Busy, busy week

I have been so busy the past 2 weeks that I almost did not blog. Dami ko ng utang. I will be blogging at the start of 2012 and for sure daming wento nun. To all bloggers that I really admire and look up to, happy new year. To my readers and those who are patient enough to leave their comments and who spare some of their precious time in reading my blog, a heartfelt Thank You... It is because of readers like you that I strive to be a better blogger. Thank you again. I will be seeing you soon. Miss blogging so much.

Christmas Eve

Last December 24 we heard mass at De La Salle - Lipa at their Sentrum. This is our 4th year of going there. It is earlier than the usual masses held at the churches. We chose this time because of the kids, maaga pa din talaga sila natutulog and besides the following day we will be going to my mom's place in Laguna, kaya fit na fit yung time for us. It is special as well because the celebrant of the mass was Arch. Gaudencio Rosales, though he retired already. Here are some of the photos...


Before we went inside the Sentrum for the mass



This is before the mass...


This opening of the gifts, given by my friend, Rachel.



the gift my youngest got from Rachel...


the gifts my 2 older daughters got from Rachel...

Merry Christmas

I am posting this before I go to sleep 2 days before Christmas. As Christmas ushers in, let us not forget to Thank the good Lord for all the blessings He showered each one of us. I know that the past week a tragedy hit our brothers and sisters in Cagayan de Oro and other nearby places that was affected by Tyhpoon Sendong, let us continue to pray for them. May the spirit of Christmas be with them as well. I hope that before some of us make "reklamo", let us reflect first. We may not always have everything BUT having our family around us should be more than enough. Merry Christmas and may this. Season be filled with love and understanding.

Merry Christmas to each one... From: Francis, Grech, Arielle, Joie and Amaya RACAL.

Amaya's 5th Birthday

Last Tuesday, December 20th, was Amaya's 5th birthday. Francis and I decided to buy her the cake she wanted (she just wanted to blow the candles lang naman) and called Mcdonald's to deliver food during lunch time. Then in the afternoon we went to Mt. Carmel Church, said a prayer of thanks. Then went to SM, ate our snacks first sa Greenwich Pizza. My kids will never get tired of eating here. Then during dinner time Gerry's Grill naman, tatay Kiko paid the bill na. Hahaha! Here are some of the photos during that special day of Amaya...


The cake that the celebrant wanted...



The celebrant...Amaya Isabell



The cousins singing the Happy Birthday song



Amaya blowing the candle...



Kainan na!!!!


At Greenwich, while waiting for our food



Me and my 2 older daughters....



The celebrant with Tatay Kiko, ang taga bayad...

Bayanihan of the Filipino People

Last Weekend our sisters and brothers from Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and other nearby places in Mindanao were caught off guard by Typhoon Sendong. Though there was already a warning signal that PAGASA has declared yet all of us were caught unaware of how big this typhoon really is. In one of the tweets, I read that the rain poured brought about by typhoon Sendong is equivalent to a month's rain already in the areas mentioned. Sabi nga ng mga taga-doon, ngayon lang daw nangyari sa kanila ang ganitong baha(floodings). They never thought in their wildest dreams that it could happen to them. What saddens me, and probably all of us, it happened a week before Christmas. And now is the time to really help them. Buhayin natin ang kaugalian ng Bayanihan. And I know if we help each other out, makakaya natin lahat makabangon sa trahedya na ito. There are ways of helping them, either thru: 1. MONETARY DONATIONS - all of the television networks in our country have their own accounts and what banks to deposit your money to. They are always being announced in their news nightly. 2. RELIEF GOODS - like water, our brothers and sisters in CDO, Iligan and other nearby places are in need of clean water for drinking. Clothes, PLEASE if you will be donating clothes, YUN NAMANG MAGAGAMIT PA. Not just because you want to lessen the clothes that you don't need. Food like sardines, rice, noodles. 3. VOLUNTEERS - these are people needed in repacking the relief goods that are needed to be delivered to our dear brothers and sisters. I hope that each one of us could extend help to our Filipino brothers and sisters in the areas affected by Typhoon Sendong.

Movie Watching Manners

Few weeks ago my daughters and I watched the first part of the Breaking Dawn on the big screen. Just like before, we bought our tickets, snacks, and drinks earlier thant the usual; while waiting for our screening time, my daughters and I took turns in using the restrooms so as not to leave our seat while watching the film. My daughters and I paid 150.00 pesos each to watch the film but what we did not expect that there will be other people who are so VERY INCONSIDERATE of other moviegoers. Sheesh! I really made "PARINIG" already to shut up. Yet they ignored us. My daughter, who unfortunately, who was seated beside them was really pissed off because in every scene she could really hear all of their comments. Kung bata siguro sila pwede ko pang pakiusapan but the mere fact that they are ADULTS how come they are so INCONSIDERATE. I will say it again, they are ADULTS. Haaay. My daughters 13 and 12 respectively but they know what to do once inside the movie theater. I teach them NOT TO TALK LOUDLY inside the theaters especially if the movie is ongoing already. If there are instances that they want to ask something they could do so by WHISPERING. BUMULONG. O English na, may Tagalog pa. I know they paid 150.00 pesos as well BUT I just hope they will learn HOW TO RESPECT OTHER MOVIEGOERS who also paid the same amount to enjoy the same movie in the big screeN, MINUS the loud side comments from other people who are so INCONSIDERATE.

