MoM in Pink

My ID Is Gangnam Beauty: A Repost

2018-10-04T11:32:00.000-07:00

I posted a new blogpost as my personal take on My ID is Gangnam Beauty. I hope you'll take the time to check it out: My ID Is Gangnam Beauty: My Take

I love this drama. I highly recommend it. It made me love Cha Eun Woo, and brought me to Astro.

2015-10-18T22:05:00.001-07:00

Something New, Something Fun!

It's been a while since I last posted on this site, and I missed writting. This site holds a special place in my heart. I started this with my sole reason of documenting my thoughts and saving it digitally. But it turned out something else. It turned out something big.

Big for me is garnering a reader or two. But garnering thousands of hits is HUGE for someone like me. It's so moving to know that there are others like you who vested on the same line of thoughts as me, and I would like to thank you for dropping by on my site.

I will try to update this site as much as I can, but I also made a new blog that is more organized, more relatable to moms and girls, and ladies or gentle-people.

Hope you will takw time to check it out, too!
To Live Each Day

Let's keep on reading, lets keep on blogging. Thank you one and all for the suport!

Jung Il-Woo

2014-02-05T22:16:00.002-08:00

Jung Il-Woo/Jeong Il-Woo = K-Obsession

I've never been this entranced unto someone as I am to him. I watched him smile, and I am baited, hooked, line and sinker. It is but as if that magnetic pull drawn me like a wizard's spell... and I became forever at his merciful gaze.

I was watching Moon Embracing the Sun, and I am suppose to be totally all over the lead. Then he came unto my screen, as the prince. And just like that, my heart stolen, my will is at his command.

I followed that initial madness with Flower Boy Ramen Shop, and his kissing scene just floored me. I've never been so psychologically screwed up as much as that time I am watching him kissing someone else. If Sigmund Freud would be whispering on my ears, he'll be telling me Jung Il-Woo is that karma-tic stimulus that is awakening my repressed-teen-aged rebellious love life.

And because I am still not on that realization that this beautifully-crafted enigma of a guy is torturing my ahjumma heart, I started watching 49 days. Again, for even being just a second lead, he moved me into tears during his so-perfect sad scenes. It's but as if anything he does on drama could just melt my freakin'-frigid-frozen-drama-heart.

So when I am finally on acceptance that I do not have a heart to spare to anyone but him, I surrendered to Return of Iljimae. He is pure perfection, sexily kicked-ass, and simply just beautiful to watch.

And because I can not just have enough of him, I torture myself to his week-end drama on air right now, Golden Rainbow. If in any case my husband, my daughter, my family will disown me, I am leaving this specific blogpost as a testament that my psychological imbalance is well-documented.

To end this sad testimony, I promise myself, that I will forever love you. If in any case my hubby will not divorce me, citing my psychological issues as a cause, then you will always have my daughter's heart, whom at four years old, calls you "WooWoo".

As proof of my obsession, I took out my daughter's photo and used yours as my desktop bg.

Mother

2014-01-15T19:40:00.003-08:00

No words could describe how amazing our parents are. But for someone like me, words could be too late to express it to my late Father. So I write this to my Mother, even if it means I may possibly run out of words.

I came from a poor family, whose parents never had the chance to finish elementary. My Mother married my Father young, at age of 16. Despite the lack of comfort, our parents raised us, 8 kids, with steel determination to send us to school and finish with a certificate, a degree or a license. And they did, all 8 of us finished school. Through hard labour, encompassing all health scares, and skirting that thin line of financial constraints, they supported us and guided us in the best way any parents could support their kids.

For years, while studying, I watched my parents push themselves through hard work to make sure we do not take our studies for granted. They took their responsibility, to guide us to a better future, VERY seriously. So, even if we are a family of small-village fisher-folks and wet-market vendor, all the sweat of our parent's hard work was attested by the inked-seals of our college or university diplomas. And we are as lucky and as proud of them every time momentous event like graduation happens.

Then in a swift of fate, a change happened. I watched my Mother worked doubly-hard to make sure I finish up university, for 3 more years, after Father died. I saw her took that burden of making sure I got that degree, just us my last sibling before me did.. I witnessed her struggle, I saw her tears. And I knew then.. in whichever path I will take, I will never ever be someone else but my Mother's daughter.

So, I took the hard road, the easy road, the bumpy road to life's adventure thinking that I figured out how the world works already. Smug of independence as that may sound, at the back of my mind, I always know any route I take, my heart will lead me back to my Mother's arms one day. And that deep link to my Mother never failed me. Even until I became a mother myself.

I am my Mother's daughter after all. And I am so proud to watch my daughter adore my Mother as much as I do. And today, in a spur of a moment, out of nowhere, my four year old daughter, proudly proclaimed that she will take care of me, her dad and my Mother... when we are old.

To hear that from my daughter, even if she is too young to be believable, I know in my heart that I raised her as how my Mother raised me. As I see my daughter's eyes twinkle with glee as she bond with my Mother, I know that she will grow up to be my daughter and my Mother's granddaughter.

To wish for more in this sacred life is beyond my worth. All I wish is for this Legacy of Mother's Bond be forever get instilled into every daughter's heart, unto whatever generation it could be passed.

A Mother's Love is Forever. A Mother is Eternal Love.

I love you, Mother!!!

Beautiful Man/Pretty Man/Bel Ami: A Pretty Interesting Story

2014-01-11T20:40:00.000-08:00

Prettily surprising considering this drama was a manga adaptation.

With the hustle and the bustle of k-netizens with regards to Jang Keun Suk, I waited for this drama with trepidation. His last melo-drama, Love Rain, was how it is suppose to be - a melo. Just one of his own, but did not really shattered my drama-experience. HJI is still my top favoruite as far as his acting is concerned. To think he was really young then. Waiting for his next drama-project is dreadful for a fan like me. Although I have no qualms when it comes to his acting, I am more afraid that the next project would give the anti-ktzens more reason to judge him. So I did not really expect that much, that way I won't be disappointed.

Beautiful Man or Pretty Man or Bel Ami is a drama of depth. And I did not expect it. Although the ending was rushed, and I could have hope for more detailed episodes to wrap and tie ends up, yet the Finale gave me my favourite scene which, for me, defined what this drama is all about -- that scene between Dokgo Mate and Na Hong Ran. To avoid spoiler, for those who have not watched it yet, I will refrain from describing the relationship of the characters. Reason being, that the relationship itself between the characters kind of made this drama different from other drama. The love story, which most of those who criticized this drama, did not work for a lot of viewers, because of Second Lead Syndrome - again for me is no big deal. To start with, the premise of the drama as plugged, seems to expect for a lead to be of gigolo type. A pretty man to conquer 10 women, the top 1% of Korea's female populace - is really kind of far-fetched. So, I just kind of take every episode one step at a time, so as to avoid disappointment.

Characters:

Dokgo Mate - The pretty man who was given this beauty of "beyondness" for his own perusal. Bad or good, he is Dokgo Mate, the most beautiful man. I love the character growth. I know some viewers were inkling for those moments for him to hook up with the female lead, and got disappointed, but for whatever reason, I understood why the writer wrote him as Dokgo Mate. I love his growth. I love to look deep within that beautiful facade and dig in the thought, the heart, and the soul beyond that pretty face. I remember writing in my "You're Beautiful" post that TaeKyung was made for JKS and JKS perfected TaeKyung, but in this drama, I could say, JKS gave justice to Dokgo Mate's character and gave the heart and soul of this character a different meaning. I don't know about the manga, but I am so entranced with solving the puzzled piece of his character every episode. I did not even care about the 10 women. Although the change of hairstyle is kind of distracting, especially on the first few episodes, yet this character growth of DGM is surprisingly compelling. JKS' acting is impeccable as always. I am glad he took this drama because I would rather people hating him for not being "the most beautiful man - look per se", than them hating him for acting below the expectation of what the character was written. Those moments when he will make you cry in this drama are the moments that will stay in your heart forever. Those scenes are to die for, and I recommend a box of tissue within reach.

