carpe diem

On her 60th Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Inya) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 14:51:00 +0000

January 2 is my late mother-in-law's natal day. Sad, she's no longer with us after we lost her in a tragic incident. But we still celebrated her 60th birthday today. If only she's alive, I bet she'll enjoy the party too. Here are some snapshots.

Happy grandchildren

Some danced to the groove

We had a simple powerpoint presentation about MIL and kids featuring her favorite music.
Behind all the fun, we still pray for justice on her death.

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Inya) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 04:34:00 +0000

It's a rainy New Year! Look at the pavement, it's all wet but still we lighted three fountains to welcome 2009 with a bang!

Mass demonstration in school

noreply@blogger.com (Inya) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 10:26:00 +0000

Karl Joaquin and classmates before their stint

Karl and cousin Edward at the school corridor

Edward dancing with his fellow classmates

Karl (second to the last) doing it good.

Ben Ten experience

noreply@blogger.com (Inya) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 06:25:00 +0000

After I received Karl's report card in school, we attended Ben Ten Omnitrix Overload multimedia activity in Trinoma. Karl was so excited to see Ben Ten, Fourarms and Wildmutt. My son even won special gifts when he participated in the games.

He won twice and received Ben Ten stickers and ballpen. I can see how happy he was during the activity but his faced turned sad when he was not able to have a picture taking with Ben 10. When I asked the usherrette, she said that the ticket was sold out the day before. Karl's father even beg if they could at least include Karl in the line but they strictly imposed the policy. And because of that, Karl got teary-eyed while some kids really cried.

My successful Kare-Kare

noreply@blogger.com (Inya) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 07:12:00 +0000

Kare-Kare is one of my hubby's favorite dishes but I seldom cook it. My first attempt cooking Kare-Kare was on my birthday last year because not only my hubby wanted it, I remember my late mother-in-law asked for it too. Since it was my first attempt, I asked Ate Edith's help.
Last week was the second time I prepared Kare-Kare all by myself. I did not use ox tail since I can't find one in the plea market so I just bought pig's hock (pata) and the vegetables including, eggplant, banana blossoms and string beans.
Excited and a bit nervous while cooking Kare-Kare, I even forgot the important ingredient - the salted shrimp paste or alamang, so we just bought the ready-to-eat alamang in the mini grocery. Here is how my Kare-Kare looked like, I'm sorry because hubby just remembered taking pictures of it when they're almost done eating.I got big smiley face after because they all like it.

Ponk's long vacation

noreply@blogger.com (Inya) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 05:41:00 +0000

After the first quarterly examination, Ponks had a 4-day long vacation and during those times, we treated him in a movie house. Since Ponks is a big fan of comedian Vic Sotto, what else would we watched but Dobol Trobol, where comedy king Dolphy was also casted.
After that, we went window shopping but what will you expect if you're in the mall with your little kid? Of course, more about buying toys! Even though Ponks promised that he won't ask us to buy one for him until his examination grades was released.
Oh well, he's a kid and he breaks promises and so he went home with a Ben 10 toy and 3 Hot wheels and I just told him that there will be no reward whatever the result of his exams would be.

Olympics opening

noreply@blogger.com (Inya) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:35:00 +0000

Karl and classmates

noreply@blogger.com (Inya) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:03:00 +0000

Five of Karl's classmates attended his birthday party, some where accompanied by their parents. I noticed that his classmates are bigger and taller than my son, but I learned that most of them are already turning 8 this year unlike Karl who just turned 7.
Anyway, a day after the party, Karl still received gifts from some of his classmates who were not able to attend the occasion. One even sent him a letter about their friendship and I was so overwhelmed with it. I hope Karl mingles well with his classmates.

Weekend Snapshot #11: Seven

noreply@blogger.com (Inya) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:20:00 +0000

We had a hard time finding this piece of cake because my son wanted a Ben 10 theme.
Thanks to Red Ribbon that offers this kind of cake motif.
I'm planning to look for Ben 10 apparel on eBay since it is not yet available in Philippine market.

Weekend Snapshot# 10: Prayers

noreply@blogger.com (Inya) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 08:29:00 +0000

This is the ill-fated MV Princess of the Stars when members of the Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Navy examined it in the shore of Sibuyan Island, Romblon. Authorities said there's no sign of life when they reached the place. The ship carries more than 800 passengers and crews when it capsized Sunday morning at the height of typhoon Frank.
Let us pray for the survivors and for those who suffered and lost their lives in the sea tragedy.