A Little Sakit na Lang

Yesterday Amaya has colds and slight fever. So I took really good care of her. And this morning, she greeted me Good morning! Mom, I'm not sick anymore. And I said to her, that's good bebe ko. And now that I realize that she is really fine. Here is why:


Mom (me): Amaya kindly pick up your toys and keep it na.

Amaya: Mommy, sakit pa head ko, a little lang...(sabay higa sa bed)

Hahaha! Para-paraan lang yan.

A Rant of a Mother

Why the title? Here is the story why. Last Monday afternoon my 2nd daughter, Joie told me that I have to buy her some nails for their project, which by the way I paid as early as the first quarter of the year. In short, pag pasok na pag pasok sa school naningil na sila agad. And since this is a school project, I gave the money to my daughter. What pissed me off? I paid the said amount and then I have to buy the nails? Parang may mali.

I asked Ate Joie why will I be buying the nails when in fact it should be included in the materials needed for the project. She told me that there was nothing left for her and 4 of her classmates because they - Joie's group - practicing some dance routines which is part of one of their subjects. So what I did, I wrote to her class advisor and informed her of what happened. And yesterday afternoon when Ate Joie arrived from school she told me that the teacher will be the one to buy the nails that she and 4 of her classmates needs. That ended well. :)

A Treat for Everybody

Last Sunday while I was about to prepare our lunch Francis all of a sudden told me to eat lunch out then go to Nuvali. OMG! Ang hirap kasi pag ang lakad namin eh biglaan kasi I really have to tend to each of my daughters. Anyway, so my daughters took their baths, alternately while I sterilized some of Amaya's bottles. Then it was Amaya's turn to take her bath then me. We ate lunch at Mcdonald's, where else. Then off to Nuvali. First stop was Solenad 2. As soon as we arrived we went to the comfort rooms. While we were there Amaya was playing.

This is our Amaya playing.

After using the rest rooms, we saw this nice designs there and my hubby took our pics with it.

This is Ate Joie...

We went to this stall called Res-Toe-Run and looked around. Then saw what I have been wishing for to have all these times, a pair of FitFlops. Francis found this pair for me and this is his Christmas gift for me. And yes I am definitely very happy with my purchase.

Here I am fitting the pair Francis

chose for me...

And while I was fitting the FitFlops, ndi mapakali ang bunso namin. Hahaha!

After I have purchased my FitFlops we went around to see if there are other stores that have opened already. And the kids are happy that Timezone has been opened already but they were not able to play anymore because they asked their tatay if we could go to ATC. We went window shopping there and we're so happy that night because they have fireworks display but we weren't able to watch it because Amaya was crying her heart out. In short takot sa fireworks. So good luck naman to us this coming New Year's Eve.

Let me share with you the other purchases that we have made that Sunday evening.

This short bought by Ate Arielle at

Nuvali for 100.00 pesos

A black skirt bought at 150.00

and can be used as a top as well.

A shirt for Amaya bought at

Bench for 349.50

All in all we had a great time even though the kids have school the following day.

Christmas Traditions of Filipinos.

It is exactly 11 more days before Christmas and for my Top 5 this week I would like to share some of the Christmas traditions of Filipinos.

1. SIMBANG GABI - This is a 9 day mass that usually starts at 4 in the morning. It starts on the early morning of December 16th and ends on the 24th also called as the Misa de Gallo. I had completed this 9 day mass, when I was in 4th year college. There is a belief that if one completes the 9 days of mass one's wish will come true. Did it happen to me? I believe so...

2. CAROLING - Usually a group of kids sings in every house they go to and they are given a certain amount by the people who listened to their songs.

3. PUTO BUMBONG & BIBINGKA - 2 of the favorite delicacies every Christmas, though even after Christmas there are vendors who sells these 2 delicacies. But one will definitely feel that IT IS INDEED Christmas when 1 buys either of the 2. My fave? Puto Bumbong...hahaha!

4. NOCHE BUENA - This is a time for the whole family to gather at exactly 12 midnight to eat and after that time to give and opened the gifts.

5. PAROL - I believe this is one tradition that every Filipino do, putting up a Parol. It symbolizes as the guiding light at Bethlehem.

Quote no. 28

Respect yourself

and

Others will respect you.

