La Vida Rosa

Lincoln Eleven

2015-08-20T11:26:00.000+08:00

Artwork by Samantha Claire

Lincoln Joseph is now 11 years old. I fondly call him LJ. Even as a very young boy, he is matured for his age, he gives way most of the time. He is understanding and obedient. He is responsible in a lot of ways. He humbly asks for forgiveness when he commits mistakes. He is still a work in progress and I am so grateful to the Lord for him.

It is my prayer that LJ will grow in his faith with God, as he daily discovers how to apply what he reads in the Bible and what he learns from the Sunday School. May he pursue Christ as his life's mission. May the Lord bless the works of his hands all the days of his life.

The artworks in this post are all lovingly done by his sister, Samantha Claire. Best Buds. They are both homeschooled so they have each other all the time...studying, playing, planning, arguing and fighting included.

At eleven, time will swiftly pass by. As I would tell LJ and Sam, "Don't be in a hurry to grow up, enjoy each moment of your life, doing what is pleasing to the Lord.".

Happy 11th Birthday LJ!

McDonald's Kiddie Crew Workshop 2015

2015-04-24T19:19:00.000+08:00

Sam and LJ

This is the second time that LJ and Sam joined the Mcdonald's Kiddie Crew Workshop, the first time was in 2013, they were only eight and seven years old then.

Although this is a repeat experience to them, they both loved it! They enjoyed each day of the 5 days workshop. They are also more matured to understand the values formation lecture on teamwork, hard work, responsibility, and sharing.

Sam

During their graduation day, they performed the McDonald's Kiddie Crew Theme Song entitled "Make It Happen". It is a meaningful song so i would like to share the You Tube video with lyrics with you:

This one is their version:

LJ with his trainors

Seeing them having fun after the workshop is so much fun for me as well. :-)

La Vida Rosa with LJ and Sam

For more details, click this LINK, and this LINK.

Recommended Post:
A Summer Experience to Remember

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Glorious Hope

2015-04-16T13:35:00.001+08:00

I was one of the participants of the Glorious Hope Recovery Program in 2014. My experience was both enriching and life changing.

I had a traumatic experience in 2013 and this led me to do some reflecting. I know that I needed emotional healing from the painful event of my life so when i learned about Glorious Hope during a worship service that I attended on the same year, i knew that it was the program for me.

I finished the step studies and it is helping me with my daily journey. :-)

I am so happy to share that there is another season this year and it's happening on April 18, 2015. It is open to everybody.

" Life's problem wouldn't be called hurdles if there wasn't a way to get over them." - Unknown

Image Credit: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryprogram/

What: Glorious Hope Opening

When: April 18, 2015 Saturday

1pm to 5pm

Where: CCF Center, Social Hall

Frontera Verde, Ortigas Avenue corner C5 Road, Pasig City

Map: Click HERE to view a map

Contact Persons:

Butch 0939-924-4596

Sue 0917-521-1527

Lyn 0922-819-2462

To know more about the Glorious Hope Program, please visit the following links:

Facebook: Glorious Hope

Facebook: Recovery Program

CCF website

You Tube: Glorious Hope

Enjoy watching this video about Glorious Hope!

La Vida Rosa at the start, during and end of the Glorious Hope Program in 2014.

See you on April 18, 2015!

Recommended Posts:
La Vida Rosa!
A Summer Experience to Remember
20 Ways You Can Be The Best Friend Ever
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Let's get connected!

Like La Vida Rosa on Facebook HERE

Follow @LaVidaRhosa on Twitter HERE
View @LaVidaRhosa on Instagram HERE

La Vida Rosa!

2015-04-12T17:43:00.004+08:00

My Family in December 2014

La Vida Rosa! It's been awhile since my last post.

I have been struggling in updating this blog, i somehow felt that my writing momentum got drowned to the daily busyness of life. I thank my writing teacher and i remembered what she said: "Writing is not dependent on one's mood. Writing is a discipline.". So here I am, :-) i will do this!

The past ten months have been life changing to me. What have I been up to?

The following are some milestones of the past months:

1. Our family transferred home in June 2014.
2. I started homeschooling my two younger kids in July 2014.
3. I attended and finished Glorious Hope Program from April to October 2014.
4. I attended and finished the study on the Life of Moses from August 2014 to April 2015.
5. My eldest child graduated from high school last March 2015.
6. More great moments in between and beyond!

I will write a separate post on each of the significant events that I have experienced especially on homeschooling and on being a full time homemaker. I will also be sharing my valuable learning on the step study of the Glorious Hope Program and my insights on Bible Study Fellowship's season on the Life of Moses.

You can expect some changes in this blog, not only in the design but on the content itself. I am excited to share my life's journey.

Meanwhile, i will keep on writing and enjoy it with you! Have fun reading La Vida Rosa!

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Related Posts:
A Summer Experience to Remember
I took up a Writing Class

Let's get connected!

Like La Vida Rosa on Facebook HERE

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A Summer Experience to Remember

2014-06-01T03:19:00.002+08:00

This Summer is special to me and my family. There's a lot of life changing events happening to us this season and the top on our list is we are moving house!

To be able to smoothly transfer to our new home, I need the cooperation of my children. Unnecessary stress and resistance won't help to the already overwhelming task. We have to embrace this change with all happiness!

With this in mind, Summer played a major role to prepare my children to the transition. With the suggestion of Jason, my husband, I started my strategy with mind setting and creative persuasion.

