Pensieve

Bolinao, Pangasinan

2012-01-23T15:16:00.001+08:00

Woke up at 4 am today in a different but welcomed sorroundings. Several specks of light dotted off the coast off Bolinao. Fishermen! We've rented two airconditioned cottages at Patar, a sleepy barangay of Bolinao, Pangasinan. As a seasoned spur-of-the-moment local tourist, we try to stay away from known and established beach resorts for two reasons: Cost and the joy in discovering something new and beautiful that we can share to others.

We left Manila after lunch and reached Bolinao around 6 pm. We drove to the the Nabi side but the husband decided that the other side of the coast has the more beautiful beaches. Apparently, sometime in his earlier seafaring days touring Asia, they would pass by This side of Bolinao on their way to Singapore. I can just imagine the inner sense of fulfillment he had upon reaching this place when before He was just on a ship looking on this strip of sandy beaches dotted with low lying coconut trees.

We rented the 2 cottages for only 4,500. The cottage occupied by the Insigne family has twin beds wide enough for the couple and their 2 girls. Our cottage is bigger since it has three wide bamboo beds. The husband and i along wit maggie occupied the leftmost bed, the one on the center was claimed by Aj and Abby, the remaining bed by my auntie Net with Yaya annielyn. We asked for an extra bed for The hubster's nephew who also cane along with us.

The rooms are tiled, so they were easy to clean and maintain. We didn't expect that we were cooking so we didnt bring tools with us. Not to worry though because the caretaker lent us theirs so all we needed are the produce to cook for. We went to a little store 3 kilometers away just before the bridge going to Patar. That little store almost have anything we wanted for a cook-out meal. The ice, kerosene and rice we bought at a bigger store just after the bridge.

Dinner consisted of fried yellow fin tuna, tinolang yellow fin tuna, and lechon paksiw. The men had beers while us girls tested Arbor Mists' blackberry. It really is nice sharing meals with friends and family. I am deeply thankful God for this immeasurable blessing. Thankful as well for blessings past and yet to come.

So am gonna post some of the photos taken soon.

Here's the address:

Liberty Beach Resort
Ilog malino, Patar
Bolinao, Pangasinan
Mobile no.09286153017

Where Art Thou O Pain Reliever

2012-01-23T15:15:00.001+08:00

I may have pinched nerve or muscle again on my right shoulder. It is giving me soreness and pain. I over-exerted on the Wii without any stretching. Who would have thought i get this from playing Wii? Well, here's a thought for me: stretch before every physical activity that requires a bit of force. Even sex, I suppose.

So, am back to applying salonpas patch on my sore muscles. I suppose, i will have to buy a liniment or something to somehow ease the pain. I have discontinued buying efficascent for sometime since it is no longer safe for it to be around in our household, methyl salicylate being poison. Maggie has taken to opening small bottles she can get her hands on and although we try to put everything out of reach from her, you can never be too careful with toddlers.

Blue Bay Resort, Laiya, San Juan , Batangas

2012-01-13T18:02:00.000+08:00

Would you like to spend a night or several nights at Laiya, San Juan , Batangas together with your family and friends in an airconditioned cottage all by yourself for only P1,500 ? Yup, that's the amount we paid when we went for a day in the beach at Blue Bay Resort, Laiya , San Juan Batangas. The cottage that we rented accomodates about 15 people, with clean bath and comfort rooms. Also, you can bring groceries or buy at a nearby talipapa and cook everything yourself. By the way, it's the same clean beach anyway but cheaper.