BoTong - literally means as "average", and before this drama started, I was expecting a stalker-ly kind of character. She's that average girl who had a crush on MaTe since middle school. Botong's character did not really grow that much in this drama. It did not affect my interest at all, because maybe, the drama was advertised as a weak story of conquering 10 women. Maybe I don't want to invest my heart into her love story arc with Mate. Maybe at the back of my mind, I know there's this 10-woman thing. Somebody gonna get hurt, somebody gonna get dumped. Amazingly, the ending of each woman-story is not that heartbreaking. I just wished they kind of bring them all back at the end. But, back to Botong, I kind of respected her character. Although MaTe is her weakness, and for a lot of times you wanna scream at her to buy some bones, and grow up from that adulation of MaTe, yet I respect her for holding on with her love for him. And this is despite the fact that you have a 2nd lead guy who is a character-mirror of yourself - in male specie. BoTong's role in MaTe's life is very consistent, although no growth, yet it doesn't made me squirm because she never doubted her feelings and her decision to hold on to such love (yes, I am talking about Heir's Eun Sang's No&Yes, GoAway-iNeedYouBack moments with KimTan). Her character also kind of cemented that last line of grip for MaTe when his world collapsed. The lack of their scenes together did not bother me. I like the drama more because of MaTe's quest for the truth than focusing it being another love-story/rom-com kind of drama. I could say BoTong served her purpose in this drama. She could have connected more on that scene when MaTe told her how much the world is crumbling on him -- but it's okay. My first time to watch IU act before knowing she was Pil Suk in Dream High. I did not expect from IU, because I am not really into idols. But she carried her character's quirkiness to high regard, I will never forget her from now on.

David Choi - the second lead guy, who is the mirror-character of BoTong. One thing I like about David Choi is how he stood up against his family and stuck with MaTe until the end. If given a hand on a story arc, I would go the bromance path between him and MaTe. Their moments were crazily serious and hilarious. There's so much in this drama that you could work on, a second season is worth it. What I do not like much is his never giving up trying to tell BoTong she could pick him. I do not like it because I do not like rejection. I hate seeing the pain of rejection because nobody deserves to be rejected, especially with such a character as David Choi. I know the ending was rushed, but if extended, i hoped for a bromance growth between him and MaTe.

Hong Yoo Ra - that woman who gave MaTe a mission to conquer 10 women to supposedly place his name on the family registry. I love and hate Yoo Ra on this drama. She is a complex character that will make you agree with me when you finish watching the series. Everybody has a story - that I reaffirm with this drama.

Characters to watch for:

MG - The chaebol company.

Na Hong Ran - MG's Vice President. Evil? Stoned-heart? Manipulative? Murderer? The most hated villain in this drama.

Park Ki Suk - MG's Chairman. Husband of Hong Ran. Sick husband.

Park Moon Soo - MG's heir, son of Park Ki Suk, husband of Yoo Ra.

This drama has a lot of loopholes. It is a bit weak in some aspect, or maybe the lack of some aspect, but the story is stronger than expected. I did not expect it to keep my interest, but it did. It's like a jigsaw puzzle, you just want to solve it until the last episode. If you are looking for a romantic-comedy kind, this is not that drama for. The suspense is way better than Secret. Although I love Secret, but it did not keep me on my toes as far as solving the puzzle is concerned. I kind of predicted what's next on Secret. This drama surprised me in so many ways. This drama will make you wanna write down o draw a family tree and will end you up asking yourself, who did you miss or how did that name got in and out of that registry.

It's a drama about being a PARENT. How our choices affect our lives and the lives of people around us, forever.

A Surpise 16th: A Mix of Culture & Genre

2013-10-28T20:16:00.001-07:00

As a party schemer, I am not in favour of 'spur of the moment, instant' party planning. However, for my niece's 16th birthday, I can not say no to my dear sister!

There are a lot of things to consider and there are a lot of reason to make this party VERY limited:

it's a Surprise
a month to make it happen
I have to incorporate Filipino's 18th debut into a sweet 16th celebration
VERY limited grown-ups, this party is for a bunch of 16 year olds
room for lots of dancing
no extravagant, expensive decor but simple & themed-wise (very rocket-science)
nothing expensive, but classy
Phantom of the Opera Theme
again, for a teen-ager! (enough said)

Planning for a teen-ager's party is no joke. I am very serious about this, and I would not commit to another surprise one, unless my heart is at stake. On the last two-weeks of preparation, me and my sister debated, argued, misunderstood each other on a lot of issues, especially about the flow of the program. Between me and her, the generation gap is so overwhelming to bridge, which is worst between her and her daughter. So I tried to make it as painless as I can to the celebrant, and boy, I am not mistaken. But because my sister is the brain of this party, I can only concede and try to skip as much awkward as I can. Of course, as I expected, nothing missed my niece's attention despite her overwhelmed, emotional & surprised reaction.

Teens, in this part of the world, have a whole lot of meaning to being 16. For Filipino parents, it would be very normal to celebrate a big 18th for a daughter. A Filipina debutante won't have any qualms because she knows it is a Filipino tradition. For a niece who is both a Filipina and a European by descent, but born Canadian, celebrating a 16th is the new 18th. She would like to celebrate her 16th because it means she celebrates it with her high school friends. She warned her mom: No big party with mom and dad's friends! Only party with her friends! But as a Filipina mom, my sister would want to make this year memorable if it means no eighteenth.

So started the Surprise Party planning. My sister can only dangle the emotional torture in my busy-mom life, and for me to say NO is a crime. And this, she did a month before my niece' birthday. Again, I hate instant planning. But I pushed myself to whirl this one out.

Theme: We started with the theme: Phantom of the Opera. My niece likes the movie so much, my sister suggested it right away. And I really like it if there is a theme at hand. My schemer brain could work around it 24/7.

Invitation:

Guestlist:

Her group of friends from school (like 25 of them), family, Mom's and Dad's closest friends.

A combination of teen-agers, Filipinos and Europeans. Maximum of 20 grown-ups.

Venue:

Club Lasalle. Not too big, not too small of a hall. There is the dance floor that the kids could party their hearts out. Costly but worth it.

Food:

A mix of Filipino & Western.

Sound:

Dad's radio. Kids can hook up their playlist & pick their songs. (Teen-agers who know their thing. Never try to make them do your thing. They have their own song.. so grown ups have to chill away)

Decor:

Black and white, with a single red rose for centerpiece:

Cake:

Program:

She got hauled in by her parents, and got her into wearing white!

Came in... thinking it's a candle light party for someone who passed away.

Surprise! It's her birthday!

Led her to her cake in the middle of the dance floor.

Candles came in.. making a path for the coming roses (Song: Young & Beautiful)

16 Roses came in (Song: Young & Beautiful), no dancing

Last rose is her dad....

A father-daughter dance (Song: Dance with my Father)

To bring down the emotional moment: Khloe, my 4 y.o., danced her heart out with the Phantom of the Opera song with Ethan, nephew, coming out in the end wearing the phantom mask.

(awkward for both Ethan & Cass, but at least Khloe had a ball dancing.. LOL)

Chelsea, my other niece, did the prayer.

I welcomed everyone in like 10 seconds.

Dinner was served.

Then, the dance began.

It was quick, it was a surprise... it was as little awkward as I can pull off.

(With teen-agers, it's like a minefield -- everything is bound to be awkward!)

It was all good... it was memorable.

Pictures paint a million words:

Our sister flew in from North Carolina

Birthday is always a family reunion....

