It actually happened, last January 12,  2013 (Saturday), let me have a little flashback.

It was indeed important and monumental for me, as I have previously shared and blogged in the past {blogged about it here}, we came from a teenage marriage where hope for a good life looms before. I just could not imagine that after all the trials, hardship and struggles in life my husband and I were  able to buy a Home we can call our Own. A shelter full of love for our kids. This is indeed a labor of our hard work and perseverance.

It was very memorable day since our family and friends were able to impart our happiness to our loved ones/. There are also some friends and family members who had witness our Day 1 of our struggling married life. They were there in our wedding day and now in our house blessing.

The road to our much comfortable life now was not an easy road traveled, but it was worth the trip.

My family and I would really love to thank each and every one who came, Thank you for your precious time and your wonderful presence means a lot to us. Imagine, my Pasig officemates (some even came from Cavite) attended our House Blessing despite the distance. To my husband’s family – at last we were able to gather in a happy event, it has been several times now that we would see each other in a very sad moment (death of a family member). Of course to my family, for always being there in every inch of our struggling days.  Hindi nyo lang alam kung paano nyo kami napasaya ng aking mahal na asawa.

I also got a surprise when the Marilao Vice Mayor Tito Santiago (now running for Mayor), handsome Councilor Alex Flores (now running for Vice mayor), Councilor Irma Celones (still running for Councilor), our Loma de Gato Barangay Captain Boyet Pascual arrived to welcome us in our community. They are so down to earth lalo na si Vice Tito, at lahat sila walang bodyguards, they came all alone by themselves they even stay and make kwento. Napakasimple lang nila promise.

We are also so honored that Father Fidel Roura of The Our Lady of Divine Mercy Shrine officiated our House Blessing. I can really feel the blessings thru his prayers. His words was so inspiring. Indeed, God is with us all this time.

Let me share a little something about the day itself. It actually rained at around 6AM, but thanks God that it stopped at around 8AM. Though it created a little stir to me and my caterer, I can say that it is God’s little way to make us feel His shower of blessing.  Just look at the nagbabadyang ulan below.  {kahit na di kagandahan ang panahon that time our dear guests  came all the way from Makati, Cavite, Novaliches, Pasay, Pasig, Manila and Caloocan – dahil sa pagmamahal nila sa amin ay dinayo pa kami sa marilao}

The Catering/Food:

We got the services of CSO Celebrate Special Occasion EVENTS and CATERING. The food was great, It solicited positive feedback from my guests. Apart from that the cost is very budget friendly and they provide generous servings. Actually after our event nakakuha pa sila ng mga clients from my guests. Yun nga lang my  comments are nagpaka casual lang ang mga food servers as in naka tshirt na white pero in fairness naka uniform naman ang mga waiters, then when medyo pahapon na nagtanggalan na din and mga waiters ng mga uniforms nila  parang napaka casual na lang nila. But since ayaw ko naman na na istress ang aking sarili at mukha pa din naman silang malinis, I no longer make an issue out of that. But the next time that I will get their service, I will have that noted regarding their uniform.

Part of the package is the heart shaped balloon pillar, the set-up and candles. The balloon pillar adds character to the occasion – ganda sa picturan . Sa color theme naman I choose, yellow and red, nothing significant naman except that parehas naming choice mag-asawa.

The menu consist of:
COURSES:

• Beef Lengua
• Roasted Chicken
• Braised Pork
• Fish Fillet
• Gising Gising with Seafoods
• Beef Stroganoff
• Steamed Rice

APPETIZERS:

• Vegetables salad w/ macaroni salad
• Chicken soup

DESSERTS:

• Coffee Almond Jelly and Buco pandan
• Chocolate fountain w/ mallows, bread stick, champola and fresh fruits

DRINKS:

• Refillable Red Iced Tea
• Mineral water

FREEBIES:

• Ø Chairs and Tables complete set up
• Ø Buffet Tables w/ food attendants
• Ø Balloon Arc, Balloons Curtain, Balloon centre piece on each table
• Ø Candles and flowers for ceremony
• Ø 4 Waiters
• Ø FREE COORDINATION

My Husband and I together with the catering Staff after the event.