Sorry Eyes

2012-01-12T03:22:00.000+08:00

After the Christmas vacation, we've been hit by conjunctivitis or commonly known as sore eyes. Maggie, the baby in the family was the first to contract it. It just started like she was having low-grade fever and then the following day, her eyes started to have mucus-like discharges and then on the third day she already had red eyes. Initially, it wasn't really a cause for concern because she just sleep it off. What was alarming was that her fever has been on and off for about 5 days now which really peaks at night. On the fifth day, I had her checked up at a Pedia doctor at SM Megaclinic together with Abby who also has sore eyes about a day later than Maggie. The doctor prescribed maxitroll for both of them differing only on the dosage given. That night, i noticed blood already on Maggie's tears. When I told the husband about it, he said it probably because she scratched her eyes or that she had a little cut near her eyelid. I didn't want to appear like an alarmist( which I probably am!), so i let it be. The following morning, she woke up really with dried blood around her eyes. The husband left early for his morning bike so there was no one to tell me to calm down. I went to the ER of Makati Medical Center and had Maggie's eyes checked. Initially, one of the Pedia-On Call told me that it was nothing out of the ordinary and just told it's viral and proceeded to rattle out the things i needed to do with persons afflicted with sore eyes. Maybe she missed the initial interview i had with the attending nurse, so I told her that there was blood in her eyes. That caught her attention. We really should do that. Doctors should sit down and listen with each of their patients even when they have many and especially when they are at the ER. That said, they called for an Opthalmologist consult and the diagnosis was that it really was conjunctivitis and the one that got both my daughters was the hemorrhagic type. I got the feeling that it had something to do with the application with the medicine so i stopped giving it to them and instead just washed their eyes with water. Anyway, they wouldn't open their eyes also when it's time to give them the medication. Also, i read somewhere on the internet that there really is no need to give any medicine for conjunctivitis. Right now, Maggie and Abby still has it although Maggie showed signs of clear eyes except for the side which still show red portions. Abby's eyes are still a bit swollen and still with discharges. A week after Maggie and Abby, Me , AJ and Yaya are infected.

Hopefully, this viral infection will clear up in the next few days.

Tastiest Spanish Bread That Side of Visayas

2012-01-10T17:13:00.000+08:00

If you ever find yourself at the Ferry Port in Allen , Samar locate Larlene's Bakeshop and try their newly baked Spanish Bread. I swear, they have the tastiest Spanish Bread that side of Visayas or even the whole of Philippines. Exagge much?! Go on try it and see if I am not telling the truth. Between me and my three kids ages 7, 5 and 1 we managed to gobbled down P100 worth of spanish bread and that's 50 pieces. I tell you, they are addictive!

Benit Port, Southern Leyte

2012-01-10T16:49:00.002+08:00

It has become a sort of tradition for us to go home to Mindanao by way of a land trip starting from our home here in Luzon, then through Visayas and then finally Mindanao. So yeah, we pretty much get to use the Maharlika or the Nautical Highway started by then President Erap and then later on improved by GMA. Whatever GMA may have done, she really did a good job in connecting our islands through ports and ferries with improved services. And i digress..

Anyway, we left makati around 11 pm December 22, 2011 and reached the Port of Matnog, Sorsogon just enough to catch the 12 noon ferry bound for Samar. The ferry boat took us just below 2 hours and as with time well spent, we barely even mind that we were on a boat. One thing that could be said about Montenegro ferries is that they have faster boats and cleaner too. We dallied a little when we reached Catbalogan because we had to freshen up, washed or take a bath. Somehow, me and the kids have adjusted to life on the road finding out those roadstops that have abundant water and clean restrooms. We also make it a point to call ahead , friends and acquaintances on our way so that we could visit them and get invited for a meal ha ha ha.

Kidding aside, it's a good way to renew friendships especially those whom we barely see because of the distance. Anyway, we had dinner at the home of such friend when we arrived at Tacloban, Leyte. And on our way to Liloan, we were also met by the lovely Maritess Bactindon, wife of the husband's good friend Capt. Allan Bactindon of Bato, Leyte who gave us lots and lots of Suman, and other goodies to enjoy along the way. Really, there is no shortage of good and generous people along the way.

