Sharing my Thoughts

Happy 10th Birthday, Faye

noreply@blogger.com (Pearl) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 07:06:00 +0000

It's my youngest daughter's birthday today. She's excited about turning 10 and been looking forward to this day weeks ago. I don't know what's with it, but she said she's excited because her age is going to be 2-digit already. Oh no! If only I could stop the time, I prefer her to be my 9-year-old little girl forever.

I bought a Rocky Road Cake from my office cafeteria, and it was so yummy!

We had an advanced celebration last Saturday in SM Mall of Asia. Her only request was for Kyla (her favorite cousin), to spend the day with her. In fact, we could just have stayed home, and I'm sure she wouldn't complain, for as long as they're together. But still, we opted to take her out, and we decided to just spend the day in MOA. Too bad, Earvin had classes so I told him to just go straight to MOA after his dismissal.

We initially planned to watch the Alice in Wonderland movie (I will accompany Faye & Kyla, while the others will watch another movie since my sister-in-law had free movie passes for four), but we decided against it, because the two movies had different schedules.

Then someone suggested going to X-Rider which was located on the ground floor where Cosmic Kidz was also located. Fee was Php100/person for a 3-minute 4D adventure. You get to choose the adventure that you prefer: forest, jurassic, car race or roller coaster. Faye and Kyla chose Forest adventure. Izah and I chose Jurassic adventure. I was trying to convince Faye to join us but she didn't want because she got scared when she watched T-Rex movie in Imax with her Kuya Jeje. She said she just kept on removing the 3D eyeglasses that she was wearing because she was scared of the big dinosaurs that were suddenly popping out of the screen.

It was a fun experience, I even enjoyed it myself. A monitor was even installed outside where you'll get to watch what was happening inside the booth --- though not the movie, of course, but you'll have the chance to record on video the facial expressions of whoever is inside. When I asked Faye how it was, she said she didn't remove her 3D eyeglasses anymore, she just closed her eyes whenever she was scared. Kyla was cool because it wasn't her first time there.

After enjoying X-Ride, we had some ice cream before letting them choose another place where they want to play.

We then decided to go for a stroll at the back of MOA --- unfortunately, we missed the sunset! There were lots of people enjoying the cool breeze of Manila Bay, and it was such a relief to see lots of families preferring to go for a walk outside than inside the Mall.

The kids tried Wow Balls, it's like a Zorb experience, but instead of going down the hill like in Boracay, the ball was floating on the water for 10 minutes, and it was a steal for Php50. There was a very long queue, I think it took almost an hour before it was finally their turn. When they got out, they were sweating profusely and Faye said she almost couldn't breathe because she felt suffocated. But then, I think it was because they didn't just lie down and relax, they really enjoyed themselves and did some somersaults inside the ball.

After this, it was time to unwind, and what's the best thing to do but to ride the carousel. Imagine seeing a Grand Carousel beside the sea! It was relaxing and gave them enough time to cool down.

Then of course, we all got hungry, after all, it was already 8:30pm! I think we weren't just hungry, we were starving! So, we headed for Mannang/Mann Hann --- which unfortunately was packed and we had to wait for 30 minutes before there were available seats for us, fortunately, we were allowed to order our food even while still waiting for a vacant table, so we didn't have to wait long for our food to arrive.

After dinner, Kuya Earvin arrived, and then their other cousins also joined us for a short bonding time.

Faye enjoyed herself so much, she even said, it was her best birthday ever!

Vote Wisely

noreply@blogger.com (Pearl) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:51:00 +0000

We will have the National and Local elections in the Philippines in a few months' time. The candidates are now busy trying to win the attention and eventually the votes of the people. Even months before the official campaign period started, most of the presidential and vice-presidential candidates have already spent so much money on television, radio and print advertisements, that people are beginning to wonder, how on earth do they expect to get back those millions of money they spent on their ads? Is it through another round of corruption as soon as they are in power?

It's difficult to decide on who deserves our vote. We are only entitled to one vote for each position so we should be very careful and make sure that we have made the necessary preparations prior to the election day on May 10. The future of our country for the next 6 years lies in our hands, so I hope that we will intelligently exercise our right to vote. We shouldn't be easily swayed by the empty promises of the candidates, but instead, we should do our own research about each of them.

Voting is an individual preference, so, it's not necessary that you and your husband/wife have the same candidates in mind, you may not agree on who to vote, but it doesn't matter, for as long as you feel that you are right and that certain candidate deserves your vote.

Let's all be prepared because it's only through this that we can confidently say to our kids that we have given our votes only to the deserving candidates that could hold the future of our country.

I have compiled some guidelines which could help us in the major decision that we are about to make: Vote wisely.

Heart-Healthy Tips for your Family

noreply@blogger.com (Pearl) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 03:24:00 +0000

Having two members in the family with heart concerns, we have to be careful with what we eat. Aside from that, we know that heart problems are also hereditary, so we're also protecting our kids because we know that there's a great chance of them acquiring a heart disease later.