(Confucius)

I Love The Film: Breaking Dawn

last December 4, with my 2 older daughters (Arielle and Joie) we went to SM to watch the first part of Breaking Dawn. Since we wanted to really start the movie from the very beginning we decided to watch it at the 2:30 p.m. screening, while waiting we bought already our snacks and drinks, used the bathrooms already so as that we will not be going out in the middle of the movie.

At exactly 2:30 p.m., the film began rolling. To be honest the most part my girls and I were looking for was the wedding. And I almost cried watching Bella walking down the aisle in the arms of her father. Seeing at the simplicity but elegance of the Swan-Cullen wedding, I was amazed at how they really took the time in showing in the film of how I the wedding would look like. It exceeded my expectations and of what I had imagined while reading the book.

Another part where I cried is where Jacob finally decided to join the reception and danced with his Bella. Oh just thinking of it makes me teary-eyed. Hahaha! And the last part where I got teary-eyed is when Bella is saying goodbye to her father. I loved at how Charlie replied when Bella said I love you Dad. And Charlie's reply: ALWAYS AM. ALWAYS WILL. *sniff*

I had a great time watching the movie though there were some twists here and there, a lot different from the book though, but I loved at what they did. Hey I am not a movie critic or whatever you call them, but there are few things I have noticed (and should not have included na lang):

1. I just hoped that they really made Bella beautiful during her wedding. What I have

imagined while reading the book is far from what I saw in the movie.

2. How I wished to see the face of the little girl Claire whom Quil imprinted to.

3. For me, they should not have included the speeches of some of the characters especially of Jessica, parang sour graping pa din siya after all these times.

But all in all it was a good movie, FOR ME AND MY DAUGHTERS at least. We can't wait for the second part and we all have to wait for November 2012 to watch it.

Christmas Songs

Since Christmas is just 18 days away and Christmas songs can be heard in every radio station and in the malls. So for my Top 5 this week, I chose the Top 5 Christmas Songs that it get me (and probably all of us) in that Christmas mood.

1. PASKO NA NAMAN - Minsan as early as October, we can usually hear this being played over the radio and once we hear this most of us usually are in the "panic mode" and this means that literally the Christmas countdown really begins...

2. SILENT NIGHT, HOLY NIGHT - One of the "slow" kind of song that I really love to hear. And if my memory serves me right, it was the first song I memorized when I was a child.

3. RUDOLPH THE RED NOSE REINDEER

The ever famous song of the reindeer Rudolph. Kids and adults loves to sing along every time this is played.

4. JINGLE BELLS - Another "dance-able" kind of Christmas song that every body loves to sing along as well.

5. PASKO NA SINTA KO - The anthem of the SMP or Samahan ng Malalamig ang Pasko. To be honest once upon a time this became my anthem for so long until I met my hubby, Francis. I really love the song, kahit may asawa na ako. Hearing Gary Valenciano's voice singing this song, aaahhh...I know Pasko na...

How about you? Do you have any Christmas songs that would like to share? I would love to know it...

Christmas Gifts to Give

Last week also my whole family went to the nearby mall and bought all the Christmas gifts for our respective godchildren. We decided to give materials that will enhance the "artistic" side of the kids. Then Last Sunday afternoon together with Tatay Francis, Ate Arielle, and Ate Joie, we wrapped each gifts. Ate Joie was the one who wrote to whom each gifts belongs to. Ate Arielle, was the one who took off all the tag prices. Tatay Francis and I were the ones wrapping each of the gifts. And it took us 30 minutes to finish wrapping all the gifts. *whew*. Now that is what I call COOPERATION within the family. And here are the gifts....

Our Cute Christmas Tree

Finally, our Christmas tree is up! Hahaha! As if ang laki-laki ng Christmas tree namin. Here is a bit of story behind the tree. When Francis and I were just starting our family, I have to admit we really do not have that budget to buy a big tree (and I don't have the patience of storing them after) so I decided to buy a smaller one that is so easy to decorate, and lucky for me easy to keep it as well. That first tree lasted for 10 years until last year, I believe my hubby misplaced our tree and all the Christmas balls that we bought. But last year I bought a new one, STILL of the same size and lots of Christmas balls. I really don't have a theme, as long as our tree is colorful to look at, okay na. It is usually my daughters who puts all the balls on the tree and in a matter of minutes, it is finished... So without further a do, presenting our Christmas tree....

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Then Last Saturday afternoon while waiting for Ate Joie's text if she is ready to be picked up from school we decided to do some grocery shopping for 3 noche buena packages that my family will be sharing to the Christmas party of the Cancer Warriors in Batangas organized by my cousin Sasah Valle - Castillo. This is the 2nd year that my family gave a package but this year we decided to give 3 instead of 1. The 3 packages represents my 3 daughters. I am so sorry that I wasn't able to get photos of it, because my hubby decided against it. But I hope that the 3 packages will bring happiness this coming Christmas.