For my eldest son, Solomon, we convinced him to take a summer job and he willingly agreed by training as a crew to our new sausage brand, Big J. Sol's primary role is to cook and he's enjoying it! :-) On his rest days, Sol joins the family activities.

My two younger children, Lincoln Joseph and Samantha Claire had more free time to do activities. To balance the fun and productivity, i plan our things to do with LJ and Sam. I involve the kids with my schedule.

Our first family activity this summer was our visit to Museo Pambata. I volunteered as a storyteller during the Pasinaya 2014. I also invited my nephews to join us. The children had a blast! They were asking "When are we coming back?" and we were still at the Museum at that time.

I always encourage my children to play outdoor to control their time playing computer games. So when the opportunity came to visit the Sunken Garden at University of the Philippines Diliman campus, we went excitedly. I failed to take pictures during the visit so when i brought the kids to Damar Village Park at Quezon City, i made sure to capture the unforgettable moments with their cousins! Thanks to Dick, Vivian and Vince for accompanying us.

Aside from visiting the parks during the Holy Week, we took the time to sort and box our clothing and assorted things. I rewarded the kids ice cream!

We were invited to a swimming birthday party at Quezon City Sports Club one sunday. Sol was on duty so i brought LJ and Sam with me. We were the last guests to leave the pool. Do i need to say more? :-)

The third park we visited this summer was the Fern Garden located at Quezon City Memorial Circle during the Summer Reading Camp by Diksyonaryo Atbp. Sol had work that day so he was not able to join us. LJ and Sam met new friends, did arts and crafts, read books and listened to stories. They were also given a book each to take home. Thank you Diksyonaryo! Thank you Lia!

After months of preparation, we are finally moving home in few days. To be able to bond with my family this way is truly one summer worth remembering!

Korean Casual Dining: Leann's Tea House

2014-05-28T14:31:00.003+08:00

My palate is trained to love anything oriental and to add to my Asian taste bud is anything Korean! Kimbap and Bibimbap! Korean food sounds good and it taste even better! :-)

I visited Korea a long time ago and if i am not mistaken, it was in 1994. All I know about Korea back then was that they are fashionable, the climate is cold and the food is spicy. During that time, I was working at the leading homegrown shoe boutique brand in the country and my former employer sent me to Seoul to check out the latest on the department stores' window displays.

That Seoul trip was memorable to me because it was my first time to travel out of the country alone, without any companion. I will write a post on my travel adventure to Korea when i found the old photos. Don't worry, I will surely find it since we are moving home and i am in the process of sorting my things. Please stay tuned at La Vida Rosa!

Meanwhile last Wednesday, May 21, 2014, i had the privilege to join other Mommy Bloggers to dine at Leann's Tea House at Mother Ignacia Quezon City. What else is a better way to enjoy lunch but with the company of women who shares the same passion - food and blogging!

Please take note of the Korean Doll's Kimono. I would like to wear a Hanbok someday. I will be adding that to my wishlist. :-) #CosplayerWannabe

Leann's Tea House is a newly opened authentic Korean restaurant. The owners' love for family and food prompted them to open a restaurant. One of the owners personally runs it to ensure quality healthy food and great service.

I saw this at the second floor. I have a slight fixation on horses. :-)

Some of the dishes that I recommend are the following:

Top left to right: Seafood Pancake, Tonkatsu Kimbap. Bottom left to right: Bibimbap, Seafood Doenjang Jjigae.

Seafood Pancake with squid, ouster and shrimps. Hameul Jeon. P 250. Good for sharing. I am partial to seafood and eggs so i just love Hamuel Jeon! The shrimp portion is very generous and the vegetable is cooked with the right crisp.

Rice Roll wrapped in breaded pork. Tonkatsu Kimbap. P 250. Good for sharing. A winner! You will find yourself craving for more of this. A great appetizer. Sulit!

Mixed Rice with beef, assorted vegetables and egg. Bibimbap. P 210. The bright colors and appetizing presentation is a feast to the eyes. Hot! Hot! Hot!

Mixed Seafood in soybean soup. Seafood Doenjang Jjigae. P 300. Good for sharing. Ingredients used are visibly fresh and prepared to perfection. :-)

Top left to right: L.A. Galbi, Spicy Daeji Gui.

Barbequed Beef Short Ribs. L.A. Galbi. P 420. Good for two. The meat is lean and tender. The marination is tasty.

Spicy Pork BBQ. Spicy Daeji Gui. P 220. A must for pork lovers!

I offered to do the grilling and cutting to our side of the table. Mommy Pinky Cuayong did it for the rest. It gives a good experience to anticipate your meat being grilled right in front of you!

Mommy Blogger Pinky Cuaycong in action!

Shabu-Shabu in two soup base, seafood and beef. P 420. Good for sharing.

When you visit Leann's Tea House, you will meet Ivan and the rest of the team. They can prepare your shabu-shabu on their yinyang shaped wok. I had the clear soup base. The balls are firm and not mushy, premium quality talaga.

Paradise Passion.

Special recommendation to sweet tooth like me. You should definitely try Paradise Passion, a drink and dessert in one! It has Peanut Butter, Banana, Vanilla & Oreo. Peanut Butter Paradise indeed! Tip: It's hard to finish this drink alone so sharing with your companion would be great.

Leann's Tea House can house 100 guests at a time. They pride of serving food MSG free. They serve complimentary tea or dessert on lunch and dinner. They even have set meals worth p180 each and that goes with free Iced Tea! Very competitively priced.