Weekend Snapshot #9: On Dad's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Inya) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 06:05:00 +0000

A snapshot of a happy father and son
is like the sunrise that's worth waiting to see over and over again.
To those in the Western side, Happy Father's Day!

Tribute to my better half

noreply@blogger.com (Inya) — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 06:52:00 +0000

A Father means so many things...
A understanding heart,
A source of strength and of support
Right from the very start.
A constant readiness to help
In a kind and thoughtful way.
With encouragement and forgiveness
No matter what comes your way.
A special generosity and always affection, too
A Father means so many things
When he's a man like you...

Happy Father's Day!

School preparation

noreply@blogger.com (Inya) — Tue, 27 May 2008 03:45:00 +0000

This last week of May will cover more activities for school preparation. Yes, I still need to buy a lot of new stuffs since Ponks is a transferee. He needs new school and P.E. uniforms, new books and school supplies.
We went to his school this morning and purchased his school uniform but clothes for P.E. was not yet available.
I can see how excited Ponks was when he's fitting the uniform and when his aunts arrived that night, he showed them his new school uniform while marching and humming. It's a funny moment but I was not able to take pictures due to too much happiness that night.
I hope his excitement will go through even in school days.

Weekend Snapshot #8: So relaxing

noreply@blogger.com (Inya) — Mon, 26 May 2008 04:03:00 +0000

Look at the blue sky, the green grass, the bougainvillea and the sea depicting how wonderful life on earth is.

Diversion

noreply@blogger.com (Inya) — Thu, 22 May 2008 05:36:00 +0000

Kids today are so exposed to technology that they indulge their day in front of a computer or game consoles. And this summer, Ponkan has more time playing his Gameboy Advance or PSP with his cousin Em-Em from daytime and at nighttime.
When I arrived home from work, Ponks would always ask me about cheat codes. With so much ignorance, I asked his dad what little Ponks was talking about. I don’t understand what cheat code is until he told me that it’s an instruction for the game GTA which they are fond of playing right now. My kid asked me to download cheat codes and print it for him. And so I did.
I am worried because it seems Ponks is so hook on playing internet games and PSP and I might have a hard time to convince him to focus on his studies since school year is about to begin. I am worried because he has less physical activities.
One morning, I asked him to go outside, call Em-Em and other playmates. I fetched a pail of water and made a line out of it on the ground. The two kids asked me what am I doing and I answered that we will play a new game that requires more physical activities – patintero.
At first, they keep on asking what to do but when they learn about the game they started to have fun and love playing it. I told them to play it in the morning because it’s a good form of exercise.
The strategy helps me to slowly take away Ponk’s attention on his PSP and totally control him playing game consoles. Next week, I will introduce him with his books, papers, pencils and colors again in preparation for the incoming school year in his new school.

He's in

noreply@blogger.com (Inya) — Tue, 20 May 2008 05:21:00 +0000

Ponks is now officially a transferee. Yes, I enrolled him to another school where his cousin is studying. We have a hard time deciding about it but we wanted all the best for him.
I have settled the tuition fee and we just need to buy his books and notebooks at the school.
He's excited to go to his new school and keep on asking when will the school year start. Although he also asked me if he could still be with his former classmates and friends in his old school and I just answered that he invite them in his birthday party come July. And he gave me a big grin.

Weekend Snapshot #8: Banahaw de Lucban

noreply@blogger.com (Inya) — Mon, 19 May 2008 04:15:00 +0000

This is Mt. Banahaw (13,000 feet high). I was about to set-foot at it's peak but an unexpected event happened when we were at the camp base of Banahaw de Lucban. Some of my colleagues retracted to climb. Maybe some other time, I just said to myself.

No hassle shopping

noreply@blogger.com (Inya) — Tue, 13 May 2008 08:09:00 +0000

Malls are flocked by people during summer because it is air-conditioned and you can find a lot of entertainment you want because it is a one-stop-shop. But it’s hard to go shopping these days because school year is near and malls are expected to be loaded with shoppers who buy school supplies like notebooks, ball pens, shoes, uniforms and bags.