Conversations of Amaya and her Tatay Francis

Few nights ago I over heard my youngest daughter Amaya and my hubby Francis talking. FYI, Amaya is still sleeping with us sa bedroom. Anyway as I was about to enter our bedroom their conversation went this way...

Tatay Francis: O basta wala ng fireworks ha...Cake na lang...

Amaya: Okay tatay...Cake na lang...But princess pa din ako...

Tatay Francis: wag ng princess...Cake na lang tapos blow mo na lang yun.

Amaya: Okay...Okay... Wala ng fireworks?!

What my hubby did sa kakulitan ng anak ko?! Tinulugan. Hahaha! To think that her birthday will be on the 20th of the month...

No post...again...

Hello! Blogger friends and readers...I was not able to post my Top 5 yesterday for my schedule is full. My 2 older daughters have their respective practices for their dance which is a presentation in their one of their subjects. Eh nagkataon pang different schedules ang practice nilang 2 yesterday. Then after lunch hubby, Ate Joie, Amaya and I went on a grocery shopping. Swelduha kaya kahapon?! Hahaha! Since tomorrow is a Friday already well, I might put a post already. Misses posting already...Until tomorrow though...

Next To You- Chris Brown ft Justin Bieber Acoustic Cover (Jorge and Alex...

I don't know if you have seen in YouTube the video of a father-daughter tandem singing their own versions of songs in the hit charts acapella style. I have seen them in my niece's wall in Facebook. Thanks to Ate Celine for sharing this.

This is one video that I got really teary-eyed. When they sang their own version of this song, NEXT TO YOU originally by Chris Brown ft. Justin Bieber. It was only then one will realize what is the message of the song. I love how Alexa sing her lines and at the same time show her sign of affection to her father. One would see how beautiful their relationship is.

I got teary-eyed more because it reminded me of my 3 daughters and their Tatay, as we fondly call Francis. Each of my daughters have their unique relationship to their father. I believe I have found a song appropriate for my 3 daughters and their tatay.

I hope that you will love this version as much as I love it... :)

One More Month To Go

It is exactly one more month and it is Christmas once again. Have you done some Christmas shopping? Me? Not yet. But my kids have already told me that they have already picked who will be there ka-kris kringle sa school. Ano ba naman yan? Wala pa masyadong budget eto na ulit ang gastos. Whew. Buti na lang ang budget given for the exchange gift is 250.00. It is kinda a problem as well kasi sa panahon ba ngayon may 250.00 pa ba?! Haaay. So this weekend my family will try to go to SM and look for something na worth 250.00.

Have you decorated your house for the coming Christmas? Me, not yet. I know it is the last Saturday of the month, but tomorrow my daughters and I will be decorating our small Christmas tree. To give you an idea how small our tree is, it will take us like less than 30 minutes to set it up. Hahaha! Even though it is a small one, I could assure you that it is a cute one. ;)

So see November is about to end and yet I haven't started on any of the two things mentioned above. Hahaha! Sorry naman daw dami po talaga kasing ginagawa. Now I could really say that time really flies so fast.

Quote no. 27

Discovery consists of seeing what

everybody has seen,

And thinking what nobody

has thought.

(Albert Szent-Gyorgyi)

Investments

Lately mu husband and I had a conversation where to place the money has save up. Few of my friends told him to place it in a Mutual Fund, Time Deposit, or invest it somewhere else. So what I did, I went to Bank of Philippine Islands or BPI and inquire what is/are the best option that is open for an ordinary person like me and my husband. So a good friend mo mine (and college classmate as well) who is working at BPI introduced me to two of the best option/s the bank could offer. NOTE: As I write it here is the way I understood it, I am no financial expert or what ever.

1. ALFM GROWTH FUND AND ALFM MONEY MARKET FUND

As my friend told me, these 2 are almost the same except that it is up to the bank where they are going to invest your money. Initial investment in either of the 2 is 50,000.00 pesos. As the way I understoom it, it's more or less about stocks, so if you're a risk taker, it is up to you how much are you willing to invest in these kinds of funds. My good friend told me as well, that as much as possible, they advise their clients to just invest 50% of their savings so that in case of emergency you have that money on hand already.

2. Another interesting option my friend presented to me is the SDA or SPECIAL DEPOSIT ACCOUNT this is under Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas or BSP. This is more okay than a Time Deposit.

I am not really good with numbers, interest and in the financial world but I am just sharing to all of you where you could invest your hard earned money. You could visit any bank and inquire the above mentioned investments and other things they could offer you. The more choices you have the more you could think about it. Be sure to make a wise decision because this is your hard earned money.

*note: This is not a paid ad for BPI. It so happen that me and my husband are happy clients of the said bank.