A TinkerbeLL 4th Birthday Party

2013-09-02T03:09:00.000-07:00

This year's 4th Birthday Party was a test for my party organizing capabilities. I haven't really organized a party for twenty kids for quite some time. But preparation is just one agenda, the party itself is another.

The Tinkerbell idea came up because it is Khloe's desire to play with her friends in this indoor playland favourite of hers, Cheeky Monkey. At first I was thinking of a Safari Theme. Then I can't seem to come up with a good birthday dress for her. So Tinkerbell because I could let her become the Tinky, with the girls being the fairies & and boys the pirates. After the theme finalized in my brain, I started the planning.

Venue & Guestlist:

I rounded up the guestlist. It was around April, five months before the birthday, when I thought of inviting the girls from her Ballet Class. But because their Recital is around May, I have to give them out the invite before the busy recital day. So I booked the venue, then had the invites ready for their last rehearsal. When the summer started and I registered her for Soccer, I tried to add up the list of her teammates before their last game. Just like her Ballet, Khloe loves playing soccer. In her mind, all the girls are her friends. But because the party was set up on a long week-end before school starts, most of the girls are away. Then I mailed the rest of the invites for friends from Hamilton, Missassauga & Toronto. And handed out the ones from St Catharines.

Give-aways:

For boys: I ordered pirate hats and a sword and eye patch set from Halo Heaven. To have it cheaper, I waited for their 60% and 40% sale online.For girls: I ordered flower halo for their hair from Halo Heaven as well, and tutu & wings for their dolls. I took advantage of the 35% off and Deal of the Day from the sites Facebook page. Some of the light items I had it shipped directly here in Canada for a fee, while the rest, I had shipped to California at no extra charge for order over $40. The loot bags I used were provided by salesgirl from Chapters-Indigo/Kids for free.I lined it with green gift tissue from the Dollar Store.

The Cake:

The Cake is one of my proudest find for this event. It is an experiment of some sort as a preparation for her 7th brithday three years down the road. Devoid of Filipino bakeshops here in Canada, where I can just order the most adorable cake I trust, searching for that satisfactory baker is not an easy task. I googled, facebooked, searched and searched some more. Baker's list is not a problem. I am more concerned about the cake design and the taste. Usually, you could find a lovely fondant cake. Then, it would taste like it was not worth any fondant price. I ordered a cake once for my niece 7th, with a princess castle for design. When I opted 'yes' to the castle being edible, I didn't realized it will matter on the outcome. I ended up with a cake and a tiny-winny castle on the top. So I learned from that. I relied most on the reviews of the baker's websites. The clicker is the "yummy" word. Surely, you can find websites with reviews raving about the design. But seldom will you find reviews that the general content was how beautifully it was done and how yummy and 'to die for' is the cake. Cake By Cheryl is my only choice. It was pricey, but it was all WORTH it. Everybody was asking me where I got the cake. And I am most proud to say, Cheryl made it.

The Dress:

Thanks to my dear friend, Cher, the Tinkerbell dress was an easy task. I begged her to drag my husband to the Disney Store in San Jose, California. I was hoping that their Tinky dress is the one I fell in love before they changed the design from the one online. Unfortunately, it was the same as online. And because I am running out of time before hubby fly to join us here in Canada, I let Cher picked the one from the store. So the Tinkerbell dress happened.

The Food & Venue:

Cheeky Monkey has a packaged for twenty kids, with pizza or hotdog and unlimited drinks for the kids. This of course, includes a 2-hour play and party time. Added to the package is icecream or sundae.

The Party:

Her friends came, and my friends came. It was a blast. I was crazy tired, but her joy is all worth it.

Next year will be a different story. Hopefully I will not run out of ideas untiL she'll turn 7.

Note:

We would like to thank all the friends for their wishes, their time and their presents. Love the love.

We would like to thank the Sadowski's for the bike, the Zamora's for the bike accessories and the Lazona's for the Cake. Above all, thank you Cher, for the lovely dress.

If you need help with your party ideas, just message me away. I would love to share my thoughts :)

School of 2013 vs I Hear Your Voice

2013-08-15T21:10:00.000-07:00

School of 2013 vs I Hear Your Voice: My Lee Jong SuK Affairs

Straight to the point, I highly recommend School of 2013. I watched I Hear Your Voice because of the hoopla around it. People were talking about it, I really thought it's all that. I was really not into it. Except maybe for the reason that I want to know and see the end of the killer, IHYV is not for me.

School of 2013, though, is a very different story. Not much fuss, not much hush around it, but a drama that captured my inner sense. It's a story of every student, despite it being made in Korea, any student can relate to the joy and the sorrow, the struggle and glory of every achievement and the pain of every failure. It's a story of friendship. A friendship of no other. A friend who never gives up despite the guilt, despite the pain, despite the torture of facing the truth. A friendship that maybe so rare to find in reality, but a friendship I hold true in my heart amongst my friends. It's a story of a real person, of me, of you, of anybody who can see the truth beyond a glass half full and half empty.

The lack of love story in this drama is very endearing. It focused more on the friendship which made this drama very unique. The friendship carried the whole story from start until the end. It's but as if throwing a love angle will destroy the equilibrium. I commend the writer for the storyline. It's not perfect for everybody, but it is my definition of art, of an artist looking past of what is expected by the majority. I care less if the acting was not strong. I care more for what it did to my psyche. Or to myself, as a person that I am. It made me hold strong of every relationship that I had with people around me.

I Can Hear Your Voice is not as bad as I may have described it. I just don't like the crazy hoopla. It's like BOF all over again. Lee Jong Suk is an artiste worthy of what is blessed to his career right now. He can surely pull the acting job effectively. I could watch him on any drama again, but would still go back to him as my School of 2013 bro-mancer with Kim Woo-bin. Unless given a drama that can move me again, I will stick my bromance. But giving ICHYV credit, the killer being out there the whole time the 19 episodes were ran, was the stimulus that kept me watching. But the scenes during the trials introduced me to Korean judicial proceedings. I now realized that even trials could vary from different countries it happen.

After ICHYV, I watched Beethoven Virus. Now, that was one drama that moved me.

Images Courtesy of:
http://static1.allkpop.com
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/

Does Language Matter in Raising a Child?

2013-07-31T21:33:00.000-07:00

Multi-Ethnicity. Multi-Cultural. Multi-Citizenship.

As a parent to a 3 year old, it is still a struggle deep-within my heart, and my brain, as to which way should I raise my daughter: culture-wise or society-wise. Born American-Canadian, with a dual-citizenship on her dad's side as American-Philippine, our daughter is first and foremost, a true-full-blooded Filipino of ethnicity (both of us parents born Filipino).

But our decisions, so far, on how to raise her, were based solely on our wish to raise her as a good person, with strong faith and eternal love to people around her. For us, the country where she will decide to live is just a place in the map. But how she is going to live her life in that country is very important to us, her parents, because it would manifest the kind of parent that we are.

Language will play a very important role in her life.

One of the reasons why I chose to move back here in Canada is because of Language. Born in the United States, Khloe will forever be an American. When she grow up, I know she will find her way back to her birth country, whichever country I may chose to raise her. But atleast, I know, I tried my best to show her all sides of her citizenship. Here in Canada, she will learn French. With French, she can discover the beauty of this world from another perspective.

At home, we speak our native dialect in Philippines, Ilonggo for me (Iloilo), and Tagalog for my husband (Bulacan). Our daughter was raised with various kinds of language floating around her. Never, even once, did I prohibit her from learning all of it. Instead, I encouraged her to understand us, especially those words that are the same in both dialects. Always with pride in my heart when I see that understanding glint in her eyes every time she responds to us when we converse with her in our dialect. Although I do not forcibly teach her to know the words, our daughter has always been quick in trying to learn. It is my desire that when she goes back home to Philippines, she could communicate with everybody, not just those who speaks English.