The ride to Liloan was as usual in the dark of night and ashamed to say only the husband was awake since he was the only one driving and it was raining too. When we reached Liloan Port, we were told by the guard that the next sched will be at 4am yet but along the way, the husband saw a new ad about a new port at San Ricardo, Barangay Benit and decided to try it. It's good thing because, the ferry ride took us only less than two hours which is way better than being in a ferry for about 4 hours at Liloan Port. And the terminal is way much cleaner and the ferry boat also. Thumbs up for Montenegro Shipping Lines!

I have to say though that the road going to San Ricardo although well cemented has lots of sharp descending and ascending turns. Not for the faint-hearted driver. Infact going back to Manila, we saw a fuel tank vehicle being hauled up. It must have miscalculated and fall off the ravine. As with all dangerous undertakings, the view makes up for it. Well not exactly makes up but somehow it takes the edges off the danger because really the trip is shortened and you pass through really interesting quaint places that seemed untouched by modernization.

This time, our trip was less tiring and more fulfilling. Although, the husband will probably disagree on account of much needed road repair along Surigao-Butuan stretch and a little bit in Misamis Oriental-Iligan road. Anyway, this time I was able to drive long stretches. So would I recommend San Ricardo Port? Definitely Yes! But always be careful!

Of Painful Legs and Other Concerns

2011-11-27T01:40:00.001+08:00

I've never been the sporty type. Truth of the matter is, my wii fitness age just goes back to 80 from a hight of 78. I'm thinking this because I Have so many aches and you could even say that my favorite nighttime lotion was efficascent oil. Yup, that's true until I read an article about mythel salicylate being poisonous and therefor harmful over time especially when applied all over the body and with cover. So now, as much as I can endure, I don't use it anymore.

Can't sleep. I don't know why. I mean, i've never really been a sleeper. The most number of hours that i have nowadays straight is 3. I used to be able to sleep soundly for 5 houts when the husband was around. Guess, too much on my mind. And i did nap late this afternoon. It didn't help that my right leg is bothering me again. It feels so good to stretch my legs and massage it. And I am also bothered by the fact that i feel this involuntary muscle twitch everywhere in my arms and legs. What is happening to me?

At any rate, I am still thankful to God despite all these concerns. I just have to yack about it, let it out of my system. After all, there is really so much to be thankful about. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Why So Many Worries You Of Little Faith?

2011-11-24T05:12:00.001+08:00

Woke up again around 4pm. Actually, it felt like I have been awake for a while now since my head have been thinking worry thoughts and i have been hearing A particular noise like a grinding if bones in my left ear. I worry about the littlest of things even the sound of breathing. I get thoughts like, is this asthma already? Or something worse. I don't like to entertain those thoughts, mind you. People say the longer your worry list, the smaller your God. I hope not. I would like to believe that my faith in God is bigger except that there are times when I get swamped by worries. Believe, i don't want to be like this at all.

So please forgive me my God in moments like these and comfort me.

Mrs. Kutcher No More

2011-11-20T04:25:00.001+08:00

Latest addition to the un-coupling block. Sad. Really. Just when i thought there's a good chance that a 49 yr old woman and an early 30s man might go the distance.

Nothing breaks up a marriage more than infidelity. Sigh ..

Arrogance Personified

2011-11-18T05:43:00.001+08:00

That is Justice Secretary Leila De Lima appears to me and to others who are more knowledgeable than me in legal matters.

I have always believed the reason we have a Supreme Court is because when things or issues become muddy, the decision of the court is final. And executory. But here is Sec De Lima who refuses to abide by the rule. You have just made the Supreme Court a laughing stock. You've disrespected a great institution that this country looked up to especially in times of trouble. You are so mired in revenge and vindictiveness of PNoy that you have forgotten that justice is not only for the good. That seems to be the running theme of Pnoy's men: that they have monopoly of the good.

I am not a lawyer. But even so. It leaves a bad taste in the mouth to have our Supreme Court being treated like that. Truth be told, i've googled Sec De Lima to understand why she is the way she is now. She used to head the Commission on Human Rights and she has two sons.

What she is saying now is that no other opinion matter, not even that of the highest court of the land. Her opinion alone matters and that to me is arrogance in action.