What are You Thankful For?

Tomorrow, November 24, Americans (and other citizens of the other part of the World) will be celebrating THANKSGIVING and since this occasion is not really recognized here in our country, I want to have my own Top 5 that I am thankful for and here they are:

1. GOOD HEALTH - Every time I go and hear mass or pray at night I never fail to Thank God for blessing me and my family with good health. Nowadays, it is kinda scary to get sick with all these viruses and diseases that surrounds us. I may have all the money in the world but I don't want to spend it on medications and hospitalizations. As one ad says: MAHAL MAGKASAKIT (it's is expensive to get sick).

2. FRANCIS VARGAS RACAL - I am so thankful to God for blessing (giving) me a husband who is intelligent, have a good sense of humor and cute husband. Francis is not only my husband, but my BEST-FRIEND, CRITIC AND PARTNER. I would never have it any other way or man for that one. Hehehe!

3. ARIELLE, JOIE & AMAYA - I am so thankful to God for giving me 3 beautiful and intelligent daughters. With my 2 older ones, we have conflicts, petty quarrels and all which is normal to any parent-daughter(s) relationship. But I am thankful as well for they, Arielle and Joie, do listen to me and at the same time I DO listen to them as well. With my youngest, siya ang taga-burn ng calories ko. For she is so very malikot, I really have to be there because once na tumahimik ang paligid ko for sure may ginagawa yan na ndi kaaya-aya STILL I love her. I do love my 3 angels.

4. FRIENDS & FAMILY Francis used to tease me when I was starting my FB because I have few friends that I usually accept and add in my friends list. This I told him: It is okay that I have a few friends because I know these friends of mine are the people I want to be with and that they are the only people I could be myself. With regards to my Family, no matter what happens at the end of the day, I know and I believe I could count on them.

5. MY LIFE - Cliche as it may sound I am thankful to God for giving me my life because I have made friends with people who have accepted me for who I am; I have a family who loves me for who I am too; and I have my husband and daughters who are my WIND BENEATH MY WINGS. I may be ONLY a housewife but I know to my family I am making a difference to them. I may be living a simple life with problems that I encounter (as a mother, wife and as a person every now and then), with "luho" that I and my husband, could afford, every now and then, I love my life and I am THANKFUL TO GOD for giving me a wonderful life and people I truly cherish and love.

Quote no. 26

Be what you are.

This is the first step toward

Becoming better than you are.

(August W. Hare)

"WHAT" and "IF"

"What" and "IF" are two words as non-threatening as words can be. But put them together side-by-side and they have the power to haunt you for the rest of you life: WHAT IF?

These lines is from the movie "Letters to Juliet". Don't worry I am not going to talk about the movie. But just focus on the two words: WHAT IF. I have to admit there were those times that I do have my what if moments like: What if I am a working mother? What if I just have 2 daughters? What if I am living in another country? Do I sound like I regret something. NO. Of course not, let us jsut say that I am wondering my what if's. Don't tell me that you have no WHAT IF's in your life? That once you never though of these two powerful words, as Claire puts it.

One of my what if is: What If I did not meet and married my husband Francis? Will I ever have beautiful and intelligent daughters? Will I be the woman I am right now? Hahaha! Biglang nasundan ng 2 questions pa. There will always be questions on our mind aside from What If and I believe that it is up to us how are we going to find the answers to these questions. So how about you, do you have any What If(s) in your life?

*image is from Google images*

Our Usual Conversation

This morning after Amaya took her bath and I was putting her clothes on we had this conversation and I should have seen it coming...Know why.

Me: Amaya, where do you want to go on you birthday? (to think next month pa)

Amaya: Mom, Mcdo lang. (McDonald's in short...)

Me: wow! how nice naman...sure anak...

Amaya: then I will seat on the chair...

Me: (starting to wonder already) of course Amaya we will definitely seat...(akala siguro take out na lang)

Amaya: then I will be in a long dress and then blow the candle sa cake.

Me: ngek! party pala ang gusto mo. (hahaha!) Tell your tatay about it.

Lesson: never ask again. Hahaha! She remembered the last party we went to. Ayun tuwing dadaan kami ng Mcdo, may party daw dun. Hahaha!

Thank you...Francis...

I would like to say thank you to my hubby for giving me my advance Christmas gift last night. Still having a difficult time using the keypad, or I really don't know what to call this one. Hahahaha! My daughters are having a blast as well. And at the same time I thank Steve Jobs for his ingenuity and that I love Steve Jobs... :))

An Open Letter to my Daughter Ate Joie

To our dearest Ate Joie,

Exactly 12 years ago when came in our lives - Tatay, Ate Arielle and of course me, your mom. If I remember it right I just finished ironing our clothes and I was watching something in our t.v. when i felt some pain. And the pain were stronger, eh I have this small tolerance of pain, just a little of it parang kung napaano na ang nangyari. So your tatay decided to bring me to Lipa Medix Hospital while Ate Arielle was left in the care of Lola Coring.