It is my fervent wish that Khloe will grow up to be a person who appreciates her roots, her multi-cultural background, her multi-citizenship. I am always proud to be a Filipino. I wish I can impart to my daughter the richness of our Filipino culture, but I know she will have enough on her plate to learn as she grows. But I believe that my inner strength as her Mother will transcend to her personality, and that the manner of how I raise her will instill within her persona, all the wisdom I learned as I navigated my journey towards motherhood.

I know some will say that it is easy for me to say this because my daughter is born in an English-speaking country. But let me say this....

"It is not the language that you want them to speak that will make them communicate successfully with the rest of the world.....but it is the kind of parent that you are to them, that will let them communicate to others how beautiful this world is in their hearts and minds."

I will forever believe... that our children are who they are because of how we raise them. Our child is a reflection of our parenthood.

Rooftop Prince: My Yoochun Awakening

2013-05-03T21:16:00.000-07:00

Image Source: http://i.dramacrazy.net/RooftopPrince-2.jpg

Good things do come for those who wait... in my case, "for those who read". And I did read. Good thing I did.

I owe this kdrama watch for reading a post in DramaBeans: Thing Vs Things :Foursome 4eva. I usually just browse for DB's reviews, recaps (of dramas I'm interested) or recommendations. But again, I got one boring moment and I decided to read more of DB's posts. And stumbled into this one.

From the post, I found myself getting interested with the other two drama that I haven't watched yet: Rooftop Prince and Sungkyunkwan Scandal. I've heard of Rooftop Prince and it comes highly recommended but I kept myself from watching because I am not really a time-traveller fan, nor a periodic/historical drama follower. Sungkyunkwan Scandal, I've read it somewhere, but never thought of actually watching it. But given how this post categorizing foursomes in dramas which included BOF & YAB... I got really curious.

So I started with Rooftop Prince. It actually got me hooked. Even my three year-old was watching and laughing out like crazy. It's periodic in some slight way, drama in some dose, hilarity at it's best... and just a joy to watch.

My thing with with (Korean) KDrama, is that I watch it for the pure bliss of just enjoying the drama. No brainer, no rocket-science analysis going through my brain. I don't wanna contemplate on how the four from Joseon Period leaped to the 21st Century (Seoul). Doing that would require that little intelligence left in my sense to nit-pick the ending and expect a reasonable analysis of why the drama ended the way it did. Just too much brainwaves to use and too much effort to make. Not my idea of a past-time.

That's why I don't do reviews, I read them. I don't do serious blogging, this page is just like my electronic diary. And of course, because I started this tradition to blog every drama I watch, I am writing this right now.

Rooftop Prince should be watch with less brain works and just with pure hope for an escape. I love how the first episode confused me with two worlds in clashing alternate scenes, but how it actually not stayed on the Joseon era. Instead it leaped through the modern day without boring me, nor making me wanna skip the drama. Injecting the hilarious scenes right Epi 2 is such a tie that bound me to finish until the last episode. And it`s really worth it.

That twisting fact that surprised me on the last running episodes was refreshing, for it made me actually look forward for all of them coming back to Joseon. I was hoping Bo Young did not die... but part of me knows that the reincarnation-line was the real deal.

With the last episode, I psyched my brain out from analyzing. I just want to know how the writers will wrap it up. Will they follow the norm of happy-ever-after. Or will they throw that last pigment of sense left in my imagination and will let the drama end as how I have it written in my drama-loaded-brain. (It was all a dream and Crown Prince and Sister-In-Law will end up together). So much for sense. LOL.

I know this post is nothing much to help anyone know more in deciding whether to watch Rooftop Prince or not... but one thing I am sure of.... I got seriously interested with Mickey Yoochun because of this drama. And because I watched SKK Scandal after this... I am telling you right now -- I don`t think Yoochun could ever disappoint me ever.

Just like my First Crush, Lost High-School Love (which I never had) -- will disappoint me, EVER!!!

KDrama: City Hunter

2013-04-24T22:13:00.000-07:00

City Hunter: Resurrected Lee Min Ho in my Heart

You know that feeling of wanting to adore someone so much but something is stopping you because he kind of remind you of something weird and off-key. That is pretty much my feelings for Lee Min Ho. With all this hoopla surrounding Boys Over Flower and his flight to stardom, I was almost swept by his beauty. Sadly, the "Jandi" factor always held me back. Which is really kind of weird given that Jandi and Goo Jun Pyo is not mutually conclusive nor cohesive, both as characters and artiste. In fact, I was rooting more for Ji Hoo to end up with Jandi despite the fact that both Jandi and Jihoo has no connection at all, acting-wise. Maybe since BOF, Lee Min Ho has already caught me, but my irritation to Jandi just really pushed me to the roof.

So I tried my darn best to avoid anything Lee Min Ho. But I have this friend who really, really like him and asked me nicely to give him a chance. So I tried Personal Taste. Which I should have not done. Because once again, the lady-lead reminded me so much of Jandi. I almost did not finish the series. Good thing on this one, I was enamored of Lee Min Ho's dimples that I got zapped in to witch-craft and actually finished it up to the end. Weird!!!

Which I considered a good test of my skill, to finally be flexible enough with my preferences and loyalties. I am a very loyal person when it comes to anything: life, love, facts, or arts.

Watching City Hunter is an inevitable that I kept pushing back. But LMH's dimples are a good calling. And a calling, I do not regret.

City Hunter, is one of his best so far. Kick-ass LMH is an icing to my dimpled cake. He still lacks the acting depth, but getting out of the flower-boy image and just kicking ass his way to vengeance is a joy to watch. I love the fact that the series gives his character such a heart that makes him grounded. I really don't wanna see another cocky LMH. I like him confused, angry, vengeful, but longing for love and to be whole. It makes his character very interesting to watch. This series made me forget Jandi and her association to LMH. It's but as if, BOF was just a bad dream in my LMH's world of acting. I still have to see faith, which I've read was not good. Maybe, they're wrong.

As for the plot.... it was not disappointing. It was almost solid. Some loopholes, but no drama is perfect. But City Hunter is no boring. Even my mother, watching glimpse of pieces of some scenes kind of zapped her, too. As always, I found the ending lacking. I would like to know if he was actually able to develop a bond with his real father, but the ending kind of just cut it out. With series like this, I want to see more of the filial relationship between the characters, how it evolves and how it ends with the ending. City Hunter didn't gave me that. But I guess.... that's what most of Kdrama gives me.

I just like the fact that City Hunter resurrected LMN in my Kdrama-Heart. Now I am very excited to watch, Heirs.

Image Source:
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbA56qNVkNfm7pHg8MRiPpma1lqzIyNxxQp7_8mMzt00thvAvCsXQBLJGLUvHeEQBvcSDpyoAFzapb4L50Ik9_UXfat3ushV-dzeOzVYd_Gru9RZP7n8ujKHdRRhWq20V5PHOVHefBrlEH/s1600/City-Hunter13.jpg

That Green-Eyed Jealousy

2013-04-17T23:29:00.002-07:00

Put yourself in a situation where in you are in a relationship that you thought is very strong. Then your partner asked you if it is okay to hang-out with someone, considered a friend, but a confidant on his/her every fall-out with past relationships. To throw more tensions in, yes, they used to flirt (lightly).

Is it normal to say 'No, it's not okay!'? It is okay to be jealous?

I advised my friend ...

Give your partner that space to feel that you do trust completely. Do not expect the other to understand your jealousy. Jealousy is an insecurity. If you feel like you doubt that strong tie between you, then yes, you will feel jealous. Most of us pretend we are not. What we can not accept is the fact that we are not all that. That despite that declaration of love and trust -- we are still scared of that little chance of our partner getting tempted, getting swayed. And so we claim that they do not understand us, that all they want is for us to make the sacrifices, to always show the efforts, and pledge that endless understanding. We felt so defensive that we hope and we expect them to return the favour and in doing so, that they do the sacrifices themselves, to show efforts... and to understand us, too.