For diners who love to unwind, Leann's Tea House also serve Korean specialty cocktails, Soju.

Kimbap, Bibimbap.......K-Pop, Sandara Park! Enjoy Korean! Bring your family and friends to Leann's Tea House!

Leann's Tea House - Korean Casual Dining

For reservation and delivery, please call 02-4118902

105-R Mother Ignacia St. Quezon City Philippines

Tuesdays to Sundays

11AM to 2PM; 6PM to 10PM

Map credit: https://www.facebook.com/Leannsteahouse

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Thank you Leann's Tea House for hosting Mommy Bloggers Philippines. Thank you Mommies! It was great meeting you in person!

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FREE Online Marketing Seminar

2014-05-23T01:12:00.000+08:00

The Department of Trade and Industry-Bureau of Domestic Trade, DTI-BDT, has an on-going Sikat Pinoy National Fashion Fair at SM Megamall, Megatrade Halls 1 to 3, Mandaluyong City until May 25, 2014.

The sausage brand i co-founded with my spouse in 2005 was a product of DTI's National Trade Fair. If you are a start up company and is exploring to go into business, this is the right venue to start.

Visit the trade fair and you can scout for suppliers, find ideas and reinforce your plans. You will be encouraged to see how entrepreneurs start small and grow big.

The FREE Online Marketing Seminar by Air21 Global is scheduled on May 24-25, 2014, 9:30-10:30am. There are also other free seminars and demos. Please contact DTI-BDT for more details:

DTI-BDT

02-7513223

bdt@dti.gov.ph

https://www.facebook.com/SikatPinoyFairs

Image source: https://www.facebook.com/SikatPinoyFairs

FREE ADMISSION until May 25, 2014. FREE Online Marketing Seminar. Go Visit! There's nothing to lose but everything to gain.

Please like La Vida Rosa on Facebook HERE or follow @LaVidaRhosa on Twitter HERE.

Sources credit:

Social PR Online1
Social PR Online2
Choose Philippines
Azraels Merryland
Philippine Information Agency1
Philippine Information Agency2

20 Ways You Can Be The Best Friend Ever

2014-05-22T19:45:00.000+08:00

It makes my heart sinks whenever someone says “You are my Best Friend Ever!”

Friendship is a journey. It doesn’t grow overnight. Friends come and go in our lives and there are some friends, just like our family, that we truly value no matter what happens. The connection is always there. Let me share the personal list I've made on:

20 Ways You Can Be The Best Friend Ever

1. K. KEEP IN TOUCH! A real friend calls.

2. E. Extra mile. Do something sincerely beyond their expectation to make them feel special.

3. E. Enjoy the friendship moments.

4. P. Pray for your friends.

5. I. Improvement. Learn together with your friends. Always get better.

6. N. NOW. Be there when you are needed! Be reliable.

7. T. Truth. Tell the truth even if it hurts. Be gentle and say it with love.

8. O. Openness. Discuss how you feel. Update what’s happening in your life.

9. U. Understand that change will always happen.

10. C. Confidentiality. Be trustworthy.

11. H. Happy. Be happy for your friend. Laugh and cry with them.

12. W. Whole package. Accept the person regardless of imperfections.

13. I. Impact. Make a positive effect on the lives of your friends.

14. T. Thankful. Be grateful for the friendship. We do not meet people by accident.

15. H. Help without expecting anything in return.

16. G. Gracious. Forgive. Love peace. Everyone undergoes different seasons in life.

17. L. Listen. Be a good and patient listener.

18. O. Over. Don’t go overboard. Give space. Respect privacy.

19. B. Bond with them. Hang out together. Quality time means a lot.
20. E. Encourage one another.

To be the Best Friend Ever is to be less of myself and to be more for others. To start being one, let’s keep in touch!
With GoUnli20, it’s now easy to call without a need for a prefix and it’s just P20 for unli calls, 15mb of mobile surfing, and 20 texts to all networks! Kaya if you need a friend, don’t call me, I’ll call you!

For more details, please visit this link, http://www.globe.com.ph/prepaid/gounli20

Let's get connected!
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Brigada Eskwela needs You!

2014-05-20T01:20:00.001+08:00

Source credit: https://www.facebook.com/ivolunteerphils

Brigada Eskwela needs YOU! Bring your family and friends. It can be a memorable and enriching experience to kids too. Make YOUR Summer count!

Brigada Eskwela is a nationwide voluntary effort which started in 2003, bringing together teachers, parents and the community to do clean up and repairs in public schools to prepare the facilities for the June school opening. This is an annual event that mobilizes support for schools in terms of maintenance week spearheaded by the Department of Education (DepEd).

Undertaken in all public schools every third week of May, it is participated in by private organizations, individuals, national and local government agencies, local businesses, and international organizations and foundations, among others.

Volunteers paint classrooms, repair furniture and clean up the school grounds.

Brigada Eskwela in partnership with iVolunteer Philippines still need more volunteers! Sign up here and be a part of a movement that aims to make our youth's schools much safer for children:

Event title: Brigada Eskwela 2014

When:                   May 24, 2014, Saturday, 07:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Where:                  Pio Valenzuela Elementary, Palasan, Valenzuela City
Register Here:       http://bit.ly/1iWHYcn

Contact Person: Mr. Bel Padlan

Contact Details: belemmans@yahoo.com

Contact Number: 0928-505-5758

Source credit: http://ivolunteer.com.ph/organizations/80/events/354

Source credit:

http://nearbyph.com/pages/pio-valenzuela-elementary-school/40213

To know more about Brigada Eskwela event, please read HERE and HERE.
To know more about IVolunteer Philippines, I have written posts about the organization HERE and HERE.