There are tips that I've compiled which help us, and could also help your family. If nobody has a heart-problem within your family, that's good! But if there is, I'm sure you'll find these tips helpful.

Simple changes could mean a lot, and over time, it will surely work its wonders to your health. Although in my family, we're still guilty of not following No. 12 from this list. We still couldn't find the time to exercise. We even bought Wii - a home video game console by Nintendo, because I was interested with the Wii Fit games, but until now, I haven't really religiously using it. I was kind of paranoid whenever I have palpitations, which I experienced once after using the Wii Fit. So now, I'm trying to "re-condition" myself to start using it again --- for my own good!

For now, I should make sure that my family is following the heart-healthy tips that I've compiled.

Too Many Social Networking Sites

noreply@blogger.com (Pearl) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:08:00 +0000

With so many social networking sites nowadays, it is sometimes difficult to identify which among them works for you. Most of them have distinct advantages and disadvantages, and it is up to you to identify which one will work for your particular needs. The features of each are sometimes overwhelming that you would want to register on all these sites. Although sometimes it becomes too cluttered with too much junk and too much information on your profile, like in Myspace profiles. Different links can be online casino, theme options, or other sites which sometimes just make your profile look so cluttered.

This is the reason why sometimes visitors to Myspace sites are discouraged because it takes time to load the profile pages. I think there is a lot of improvement that can be done by the developer here. A lot of things should be considered and revamped, because nowadays, users opt for clean, uncluttered and more professional looking profiles. Aside from being user friendly and easier to navigate, uncluttered profile pages attracts more visitors who tend to stay longer in your sites and who do not quickly click on the back or close buttons. This converts to more traffic and more unique visitors, which in the long run will benefit you as the owner of the site.

Orchard Road in SM Megamall

noreply@blogger.com (Pearl) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 03:46:00 +0000

I had lunch with my officemates at the newly-opened Singaporean-inspired Orchard Road Restaurant in SM Megamall. It's located at the Bridgeway, 3rd Floor. It was big, I think it can seat around 200 people. They have a fastfood-style service in which they will give you an order slip, and then will encourage you to take a look at their kitchen to look at the food being prepared before you take your order. Service was relatively good and our orders arrived fast. We even made a last-minute order of desserts.

Hainanese Chicken Rice (Php155)
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Black Pepper Pork & Rice (Php155)

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Sliced Fish and Ginger Congee (Php80.00)

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Black Pepper Chicken & Rice (Php135)

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Iced Lychee (Php45.00)
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Sago Gula Melaka (Php65.00)

The Aquino Center Museum

noreply@blogger.com (Pearl) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:45:00 +0000

Summer is just around the corner. It's time to experience all the interesting places with your kids in tow. They will learn a lot on just short, enriching trips that explore our heritage.

Pack up the family and take them out for a great day of travel and exploration. For once, don't let it be just to the mall or the moviehouse. There's a whole world out there for them --- and you --- to discover.

So, why not check out the Aquino Center Museum in Hacienda Luisita, San Miguel, Tarlac City. Tarlac's most famous son, Ninoy Aquino, is honored in his home province town with a museum that details his life, death and legacy.

How to go there: Board any provincial bus headed for Dagupan or Baguio and get off at Luisita Mall in Trlac City.You can take a leisurely five-minute walk under the shade of trees to the Aquino Center building. If you're going by private vehicle, take the highway to Baguio via Mabalacat, Pampanga. Turn right on the street immediately after Luisita Mall. The Aquino Center will be around 250 meters to your left from there.

What you'll see: The Aquino Center's main attraction is its museum --- a provocative visual experience that tells the story of the late former Philippine President Corazon Aquino and the hometown hero, slain senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. Their teenage days, their marriage, their political history and struggle against the late tyrant Ferdinand Marcos, Ninoy's assassination and the nation's upheaval against dictatorship, and the eventual return of freedom led by Cory and her party: these are well-documented by photos, personal belongings, and other memorabilia. Poignant pictures of catalytic events grace the walls of the vast museum, and diaries and letters of both Cory and Ninoy to various people are displayed in glass cases. The bloodied suit that he was wearing when he was murdered is also preserved for people to see. There's even a facsimile of his cell in Fort Bonifacio where he was detained for seven years. The visual unfolding of the Aquino legacy ends at the former president's turnover of power to her successor.

Cameras are not allowed inside the museum proper, but you can take photos in the lobby.

The Aquino Center is located near the Luisita Mall, so dining places are easily accessible.

People who in one way or another, were politically aware during the first quarter storm up to the time leading to the EDSA revolution will have a sentimental time while at the museum --- they are going to remember the hardships of being under a dictatorship and appreciate the democracy that we now enjoy. Parents with children over 10 years old can bring their kids and take this chance to instill in them the value of love for country and will be inspired to follow one man's example of genuine patriotism.

Fees: Php100 (US$2) for adults, and Php50 (US$1) for students (school ID must be presented). For bookings, you can call +63 45 985-0968 or +63 45 985-1770.