By the way, i want to see justice done. If the arroyo's are guilty, then please charge them in court. But do not restrict anybody's right to travel in the guise of national security. Enough said. Ugghh

Tangled

2011-11-18T05:17:00.001+08:00

Not really. Been searching for the right word to describe the predicament, we are in. All i can think is the visayan "hasul". Really. Can't say anything about it yet. It feels like everything is magnified when it's written already. Not that anybody is gonna read about it. It's not as if i have even one avid reader. Oh wait, i do. Me. He he

Hhaaahh. I feel like taking a deep breath and exhaling that word in a long time now. It's nearing a year and this transaction is nowhere near completion. I'm crossing my fingers. God Almighty, you lead us to this property and You have always been generous. Please help us resolve this problem to the satisfaction of all parties involved. Amen.

Why so many aches?

2011-11-08T04:28:00.001+08:00

Back to waking up at unholy hours of the night or morning. Partly because I kept on hearing Maggie suck on her thumb. And then am back to my fears. Why the chestpains yesterday early morning when i was about to get up on my right side? Why the stiff neck these past few months? I have chronic hyperacidity, my uric acid is not normal and i feel muscle twitches everywhere. Is it the food I am eating?
Could it be stress from unconcious thought about the fact that i may be without job in the coming months? From this problematic property that we are buying?
Or from the sedentary lifestyle?

You just turned 40 not 60. So stop these aches. Move.

Crippling Fear, Shyness

2011-11-07T06:13:00.001+08:00

Yesterday, I prepared an envelope as mass offering for the dead. I wanted to be the one to offer it during the mass but the church was crowded and with me are my girls who i know will likely go with me during the procession and besides I will be carrying Maggie who is probably around 17 lbs already. So i gave the envelop to my aunt. But when the time came, she just puy it in the collection basket. I must admit, i was really very angry, I feel like shouting at her. It felt like my prayers for the dead came to nothing because it went to the collection basket. Unreasonable, I know since God is a great God and He would understand each and every little thoughts behind our action. I willed myself to let go of my angry feelings, after all we were attending church and thank God my anger disappears slowly that when we reached home, it no longer bothered me.

She said that she didn't go with the rest of those who offered during the mass because, she didn't see anyone who was holding envelop offerings for the dead. Why would that stop her? Is there a church doctrine that prohibits offering prayers for the dead during the offertory? If there is, my fault. But yesterday, i just thougth her actions resulted from shyness or fear of ridicule or admonition. And i shouldn't blame her because I'm sure nobody wanted to be like that, painfully fearful. I don't blame my grandparents for her upbringing, others have much more emotional baggage than that. Besides, they are wonderful grandparents to me. I just needed to point out how much of elife we are missing if we allow it to get hold of us. My aunt is a college graduate. She could have applied for a job, work on her own but she chose to work on the family business, didn't get marry and it's not for shortage of suitors. She talks of Lola having a nervous breakdown sometime in their distant past, maybe she also suffered one just that nobody wad aware of it. I think that she has too much fear in her, crippling her.

I have that also. Fearful thoughts, fear creeps into my head especially at night or dawn waking up thinking. Sometimes, i am so burdened by my fears, i forgot that being alive each day is a wonderful gift already. And so i struggle, everyday to overcome my fears. So help me God.

Handywoman

2011-11-02T03:59:00.001+08:00

So it's 2am and i got up to pee and noticed that the pipes were vibrating due to strong water pressure. Indeed, the pressure's too strong that it made our outside faucet come off and spouted water into the bahaykubo thus temporarily flooding the area.

That's the trouble of not knowing where to turn the water off. Thankfully, i possessed enough sense of turning off the water supply at the main line near the water meter. And to think i was apprehensive of opening the gate because you can never trust to open your gates at unholy hours. You never know of bad elements lurking out there. Yeah, like robbers, etc. But i didn't have a choice because the water meter is outside our gate. Thankfully, there seems to be nobody around. Well, there was these 2 motorcycles ridden by 2 teens riding in tandem that passed by after we already closed the gate. Whew, thank God.