References about Brigada Eskwela:

https://ph.news.yahoo.com/editorial-bayanihan-spirit-brigada-eskwela-155812105.html
http://m.philstar.com/headlines/show/83d4144f46922223f7f5a36d89afecc4
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/361613/news/nation/parades-discount-caravans-kick-off-brigada-eskwela-2014

Remember, Brigada Eskwela needs YOU! Make YOUR Summer count!

Please like La Vida Rosa on Facebook HERE or follow @LaVidaRhosa on Twitter HERE.

FREE entrance to Museo Pambata!

2014-05-16T02:16:00.000+08:00

It's International Museum Day!

To celebrate, you can save p150.00 admission fee per person to Museo Pambata on MAY 18, 2014 Sunday, it's FREE entrance!

Kids can learn and play! Visit the exhibits and participate in the arts and crafts activity with the museum guides.

Museum hours on Sunday is from 1pm to 5pm.

What a great way to enjoy this Sunday! Have fun!

Source credit: https://www.facebook.com/museopambata

For more details, please visit their website HERE.
For updates, please like Museo Pambata at Facebook HERE.
Follow at twitter HERE.

Museo Pambata Foundation, Inc.
Roxas Boulevard corner South Drive
Manila, Philippines
T: (632) 523-1797/98, 536-0595
F: (632) 522-1246

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X-MEN: Days of Future Past

2014-05-09T15:48:00.000+08:00

X-MEN: Days of Future Past. Past and the Future. Hhmmm, it seems exciting to be able to correct your past to save the future. We all love second chances right?

Revisiting my childhood, I could have played more and enjoyed more moments, ate less ice cream and chocolates.

Revisiting my young adult life, i could have been less hurried to grow up. I could have listened more and spend more time with my parents.

The list goes on and on. Fast forward to now and the future, I could always be a better version of myself by God's grace. My part? contentment, patience and cooperation.

SERENITY PRAYER

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;

the courage to change the things I can;

and the wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;

enjoying one moment at a time;

Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace;

Taking as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it;

Trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will;

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,

and supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen.

-Reinhold Niebuhr-

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Bel-Air's Clean Up Day - a Flea Market

2014-05-08T00:25:00.006+08:00

Ever wondered what to do with the excess things stored in your cabinets, garage and another storeroom perhaps? Clean up! Clean up! Turn all your unused things to CASH!

One fine Sunday, March 2, 2014, I volunteered to be part of the rummage sale at Bel-Air Village in Makati City. This is one of the fund raising projects of iVolunteer organization. I wrote a post about iVolunteer HERE.

It was a Clean UP! Flea Market activity inside the subdivision, the venue was at Park 3 Solar Street. From 7am to 3pm, mostly resident vendors sold PRE-LOVED items which included clothing, shoes, bags, accessories, luggage, original CDs, books, toys, household items and a lot more.

There were over 120 non-food tables that filled the whole covered court and there were few food tables found on the side of the court for the shoppers and vendors.

iVolunteer had two tables. We were divided into two teams. On one table were men’s clothing and miscellaneous items headed by Hazel and Olenny. My partner for the women’s clothing was Mana. She is a one petite lady that I could pass as her mother, except that she has nice big eyes compared to my twinkling small eyes. I’ve met Hazel, Olenny and Mana in the past community meet- up. They are part of the iVolunteer core team.

As volunteers of the day, we were tasked to sell items donated by iVolunteer friends and supporters. We were challenged to use our marketing and selling skills to draw bargain hunters to our tables, it was a friendly competition among the vendors. It helped that the organizer had a good sound system to announce on going sale promos as submitted by vendors. I must say that iVolunteer led the craze of the following promos towards the last few hours of the flea market: 3 items for p50, 3 items for p20, all items at p5 and shop all you can in one plastic bag for only p20. Unbelievable, it was a hit to both the shoppers and vendors turned shoppers!

Thank you to all the donors, organizer, buyers and to my co-volunteers for this memorable and meaningful experience. Thank you iVolunteer for coming up with this activity.

The proceeds of the flea market will be used to fund projects of iVolunteer. iVolunteer Philippines is a non-profit organization founded in 2001, it is run by volunteers with full time jobs and careers.

From left to right: Hazel, Mana, Your Writer and Olenny

There will be an upcoming "Balik Eskwela! Balik Pera!" Flea Market at Bel-Air Village on June 15, 2014 Sunday organized by Women of Bel-Air Foundation, Inc., please call Manilyn at 895-96-22 if you are interested to join as a vendor.

This summer is a great time to CLEAN UP! and turn your excess things to CASH!

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To organizers, event venue groups and subdivision homeowners, please email details of upcoming flea markets to lavidarosa8@gmail.com.

Please like La Vida Rosa on Facebook HERE or follow @LaVidaRhosa on Twitter HERE.

FREE Summer Reading Camp

2014-05-01T02:29:00.000+08:00

Source credit: https://www.facebook.com/diksyonaryoatbp

Books, Trees, Stories, Arts, Kites, Photos, New Friends......FUN! FUN! FUN! Lets get together, rekindle and encourage a genuine love for learning and doing reading related activities.