Here are more suggestions for your family:

20 Best Family-friendly resorts that your kids will surely enjoy, and more...

Another Earthquake Disaster

noreply@blogger.com (Pearl) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 06:33:00 +0000

This morning, the first text message that I received was about the Tsunami warning that might hit the eastern coast area of the Philippines as a result of the Intensity 8.8 earthquake in Chile. I was shocked because I had no idea that there was an earthquake in Chile yesterday.

It's one of my greatest fears. I especially fear for my kids, that in case it happens they would be in school or in other places other than home, and that we wouldn't be all together. But then, when I think about it, there's really no way that we can predict the occurrence of an earthquake. All we can do is to be prepared.

Let's all pray for the souls of those who perished in the Chile earthquake. Let's also pray for the survivors and for those people who are continuously giving their best to rescue those who are still trapped under the ruins of the buildings that toppled to the ground.

Seeds to Grow in your Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Pearl) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 07:46:00 +0000

We have all been planted in this world for a special reason. As we proceed through the years, it is like unraveling a mystery story to discover who we really are. Each of us writes our script each day.

Be in awe of the beauty of nature that surrounds us, and share it.
Hold precious those family and friends that you are privileged to love.
Love the work that you do each day, whether it be in the office, at home, or in your community. All work can be viewed as an art.
Stretch out to help those in need, and work toward a peaceful and safe world for all people.
When facing life, be spontaneous --- with the inquisitiveness of a child --- and let those positive inner thoughts be a beacon to inspire others.

Remember that whatever your age, you can always share that inner glow and spread your gifts to light a part of the world. Each of us is the author of our unique mission here on earth. Give birth to your dreams.

My Daughter's Prom

noreply@blogger.com (Pearl) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 06:23:00 +0000

May daughter had her Junior-Senior Promenade last 4 February in Fernbrook Gardens in Alabang. It was a very nice place, perfect for weddings and debut; it satisfied the "shutter-happy-me" --- It was perfect for photo shoots, and when we arrived, I really got excited because I saw lots of opportunities for photos :-) Luckily, my daughter was very cooperative, she indulged her "photographer-wannabe-mom". The exact opposite of my son whose graduation ball pictures, I still have yet to see --- been asking him for ages to get copies from his classmates ---- because he didn't want me to take his photos :-(

A mother would think that when the time comes, she'll be ready to see her daughter all-dressed up like a real lady --- or a princess wearing long gown, for that matter. But I don't think I was. At first I think I was downplaying everything; the Prom Night didn't sink in until the day before --- but then, I guess I was just in denial that she was indeed growing up so fast.

Not much preparations were made --- but I believe she emerged beautifully, although still a bit shy and awkward, but she managed to walk with grace (but not literally, because I knew that after a few hours, she had difficulty walking --- what with the high-heeled shoes that I bought for her!).

When I drove Izah to the venue and I saw the place, I was mesmerized and immediately thought that she must celebrate her 18th birthday there. That's my dream right now --- but I think it will remain that way because I learned that the rental of the place is very expensive!

Although the parents and guardians were only allowed until the time the participants entered the venue, I had witnessed so much to be able to say that the affair was well-organized, and that the organizers did a great job. But I always credit her school for coming up with well-organized event, be it recognition day, graduation, or first communion.

When her Dad and I picked her up, she wasn't still ready to leave yet --- as with all the rest of them. The parents were wondering how could they all spend the night together and still didn't want to go home even if it was past midnight already? Well, teenagers! They simply couldn't get enough of each other's company! And Izah was still all too ready for more photo shoots, as if she didn't get tired. It was only when she was in the car that she felt the urge to sleep. That was when we knew she really enjoyed herself.

Online Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Pearl) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:18:00 +0000

Do you know how to play bingo? If so, I’m sure you will also enjoy playing online bingo. Whether you are an expert or just a beginner, you can have so much fun playing bingo online. It is one way to while away your time, at the same time have the chance to win lots of prizes. You will also get to interact with lots of other players, just like when you are playing it the traditional way. It even encourages its members to recruit their friends, and gives loyalty points as its incentive. All you have to do is to register to be able to play, but don’t worry, your personal details are safe with them.

It is easy to navigate around these sites. You will find yourself getting the hang of it in no time at all. I’m sure you will enjoy playing online bingo, and the plus factor would be the online friends that you will surely make as your games progressed. Playing bingo could be a good way to relax, and what’s good with it is you get the chance to win big amount of prizes just by enjoying yourself. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to miss this kind of opportunity.

Got a New Netbook

noreply@blogger.com (Pearl) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 13:48:00 +0000

Our new Acer Aspire 1810 arrived from the US two weeks ago. It's nice, and the specs are good, 3gb Memory, 320HD, Windows 7 OS, Intel Pentium Dual-Core, 11.6 HD screen, webcam. At first we were worried that the screen might be small and the keyboard might be difficult to use, but when we saw it, it was great, and very handy.

