Weekend Celebrations

	On the eve of DH's birthday, around nine o'clock in the evening he dragged me (gracefully) to the city to "experience" Lindt hot chocolate.
	We even saved queue time with the help of our friend Rey and Jules who just had dinner at Wagamama and were also going for a choco break with a group of friends! (Thanks Mommy Jules for taking the photo!)
	Another bonus was the presence of Carl Riseley - former Australian Idol finalist getting a cold drink. I tried to get a decent shot but the wait staff advised me not. Kill joy! I guess it's just photo op for the me and DH.
	To get over the fullness of the drink, we opted to walk a fair bit around Darling Harbour and found ourselves in Bungalow bar for some vodka and bourbon. It has been four years since we last stepped into this bar. This is how we capped his last night of being 30. What happened next - I leave to your great imagination!
	The morning after is Mother's Day and of course he is now officially, 31. This was my morning surprise. Breakfast in bed...
	... and a lot of (smothering) kisses from our two adorable boys. They are the reasons why I can proudly celebrate Mother's Day.
	Special mention to my DH who prepared my brekky. He was more inspired when Wiji, played "Happy Birthday" tune from his keyboard while he was in the kitchen.
	We got an impromptu lunch invitation from our good friend J & C. In the afternoon, we decided to bowl with a few friends and to let the kids experience "bowling". (I was thinking of having a bowling party for Wiji. But after last Sunday, I thought we'd just do that next year for his 7th.). Then heard the 7pm service at HillSong church. Oh, the message was perfect with the occasion (my occasion, that is!). It was entitled "Tears of a Mother".
	We had dinner at home... Practiced some "ballroom dancing" for an upcoming "costume" party. (Check this space for more details next weekend.) And you can guess that our fingers (from bowling) and toes (from dancing) were dead tired for the day.
	DH and I had a great time with our double celebration. They were simple and intimate but they were enjoyed most! As the saying goes, "Simple pleasures are life's treasures!". Happy Birthday dear hubby (DH)! You know I won't be celebrating motherhood without you!

Breaking News: Mother's day is nearing and so is hubby's birthday...

It's not fair! DH is stealing the thunder from me!!!

His birthday is coinciding with Mother's Day this year. I know he and the boys are upto something. But I particularly made it known that the ultimate gift I want this year is a BREAK!

Yes I need a break from everyone, and everything, and anyone, and anything! I can imagine myself ALONE (that's the operative word!) up in the mountains, gazing at God's beautiful creation (which I full well know could see straight away by just looking in the mirror... kapal! Don't close your browser yet! Nagjo-joke lang po!), feeling the breeze as it touches my soul, enjoying a few hours of serene solitude.

But what I got from DH is a big disapproval. Yes, he would love to give me a break (from my domestic duties) , provided I wouldn't be far from his reach and away from his sight.

I obliged with one condition that he will take me up to the mountains one day SOON. This time I can imagine myself still gazing down at the valleys, still feeling the breeze, but embracing a few hours of serenity while resting my head on my DH's shoulders.

Perfect BREAK... when, oh, when?

Newest Addiction

This is the latest craze within our household. The Easy Way Bubble Tea, particularly the Taro Milk Tea with (black) sago pearls. And it was all started by dear hubby.

Wiji loves this drink and calls it the Purple Tea. Yoyon loves the chewy pearls.

I just love it at anytime of the day. We don't even mind driving late at night to get at the nearest takeaway kiosk. Which is like four suburbs away - a good 20 minute drive from where we live. We are not that addicted, I'm telling you...

A couple of months back we even tried submitting our interest of franchising one within our very own Castle Towers Shopping Mall... We never got a reply. Bummer! And last weekend, while strolling the mall, we saw this signage that says "Easy Way Bubble Tea soon opening here."

Happy but at the same time got disappointed that another business minded creature got ahead of us. Anyway, better luck next time. The important thing is we won't have to go too far to quench the thirst.

Intimate Conversations with a Child

Me : You know Wiji, I love you very much.
Wiji : I love you too Mum.
Me : And you know, my love for you will never ever change!
Wiji : I know!
Me : Really? Why do you say so?
Wiji : Because we live in the same house.

(Ngek! Emote pa naman ako!)

Me : No. I mean, whether we live in the same house or not, my love for you will always be there … BECAUSE YOU ARE MY SON and I began to love you even before you came out of Mum’s tummy!

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I hope he gets the “idea”. I think it is important to let our children be reminded, that circumstances may vary, but our love for them, will remain unchanged.


And I pray that if/when I get cranky and irritable, if/when he falls short of my expectations and if/when I couldn’t help getting disappointed or frustrated, he will always remember that I still love him to bits!

Calamari, anyone!

Breaking news… biggest squid caught! Check more of it from here.

Calamari, anyone? J

Pictures of Us...

Our good ol' friend (Oxy!) reminded us early this month that it has been a decade since we graduated from college.


Hubby and I belonged to a cool block section of BS Math major in Computer Science in UST exactly 14 years ago. It was one of the best times of my young adult life!


To commemorate our 10th year since we marched the halls of PICC for our graduation, I have scanned our two class pictures.