DiksyonaryoAtbp in partnership with Adarna House, National Book Store, CanvasPH, Ronald McDonald's House of Charities and Canon is hosting a FREE Summer Reading Camp on May 03, 2014 Saturday at Fern Garden, Quezon City Memorial Circle.

This event is open to all kids aged 1 to 15. There will be two sessions each of Reading, Arts & Crafts and Storytelling on that day. You can choose 10am to 12nn or 4pm to 6pm. Kids will be grouped into three: Aged 1 to 5, 6 to 9 and 10 to 15. For walk-in guests, please come early to register.

There will be a waiting area for parents and guardians. It will be a tent set up so please don't forget to bring improvised mats, pamaypay and lots of water to stay refreshed! There will be a photo booth by Canon and light snacks will be provided by McDonald's. In case you get real hungry, there are restaurants and fast food chains at QC Circle.

Children can choose which activity they like to participate during the session, they can do either reading, arts, storytelling or all of it. It will be two hours of joy worth remembering! There will be tents set-up within the Fern Garden for this first of its kind reading camp.

The Reading Corner: Kids can read from the 600 books provided by NBS, CanvasPH and Adarna House.

The Art Corner: Unleash their inner artist by engaging in art activities related to their favorite stories.
The Storytelling Corner: Listen and feast your eyes as your favorite children's literature comes to life in the voices of the best storytellers around.

Aside from participating in these events, parents can also avail of Adarna books on site, which they can donate for DiksyonaryoAtbp’s future projects or take home for themselves.

The venue is very accessible via public transportation and there is a pay parking area near Fern Garden. Please use the entrance nearest East Avenue, fronting the Quezon City Hall. There will be a huge PARACHUTE at the event area so it will be hard to miss! #PhotoOp. There is a pay restroom for male and female visitors of QC Circle, located near the garden.

This is an outdoor event and it is summer time so expect to sweat while having fun! These are my reminders:
1. Bring towel or extra shirt for the kids.
2. Bring extra water and snacks.
3. Bring improvised mat and pamaypay.
4. Bring your camera.
5. Be at the venue at least 30 minutes before the session to facilitate registration. If you are registering on site, please be there at least 45 minutes.
6. Prepare your kids with a happy and eager to learn spirit. Enjoy!

More surprises await the participants on May 03! See you there!

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For more details and to know more about Diksyonaryo Atbp, please check out the following links:

Diksyonaryo Atbp: https://www.facebook.com/diksyonaryoatbp
                                 http://projectdiksyonaryo.com
   https://twitter.com/DiksyonaryoAtbp

Text inquiries to 0917-536-1783

Please like La Vida Rosa on Facebook HERE or follow @LaVidaRhosa on Twitter HERE.

I took up a Writing Class!

2014-05-01T00:01:00.000+08:00

In my quest to improve this blog, I realized that I need to improve my writing skills first. In the past few months, I was lost on how to put my thoughts together. It was funny how I suddenly felt insecure.

When I encountered a Facebook post early this year announcing a writing class entitled Writing Effective Magazine articles, I got interested. When I read further that I need to attend the workshop for seven Saturdays and I am expected to complete weekly assignments, it made me think twice and beyond. Whaaaat? Seven Saturdays and homeworks? Am I really up to it?

My passion overruled. Writing is indeed part of what I want to pursue at this season of my life. I believe that as a learner, reading and writing are parts of the equation. And so, I made the decision to go for it, the class started March 1 and ended April 12, 2014. Classes were held at Ortigas from 2 pm to 5pm.

I was with a group of passionate writers from different backgrounds. Our generous teachers namely Kimberly Snider, Alvin Tud, Evelyn Damian and Alex Lyons are experts on their respective fields and have been both actively writing and teaching.

Top left: Alex and Betsy Lyons from their facebook account, betsyandalex. Top right: Pastor Alvin Tud. Lower left: Ms. Evelyn Damian. Lower right: Ms. Kimberly Snider.

The following are only some of the many topics I learned from the workshop: The writer; Understanding how to communicate; Common article types: Essay/Opinion article, Personality Profile article, Feature articles, Personal Experience article, How-to article, Q & A article, Scripture Teaching article, News Feature article; Blogging and Social Media.

The learning exceeded my expectation from the seminar. What I thought to be a simple workshop was an intensive class after all. It was definitely worth my time and money at only p1,200 registration fee. Sulit talaga!

If you are thinking of attending a writing workshop or a blogging seminar, I encourage you to go for it! There’s nothing to lose but everything to gain. Truth is: La Vida Rosa was born through the blogging 101 seminar I attended, please read more about it HERE.

I enrolled. I conquered all the classes and assignments with perseverance. I enjoyed the coffee and cookies on the side. I graduated. I am now a better writer!

My commitment paid off. Kapag may tiyaga, may nilaga! There are so much more to learn, I will take it one day at a time. Meanwhile, I will keep on writing.

This is the reason why this post took a while. You can now expect more articles from me. I will try to write the best way I can. Join me in my quest to live and love a Mom’s colorful life!

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To those interested to attend a writing class entitled Writing Effective Magazine articles and other media related trainings, watch out for announcements on this blog and subscribe to the following links:

Asia Pacific Media Ministries Philippines

https://www.facebook.com/apmediaph

www.apmedia.org

Moms Magazine Subscribers Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/207230842657356/

Men in Progress Subscribers Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/400529366627807/

Please like La Vida Rosa on Facebook HERE or follow @LaVidaRhosa on Twitter HERE.