At least now, we don't have to share just one computer at home. My son is using it for his school projects and assignments, and I just bring it to the office whenever he is dismissed early from school and has time to drop by so that he can use the WiFi in our library since my husband hasn't set up yet the WiFi at home.

Online Shopping Made Easy

noreply@blogger.com (Pearl) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:14:00 +0000

Doing shopping nowadays is easy, thanks to online sites which really make life easier for us. Shopping need not be a chore since now we can do it in the comforts of our homes, wearing pajamas and slippers. But, of course, sometimes it would be nicer to also find sites which can save us money. So now since I'm really hoping to buy my dream camera, I searched the Internet and found Offers.com which has a wide-array of products to choose from. I think through this website, I can even go beyond purchasing just my dream camera. I'm now thinking of buying another laptop since I am now assured of huge savings which I doubt if I can even find in other sites. I think this is the heart of online shopping because it has a huge list of accredited stores to choose from that anyone wouldn't have any problem finding something that they need.

As for my dream camera, I think I found it here, with big savings, and in due time I'm sure I will be able to purchase it. For the meantime, I'm searching for a laptop since this is more of a necessity for me, I think I will prioritize buying it than the camera.

Bargain-Hunting Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Pearl) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 05:30:00 +0000

Whether you're headed for Divisoria or the Greenhills Shopping Center, use this info to score the best prices:

1. The farther the stall is from the entrance, the cheaper the merchandise gets. Prime spots pay higher rent, and the cost is reflected on the price of the items. So, if you have the time, as the first store you see, then go inside or head to the upper floors to compare prices. Always haggle; ask for the "last price".

2. But don't over-canvass. If all the five stalls you've visited offer the same price, then it's time to stop asking and decide if you want to buy or not. Tip: These stalls know each other and have decided on a base selling price. In fact, some stalls are owned by just one person, so it would be futile to keep haggling, or worse, lie about a super low price that they know none among them would give.

3. The more, the merrier. Usually, the surefire way to get bigger discounts is to buy more. So, take your friends along when shopping.

4. Bring cash in small denominations. It's easier to get the price you want if you have the exact amount on hand. Also, the stalls never have enough small bills.

5. But what you want now. For one, the items disappear fast. Also, you don't know if the vendor will still be around next time. Stall assignments change every month.

6. Everything you see in Greenhills, you'll find in Divisoria --- only a lot cheaper. It's worth the trip if you want big savings. Be wary of pickpockets.

Here are more tips for you: Bargain Hunting Basics

My Dream Camera

noreply@blogger.com (Pearl) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:35:00 +0000

12.9 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor (effective pixels: 12.3 million)
3.0-inch 920,000 pixel (VGA x 3 colors) TFT-LCD (same as D3 and D300)
Live View with contrast-detect AF, face detection
Image sensor cleaning (sensor shake)
Illuminated focus points
Movie capture at up to 1280 x 720 (720p) 24 fps with mono sound
IS0 200-3200 range (100-6400 expanded)
4.5 frames per second continuous shooting (buffer: 7 RAW, 25 JPEG fine, 100 JPEG Normal)
Expeed image processing engine
3D tracking AF (11 point)
Short startup time, viewfinder blackout and shutter lag
Slightly improved viewfinder (96% frame coverage)
Extensive in-camera retouching including raw development and straightening
Improved user interface
New optional compact GPS unit (fits on hot shoe)
Same battery and vertical grip as D80
Vignetting control in-camera
72 thumbnail and calendar view in playback

This is my dream camera! Nikon D90! At first I wanted to have a Canon 7D, but I changed my mind after getting several good feedback and reading wonderful reviews about Nikon. And I've also seen sample shots from this camera and I really like what I saw. So now my mind is set in buying this camera.

Now, how can I raise enough funds to buy this camera? It's not cheap! My first step is to save all my online earnings, but I'm not sure yet how I will raise the bigger chunk. Well, let's see, I think I will have to apply the principles of The Secret, that is, the Law of Attraction. From now on, I have to focus on getting this camera, and I aim to have it before the end of the year. Let's see how this Law of Attraction works for me!

But one thing's for sure, even if I got my dream camera, I'm not going to give up my current camera, my ever-reliable Sony DSC H2. It has complete accessories, and I even bought different lenses for it through Ebay. And besides, it has sentimental value and it has already won me four awards in ADB Camera Club.

So, without even trying, and without really getting serious about it, my Sony has really helped me get past my fear of tinkering with the manual settings of my camera. So because of this, there's no way I'm giving up my beloved camera ---- but my kids are just so excited because they know they'll get to use it more once I have my dream camera!