I believe that...

A relationship will stay strong if you will not treat your relationship as an exchange gifting. Like in a way that your partner's love has to be as much as how you feel. Like in a way that when you sacrificed something or someone, they have to sacrifice the same. That if you tried to be understanding all this time, it is time for them to understand you. No, a strong relationship is not that. If you want the strength of your relationship to last -- you have to learn how to work around each other's weakness. You have to be each other's weight to balance the prettiness and ugliness of A relationship. You both has to fill the holes and the gaps when the going gets tough. Because no one can help both of you get through anything except the both of you.

If you can get past that ugly jealousy and throw insecurities away.... then your relationship will sail smoothly pass through any storms of life

Photo Source:

http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs46/f/2009/217/4/3/Jealousy_by_7Roses1BrokenHeart.jpg

My Korean Drama La La Land

2013-04-01T20:11:00.003-07:00

Not much, but here is but my personal recommendations for Korean Drama to watch.

Melo-Drama

Winter Sonata - if this is your first Kdrama to watch, do not start. This drama requires patience, depth and heck of love for the dramatics. It is a long.... long... series. But I personally say, it is worth it.. You have to know how to appreciate real drama to finish this.

Love Rain - This is the second and last melo-drama I watched so far. I watched it for 2 reasons.(1)Director, (2)Jang Keun Suk. It is not as deep as Winter Sonata. I was kind of disappointed. But it was a good venue for JKS to explore his acting skill. If you miss JKS... this is one of your pick. Just do not expect much of your Tae Kyung fun.

Romantic-Comedy

You Are Beautiful - If you are a BOF fan, then, do not watch this just for the sake of comparison and the hoopla. I watched BOF with open mind.. and even finished the series. Also, if you watched Heartstring already, then I warn you that you will regret that you did not watch this first before HS. YAB is simply hilarious, strong and a hoot. If you want just real crack of the day, this is the drama for you. Check out dramafever.com, YAB is still the most watched. Hence, I need not say more.

Goong/Princess Hours - With Kdramas, I hate the 3-sided love, the 4-sided, or the blindsided love affairs. With Goong, I simply love the fact that she stood by him, no matter what. As much as I hated him for taking forever to let go of that past connection with his ex, still, he never let the crowned princess feel ignored. They both have such a strong grasp of respect for each other, I rarely see this on other dramas. It is that silent commitment for each other that made me adore this drama.

Lie To Me - I know that a lot of k-addict would refute me on this one, but I just love the cracks of laughter Yoo Eun Hye could evoked from me. I know the plot is weak like crazy, but her acting just sends me to the roof. With rom-com, I sometimes kind of throw the drama-line/story-line out of my brain-window and just let go of that appreciation for wit and fun. This drama is just crazy fun.

Coffee Prince - I love this and I hate this. Maybe because I watched this after I watched YAB that I hate the fact it took forever for the plot to reveal her identity. Kind of ruined that beautiful casting because I cannot get over the fact that he was clueless until almost the very end. Still, I would recommend this to anyone because it was good acting and just a heart tugging and laughter-jerker. If you watched Goong, you should NEVER miss this. :)

Romantic Drama

Secret Garden - After Winter Sonata, this is the other drama that made me cry like I almost died. Tears flowing, can not breath kind of crying. I can not describe this drama in any other way, except for it being just real romance and real drama.

Being-A-Fangirl Drama

Personal Taste - I avoided any drama with Lee Min Ho on it because Jandi from BOF just kind of ruined everything LMH in my heart. At first I felt like I am watching Jandi impersonating the female lead here on this drama. But my friend told me to give this drama a chance. So I did everything I can to finish the series. There are 2 things that made me finished up and made my while worth it... (1) Yoo Eun Hye guest appearance (2) Lee Min Hos dimples and his smile. The Jandi personified in Ka Ins role is totally forgotten, as long as I can see more of his smile. I cud even appreciate the bromance more than the romance itself. Again, I am an official ruins of Jandi.

To The Beautiful You - If you have not heard of Shinee and Kang Tae Joon and is interested with this series because of the Jap Version, Hana Kimi, do not worry, so am I. Tae Joon is like an eye-candy, that chocolate-melts-in-your-mouth kind of way. He is just totally cute and a beaut to watch. He has little acting skills... but I finished the series because I just want to see his adorable face. So if you ask me about the story line, forget it -- I have no idea what happened, but I do recommend you to watch Hana Kimi, Coffee Prince, or You Are Beautiful.

Historical Drama

Hong Gil Dong - I love how the characters evolved on this drama. The play of an idealist vs pragmatist factor on this drama is both a struggle and a joy to watch. The relationship between the Prince and Gil Dong is debatable evolution but for me, it was that relationship that glued me up to the finish. Not one of JKS acting best, but memorable.

A Royal Keepsake

2013-03-21T22:33:00.000-07:00

Princesses. Khloe's passion. Khloe's Joy.
Here's her memorable keepsakes with meeting them.

With Belle (Beauty & The Beast)

With Cinderella

With Mulan

With Ariel (Little Mermaid)

With Aurora/Brian Rose (Sleeping Beauty)

With Snow White

With Jasmine (Aladdin)

With Tianna (Princess & The Frog)

Catalina Island: Discovering South California More

2013-03-19T23:33:00.000-07:00

One week is not enough for Khloe and I to re-visit California, her birthplace. But not minding the quick tik-tak of time ... we squeezed in as much moment as we can to see family and friends. It was whirlwind.

But knowing that this might be the last possible visit that we can before Khloe will start school, and the next one might be always a quick week-end or long-weekends to go, I pleaded with hubby to do a trip to one of the places I've been wanting to check out - Catalina Island. So hubby took some days off, and long drive we went.

Catalina Island is in Avalon, California (Southern CA). There's four different port to get a ferry that would transport visitors to/fro the island. But we picked the Long Island Downtown Landing. As this experience is all new to all of us, it was another hit & miss. I booked us a ferry ride for 2pm, so we left Mountain View at almost 4am. I always prefer to start the long drive very early in the morning, but I did let hubby took some good sleep before his long drive. He took Highway 5, by 8:30am we were almost in L.A. But since we have ample of time for our 2pm ferry schedule, we decided to bring my friend, Cher, to the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles.

I always love to bring family & friends here at this beautiful spot. Either the drive up or the hike in Mt. Lee is an experience to remember. Going to Universal Studio and take a photo of this tourist spot from there is totally different from experiencing this scenic spot itself. First, finding the exact location is finding the EXCAT location. Hubby has driven it four times already and still won't get it right if the GPS screws up. I am hoping by now... he'll remember the right left turn the next time. If you miss it, you'll end up in a dead end and far away from the sign. Secondly, the view from the top is amazing. I always get awesome photos of Khloe just amazed and enjoying the scene. Her smile not only adds to the beauty, but it complements that scenic feel of freedom and worldly peace. Lastly, feeling that Hollywood vibe is not down there on Hollywood Boulevard where the Hollywood stars are. It is where the sign is. Reaching the top is like reaching stardom. It's a fleeting experience.

But we can't stay up there forever. So we decided to head off to Long Beach and wait for the ferry.

We were so hungry despite having eaten breakfast along the way.. and snacks here and there. We thought we can eat while waiting, but the cafeteria doesn't allow outside food, and pizza or sandwiches is not enough to appease our hunger. So we decided to eat on the ferry as it is an hour ride. Instead, we took photos:

So off we ride the ferry at 2pm. We brought our own food and necessary picnic stuffs. The ferry has window seats with a table that is good enough for us to feel like we're just in a picnic inside.
We enjoyed our lunch because of this set-up and Khloe was able to kill the time with colouring and bothering all of us to color with her.