Starbucks Frappucino Treat for Two!

2014-04-28T12:37:00.001+08:00

Aahhh...It is indeed one scorching summer heat!

I am sure that we will all be happy with Starbucks Philippines Frappucino Treat for Two.

That's today and tomorrow April 29, 2014, 2pm to 5pm. Order the New Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappucino Blended Beverage AND receive a second Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappucino Blended Beverage FREE!

Please visit the following for more details:

Starbucks Coffee Company: http://www.starbucks.ph/
Starbucks Philippines: https://www.facebook.com/StarbucksPhilippines

Enjoy and have fun!

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Women in Love

2014-03-30T22:40:00.003+08:00

I am grateful to be in the same room with women who are in love with the Lord and His Word.

About this picture below, i have to thank all of them because they oblige to my photo indulgence, lol, biro mo, pina pose ko sila not only 3x dahil may retakes, pinahirapan ko pa lumuhod, lol. Thank you ladies. Di ba talagang effort for love yan?

Last Thursday, February 13, 2014, i started attending a weekly Women Bible Study. Vivian or Ybs for short (elite ang nickname niya di ba? pronounced as eve with s), forwarded a text from our host which read: ".....Bible study will be at my place, its our valentine mini celebration, please come at medyo nag effort ako, :-)"

I went with Ybs. Our host for the day was Pinay ( yes, pinay dahil Josefina siya, i like her nickname, creative!), she is also our facilitator. This is what we saw when we came in...err, wait, not exactly like that agad but when i asked my new found friends for consent to take pictures and blog about it, they didn't have second thoughts, they just made THE effort to make it look like this.

Pink Effort of Love

Pinay went to Divisoria the day before to shop for the decors and some pastry liners with matching flag. Please take note of the round fan like decor and the polka dots banderitas on the table. She shared that she spent less than p600 for these. The vase was brought for staging by Ybs. The boards with quotes, colored macaroons and little cuteness were borrowed from Pinay's other parts of the house, as shopped by the Women.

Don't forget to be awesome. Make an effort for Love.

I love the jar like mug. Pinay said its called a mason jar. Look at the detail of the cover. May laban ang fresh watermelon shake in Pinay - fresh and natural, just add ice and honey to suit your taste. I like mine as is, with ice only.

Live, Love, Listen, Speak.

Live without pretending. Love without depending. Listen without defending. Speak without offending. Wala na akong masasabi pa, amen. Please take note of the matching liner and polka dots flag for the pastry. Cute di ba?

Another cuteness, on the spot heart shaped cane candies.

Snack attack.

Thank you Pinay and Ybs for the yummy sandwiches, pastries, siomai & nacho chips with homemade salsa. Thank you Pinay for opening your home for us to study the Word of God. Thank you Ybs for inviting me. Thank you Lolit and Pinay for the photos. Its all Effort of love talaga.

Over snacks, we studied Psalm 95. Its about worshipping and knowing God for who He is. We also shared a lot of other things under the sun, from God's awesomeness, Piso fare, Paris in 5 days and a lot more. I hope to be able to share with you their personal experiences about these. I can be their storyteller.

If you want to share your own story about efforts of love, please email or make a comment below so i can keep in touch. Take care.

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To read Effort of Love & Women in Love original post, please click HERE.

So sorry for the inconvenience, this is a newbie blogger hazard. I hope you enjoy reading. Thank you for visiting my BLOG.

I've got mail from Rappler.com

2014-03-15T01:39:00.001+08:00

http://us4.campaign-archive2.com/?u=81b6ec9d9be6b6261a822deb0&id=63a8cb1e7f&e=6d33b56c02

This is cool. Rappler greeted me on my special day. Good job, this certainly made me remember to visit your site.

It's been 44 years of my colorful life. Thank you Lord!

iVolunteer Community Meet-Up

2014-03-14T19:28:00.000+08:00

I was doing my research on different volunteer opportunities last year when I encountered iVolunteer Philippines on the internet. After signing up and visiting their website several times, I attended the first community meet-up on November 2013.

I attended because I wanted to know more about the organization, meet the people behind it, meet other volunteers, listen to their stories and find out how I could volunteer.

Attending the first meet-up was worth my time so when they posted another community meet-up last month, I gladly signed up.

Source credit: Image from https://www.facebook.com/ivolunteerphils

iVolunteers during the Community Meet-Up on February 21, 2014

Image from https://www.facebook.com/ivolunteerphils

iVolunteer Philippines is a non-profit organization founded in 2001, duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It is managed by young and dynamic volunteers with full time jobs and careers. They are brought together by the same passion to serve and making the Philippines a better nation everyday.

iVolunteer is the Philippines' first volunteer website BY volunteers FOR volunteers to spread the passion of volunteerism in the country. The mission is to promote volunteerism by Making it known, Making it easy and Making it happen. It has online menu of volunteer opportunities and contains information and resources on volunteerism.

I experienced using their website when i was looking for volunteer opportunities. I attended their activities. It was accessible and easy. I was able to do volunteer works through iVolunteer.

iVolunteer is inviting short-term and long-term volunteers of any background, interest or expertise. You can sign up in one or more of the volunteer opportunities posted online and be part of the community. They are also inviting government and private organization as partners with volunteer opportunities to offer through iVolunteer’s facility to reach out to more volunteers and find the one with the right skill and interest matching the organization’s needs.