Few hours after you came out but I got worried because I NEVER HEARD YOU CRY not until a few minutes. Your tatay told me that for a few hours an oxygen have to be administer to you, but after a while you could breathe on your own already. The first time I saw you, you were so small, as in. Tears fell from my eyes. So I vowed to myself to breastfeed you as much as I can. After 2 days my OB-GYNE told me that I could go home already but your Pediatrician did not allow you to leave the hospital yet for you have jaundice so you have to stay for a few more days in the Nursery and I really felt so bad and so sad.

And finally when you were allowed to go home, your tatay and I were so happy because FINALLY your Ate Arielle will finally see you and so as the rest of the family. You were breastfed just for a month and a half becuase you were so MATAKAW that a formula milk has to be given, as an alternative for the breast milk. Just for a few month, grabe, ang bilis ng paglaki mo, LITERALLY.

And now as you turn 12, you're still MATAKAW. But I am happy that you love to eat and is very healthy rather than seeing you have and asthma. You and I are TOTALLY OPPOSITE, but as the saying goes OPPOSITE ATTRACTS. Just like Ate Arielle, we have our fights, petty quarrels and all but I guess that is part of a mother-daughter relationship and just like Ate Arielle we could talk and sort out our differences. I also allow you to air your side, tell me how you feel and all.

And now that your 12, here are few hopes, wishes and dreams I have for you:

1. I wish that you will always be healthy, no more asthma attack for you. Hirap mo kaya painumin ng gamot.

2. Please study hard, as I always tell you and Ate Arielle, EDUCATION is the only TREASURE your tatay and I could give the three of you. Para at the same time you could be whatever you want to be in the future.

3. Continue doing what your good at, like your drawing skills. As much as we want you to have that "training", you know we can't give it to you but despite of it, You still prove me and tatay that you're doing and giving your best in this field.

4. Lastly, choose friends that will help you grow into a better person. You are a smart young lady Joie, I know you could find friends carefully.

I hope that when you've reached your dream(s) you will never forget your sisters, tatay and me. I am so proud of you, Anak (and I know that tatay is too) and continue to make us proud.

Always remember that, we may fight or have quarrels, I love you so much and dearly. You never fail to make me and the whole family laugh, Ate Joie.

Study hard, anak. God bless you! Always remember that mommy and tatay are always here for you.

I love you so very much... Always...

Mom

Quote no. 25

If you're going to be

thinking anything,

You might as well

think BIG...

(Donald Trump)

Breaking Dawn (Part 1): Now Showing

Ever since I have watched Twilight, with my brother T.J, I got hooked with it. LITERALLY. Baliktad ano?! But for me it is just okay, at least I know who's who. When I began reading the next 3 books, I have these imaginations running in my head of how the characters will act or move in the books. Actually my twilight books are birthday gifts from people who are willing enough to appease my craziness over the series.

NEW MOON - was given to me by my youngest

brother Angelo and his girlfriend Karen.

ECLIPSE - was given to by my brother

Doyle(who came next after me) and

his girlfriend Elaine.

BREAKING DAWN - was given to me by my brother T.J.

To be honest, I have read the Twilight series a LOT OF TIMES. Among the four books,

I love Eclipse the most. I pity Jacob Black because of how much he really loves Bella. The best

line I love in the book is: I WILL BE WAITING IN THE WINGS, BELLA (Jacob Black).

And now that the first part of the movie Breaking Dawn is showing, my daughters and I can't

hardly wait to watch it and see for ourselves of how did the movie turn out to be.

*all images used were from Google images*

Speakin' Dollar

Most of you will definitely laugh and wonder what's with the title of my blog today. But to most of us who could speak English (some fluently, others not), this is usually the term used. An ordinary person, let's say here in the Province, Lipa, once na marinig kang mag-English speaking lalo na kung hindi ka naman American citizen, eh ang tingin agad sa yo eh: MAARTE, MAYABANG, MAYAMAN.

Some people just don't realize that English is a medium of conversation not only among the rich. Once you are educated, whether by public or private institution, you could speak and write in English form. I don't see anything wrong when a person is speaking in English, naaaliw pa nga ako kasi bukod sa tagalog, o kahit anong dialect, marunong silang mag-English.

One time my daughter Arielle, came home and told me that they have a rule in school that if they are caught speaking in tagalog/Filipino they will be given a minus point in their English subject. So as not to be fined, she doesn't talk/speak at all. And I asked her: Why aren't you speaking in English? Samantalang when you were small until you went to pre-school ang galing-galing mong mag-english. The she said: Eh kasi po mommy nung 1 araw narinig ko yung dalawa (2) kong classmates, pinag-uusapan ako. Bakit daw ako English ng English, ang ARTE-ARTE ko daw.