I must commend them for staying with us until talagang konti na lang ang tao. The food also taste sarap talaga at the servings talaga naming madami that we are able to invite neighbors and even the TODA Drivers at may natira pa din na pabalot na uwi for our kamaganaks…Hindi sya bitin at never kaming nag-isip na baka mabitin ang guests.  Karelax kaya yun na alam mong sapat sapat ang food.

The Lechon: Digna’s Lechon (Malolos, Bulacan)

Isa pang super yummy treat, tagos hanggang laman ang flavor na masarap at malutong. This was also a hit during the blessing.  Yummy din ang lamang loob na ginawang pampulutan na bopis at dinuguan.Plus I was also given a big discount since the owner of Digna’s is a relative of one of my boss.

The Photographers:

We’ve got good pics thanks to my office mates: Jepoy-my anak-anakan and to my inaanak Ryan. I know that we will be busy entertaining the guests so I tapped the help of my mga anak anakan. They never failed me. To the both of you thanks to the beautiful memories captured in photographs.  Thanks for the beautiful smiles and emotions that you are able to capture.  Salamat sa inyong mga lente.

What I love about Our House Blessing: I can see genuine smiles and happy faces.

We can feel the love and the warmth. Apart from our Home, I am thankful for our family and friends who shared the joys with us.

Occasions like this are made even more important, meaningful and unforgettable with:

Friends

Family

Special thanks to our DEAR PARENTS for without the values instilled to us, we may not be what we are today.

“When there is love in the home there is joy in the heart.

It takes hands to build a house but only hearts can build a home”

This past few days he has been suffering from extreme homesickness making him emotional and stressed  all the more.  For 2013, I took the initiative to leave a Facebook messages to our family, our common friends and even his friends whom I do not know (but knew them only thru my husband’s stories).  I asked them if they can spare a little of their time to create a fansign. My request for a fansign was admittedly short of notice – 2 days before his birthday, I could have collated more I bet if I have started a week before.  

But nevertheless join me as we watch my labor of love to dear hubby, he told me that this makes him extremely happy and emotional, tears keep flowing into his eyes specially when he saw people in the video which he knew that I do not have direct contact with.  Well, lahat magagawa para sa love love love weeee.

For the music, I chose “Take me On” by AHA since we are both remnants of the New Wave era – what is more appropriate than a new wave techno song – nakakabata talaga heheh…

If you would also wish pull off similar surprise to your loved ones here are some simple tips that I can share.

• Start early – collect (either video/pics) in my case a HBD fansign 1 to 2 weeks before.  My mistake is that I collected 2 days before the occasion, hence too short of a time to prepare.  We must be reminded that we are requesting for a little of their precious time.
• It can make your loved ones extremely happy if you can get pics/video from persons whom he least to expected (in my case his elementary & HS friends, his former stop and officemates and his fave boss}.  Ofcourse given na naman yung family, mas may gulat factor lang talaga pag least expected.
• Music – if you want to make the subject happy, then please by all means wag na emo ang music, pinapasaya mo nga then drama mode naman ang tugtog. Refrain from those tearjerkers please. Choose a more upbeat and techno songs kahit walang lyrics kahit hindi sikat basta parang habol hininga ang peg at hindi irritating sa ears pasok yan….
• Last but not the least, enjoy every moment of it, once he appreciates your gift it is priceless.

Creating a video like this is one of the priceless yet costless gift which you can give your special someone specially for an OFW like hubby who is trying very hard to beat his homesickness jitters.

Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.

My Future Guitar Hero

But since it is summer, I am looking for something productive for him to do. Apart from Taekwondo, he has already taken a swimming class before. I am thinking of enrolling him in advance swimming but my husband opted for an activity which is not physically exhausting for my son to fully recuperate.

Since it is both my husband and my frustration to play a guitar, we decided to enroll him in a guitar lesson. There is a neighborhood tutorial class offering summer camp which includes guitar lessons at a friendly cost of Php2,500 only at 2 hours per session (MWF) at 12 sessions.