An hour is not much of a wait. We were so excited to reach Catalina Island, especially because this experience is all new to us.

As I grew up in Guimaras Island, Philippines all my young life... Catalina Island is like coming home, or visiting home. I wanna feel that island breeze... those islander moments once again. I was really looking forward on this adventure.

And not disappointing us... we were greeted with this beauty...

Okay, so it's not my little Guimaras Island. It is the Catalina Island of California. If Guimaras is as grand as Catalina.. Boracay is yesterday.

We can't explore the island.... because we got there a bit late of the day already.... we can't really do much. But here's just a few of what we got.

The view from the port/pier

Walking distance from one end to the other...

Another view from the pier

Overlooking the Casino

A farther look from the port

A keepsake of the building structures

And to check out the island... and go to upper part.. we rented a gold cart (most recommended mode of transportation) . Most of the snaps here were taken en route the mapped directions.. which not much of a help coz we got lost like 3 times.

Rental Golf C

View from the Top

The Casino View

The Bay View

As always.... a night... is not enough. But I am hoping one day, we could go back again....

And... say bye... for now....

My Very Own Dinagyang Moment

2013-01-25T21:17:00.000-08:00

Born a Guimarasnon, I am first and foremost an Ilonggo by heart. So it is with pride that I am gonna write about one of our Ilonggo's best -- Dinagyang.

Dinagyang is a festivity held every 4th week-end of January, following that of Cebu's Sinulog, and Aklan's Ati-Atihan. As much as it is a festivity held in honor of Sr. Sto. Nino, it is also a celebration of the barter of Panay Island from the natives, the Ati(s), to the Malay. Street dancing is the form of such celebration. Every 4th Saturday, Iloilo holds the Kasadyahan, a competition of various tribe to showcase the Barter to the Malay. This is followed the next day by the Dinagyang proper, always held every Sunday, another competition of various tribes to showcase the Natives dancing on the street with the beat of the drums.

As a child, I grew up watching it from the t.v. I remember always rooting for Konggo Tribe and always waiting for their signature zigzag formation. When I spent my High School in the city proper, that's when I started enjoying the nights of staying up to watch the tribes practice on the streets week before the competition. I remember waiting for that Friday of Opening Salvo, when the tribes tease you with a little bit of their dance as they bring Sr Sto Nino from San Jose Church to the Cathedral in Jaro. I also remember, getting in trouble for not listening to the grown-ups of their warning to stay off the crazy area during the Sadsad hours (post competition when the people crowds the street and dance on whatever beat of drums and music, sober, drunk and in between).

Then I remember experiencing Dinagyang to it's fullest. By being on it. By being there as part of a tribe, dancing on the beat of the drums, finishing up that 5 rounds of judging area.

I was a student...in U.P. Prior to that year (1996?), U.P. Visayas would join the Kasadyahan competition. If I'm not wrong, our school tribe is Tribu Amihan. That second semester of the school year, I registered to this P.E. class, Social Recreation. This without knowing that I'll be in for that opposite awakening of a journey, not in any Social Recreation sort of way. Our class professor encouraged us to sign up for being in the tribe. If by any guts you make it to the Dinagyang competition, you will automatically get a 1.0 grade and do not need to attend class anymore.

I was hesitant, at first. In my mind, I could possibly join late the already-practicing tribe, but I am not sure if I do have the endurance to round up the city streets and finish the 5 judging area. And I have two-weeks before the competition. But because it is a challenge my silly brain can't refuse - i signed up and started rehearsing the dance.

The first week was not bad. I was able to skip my major classes without that much scare, and got validly excused to some other classes/presentations. The dance rehearsals were mostly after/in-between my class schedules, so I was able to pull it off. But towards the end of that first week, I twisted my left ankle. It was the worst ankle-twisting I ever had in my life. I saw stars and I black out for 10 seconds. Good thing my bestfriend was beside, she was able to drag me to the clinic. With bandage and all, I came back to my rehearsal, thinking everything would be all right.

Painful is an understatement. I decided to back out. But again, my brain tells me otherwise. I took the pain... and I took it all. That friday of Opening Salvo, when we tried to round the streets for the first time, I thought I'll gonna collapse. But listening to the bystanders screaming for us (especially because we are the only tribe with 80% girls)... I got more encouraged to push myself to finish my painful journey. The 2nd week, we rehearsed non-stop in the gym, and in the streets at night. I remember going back twice to a 'hilot' (broken-bone fixer) in Jaro because I could not take the pain. I remember mustering all the ways I was told by anyone, just to minimize the pain I felt. I will always remember it, and how painfully I danced steadfastly just to make it through the competition.

That very Sunday of Dinagyang competition, I painted myself black, don my costume on, put my headdress, and held my spear and shield, walked head high as I went with my tribe to face the million crowd of spectators in the streets of Iloilo. I danced with the beat of the drums, taking the pain of my broken ankle, the scourging heat of the sun, and just forgetting -- that killer pain, hoping against hope that I will not collapse or fall down.

Then the first judging area was done. Applause errupted. My family alongside the streets spraying water to my face. Then off we danced our way to the second judging area, then the third, then the fourth. I remember asking for ammonia. Just to help me get through the last judging area. Just to make me finish the competition. I remember thinking of giving up after the fourth judging area. My left ankle all swolen and red, and just crazy painful. But again, I asked for ammonia. I remember my bestfriend handing me a bottled water as I saw her on the side of street. I thought of them, and I thought of my family, and of my tribe. I know they will not miss me if I fall... but I owe it to myself to finish it to the 5th judging area. And when I did.... when we did our last move, I just totally sat down. I remember making it back to the school bus, picking up my stuffs from school, and went home and wash off the paint. Then I slept for 4 straight hours. I slept the pain away. I slept my tired body away.

Then I woke up and saw my boyfriend's worried face. I smiled.. and told him to come with me to check out the street-dancing and wait for the result of the competition. He got mad. of course, he hated the fact I joined in the first place. I think, he just can't believe how stubborn I am. He left, of course pissed off and all. I went to the streets, met up with my niece and cousins... and they shared with me that glorious moment of listening our tribe announced winning the 3rd place.

That was what I called a sweet-surrender.
Painful journey, but a test of will and determination.
That was one of those moments when I realized, I can push myself beyond my brains limit and boundaries.

That's when I realized, I could be strong. And I am strong.

My Idea of What Friendship Is

2012-11-14T20:50:00.000-08:00

http://friendshipkeepers.wordpress.com/friendship-quotes/

A lot of cliche you can use to define friendship. But I rarely use one. I would rather define it through a story. Usually... a very long story.

Moving from places to places.. it usually takes me a while to develop a very deep a friendship and would call someone my bestfriend. Maybe because I do not do constant relationship anymore. I am not the old me, burn-the-phone-lines, week-end-overnights, hang-out-'til-you're-out kind of a friend anymore.

I learned that true friends stay forever. Whether you never get in touch anymore. Whether you were not there when they needed you the most. Whether you were never anywhere when they wanna find you. Whether you never find quality time for them anymore. Because true friends understand.

True friends understand when you can't spare enough time to hang out with them. When you can't afford to put them on your top priorities in your life. When you can't keep up with a promise. Or even when you have other friends you are busy with.

Because a true friend cares enough to know why. They know you enough to understand why. And they are sincere enough to stay back and just let you be.

For me, friendship is just like marriage. The sincerity lies on your commitment to be a friend forever.

I am proud of all my friends. I know... we can count on each other .. when one need each other the most. Sometimes, it may not be physically.... by I know.. emotionally, we all connect.

Because friendship is, first and foremost, a lingering connection. When you connect you build this strong commitment. Up or down, richer and for poorer, sickness and in health...

I firmly believe that "Friendship will stand the test of time."