Upon hearing this I felt bad. Really bad. Kasi as a mother, I told her, teaching her to speak in English is a way of conversation as well. Wala naman akong ituturo na ikasasama mo. Until now I rarely hear her speak in English because of these comments from her classmates.

I'm just hoping that maalis na sa ugali nating mga Filipino yung pag narinig kang nag-Eenglish eh maarte ka or what, instead ang galing naman niya. I think it's better to hear the latter one.

New Design

I decided to change the template of my blog... Since I can't pay for somebody to do a "renovation" on my blog and the design I want is not available, I will settle for the one I have right one. It is simple and easy to read ( I hope).

I hope that you will like the new design of my blog. Enjoy reading.

Quote no. 24

A clear vision backed by definite plans,

Gives you a tremendous feeling of

Confidence and personal power.

(Brian Tracey)

What to do on a Rainy Day like this?

Lately it has been raining and to be it's kinda difficult to do things that one normally do especially it is a rainy day like today. Anyway here are my TOP 5 for this week. What I (and most of us) usually do on a rainy day (just like today)

1. STAY IN BED FOR FEW MORE HOURS

- Aminin especially on a school day like today, getting up to prepare your kids to go to school is really, really difficult. In tagalog, NAKAKATAMAD. But what I usually do is, IF my youngest is still asleep, I go back to bed and sleep a little longer... *wink*

2. SNUGGLE AND CHAT ON BED

- This is really a good time to chat, even for a short period of time, with the kids and your hubby. ( that is if it falls on a weekend, hahaha!)

3. SIP A HOT CHOCO (FOR THE KIDS) AND COFFE (FOR THE ADULTS)

- Since it will be too lazy to go out and drink coffee in the nearby Starbucks Coffee store, it is better to do it at home. For me and my hubby, a 3-in-1 coffee will do and Milo for the kids, okay na, nakatipid pa.

4. EAT CHAMPORADO

- Aminin! This is one staple food that shouldn't be missed on a weather like this. Lagyan lang ng evaporated milk, aaaahhhh, sarap.

5. DO A MOVIE MARATHON

- Either DVDs, VCDs, or in Cable Channel, as long as you are with your whole family, that will be more than enough to stay in doors.

What you usually do on a day like this? Share naman....

Busy as a Bee

I am so sorry that I haven't been updating my blog. It has been a busy week for me and the kids. Especially the Christmas is (literally) just around the corner... Until tomorrow fellow bloggers and readers... :D

Quote no. 23

I have not failed.

I have just found 10,000 ways

that won't work.

- Thomas Edison

Telephone Etiquette(?)

Last week, while I was doing my chores ( remember I don't have any helpers with me) our phone rang. So ako naman takbo ( I ran) to answer it. A little girl answered: "Pwede kay Sunshine?" I replied (with matching kunot ng noo as if naman nakikita ako) "Sinong Sunshine?". Then the kid replied: "Ay! Mali" sabay baba ng phone. Hello!? Then I went back to the kitchen and continue doing what I was doing. Walang 5 minutes, the phone rang again. So takbo ulit ako, when I answered it, HINDI nasagot but I can hear him/her breathing. So I got really pissed of and said: "PAUSAP HA! Ang dami-dami kong ginagawa, paki-dial ng tama yang numbers mo!" To my readers sorry if I answered the this way kasi nga ang dami-dami kong ginagawa.

Just imagine, ako na yung inistorbo at binastos ako pa din ang NAKIUSAP. Susme! i really don't understand why there are people out there WHO DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO USE THE TELEPHONE, especially if it is a landline. Hindi ko na nga pina-publish yung number namin sa Telephone Directory, I still don't know (and get it) why there are people who are very inconsiderate.

Tapos, a few nights ago, a classmate of my daughter called. She asked if she could talk to Arielle. Sabi ko: "Iha tulog na eh. Sino ito?" She replied: "Classmate po niya". And then I said: "I know, pero anong pangalan mo, para masabi ko bukas ng umaga kay Arielle that you called". And it was only then she told me her name. Haaay.

Hindi sa nagmamagaling ako but to the parents, I hope we could teach our kids some mannersin using the telephone. Teach them to say: Good Morning, Good afternoon or Good evening. Kung gusto naman ng tagalog pwede din naman: Magandang Umaga po, Magandang Hapon po, o Magandang gabi po. Then, IF ever the person they are looking for is not around sana they should say THANK YOU.

These are just simple manners in using the phone. One does not have to go to a good school to learn these things. Ang mga magulang dapat ang magturo ng mga basic good manners and right conduct... Hello?!

Movie Actors That Catch My Attention

I have to admit every now and then when you watch TV shows or movies, somebody will definitely caught (my) your attention. For my TOP 5 this week, I would like to share movie actors that "caught my attention". In short crushes. Hahaha!