At first my son was not enthusiastic to attend but when he learned that 2 of his cousins have also enrolled in a summer guitar camp, his eyes was all aglow with excitement.

It is just sad to note that on his first day, I was not able to witness it since I no longer have a vacation leave #workingmom dilemma.

But nevertheless, that does not mean that I care less and my kids fully understood. Anyway enough of my working mom bitter sweet story.

Icko is now on his 7th session and I am seeing signs of improvements. Nagkatubig ang fingers nya strumming the guitar, but this does not dampen his spirit, he even told me that since nagkakalyo na daw sya magiging magaling na daw sya hehehhe.

During the recital, they are supposed to play “Price Tag”, I am so excited to hear him strum and do the rhythm. I am so glad that despite of the initial prodding on my part for him totake guitar lesson, now I am sure that he already love what he is doing. Everyday, he has this “ME” time where he practices strumming his guitar. Little by little he is making good music…..

My Son, my bunso, My Future Guitar Hero…My Rock Star

Music is what life sounds like. ~Eric Olson

Walking down the aisle and standing before the same altar where Daddy and Mama were married 50 years ago. It may not be the most ideal marriage, they have tons of differences, but perhaps this differences makes them love each other despite their imperfections. After 50 years – 5 loving kids (one is already one with the Lord – Our Kuya Jong)+ inlaws and 10 lovely grand children…..Sabi nga ni Daddy “Tapat na pagmamahal” ang lagi nyang alay kay Mama. Madalas silang in denial na love na love nila ang isa’t isa at nacocornyhan na magprofess ng love for each other yet naka 50 years hahahha paano pa kaya kung super madly crazy in love ang peg nila…Love U Mama and Dad. Happy 50 years anniversary. Thanks for the wonderful life you have given us. Thanks to the wonderful family I have because of the 2 of you. My treasure – My family.

April 21, 1963

St. Vincent de Paul Parish Church
San Marcelino, Manila

“We fell in love, despite our differences, and once we did, something rare and beautiful was created. For me, love like that has only happened once, and that’s why every minute we spent together has been seared in my memory. I’ll never forget a single moment of it.”

― Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook

I want to have a little corner in my house where our family picture will be hang.  I want it to be a fun picture.  Another simple wish in my wish bucket fulfilled.

Thanks to Picture Company for the lovely pictures (the picture frames were bought separately).  I strategically located it in between the corridors of the masters bedroom and my Ishi’s bedroom.

This picture below is one of my fave, I was informed that this is a customized package (POPART (20×20 Clear Acrylic Frame)).  I just love the pop-art concept, but my husband wanted it framed in acrylic glass (to protect it  from wear fading and dust) – he wants our pics to last kahit daw sa aming mga apo.  We chose the cartonized pop-art concept kasi Ayaw namin na nakakatakot ang family picture namin at pagnawala na kami papunta sa heaven ay kakatakutan ng aming mga apo at anak kung kanino mapupunta ang picture hehehhehe…Morbid noh pero actually yan ang totoo na napag uusapan naming mag asawa. hehehhehe.

Again our thanks to The Picture Company (SM North branch) – separate blog post will be posted to chronicle our photo shoot experience with Ms. Miren.

“Photos bring back memories and memories bring back feelings.”

I don’t know what is in it but whenever I see sunburst designs I feel so positive, parang ang gaang gaang ng feeling.  Very positive indeed

Isnt it gorgeous?

But the real story about it, I make “kasabwat” my kids that when their Papa asked them what I love to have as a Xmas present they will tell their Paps that I want this sunburst clock that I have spotted in Wilcon.  Madali namang kausap ang aking mga anak hehehhehe…at aking asawa naman ay willing victim…

“A good laugh is sunshine in the house.”