Nice Clips for Little Girls

noreply@blogger.com (Pearl) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:39:00 +0000

It's really nice to have little girls. Aside from the pretty dresses that you can dress them up with, there are also lots of nice clips that they will surely love. My daughter doesn't want to leave the house without getting her hair done, so, I always make sure that she has lots of hair accessories to choose from. She has very long hair so it's really nice to fix it to whatever style she wants. Although problem sometimes arise when she is already running late for school and we have yet to fix her hair. Sometimes, I'm tempted to wash and shampoo her hair the night before, but she didn't want it because when we did it once, she suffered with a terrible headache. But one thing is for sure, she really loves different styles for her hair, and in fact, she knows what she wants and she just instructs me on what to do.

Sampaguita Gardens Resort and Pink Sisters in Kalibo

noreply@blogger.com (Pearl) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:23:00 +0000

The last leg of our itinerary brought us to Pink Sisters and Sampaguita Gardens Resort in Kalibo.

The Pink Sisters church was very similar to the one in Tagaytay. There were also religious items being sold there, and I was able to buy 3 rosaries for my kids (with their birth stones as the rosary beads).

I was amazed with the Sampaguita Gardens Resort. Had I known about this place before, I would have brought my family there last December. The kids would have definitely enjoyed!

The Precious Moments characters which adorned the resort were just so adorable. And yes, it was Christmas all-year-round, so they continuously played Christmas songs which added to the festive atmosphere of the place. When we went inside the big house (in the picture above), it was like I wanted to buy everything that was inside, especially the dolls dressed in Ati costume!

There was even a museum in the 2nd and 3rd floors, though there was a Php10 entrance fee. It was a feast to the eyes! Different kinds of Nativity Scenes were on display, as well as fully decorated Christmas trees! There were even edible Gingerbread Houses!

The back of the resort was a breakwater, so the sea breeze was really soothing. It would have been a relaxing retreat to stay here for a few days. When we visit Boracay again, I'll make sure that I'll bring my family here.

Well, that's the end of my Boracay and Kalibo adventure. Till the next ADB Camera Club OTS.

The Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festivities

noreply@blogger.com (Pearl) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 04:39:00 +0000

When we left Boracay, the weather was still bad, there were occasional rains, and in fact, we had difficulty getting off the boat in Caticlan Pier because of the strong waves.

And when we arrived in Kalibo, it was still raining and there were no Ati-Atihan parades in sight. Our driver said that we would have experienced heavy traffic and wouldn't be able to pass through the side streets if there were parades; but because of the rains, not a single group of Ati people were in sight, so, no photo opportunity for us.

We then proceeded to the next item in our itinerary, the Piña Weaving Demo (Kabuhi-an Livelihood, Skills Training & Exhibition Center) in Balete, Aklan.

It was simply amazing to see the actual weaving, and they do everything by hand; straight from the pineapple leaves, and that's the reason why the finished materials are so expensive.

We also had a sumptuous lunch courtesy of our host. Food was delicious, some were new to us and we had to ask their local names, unfortunately, I couldn't remember them all.

I loved the dessert!
Rice cake with sugar and sesame seeds on top with Bukayo --- sweetened coconut strips --- on the side.

After lazing around the place, taking photos and buying some stuff, we then proceeded to our apartment in Kalibo. We strolled around the plaza, and were entertained by the locals doing the rounds of the streets with drums, and tourists following them.

Street peddlers selling masks abound the place.

My mother is from Kalibo and it's been years since she last went there, so, on my first night there, I called her up and shared with her my excitement in seeing the place. I also made sure that I took photos of various landmarks which I was sure she will still remember.

The next morning, we attended the Holy Mass at Pastrana Park. The atmosphere was very festive and various groups were already dressed-up when we arrived at the park. The mass was a combination of English, Filipino and local dialect, so somehow we were also able to understand the ceremonies. Of course, with this kind of festivities, and with the election fast approaching, the presence of various politicians were expected. Senator Manny Villar, Gilbert Remulla, and others whom I forgot the names, were seen during the mass.

It was a fun experience, and I was amazed with the energy and enthusiasm of the groups of Ati people who tirelessly made the rounds of all the side streets all day. Tourists and locals alike joined the parades which finished around 4:30pm. From what I saw, it was especially tiring for the drum beaters, but there was actually no sign of them being tired, and I think what kept them going was the continuous supply of beer which their friends gave them, as I saw in one of the groups. And after the parade, I saw three drunk men sprawled on the sidewalk, but no one was minding them. I think it was a common sight in that place :-)

(Thanks Gina U for these 3 group photos)

We were not able to watch the awarding ceremonies anymore so we had no idea which group won. Everybody was dead tired due to the whole day activities, and besides, we had to wake up early the following morning.

Next post: The Sampaguita Gardens in Kalibo

Jewelry Collection for Little Girls

noreply@blogger.com (Pearl) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:17:00 +0000

My little girl loves to tinker with my things. So, every time she receives gifts which look and feel like “mommy things”, she just simply adore them. She is especially fond of jewelries, the pink and heart-shaped ones which she can easily pair with her dresses. It’s really adorable seeing her wearing a necklace with matching bracelet and sometimes, even earrings, that go perfectly well with her dresses. I think she has an eye for clothes and accessories, she can easily mix and match clothes by herself, which even me doesn’t even see as possible. Even her older sister sometimes ask her opinion on the way to dress, or what to wear when we go to the malls.