Good thing that there is online shopping where you can conveniently shop at your own home. You can find collectible items too like comic books and even stamps from different countries. There’s a wide range of products to choose from and you won’t have a tired feet browsing a lot of stuffs.

You don’t need to worry because the product will be delivered right to your doorstep. Shopping is never been this fun and easy so try to shop online and you can save a lot of your time for your self and other important matters.

Weekend Snapshot #7: Red Bananas

noreply@blogger.com (Inya) — Mon, 12 May 2008 05:41:00 +0000

Did you notice the Red bananas? Yes, those are Red bananas! I found that during our visit in Lucban, Quezon. I thought it was just a story, now I found out Red bananas are real.

Mother's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Inya) — Sun, 11 May 2008 05:02:00 +0000

These are some of the messages I received during Mother's Day.

1) "Grace and beauty will fade but the woman who fears the Lord shall be blessed forever." Happy Mother's Day...not yet too late to greet.

2) A mom is God's love in action. She looks with her heart and feels with her eyes. A mom is the bank where her children deposit all their worries and hurt. A mom is the cement that keeps her family together and her love lasts a lifetime. Happy Mother's Day!

3) Roses for a pretty mother who deserve all the love in the world! Happy Mother's Day!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Relaxing with nature

noreply@blogger.com (Inya) — Sat, 03 May 2008 06:10:00 +0000

For a day, I was able to see this pristine falls in Majayjay, Laguna. I jumped to the water though it was freezing cold. Like the rapids that banged on the stones,
I was too excited to feel the running water cover my body, I let myself sinked in and drifted with the current.

Welcome home, Jack!

noreply@blogger.com (Inya) — Thu, 01 May 2008 06:06:00 +0000

Jack, my friend and former officemate just arrived home from Malaysia. For twelve days, she'll spend some time with her family and friends including us.
Jack used to be my buddy at work. We're both Librans and we usually share celebrations of our natal days.
She grabbed the opportunity for a greener pasture by working abroad, in Malaysia where she enjoys her job in a casino in Genting Highlands.
Just a couple of months after she resigned, her sister and boyfriend were lucky to be employed in Genting Highlands too.
Now, she has spent a year and eight months abroad (that’s how fast time flies) and her contract is for three years. If only I decided that early too, I should be xperiencing a better life now.
Too much for self contemplation, for the meantime, we will celebrate life again with Jack. Welcome home, friend.

Dental plan

noreply@blogger.com (Inya) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 05:55:00 +0000

I have my third molar tooth extracted last weekend. I went to a new dentist since my other dentist was on a month long vacation. He asked me about my health history and made sure I am all right before going to the procedure. Dr. Reyes even asked me if I have any dental insurance like Ameriplan so he can process it after.
With butterflies on my stomach, I sat on the dentist chair and Dr. Reyes noticed what I’m feeling. I am coward with needles and even the doctor gave me topical anesthesia, I still can’t relax myself.So ashamed, I just can’t help my fear until the procedure was done though I didn’t really felt any kind of pain.
Dr. Reyes just smiled and told me that my tooth was already extracted. When I saw my tooth in his hands, that’s the only time I felt relief. Again he reminded me about dental insurance like Ameriplan that offers discounts on dental procedures.He said I can recommend friends that are interested to apply for Ameriplan and he will assist us to get one.

I miss you

noreply@blogger.com (Inya) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 07:06:00 +0000

"I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you can appreciate them when they’re right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together."

Changing colors

noreply@blogger.com (Inya) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 08:00:00 +0000

Remember I blogged about my decision to have my hair colored? Yeah, but unfortunetly my hair is still in black because I don't have time to go in a salon or even have enough time for myself. Sigh.
But as I was lurking on the web I got this tip about hair coloring and it says,

If you have warm skin, opt for golden shades such as caramel and bronze in a darker shade than your skin. Avoid jet-black hair which will wash you out and if you do opt for a golden shade, don't go too light or your hair could turn orange. If you have cool shade, avoid colors that will highlight the ruddiness of your skin tone: Gold, auburn and copper. Ash blonde and cool browns work best.

So since I'm under the warm category, I'll be choosing darker shades. At least I have learned something before I jump on the parlor seat and avoid being frustrated with the wrong hair color I chose for myself.