Family Time: Toronto Santa Claus Parade

2012-11-14T20:41:00.001-08:00

Photo courtesy of: http://www.torontosun.com

As a mother, I am just like any mom and that I also want the best for my daughter. Since knowing that I am going to be a parent, I promised myself that I will do everything that I can to raise her as how I perceived society, as how I would have wanted to grow up. Not in a material way, but that as a child who is full of wonderful memories. Memories that she won't trade for anything in this world. Memories with us, her parents.

So far, despite the distance separating us from her Dad, I have tried my best to raise her as a wonderful child who never question her Dad's lack of presence. Not that it is a justification. But their camaraderie when they are together is beyond my expectations, it is but as if they never get separated for weeks. And it is with pride and joy for both us her parents that we see her as a happy kid and that we raised her to be a better person despite anything.

Hence, hubby and I always support anything she is very much interested, as long as we are able. Like simple thing as her love for parades.

This year is going to be her first Toronto Santa Claus Parade. It's gonna be chilly... but it's gonna be another wonderful memory for her to treasure.

Ialways try to come up with something that she can keep in mind. Something of a tradition. I am hoping that she will grow up with this little tradition in mind. And I am hoping that when she becomes a parent herself, she will never forget to take a backseat from such a busy world she might live and spend time with FAMILY.

I know that others would say, we can spend time at home... watch tv or something. But for me, to do this is to do something special. And I know that she will remember it forever.

I will never forget my first Toronto Santa Claus parade. The joy, the experience, that one moment in my life that made me promised myself that if I'll have my own family -- I will not deprive them of it. And bringing Khloe this year, is also fulfilling a promise to myself. And having said this, I am thankful of that special family who brought me with them to experience it. Indeed... it's a beautiful celebration of sort. Despite the chill, the crowded street... and the chill again.

I know Khloe will love it. I know she will thank me one day for bringing her.

I am a huge believer of family-first. And a huge advocate of Family Time.

This sunday, is gonna be on that list of our Special Family Time.

http://www.captmondo.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/November-20-2011-Toronto-Santa-Claus-Parade-14-Looney-Tunes-Float.jpg

Evolution of Khloe's Halloween Costume

2012-11-05T21:15:00.001-08:00

'Pink Leopard' - Khloe at 2 months old

The weather in Sunnyvale, California is warm enough to just dress her up with this cute sleeper-costume. I was not picky with the style, nor the grandeur. I am all for Khloe celebrating her first Halloween in a costume.

Got this Pink Leopard from Walmart for $12.99

'Twas a steal.

'Dorothy (Wizard of Oz)' - Khloe at 1 y.o. and 2 months

Celebrating Halloween in Canada is Khloe's first time. I have to consider the freezing weather that might be possible. I have to think that she is only a year old. And it's gonna be her first Halloween to experience trick or treating.

I got this costume from Target (Sunnyvale, California) for $19.99

At this moment of her life... she's very fond of her Barney. But I let her watch Wizard of Oz for her to grasp the idea of her costume. Of course, what can you expect from a one year old. The musical moments were her favourite. She does love music, song and dance at this stage.

The turtle neck is never a question. She needs it to keep her warm for trick or treating. The red shoes, we scoured most of the possible stores in Silicon Valley (California) and here in St Catharines (Ontario). Either she don't have the size, or it's not red. I got the red shoes from Sears here in St Kits. It's more like a slipper-shoe than a sandals. But she loves them. Her Tita Clarisa lent her a puppy stuff toy for her Toto. Thus, completing the look.

'Pirate Princess' - Khloe at 2 y.o. & 2 months

At this stage of my daughter's life, I wanna dress her up devoid of the usual princess-way. At this year, she was really into Dora. But I saw this costume online from SpiritHalloween.com and it consumed me. I saw Khloe on it... and online, I purchased it. $34.99, shipped to her Dad in California and her Dad brought it here in St Catharines.

When she tried it the first time -- it awed me. In my mind, I can dress her up with anything and she'll walk the talk, or talk the walk.

This photo speaks more than a mother like me could write. I completed this with a black turtle neck and black boots. Trick or treating was not as freezing as the last time. She enjoyed her journey around the block.

'Cinderella Princess' - Khloe at 3 y.o. & 2 months

When your toddler consumed her toddler years with everything princessy -- at some point, a good mother has to give in and indulge her. I did try so hard to sway her from wearing anything princess for Halloween.

With little princess like Khloe, a crayon costume or a little red riding hood is no substitute to being a princess for a night.

So I gave in and indulged her. My sister tried to hand me down 3-generations of Belle costume. Unfortunately, it is too big for her tiny size. But I am one lucky mom who is surrounded with awesome friends with fashion style and princess little girls. My 'kumare' Rose handed me down my god-daughter's Cinderella costume -- a piece of costume I can't resist to showcase, especially with Khloe's flair for royalty and all.

So, my little royal highness, graced this year's Halloween with her royal presence as Little Cinderella. I completed this with a navy long-sleeve shirt, a navy-blue stocking, black boots, blue headband and a white lace gloves.

It was a very royal night. Despite the rain... Khloe had so much fun trick or treating with her cousins and friends.

2nd-generation of Cinderella costume = $Priceless (Thank You, Rose & my princess, Cheska)

Next year would be a different story. No more long gowns. No more princess costume. I'm hoping she'll say yes to a crayon. LOL.

Experiencing the Eraserheads Again

2012-11-05T20:10:00.000-08:00

It's been more than 10 years since I first seen them play live!!! Been more than 10 years of waiting for this moment.. dreaming of this moment to finally happen. And it did. October 19, 2012. Koolhaus. Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Ely stood in front of me, up the stage... just a few yards away. I saw Buddy on his right, Raimund from behind with his drums and Marcus on his left. It's that most awesome feeling.

Leaving my daughter in Niagara, for the first time, travelling to Toronto more than an hour away, and falling in line for hours, and waited with the crowd for hours.... is all worth it!!! The V.I.P (Meet n Greet plus concert) ticket price is all worth it!! My hubby.. gave me the most awesome birthday present of my life (next to our drive-thru wedding in Niagara Falls).

I've never had so much fun in my life, maybe since... university days. Never been so free. So belonged. Sharing this precious moment with my friend, Michelle, whom I gave hubby's ticket, and watching her fall in love of Ely is very reminiscent of my Eheads-manic years. Mind you, she has very little idea of the Eraserheads, and even of their songs. All she know is that most people she know is watching the concert. And she was almost headbanging on some of the songs. Did I say, she don't know the lyrics? So yes.... I discovered a new fan. Sharing my gifted Eheads, sharing the love... that connection to every song.

If you'll ask me... would I do that again.... DEFINITELY, YES!!! Bring on another tour... and I'll go wherever possible.

That's how a fan I am.

A Woman's Prerogative

2012-09-06T18:40:00.000-07:00

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02176/pregnant_2176694b.jpg

Philippines' controversial RH(Reproductive Health) Bill has been nothing less but controversial. Politics vs Religion. Cultural Preservation vs Population Control. Pro vs Anti. Yellow vs No Yellow.

My take on the issue is, Reproductive Health is and will always be a woman's prerogative.

By law, or sans law, this is all about being a woman. How you end up with a final decision will affect the woman who is reproducing, no one else.

I firmly believe that when it comes to woman's health, especially when it comes to pregnancy, to be pregnant or not to be pregnant could be decided between the couple, but above all, the woman should have the last word.

What if we have a medical practice in the Philippines of taking out the baby at 8 weeks because there's is no heartbeat that can be found? I wonder how the conservative Filipino will react. Would they ask themselves why they let the RH Bill be passed? Would the mother have enough tears to shed and ask herself where did she go wrong? Why there's no heartbeat? Why can't she keep the baby and wait for the baby's heart to start beating? Would this scenario actually happen?