Both of my girls love bracelets with different charms, sometimes even with their names as pendant. Faye is fond of the color pink, while Izah loves purple. These colors actually complement each other, so sometimes, I mix and match them whenever I choose combination of charms for their bracelets. A collection of girls jewellery is a part of life of growing up kids, so, I allow my youngest daughter to enjoy this, in the same way as her older sister enjoyed it when she was her age. I just tell her to make sure that she takes care of her things so that she can maximize its usage. I also remind her to always keep these items in a safe place, away from dust and heat. So, whenever she’s in school, where jewelries are not allowed, she keeps her collection in a drawer in which only she keeps the key.

Having girls is really fun, because you get to dress them up. Although sometimes, it can be exasperating when they insist on what they want without considering its consequences to other people or to themselves. This is sometimes frustrating, although I just take it as their way of asserting their independence which is somehow a good sign that they are getting matured.

When is the right time to let go?

noreply@blogger.com (Pearl) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:03:00 +0000

My youngest daughter had a school field trip last Friday. Two weeks before the actual date, she was already very excited because it would be her first time to go to Enchanted Kingdom. As in the past years, I was already prepared to come with her, especially now that the venue was in EK. I just felt it was not safe to allow her to be by herself. And besides, I knew that she would want me to accompany her.

But then, I was really surprised when she told me that she can take care of herself, so, "please if I can allow her to join the field trip by herself, without a chaperone." I was like, "whaat??? you're still a baby! What if something happens? Who will take your photos? Who will check if you need to change your shirt? Or put towel on your back?" I can go on and on.

When she realized that I was really serious in tagging along, she said, "But Mommy, we already have our own group for the rides." So, it was like I would be an outsider to their group, and that it would be such a bore to have me around? (or it was just ME having these thoughts?).

So, finally, THE DAY came. It went well, but it wasn't the same experience as I had in the past whenever I join her field trip, because this time, she was more independent. She didn't even want to have her photos taken, although she indulges me once in a while. No more clinging to Mommy --- now, I miss those days! There were teary moments along the way, and it was on my part because I think I was the one who had to make some adjustments.

Oh well, I didn't know that it would come so fast... gotta make sure that I make the most out of our bonding moments from now on..

Boracay... Again?

noreply@blogger.com (Pearl) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 03:08:00 +0000

In just a little over a month since I last went there, I found myself back in Boracay again. This time, I was with the ADB Camera Club group, and the main focus was the Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo; Boracay was just a side trip.

After my experience with Cebu Pacific, I was just so grateful that we were booked with Philippine Airlines: the flights were on schedule, the plane was bigger, with cute cabin crew as bonus :-)

The first item in our itinerary was to go straight to Boracay and spend a night there, and then proceed to Kalibo the next day to attend the various Ati-Atihan Festivities. The weather was not cooperating when we arrived, it was cloudy all throughout, unlike last December when we were blessed with sunny weather. So, I wasn't really able to take nice photos, and besides, I wasn't feeling well. I had palpitation attack and had difficulty sleeping during our first night there. I think it was the combination of my fear of being away from my family, away from the hospital, and away from my cardiologist which triggered it. But I had to make the most out of it, so, I had no choice but to try to enjoy myself, and forget about my eagerness to go home even during our first day there. Eventually, I warmed up with the group, and with prayers, I was able to set aside my fears, and enjoyed the trip.

After experiencing the strong waves in the boat while in Caticlan Pier, it was such a relief to be greeted by this group when we arrived in Boracay Island.

(Thanks Gina U. for this photo)

Our itinerary says that we were scheduled to go boating while waiting for the sunset. But since there was an overcast weather condition, we were not blessed with a good sunset. It could have been a wonderful photo opportunity for all of us.

This place, the Boracay Westcove, was rumored to be Manny Pacquiao's property. But we later found out that we were given wrong information. Manny and Jinkee didn't own the place and were just frequent visitors of the resort. It was a very nice place, good for honeymooners, though very expensive. All the rooms have magnificent view of the famous Boracay sunset.

We were supposed to have some cocktails while on the boat, but because it was getting dark and strong waves were already hitting the boat, we had no choice but to just have the cocktails inside the resort. No regrets anyway, the view was superb!

I don't think I will again visit Boracay in the next 5 years. I have had enough in 2 months' time :-)

Next post: Kalibo Ati-Atihan Experience

The science in buying school shoes for your kids

noreply@blogger.com (Pearl) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:57:00 +0000

There's a simple science involved when it comes to buying school shoes for kids. You would have to make sure that the shoes are not ill-fitted and that they are comfortable enough for your kids to run around. For practical reasons, some parents are prone to buying shoes which are a bit bigger than their kid's actual size. Their reason? So that the shoes will last a lot longer than usual. But this could be harmful to their little feet. So, what should we do? Make sure that the shoes that we buy for our kids fit them well.

