll be talking about my nieces here, I thought I would emphasize just how precious they are to me. Late 2013, Avie came -- Faye's sister. And in 2014, we had Mithy -- my brother's daughter. But as I said, Faye and Avie moved out last year. It could have been devastating if we do not have Mithy. You get my point? Mithy filled the void. Yes, she was unexpected {'cause her parents are unwed} but she came with a purpose. She's indeed a blessing to our family. And although two families had to go through trouble because of her, I would dare say that now, both families wouldn't have it any other way. We'd choose having her over and over again.

Now enough of sappy things. Pagpasenyahan nyo na ang overly sentimental na tiyahin. Hahaha! It's just that my heart is full of love lately and I have to express it. After all, blog ko naman 'to. Haha! Kidding. So anyway, most photos below are of Mithy's because as I've said, Faye and Avie no longer live with us. But just to point out, we visit them every week. Sometimes, even twice a week. You see, I'm making the most out of my remaining bum days. I'm positive I'll be going back to work soon. Very soon, hopefully.

Andami kong pasakalye, ano baaa, hahaha! ANYWAYYY, I decided to make collages of Mithy with ate Faye and ate Avie's special participations. Of course for the first few months, her routine was to eat, sleep, cry, pee and poop. Hehe! But Mithy's a chill baby. She loved to sleep in my kili-kili when she was so little. I would sing Home on the range and I'll make her hele and that's it! I actually learned how to carry a baby because of her. I waited five months to carry Faye and Avie but with Mithy, I carried her as young as one month. Minsan nga naiisip ko pwede na ko mag-asawa. Charot! Walang jowa! Hahaha!

We tried to always have something for her monthly but I kind of regret not making her every month extra special. I mean, she always had cake or ice cream or both but I have this weird feeling that we could have done more. Like when I made her balloons on her 3rd month birthday or when I made her a banner on her sixth month. Ganun sana ka-special monthly. I can only imagine if I have work and moolah! Nakoo!

Mithy's first official days out include ate Avie's birthday {few weeks old!}, Papito's birthday {at 3 months} and ate Xana's birthday at the farm {at 4 months}. And since she turned 5 months, we would frequently bring her to the mall for photo ops. I just love dressing her up especially now that she's older. I'm actually claiming that I'm her stylist and photographer while her mama is her personal assistant aka julalay. Hehehe! Just messing up with her mama.

Anyway, the first time that the three really got together since Faye and Avie moved out was during my birthday last year. We were so entertained while watching Avie and Mithy interact. They would hold each other's faces and laugh and smile at each other. We were laughing hilariously while watching them.

The last three months were my favorite from last year. For Halloween, we dressed her up as Wonder Woman, although was mistaken as Darna a couple of times. Hehe! She got to attend two trick or treats. First, at her dada's office then second, with ate Faye and ate Avie at SM Fairview. Her ates were dressed as fairies donning beautiful gowns.

November was pretty busy with ate Faye's birthday and of course, Mithy's baptism and birthday too! Wrote about them HERE and HERE. And finally for December was ate Avie's birthday and then the holiday season. Check them out HERE, HERE and HERE. I feel such a responsible blogger for completing everything. Yayyy! Come on guys, I'd love a pat on the back. Hehehe!

Wheww! That was a lot of baby photos. I honestly can't wait to share what I've collected so far from 2016. I just love, loveee, taking snaps of the little ones. What can I do, I'm a smitten aunt.

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