1. TOM CRUISE - seriously?! Who wouldn't have?!

aminin at one point or another naging crush din

ng bayan si Tom Cruise.

2. BRAD PITT - Susme! Yun na ang reaction ko.

hahaha!

3. ALEX O' LOUGHLIN - Naman! The very

reason why I watch the series Hawaii Five - O

4. TAYLOR LAUTNER - Jacob Black in the house.

Ever since I read Eclipse, I went from

Team Edward to Team Jacob. (balimbing

na kung balimbing. hahaha!)

5. WILL SMITH - Who wouldn't?! I love him

in all the Bad Boys movies and I love him

especially in the movie Hitch. Handsome na

Matalino pa.

So these are my top 5 who really caught my attention all these times. How about you?

*all images are from google images*

If I Could Only Have One...

I was reading Ms. Toni Tiu's blog this morning and it caught me this one and I hope it is okay with her if I do this. I really found it so aliw. Hehehe!

Here we go: If I could only have one________ for life, what would it be?

1. Condiment - Fish Sauce (Patis) I usually eat with patis on the table as my sawsawan. Feeling ko hindi kumpleto ang pagkain ko if wala ang patis sa tabi ko.

2. City to Live in - New York. Since the question is Hypothetical, let's dream big on this one. Since most of my relatives are in this city, I would love to go and visit them plus all the wonderful sites as well.

3. Place to Vacation - Paris. I wanted to visit this place because of their delicious pastry(pastries), the museums and all.

4. Color to Wear - Blue. I really love this color and it usually blends well with the other colors as well.

5. Celebrity/Character Crush: Tom Cruise. For life na ito...

6. Dessert to Eat: Anything chocolate...Chocoholic po.

7. Book to Read: The Twilight Series. Probably for others super babaw ang book na ito but reading the 4 books okay na ako...

8. Television Series to Watch - all CSI series. From Las Vegas to Miami to New York

9. Cartoon Character as a Roommate: the Powerpuff girls. These 3 represents my 3 daughters.

10. Type of Food to Eat (assuming that we can sustain ourselves easily off of one thing) - Pizza...basta ang topping eh meat at cheese tapos thin crust, any brand will do.

I am tagging Rachel, Cielo, Tetcha, Fleur, Icar and YOU. If you're supposed to be working but reading this post instead. *wink*

2 Birthday Parties in one day

Yesterday, November 5, 2011 my daughters and I attended 2 birthday parties. One is a 7th birthday celebration held at Mcdonald's Lipa Highway and the other party is the 18th birthday celebration held at Green Leaf Resort here also in Lipa.

The first party we went to was the 7th birthday. It was a fun day for us but I believe for the kids more. Imagine the games and the prizes which I believe is what was in every kids mind when joining games and going to birthday parties (hehehe!). The only thing with the games was that it was not that much fun for the kids though. Most of the kids were looking forward to the longest greeting that I believe would have been much better than that of the trivia questions for the characters of the fastfood chain, nag-practice pa man din ang mga anak ko for that contest tapos wala pala, tsk...tsk...tsk.

Here are some of the pics that I took at the party of my niece, Leslie Carig, the celebrant.

the tarpaulin for the celebrant

the celebrant, Leslie Carig

the beautiful cake and the cupcakes

(super yummy ang cupcakes na yan)

the balloons and some of the

give-aways for the party

the games for the kids, ito masaya ito

another game for the kids

even us mothers (except for the lady na

naka-long sleeves, my cousin Lai, she is

still single) joined a game just for the

prizes which is for our kids. (hehehe)

the celebrant with her daddy Terry,

mommy Chillet, and sister Lianne

the kids turn to have their picture

taken with Kid Mcdo (that's my daughter

Amaya with the white balloon).

After the party at Mcdo we went straight to the 18th birthday of another niece of mine, France at the Green Leaf Resort. Here debut theme was Luau party. Sorry that I could not post any pictures because the battery of my camera was on a low batt that night (bad...bad...) But all in all my kids and I had a great Saturday night. They had their party, I had mine as well.

Quote no. 22

Enjoy the little things, for one day

You may look back and realize

They were the big things

(Robert Brault)

1st Family Day

October 29, 2011 Early Start Learning Center ( the school where my daughters go to) held their very first Family Day at the Community Park in Granja Lipa City. There were some glitches here and there since it was a first time for the school and for all of us. But I have seen how the students, parents and especially the teachers that they had a great time. Hoping that there will be more family days to come. Here are some of the pictures during that day.

the tarpaulin that greeted the students,

parents, teachers and the

alumni of the school.

the pre-elementary students are

preparing for the fun run

the girls of gr.5 and 6

the teachers of Early Start LearningCenter

the kids enjoying the parlor games

prepared for the pre-elementary

students