To make your kids' school shoes last longer, make sure that you buy them two pairs every school year, so that they would not have to wear the same pair of shoes everyday, and also to allow their shoes to "breath". This method worked for me through the years. Although sometimes, due to budget concerns, I am not able to buy them two pairs at the beginning of the school year, I make it a point that I buy a second pair during the middle part of the year. This is only for the black shoes for their daily uniform. A pair of rubber shoes is also needed for their Physical Education classes. And this is where I save a lot of money because most of the times, a good pair of rubber shoes can last for two school years.

I let my kids choose their own school shoes, although they still consult me when it comes to the design and of course, the cost. But my youngest daughter is the more independent one. Once she has set her mind on the pair of shoes that she saw and she liked it, it would take a lot of reasoning to convince her otherwise. From my experience in letting her choose her own shoes, the cost would be one of the reasons for her to be convinced that I cannot buy the particular shoes for her, because I raised my kids in a way that they are aware of the budgetary cost of every item that we buy within the family.

End of the school year is again fast approaching. And once again, in a few months' time, new school shoes will be needed, and I'm sure my kids will be excited to go shopping again.

Earning Through Writing Articles

noreply@blogger.com (Pearl) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:48:00 +0000

How would you like to earn extra money just by doing something that you love? If you love writing articles, there's really a lot of opportunities out there for you.

For myself, I've been a member of Triond since 2007, I think, ever since it started, and so far, I'm thankful with my monthly earnings. Although, not much, I still love the fact that I'm enjoying residual income because the articles that I published since I joined Triond are still earning me extra money. Not bad for something that I love to do.

The key in earning money from Triond is to write lots of articles. You wouldn't have to worry about what to write because I think they got everything covered, from poetry to recipes to photos to videos. Yes, you can simply upload your photos and every time your photos get page views, you earn money. Isn't that simple? Instead of keeping your photos in your hard drive, why not upload them to Triond and earn money from them.

Another good thing about Triond is its Google Adsense integration in which I get to earn additional income from the google ads that are shown in my articles. I now enjoy everyday income in my Google Adsense because of Triond!

My goal is to publish 1,000 articles by March, to be able to earn at least $100/month, so, hopefully, I can achieve my goal.

So, if you think this is for you, try joining Triond.

A Romantic Restaurant

noreply@blogger.com (Pearl) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:10:00 +0000

A friend in the US has been telling me about an Italian Restaurant which she frequents with her husband. She said it has the best food, and the ambiance is just so awesome. And she also said the service is simply superb. Since she’s really a hopeless romantic, she just loves its location, which is atop a hill, overlooking the ocean. So, she can really go on and on in describing the place to me, and she also promised that it will be the first restaurant that she will bring me to once I visit her.

She also said that for banquets, the San Diego fine dining banquet rooms are also available for up to 65 people. In fact, they celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary there, and it was a very intimate occasion, and their guests were simply amazed with the food, the wine and the services of the restaurant staff. For sure, she owes me one on that.

Health for your Family

noreply@blogger.com (Pearl) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:09:00 +0000

We all know how difficult it is to be sick. When we are sick, everything that we do and everyone within our family are affected. We couldn’t function normally even if it is simple colds or flu, and worse, if it is complicated sickness which entails long-term medications. When you have kids, the more that you should be extra vigilant and careful.

A lot of people would like to know how to cure ailments and nowadays, we have access to lots of information from various websites which tell us that there are a variety of ways to cure simple ailments. From over the counter medications, herbal medicine, ointments and liniments, and of course, the most important of all, for symptoms that just wouldn’t go away, a visit to the doctor is really a must. In my family, we believe that prevention is the most important so, I always make sure that we all take vitamins everyday. Our kids are exposed to the harsh environment, so we really have to make sure that they are protected.

And we shouldn't only concern ourselves with the common physical ailments in our family. As parents, especially for those with teenagers, we should also be wary of various emotional problems that our children may encounter which in the worse scenario could lead to depression if left untreated. Avoid bipolar disorders and other psychiatric illnesses to affect your brain functions by heading on to Dr Daniel Amen for a consultation regarding healthy mental conditions. Let's all be vigilant and take charge of our health.

Unforgettable experience in Kalibo Airport

noreply@blogger.com (Pearl) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 05:22:00 +0000

Our flight back to Manila was 4:15pm. We were picked up from the resort at 12:00N. We were even negotiating if we can be picked up at 1:00pm because we haven't eaten our lunch yet, but the Island Tours staff insisted that they have a schedule to follow and suggested that we just buy our food in Caticlan and eat our lunch while on the bus. So, we had no choice but to leave at 12:00N.

We reached Kalibo Airport at around 2:30pm, so, we knew we had ample time to spare. We finished eating our lunch in the nearby restaurant. My husband went to the airport to ask about the check-in time, and he was told that the plane hasn't arrived yet and was delayed due to GMA's scheduled departure (yes, our dear Madame President!). He was also informed that the plane will arrive at 4:00pm. It was only then that we noticed the arrival of several vehicles and policemen who eventually surrounded the airport.