]]> http://www.brownpinay.com/2013/04/my-sunburst-clock.html/feed 0 http://www.brownpinay.com/2013/04/enough-reason-to-stop-smoking.html http://www.brownpinay.com/2013/04/enough-reason-to-stop-smoking.html#comments Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:23:51 +0000 Brown Pinay http://www.brownpinay.com/?p=4404 Read more »]]> I have a little story to share for active smokers. I am not really in favor of smoking since we all know that this has an adverse effect on the health of the smoker. I know that it is not hard either for smoker to stop. It takes a lot of determination and resistance to temptation. It is not really easy and support from family and friends are indeed needed. A friend of mine who happens to smoke tatuaje cigar has attempted to stop smoking several times. Unfortunately, he was unsuccessful. He has been a smoker for almost 22 years, but after 22 years he fought a good battle and has been smoke free for 2 years now. It does not come easy, he has several failed attempt to urge himself in declining smoking, but when he caught his 15 years old son smoking and his son told him that he found nothing wrong with it since he learned that his dad was also a smoker when they are of the same age. He asked his son to stop smoking but his son told him that he will stop if his dad will also stop. That was the turning point, without much ado, he stopped and insisted that since he has stopped his son should also never smoke even one single cigar for life.

I do believe that with the right motivation, every smoker who finds it hard to quit will find time and determination to call it – a quits.

Your life is in your hands, to make of it what you choose

> It’s all about choices! You choose, you make the rules<

I did not appreciate the importance of getting one until my friend enumerated the many advantages of having a dental insurance.  Here are some just to name a few

- If you have a dental insurance coverage, gone are the days that you will just ignore the bleeding in your gums, gingivitis, tooth aches, gum disease etc. since you know you have something to lean on, you can be more proactive in addressing what is supposed to be a small addressable problem turn big and complicated.
- It reduces the cost of dental maintenance; it can also prevent expensive emergencies and dental surgeries,(just in case).
Indeed dental insurance plan helps for a better dental care.
The advantages may not be easily seen as of the moment, but it is better to invest early then be sorry eventually.

Here is another lesson in life that the priest has shared to us thru his homily.

Homily:

Pa-Las-Pas
PA-gibig ang dahilan ng pagpapakasakit
LAS-on ang pagiging makasarili sa pagmamahal sa kapwa
PAS-anin mo ay panandalian lamang dahil mahal ka ng Diyos sagot tayo ng ating Panginoon

“God is good….all the time”

This blog tag is called Google Image Search Blog Tag

Rules :

• Answer the following questions by searching the answer in your GOOGLE SEARCH.

1. the age you will be next year
2. place you’d like to travel 
3. favorite place
4. favorite object
5. favorite food
6. favorite animal 
7. favorite color
8. town in which you were born
9. town in which you live
10. name of a past pet 
11. your present job
12. your screen name
13. your first name 
14. your middle name 
15. your last name 
16. bad habit of yours 
17. first job
18. your hobby or personal interest
19. favorite sweet treat
20. your plans for tomorrow

• Remember, get your answer (image) from the first page only
• last part of the tag is to : ENJOY, have FUN and CHILLAX from your usual blog dramas.

1. Your Age

My Age as of this writing

2. Place You’d Like to Travel

My Childhood Dream – Disneyland

  3. Favorite Place

SPA – I will die for a well deserved massage right now

 4. Favorite Object

My LAPTOP – I am a very ONLINE person, I need to check every once in a while and stay connected.

5. Favorite Food

6.Favorite Animal

7. Favorite Color

I Love the Color RED

8. Town in which you were born

Certified taga – Caloocan for 38 years until I moved in here in Bulacan last 2 years ago

9. Town in Which you Live

10. Name of a Past Pet

11. Your Present Job

I am a Senior Logistics Officer / Engineer by profession

12. Your Screen Name

Bwahahaha when I searched for Brown Pinay, looked what Ive got

13. Your First Name

My First Name is Maria Amor Cielo – look what Ive got, I so love it.  (In Spanish Amor means Love and Cielo means heaven)

14. Your Middle Name

Yes it is EDSA, find out why

15. Your Last Name

16. Bad Habit of Yours

Nail Biting – specially if I am stressed – such a hard habit to break

17. first job

On my first job – I am hired as a kagalang galang na college instructor aka teacher aka professor sa computer subjects

18. sport you play 19. favorite sweet treat

I love the moisty texture and sweet taste of the classic Choco Brownies

20. Your Plans in the Future