Anyway, i will be buying that thingy that will permanently shut the excess faucet outside that bursted out. And i'll probably the one to do the attaching myself. At any rate, i am just glad that our little problem is caused by an abundance of water instead of the lack of it.

I actually am getting to be a handywoman. Which reminds me, i need to take the car for an oil change or whatever it is that fixes dark smoke coming out of the tailpipe.

Kim Kardashian Divorce

2011-11-01T05:25:00.001+08:00

Whew...after only about 72 days of marriage. Methinks, the marriage is just part of their show. They supposedly earn close to 20M with regards to their wedding ceremony. They certainly know how to profit from their looks!

Supplication

2011-10-25T02:49:00.001+08:00

My eyes want to sleep but thougts are whirling in my brain. That and my right leg is acting up again. I'd really like a massage right now, that would help me sleep. The discomfort on my right side just below the breast bone is bothering me, conjoring not fearful thoughts. Haah. Dear God, please help me. Heal me.

Always at a cost

2011-10-25T01:57:00.001+08:00

I've been thinking about how fortunate we are to have found this place we have now that we call home. Fortunate in the sense that we found a place that's right within Metro Manila, in Makati nonetheless where residents have better benefits in comparison, the cost of which is within our budget, and there is ample space for a garden. For those of us who have been living in the city, we always appreciate space because it's an expensive commodity. Of course, if you are super rich it would not be a problem. Infact, nothing would be a problem if you have the money. But to us who belongs to the working class who depends on loans to be able to acquire properties, it is terribly difficult to find such a place. One could buy properties in the outskirts of metro manila with sufficient frontyard for a garden at a price we could consider affordable.

So anyway, you'd ask at what cost? Let me just say with a lot of headaches. We didn't know it would be this hard to purchase a property the title of which has not yet been transferred to the heirs. We are still working on it now and it is still giving us headaches since the bank is taking it's time releasing the Proceeds of the loan. But i refuse to let it affect me. I can always pray.

Lets Face It

2011-10-22T04:37:00.001+08:00

I had a whole body massage at Let's Face It - SM Megamall for an hour which costs 560. I specifically asked the therapist to use only soft massage since i've been feeling pain on my right ribcage or somewhere there for sometime now. I prefer aromatic oils to lotion and i didn't bother to ask what the oil was coz i liked it anyway. It seemed like a combination of lavender and peppermint. The massage is good but i would have liked it if she concentrated more on the upper back and the shoulders. Perhaps, i should have extended the session just for the hands. I specially liked the 3 rolls of hot towels they give at the end of the massage since i used them for hot compress on my feet and hands.

It is expensive compared to massages offered outside of malls. Hanuel Spa located at acacia lane in mandaluyong offers body massage at 250 only inclusive of shower and sauna. Am just not sure though if they change beddings after every massage. Maybe they do, yet the last time i went there i felt itchy. Also, Asian Massage offers the same service whether in their various branches or at home at the same cost 250. But the last time i called them up there was no reply, hence.

RIP Steve Jobs

2011-10-06T21:28:00.001+08:00

Thanks for the ithings. It has helped me through some of my rough days. Now, i am sharing the joys of the Ipod with my children.

40 Dream Destinations

2011-10-06T07:39:00.001+08:00

I'm sort of in a roll to write today and for sometime now i have been thinking of writing a piece on the places I would like for me and my family to go to. Originally, i thought of it as places to go before turning forty but well, oppurtunity and money wise, it wasn't possible. So instead, the following places are the ones I would like to visit together with my family(eventhough some of those i already visited myself) after all it would only be half as much fun if i do visit these places alone.