I think I also lost track of time. We even bought some local delicacies from the nearby stalls to bring back to Manila. Then we noticed the side gate of the airport being opened; and the arrival of GMA's vehicle entourage. I even saw her wave to the vendors beside the road.

We then immediately went back to the restaurant, then, we proceeded to the airport for the check-in. We were still pulling out our bags from the conveyor when I saw my husband talking to the Cebu Pacific staff, and I immediately noticed his worried face. When I went to him to ask what was happening, he said he was informed that the counter was already closed and that we couldn't check-in anymore. It was 4:00pm. I didn't know what to say, I didn't know how to react, I didn't know what to do.

My initial reaction was to reason out and explain what happened... that my husband went to ask twice about the check-in time... that the airport was surrounded by policemen and we thought we were not allowed to enter until after GMA's departure. But everything that we said didn't work, they were adamant in saying that there was no way we could check-in because the counter was already closed and that the pilot has already signed the departure papers (whatever that meant, we didn't care!).

Our next reaction after this was to plead. Yes, we had to do that, because there were 9 of us, including 2 young kids and my father-in-law. But again, nothing happened. They said there was nothing they could do to help us. It was during this time that the reality of what was happening began to sink in. I couldn't exactly describe how I felt, just writing about it is like reliving all over again what happened.

Our next reaction was to ask what would be our next option. We were told that there was no way we could get a booking on the same day because the 2 flights left were all fully booked. We can try the following day. It was unimaginable! There were a lot of things that we had to consider: where to spend the night, the fare difference that we had to shoulder, the huge inconvenience that we'll surely have.

I went to the Philippine Airlines window to ask the rate of Kalibo-Manila on that same day. I was speechless when the staff informed me that the rate was Php5,000 per person. I was even so naive as to think that it was already for 9 persons because he asked me for how many passengers before giving me the amount of Php5,000. There was no way we would pay Php45,000 for that flight!

Then I tried Zest Air. I was told that as of that time (because the rate fluctuates, the staff said), the fare was Php3,200 per person. I was again stunned!

All throughout this ordeal, we were praying. I even asked the kids to pray intently, because God hears kids first, right?

My husband and I were outside trying to call Caticlan Airport to ask if there were available flights going to Manila when my sister-in-law said she was able to get a booking in Cebu Pacific for the first flight the next day at Php1,900 per person. They were on their way to find an ATM to withdraw money, because, would you believe? there was no ATM machine in the airport, not a single one! The nearest would be in the city proper which was 20 minutes away! And the airline doesn't even accept credit cards! Really unimaginable because how could an airport, as busy as Kalibo Airport, not have a single ATM within its vicinity, and how could the airlines not accept credit cards!

When my sister-in-law and her husband left, we were able to get hold of the manager of Cebu Pacific. He was accommodating and tried to explain to us their policy about the late check-in. It was too late for that, we thought. He even helped in getting us a confirmed booking for the next day. The fare was fluctuating, and they got a rate higher than what they gave to my sister-in-law, it was already Php2,200 per person. I asked the staff not to book it yet, and instead, I went to Zest Air to ask about their current rate. I was really surprised when I was informed that the rate was Php1,888 per person, leaving at 6:40pm on the same day, we didn't have to worry about spending an extra night in Kalibo, let alone, finding a place to stay. We believed it was an answered prayer because just a few minutes ago, their rate was Php3,200. We immediately grabbed the available seats, and miraculously, there were enough seats for all of us!

While we were finalizing the payment, we overheard a commotion in the Cebu Pacific area. A group of people were complaining because they were also informed that they missed their plane. They were also trying to explain that they were already in the queue, but again, as what happened to us --- and as expected, the Cebu Pacific staff were not interested in their explanation. After their heated discussion, the cursing and the loud voices, they still were not allowed to get in the plane. Then later, we saw them in the departure area; they were also able to get seats in Zest Air.

When this kind of thing happen to you, you will ask yourself: Why did it happen to us? There must be a reason for this, there must be a purpose. When that second group of people also missed their plane, and that they also got seats in the same plane as ours, all the more that I wondered. And when Faye asked me --- when she saw the Zest Air plane taxiing on the runway towards the gate, "Mommy, why is the plane's left propeller not moving?" I worried even more.

But then, I knew that only prayers can protect us. I didn't share my thoughts with anybody until after we were safely back in Manila because I didn't want them to worry. We just knew that we had to pray for a safe trip back home, and indeed, after what seemed like an eternity, we got home safely.

We then decided that we didn't want to spoil the memories of our Boracay vacation with this incident. We have four days and three nights of fun memories to keep in our hearts, there should be no more space for this unfortunate incident.

After this thought, we can now look back at this experience with amusement --- as the saying goes, "Just charge it to experience!"

Major lesson learned: Whatever happens, make sure that you are safely checked-in as soon as you arrive at the airport before going anywhere else.