Because yes... maybe not in Philippines (right now), this scenario does happens. I, personally, had to take days of bed rest because at 8 weeks, the little life in my tummy has no heart beat. I was too scared to stress myself out that I can not let myself cry. Because after 5 days and there's still no heart beat, my baby will be taken out. So I rest and did not stress. After 5 days.... we found a heart beat.

It was torture. It was a very taxing moment for a pregnant woman.

Is this going to happen if RH Bill will be passed?

I have no idea.

One thing I agree after watching all the discussions around RH Bill -- information dissemination, access to information, access to funds, and universal health care especially to pregnant woman all over Philippines is a MUST -- should have been before, a must now, and perfected for the future.

As a woman, I would like to know my choices. My option. And what can I do as a pregnant reproducing woman. Or as a Mother or Mother-to-Be. Support and Information is very important.

I had a roller-coaster pregnancy trimester test results, even if I had such a remarkable OB GYN and medical group in the US. Without the support of my OB GYN and the counselor and information that was shared with us, I would not have known what to do. I would not have known my options.

Hence, I believe in a must for INFORMATION. Maybe it's where we should invest first as a country. With 7100 islands, NOT all the woman has access to information beneficial to their health. Especially when it is about REPRODUCING.

Getty Comfy at her Tita Yolly's

2012-09-06T17:46:00.000-07:00

November, 2009

Khloe started travelling at two months old. A week after she turn two months, she travelled with me and my Mother with four stops/lay-over. Four stops from San Francisco, CA-Charlotte, NC-Buffalo, NY to drop off Mother to go home in Catharines, Ontario Canada. And then flew from Buffalo, NY-Detroit, Mi-Raleigh, NC to stay with her Aunt(Tita) Yolly in Bahama, NC.

Despite it being her first ever travel, she was such a good baby and slept the whole 6 hours and more overnight flight. It's amazing how well she adjusted to the taking-off and landing of the plane. With stroller, car seat and 3 luggage s in tow, my sister was appalled of how I was able to get to North Carolina with no mishaps.

Our stay in her place was one of the most wonderful vacation I ever had. Staying there for 3 weeks doesn't seem to be enough. It's peaceful, calm, serene and very laid back. My sister and brother-in-law, Danny, is one of the most admirable couple I've ever known. Their very simple, nature-style living is such a treat from the busy life I had in California.

I will never think twice of going back there given a chance.

August 26, 2012

My other sister, with her hubby and two kids drove to Bahama, NC with my hubby and our princess, Khloe, in tow. It's my sister's first time to visit Ate Yolly & Danny at her place, and their very first long drive. I am excited for them as were as the kids. Hubby & Khloe are very used to long drives and I am pretty assured they won't have any problem with Khloe even if I am not with them. They got there after 13 hours of driving.

And Khloe just got so comfortable, as if she never left from her last 2009 vacation.

Hubby liked my sister's very serene surrounding. Khloe had a blast playing around, that when the grown ups went out for a drive, she covered her Tita's furniture with her princess stickers.

After resting for a night, they went out the next day for sight-seeing and enjoyed the beauty of Duke Gardens in Durham, North Carolina.

Happy BirthDay, Princess!!!

2012-08-28T05:28:00.002-07:00

Miracle of Love

By: Linda Jones

Months have passed, the day is here

My little angel does appear

God's new masterpiece is done

And my job has just begun.

You are laid upon my breast

So content, you softly rest

My perspective now has changed

Everything's been rearranged.

Helpless eyes look up at me

A whole new world in you I see

Tiny fingers grasp my thumb

A whole new person I've become.

A brand new life I must help mold

From this pure innocence I hold

All of my thoughts are now for you

You have made a dream come true.

Unimagined love -- so much

Your smile, you smell, your laugh, your touch

I thank each day the Lord above

For you, my miracle of love.

August 28, 2009

Khloe Chantalle Rivera

was born

Happy 3rd Birthday, Our Beloved Princess.

Getting Anxious

2012-08-21T21:14:00.001-07:00

I've been anxious the past few days... and I can't seem to narrow it down to a specific reason.
A lot of possible reasons... and maybe drinking more coffee would help me out.

Maybe, I am just way too excited to see hubby again. He's coming in 3 days and we miss him so much. Although it's a quick visit (like, literally just a week and some days), I know father & daughter will bond like crazy. And the bonding moment is making me anxious because they're driving away without me for 2 days.

Maybe, it's because Khloe will be going with her dad for a long drive to see her Tita Yolly & Tito Danny in North Carolina without me. Although they're travelling with my sis, bro-in-law, and her cousins, I still can't get over the fact that she'll be travelling without me. I won't be able to join them until the 3rd day and I'm getting agitated. Atleast my sisters would be there... and I know they would be able to help hubby take care of her.

Maybe, it's because I'll be crossing the border as I fly to Myrtle Beach to join the family. Border-crossing has and always will be a HUGE factor for me to start an anxiety attack. I have enough share of border-crossing stress that facing another one is giving me frantic nerves. I'm hoping this one will go smoothly. Cross-fingers.

Maybe, it's because I am so excited to spend time with my family -- to bond with Ate Yolly again, spend quality time with hubby as we enjoy the beach and the sun, at the same time, with Khloe enjoying her cousins company in a different environment -- vacation mode.

Maybe, I am just stressing myself out for Khloe's birthday because of such a short time (hours?) between getting back home from vacation to her birthday party. I know I tried my best to prepare it in the smoothest way possible, but I always expect glitches here and there. I am just hoping I won't be too tired to fix the glitches and the kids will just have fun on the party.

And lastly, maybe because ..... I simply just wanna do something but can't seem to figure out what.

#really.need.to.de-stress

Multiply will be saying Bye-Bye

2012-08-11T00:29:00.001-07:00

Just like Friendster, Multiply will stop hosting the social game Multiply users has enjoyed for long.

I have my own Multiply Account, and even if I haven't been using it that much as I used to, yet, it is with sad heart to hear them closing the social site. Good thing, this time I am warned in advance and would be able to save photos and videos.

Here's the letter:

Hello. Stefan here, writing you from Multiply HQ in Jakarta, Indonesia.

As most of you are probably aware, Multiply's mission has evolved over the past year and a half to become the biggest and most beloved ecommerce marketplace in two very exciting markets, Indonesia and the Philippines. As our focus has shifted, we have reviewed all of our operations, and made some decisions that will affect everyone here.

From December 1st, we will unfortunately no longer be able to support Multiply in its current form - notably we will be removing the social networking and content sharing part of Multiply (photos, videos, blogs, social messaging, etc.). We have decided to discontinue providing and hosting these services, as we have concluded that other Internet sites who are committed to social networking services will do a better job serving you than we can.
For our existing users of social networking features, we will be providing easy ways for you to either download your stuff (photos, blogs, content, etc), or migrate it to other online services. We'll announce the precise details shortly. It will be your choice whether to download, migrate or just let your content lapse (and get deleted).
For our existing ecommerce users (both buyers and sellers) in Indonesia and the Philippines, there will be no action required.
Regarding any existing Multiply Premium subscriptions we will refund any unused balance, and apologize for any inconvenience this will cause. Please contact customer service to request a refund. Note that this is for Multiply Premium, not the ecommerce related Multiply Trust product.

I am aware of how disruptive this news may be, and understand the disappointment that it may cause. Ultimately this was a business decision, critical to our to success moving forward. Instead, we are excited to pursue our own mission to give the 350 million consumers in Indonesia and the Philippines a great way to buy and sell items online. Our singular focus now is for Multiply to retain its status as a vibrant e-commerce destination in Southeast Asia in the years ahead.

I suspect that many of you will not like this news, and am sorry to have to deliver it now. I hope that you will be able to understand the reasons for our decision and thank you for being a part of the Multiply community over the past eight years.

Stef