1. Rome, Italy

2. France

3. London, UK

4. Spain

5. Palawan, Philippines

6. New York, USA

7. Washington DC,USA

8. Seoul,South Korea

9. Tokyo, Japan

10. Thailand

11. Hongkong

12. Singapore

13. Scotland

14. San Francisco, California

15. Los Angeles, California

16. Washington State

17. Incheon, South Korea

18. Nice, France

19. Malaysia

20. Copenhagen, Denmark

21. Germany

22. Taj mahal, india

23. Ho chi minh, Vietnam

24. Boracay

25. Iloilo

26. Camiguin

27. Cebu

28. Bohol

29. Disneyland, anywhere

30. Florida

31. Davao

32. Thailand

33. Dubai

34. Grand Canyon (USA)

35. Niagara Falls, Canada

36. Australia

37. Amsterdam

38. Great Wall, China

39. Rio de janeiro, Brazil

40. Las Vegas

My basis for choosing each of those places are arbitrary. Some of those i have included are infact world famous destinations while others are settings of novels i have read. I am already exciting to embark on our first place on my list!

Murder of Mila Dumaguit

2011-10-06T03:45:00.001+08:00

I was at Makati City Hall yesterday to process much-needed documents and so i personally witness the place a-buzzed with the death by ambush of asst. Administrator(?) of makati social welfare department. Whatever department you go to, there were groups of 3 or 4 huddled in the corner or in someone else's desks talking in hushed tone about the incident. The noon time mass was offered for her soul and the safety of her driver who was said to be still alive but in critical condition.

Indeed, there are many reasons that will drive a man to kill but in her case what could it be? Why kill a 52 year old woman who is not even the head of a department? I heard snippets of conversations yesterday about possible motives which probably why am writing about it now. A case of wanting to immitate murder she wrote but failing miserably. News stories about her fail to write if she left a husband and children or any family she had. It is time, news should be comprehensive in its reporting.

Whatever the reason, i do hope that she gets the justice due her and may she still rest in peace.

40 and Fabulous

2011-10-05T04:25:00.001+08:00

It's not everyday that you get to turn the big 40 and so i took the day off from work. Well, not exactly the whole day because i did went to the Assesor's office at makati city hall, gah but that's another post.

So I attended the 6 o'clock mass as was my birthday tradition eversince and got singularly blessed because Father Roy asked if there is someone who is celebrating their birthday that day and only i was raising my hand. I walked all the way from the back pew to the front to be blessed and got a round of applause from all the other church-goers. I chose to think that God made that for me because I was secretly hoping that the hubster would atleast give me flowers to surprise me or whatever never mind that he's million of miles away working on a ship drifting at sea. I suppose, it never came to his mind to surprise me knowing it's my 40th and all. But then that is not cause for despair and i chose instead to treasure his message to me. Be that as it may, i resolve to look at the brighter side of things now.

These 40 something celebrities like gwyneth paltrow and jennifer aniston inspire me to also take concrete steps to be fabulous. I declare that I will be a better and sexier version of me now. He he kidding aside, looking good also makes me feel good. Now is the time that i will make use of make up to my advantage, the barely there type that is. Choose outfits carefully which accentuates my best features and hides the flabbies. He he. And it is now the time to work on regularizing any physical fitness that i can think of. At the very least, i need to shed off 5 pounds.

Beyond that, God is simply amazing. When i looked back and contemplate on what i went through, there is nothing but gratefulness in my heart in God for the people in my life, my family mostly the husband and my three pretty daughters, my parents and aunt, my sisters. I was never big with friends but with the little that i have, these are the nicest set of friends anyone can ask for. It helped a lot that i get to work with nice people too. Next to people, i'd say I am fortunate that i have work and work that i actually enjoy never mind the fact that it involves accounting for money that is not my own. And answered prayer requests ranging from good health to pacifying inner demons to everything in-between that makes life interesting. So, i am really just thankful. To God.

It is true that when you take everything as if it is a miracle rather than part of everyday routine, you'll have a more sense of calm and awe. Well, there are days when the blues come a-visiting but largely for the most part, it is up to you how you take things. This mindset will probably help me on the road to a more fabulous life.