Venue of the February 2014 Community Meet-Up

Some of iVolunteer's Team Leaders

Some of iVolunteer's past projects

I had fun attending the Community Meet-Up. After giving us a preview about iVolunteer, we got the chance to introduce ourselves. We had dinner and had an interesting activity with our co-volunteers. People from different background were gathered and shared the same passion, without expecting anything in return. I like that. I gained new friends.

Blind Performers. Light fixtures made of Plastic Bottles.

I met up with a co-volunteer, Olenny, going to the venue. I wanted to share what caught our eyes while walking from Metro Rail Transit or MRT Ayala station to Greenbelt 2. There were blind performers at the lobby of MRT Ayala Station that set our hearts beating and Olenny showed me these beautiful and functional light fixtures made of plastic bottles, these can be found along the footbridge to Greenbelt 2.

Website: http://blog.ivolunteer.com.ph;
http://ivolunteer.com.ph

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ivolunteerphils

Email Address: contactus@ivolunteer.com.ph

Please share your volunteer stories. You can make a difference.

Please like La Vida Rosa on Facebook HERE or follow @LaVidaRhosa on Twitter HERE.

My First Post: I attended MozillaPH's Social Media Series: Blogging 101

2014-03-08T11:00:00.001+08:00

This is my FIRST blog post. I am both nervous and excited!

I attended MozillaPH's Social Media Series on Blogging 101 on February 8, 2014.

Source credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mozph/12393697853/in/set-72157640682247474/

In January 2014, I've got mail from Manila Bloggers Network announcing that Mozilla Philippines is conducting a FREE seminar on social media series: Blogging 101.

101 and FREE caught my eyes! kaching! kaching! and so i quickly register through Eventbrite for my FREE ticket! 101 means they will discuss all the basic things i need to know about blogging. Yehey!

My FREE Eventbrite ticket to MozillaPH Social Media Series: Blogging 101

Want to experience FREE social media series like Blogging 101? tweet @MozillaPH.

I have been wanting to learn how to blog since 2012 but due to busyness, i was unsuccessful. In fact, my inbox is dominated by blogs (which i enjoy reading) that i have subscribed since 2011. And so, MozillaPH event (Blogging 101) was heaven sent!

Speaking of anticipation, Team Mozilla Philippines Community sure knows how to take care of the participants by providing directions and details on how to go to the venue. It encouraged me all the more to go, especially to me who will be coming from Quezon City (as in north to south). Reminders to the date of the event are plenty to miss.

Upon registration, Mozilla gave out baller id, mini button pin and stickers. There were complimentary coffee, soda and yummy sandwiches.

A room of eager learners (majority bagets), i feel...matured and a little out of place, lol!

Source credit: azraelcoladilla.com

There are 4 esteemed speakers, to borrow the words from Eventbrite's site:

source credit: Eventbrite site

Like a diligent student, i took down notes which i have applied in creating this blog, that's why it took me like forever before publishing this, lol, talking about being a student.

I enjoyed the four topics discussed during the seminar. I am like a new kid on the block who is so eager to know all about blogging. Ang dami kong notes! It's because a lot of these things are still so foreign to me.

I went home happy, full of new learning, full of excitement to pursue this new path as a blogger. Let's see where blogging will take me.

Thank you Mozilla Philippines for organizing social media series and helping people like me to be aware and get connected.

First Eventbrite ticket.
First visit to Globe Labs.
First meet with The Esteemed Bloggers.
First meet with Mozilla Philippines Community.
First MozillaPH event.
First blog.

Confession of a late bloomer, better late FIRSTS than never!

I attended, I blogged, I conquered! This is truly a great and unforgettable experience. La Vida Rosa is born.

I love Mozilla Firefox! Mabuhay Mozilla!
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To read I attended MozillaPH’s Social Media Series: Blogging 101 original post, please click HERE.

So sorry for the inconvenience, this is a newbie blogger hazard. I hope you enjoy reading. Thank you for visiting my BLOG.

Efforts of Love

2014-03-08T10:50:00.002+08:00

Happy Hearts Day! Let's talk about efforts of love. Do you make an effort? as in going out of your way to be inconvenient to show your love and appreciation to your loved ones? Pinaparamdam mo pa ba ang pagmamahal mo? Ouch...guilty ako.

I bring my 3 kids to school in the morning and today, my daughter Sam gave me something after she kissed me. She saved her chocolates for me. How sweet and thoughtful! I felt touched that her simple effort can bring simple joy to my heart. Nahiya naman ako that i didn't have anything for her except my hug and kisses. Tinalo pa ako ng 8 years old. Hay hay hay!

When i came back from the school, my Mommy, as we all fondly call her, told me to check out the card Sam gave her. Below is a picture of Mommy and my kids.


Mommy, Sol my eldest son, LJ and Sam

Simple effort can bring simple joy to a mother's heart!

The picture was taken two years ago. I have to apologize that due to time constraint, ok ok...aaminin ko na po at ito ay dahil sa labo labo kong files na mga pictures, disorganized pa po, :-(. I promise to post updated photos on my succeeding blogs.

Below is the card Sam made for Mommy. See for yourself what effort an eight year old can do to show her love and appreciation.

Sam personally designed card for Mommy

Sam's message of love for Mommy, with pop up design, :-)

The card message as follows:

Dear Mommy,

Thank you for taking care of us.