So anyway, people say 40 is the new 30. I think that is true. I find grey hairs every now and then but i don't feel old at all. Perhaps old is just a mindset no?Madonna doesn't look like she's aging. Demi Moore also. These are the pop icons of my youth and so i naturally admire them for cultivating the youthful attitude. I hope, i do not sound vain or that i put too much emphasis on the physical. Not at all. I am only blabbing on something that has taken a backseat before. I was never that concern for physical appearances and so now,i'm just saying it also helps if you're look good and fit.

That said, i say yes to a more fabulous life.

Superpowers

2011-09-23T04:14:00.001+08:00

I marathon-watched the xmen movies lastweek and one power that would have been wonderful to have is the capacity to heal yourself, the one wolverine has other than his adamantium claws. Seeing how i seem to have all this aches and fears, it would probably be a comfort in a way. But i suppose, if i have that then i would have a host of other problems to worry about. So then, i'm better off with what i have.

Yep. I think that we do have powers within us which borders on the supernatural( very wide border, that is). People say that love wanes or fades slowly in time. I don't know about you but i am like those people whose love just persist no matter the season, and even when there is no more reason. I suppose, not loving could be learned but it would be extra difficult for someone like me. Plus, i can emphatize with almost everyone.

The husband's personal power is like that of mystique. He is a chameleon but a lot more subtle. It serves him well and he knows how to use his power to his advantage. I actually envy that part in his psyche that knows no fear or limits. There is so much of him that he does not let on.

I don't know which personal powers would be great for my children. As a mother, i don't want for them to be hurt in anyway. And i sure would like for them to lead happy and comfortable lives. But i do want for them to walk seeking always God's guidance.

On Not Getting Attached To Things

2011-09-20T20:42:00.001+08:00

Learned somethings today:

1. If you buy real estate where the title is under the name of the parents both deceased, make sure that before you transact with anybody you have already seen the special power of attorney authorizing that somebody to sell and that there is already an extrajudicial settlement signed by all the heirs. The spa and the extra judicial settlement should already been notarized. If it's not notarized, it's not legal.

2. Ask for copies of latest real property Tax receipts.

3. If you haven't checked the title, do it. Check if there are encumbrances and what kind. Ask a lawyer to help you. Example of encumbrances could be that it is currently mortgaged. A clean title meaning without encumbrances is always preferable.

4. If you apply for a loan using the property you want to buy, tell the bank loan officer all the details. Don't assume that just because they have an investigator, they know everything. If the owners are dead, tell them. The more they know , the more that you will be protected later on because they will make sure that they have a firm hold on their investment.

5. There's no way you'll get lost if you have access to google map, use it.

6. Be polite to all parties involved even when they are not appointed on the spa, you might need their help later on.

With all the difficulties involved in buying a property, i am telling myself not to get attached even when we already like it to the point of spending so much on improvements. Give it all the effort you can and then more, if nothing comes out of it still then let go. By the way, prayer counts a lot so you might want to commit everything first.

People Person

2011-09-19T06:34:00.001+08:00

Given the choice between entertaining friends and dvd bonding with the kids or reading a good book, i'll take the bonding with the kids everytime. Or reading a good book. I don't like listening to other people's stories or entertaining them especially if they are not my friends and especially not in my home. My home is a place for relaxation for me and my family. No negativity, please. If you come to visit to vent your anger over someone, don't come to me. Don't come to our house. You are bringing so much negativity into our home.

Of course, like an intelligent person i am treating this weekend as a lesson in human relations: Pacifying Conflict. So i listened. I really tried. If you know me, you would have shoutef hurrah for my achievement. I tolerated listening to you and your selfish rants and accusations over someone i really don't have any connections with except for a purely business transaction. I guess i could give myself a pat on the back for a job well done. Listening to your rants and rave is no mean feat, you know.

I suppose i could just tell you to keep your conflict between you. I could but i didn't. I let you blow off steam. I do hope that you felt a little less burdened, a little less angry, a little more understanding and a lot more discerning.

Please don't come visit again with your problems. I've had enough of it.