Thank you for caring for us and last,

Thank you for loving us.

I pray that God will bless you more.

God bless.

Happy Valentine's Day Mommy!

Love your grandchild,

Samantha/Shalom

Surprise, surprise! If the teachers from school has encouraged the children to write their loved ones, i am so grateful. How can Sam know that a card is exactly what Mommy would like and not chocolates? Mommy asked if i coached Sam, i didn't. Thank you Lord! Thank you that my child can be better than me. It made me thank God and pray that He will continuously protect my children & preserve their pure love.

Mommy lives with us and her name of endearment for Sam is Shalom. Never underestimate how children can be very personal.

I love all my children equally and each of them has wonderful qualities of their own. They are a work in progress in the Lord, just like me. Sam is special to me and so is Sol and LJ. One of the reasons why i want to blog is because i would like them to know what i am thinking, how i lived my life and why i do the things that i am doing. Oh my! mahirap yata yang goal ko for this blog. Efforts of Love, that's exactly what i am talking about.

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To read Efforts of Love original post, please click HERE.

So sorry for the inconvenience, this is a newbie blogger hazard. I hope you enjoy reading. Thank you for visiting my BLOG.

Private Dining on Hearts Day!

2014-02-25T03:56:00.000+08:00

Let me share what i did and where i went during the Valentine's Day.


Private Diners on Hearts Day 2014! Sorry Ybs, na box out kita, lol, di sadya, mag pa slim down na po ako talaga.

Our dear hosts, Andrew & Aileen, graciously offered their home for a special & private dining moment on the Hearts Day. We gather every friday for our weekly Dgroup and since this year's Hearts Day fell on a friday, we were all game to the idea.

A Dgroup is a group of people meeting regularly to build up and mentor one another. We hang out, study the Bible and give each other encouragement. We share experiences, ask questions, air spiritual concerns and celebrate achievements & special moments.

With Aileen, the Queen of the house

Andrew & Aileen, the King & Queen of the house, went out of their way to set the mood for the private dinner. Yes, mood setting, parang nasa hotel ang ambience...candles, lights, music, flowers, food, may sparkling wine pa and lots of chocolates. Kumpletos recados...all in the name of LOVE!


Special flowers from the King for the special Queen.

Chef Lyn prepared a special menu for everyone -Clam Chowder Soup, Caesar Salad, Mashed Potato, Lasagna, Beef Tenderloin, Salmon Belly and Roasted Chicken. Pang hotel talaga ang dating. :-)

You see, its Chef Lyn's birthday the following day. She just came from an outreach activity in the morning. How did she do this? SuperChef. All in the name of Love. Labor of love niya yan for us.

Chocolates, chocolates, chocolates!

Sliced sausages by Big J - Cheesy franks & Hungarian

Clam Chowder soup. I had 2 cups. :-)

Caesar salad. Ako ang nag toss niyan, kaya kulang sa dressing, hahaha.

Lasagna.

Beef Tenderloin. Plating...pang hotel! Medium rare, medium well, well done.

Salmon Belly. Ang sarap, di ako masyadong nagpahalata, muntik ako makaubos ng 1 slab, shhh.


Not one, but two Roasted Chicken!

Sparkling Wine. Social drinker lang po sila. :-)

Take home Lindt chocolates from Helen & Alex. Saang restaurant ba ang may take home pang chocolates after dinner?

Sisters Ade & Jo with Lolit. Beautiful Smiles.

5 Men and a Baby. From left to right are Peter, Mark, Andrew with Baby David, Alex & Dick.

Teaser pa lang lahat yan, now comes the main event, the LoveTeams. I hope that someday, I'll get the privilege of sharing their love stories to you. I hope they would oblige, sana. :-) Amazing love stories - true to life. They are couples whose marriage is a testament to God's grace and love. How inspiring. Kapatid, kapuso at kapamilya, open ang booking through me, :-) I am La Vida Rosa, their Talent Manager, mga artistahin ang LoveTeams nila. :-)

Another important occasion for the day is celebrating the birthday of Chef Lyn. She is The SuperChef of the 7 course dinner. Props lang po yang apron ko, si Chef Lyn ang nagluto lahat ng food, dala ni Chef Lyn yang apron for me to use, terno kami di ba? Pwede maging Chef divas, hahaha, i will pratice cooking some more..in the near future, :-)

I volunteered to help out in preparing the food. Nag toss naman ako ng salad, nag sprinkle ng bacon bits sa soup and assisted Chef Lyn while she was grilling the tenderloin and salmon. How i wish i could do more, sigh, di kinaya ng powers ko. I will do better next time, :-)

Yours truly with Chef Lyn. Waaaiiit, am not yet picture ready, hehehe.

Heart shaped cake for the Birthday Chef!

Chef Lyn with Siobe and Sioti. Happy si Sioti!


A Happy Mommy Chef with Atsi, Siobe and Sioti. Happy Birthday!

To our Dgroup, thank you for making our Private Dinner a memorable one. Thank you for being there on the Heart's Day. Thank you Vivian & Andrew for the images, ang sarap ninyo maging contributors, on time ang submission.

On a personal note, Its been 11 days since my last post, all i can say is this - being a blogger is not easy. It requires discipline, motivation and time. Collecting images, gathering information and material, writing - whew! not easy for a newbie like me. All the more i appreciate the efforts of the bloggers i follow. You blog because you love what you are doing.