This was us as freshmen students. (Mga bagong salta sa College of Science!)



And this was us in our senior year.



Missing the barkada, the Sabado nights, the cutting classes, the birthday gimiks, overnight outings, the Calaruega retreat!

Ahhh, those were the days that I could let myself be carefree!

Wall Painting...

I have been contemplating on whether I should transform Wiji's bedroom to have more of a kid-atmosphere.

Inspired by my "kumareng" Carla, I took courage and painted a wall in Wiji's room in dark blue - somewhat close to Microsoft Windows Classic Desktop WallPaper. LOL! Nothing fancy

From Ikea, we bought this ceiling lamp that my son didn't instantly appreciate. But when he saw the lighting effect with the new wall, he began to love it.

Movie Date

I remember when dear hubby and I were younger, a week won’t pass without us seeing a movie or two. The habit was carried over even when we got married. But after having children, our movie dates have been limited unless it’s a really good movie or sequels like that of Lord of the Rings, Spiderman, etc. Finding a sitter, the time and the energy (guilty of sleeping in the movie house quite a few times in the last couple of years) have been challenging.

Anyway, last Wednesday, hubby asked me to go out on a movie date with him. He made effort to be home early and he helped me with prepping the kids for bed so I won’t have any excuse. His movie pick was “10,000 BC”. I didn’t even know what the movie was all about. All I ever wanted was to give in to his request and to keep myself awake for the next 3 hours. Geeze, the movie was starting at 9pm and we both had an early morning at work. Phew!

But you know, the movie did keep me awake! It was more than what I expected. Surely, the story didn’t run deep like other epic movies but it didn’t bore me which was the main thing! It entertained both of us.

So thank you to my dear hubby for selecting a good one and for taking me out! I think I want to go back to the movies SOON!

Ladies' Night

Watched Maroon 5 in concert last Friday, (4th April) with front acts from One Republic, (the band that sang "Apologized" and became popular when Timbaland turned this ballad into a remix.)

Oh what I night! Adam was just sooo sexy!

But he is still no match for my numero-uno hunk! Hehehe!

Generational Blessing

(This is an entry inspired by Bo's recent journal entry : When Bad Things Happen to Good People. )

We oftentimes are compelled to make parallelisms of how our parents lived their lives. There has been a Tagalog saying, "Kung anong puno, siya ang bunga."

Some would find inspiration from their tales. They would even take pride in bearing their name.

Some would find frustration with their mistakes. And would feel shame in bearing their name. When bitterness lingers, he/she might find himself/herself trapped - falling for the same curse. Perhaps, NOT to oppose the gravitational force behind this curse was easier and required less effort.

I once heard that the bible spoke about this generational curse. Something that the forefathers have suffered will consequently happen to their descendants unless one confesses and breaks away from the path that would lead them to commit the same mistake.

Fortunately for some, the mistakes of the parents became the driving force behind their goal to succeed and turn things around in a way that will benefit the generation ahead. And the way to break off from the so-called generational curse is to start becoming a "generational blessing" to their children.

So if, (heaven forbids!) and when we find ourselves in the same pit as where our parents were at some point in their lives, remember that we don't necessarily have to follow their ways if we believe that there could be a better way. We should pray for a God-directed way. Our past does not define our future.

Egg-celent Night

We spent Black Saturday painting more than two dozens of hard boiled eggs. From the pictures you can tell that the activity was most enjoyed by the adults. The kids were contented to play Wii.

As for the Holy Menu, the palabok and buko pandan were "blockbuster hits" (note: I borrowed that tag from SimplyMuah). The Food for the Gods, became Cake for the Gods. Hehehehe! But most importantly we shared the company of our good friends. (Next year, bawal ng magkasakit si Mommy Carla!!!)

Holy Menu...

Tomorrow, Good Friday is the start of another loooong weekend! Hooray!

Anyway, before my brain shuts down, I'm trying to think of what to serve the kids and the young-at-heart this weekend. And because we will be, (more of try), observing abstinence, I can't have meat in my dishes.

You see (and I'm pointing at my mareng April who emigrated to the Swiss Alps two years ago), the Manasan's and LS will be getting together at our new abode for an egg-painting session on Saturday afternoon. (We've been missing you in sooo many events na mare!).

I'm thinking of palabok. But I must confess I've only tried my hands on this recipe, ONCE! I need a backup recipe. Since Carla is bringing fish. I might whip some ensaladang labanos (radish salad) . Also, thinking of salmon head in tamarind soup (sinigang sa miso). Or maybe munggo soup (mung bean soup).

My biggest challenge is the kid's menu. My goddaughter has allergy with seafoods. So I might bake some spaghetti. Hahahaha! No meat sabi eh! Esep esep muna! But imposing abstinence from chocolates and cakes before Easter Sunday seems to be a better alternative for them.

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This morning Wiji even had a request, if we could make some treats for the guests. Here goes another challenge. So I'm thinking of Food for the Gods. Again, I have only tried this once. By the grace of our Lord, may I find the recipe and the ingredients I have used four years ago.

Tag: Fill Me In

I AM… resilient.

I WANT… a Wii, (“…right now” – in Janina San Miguel’s tone).

I HAVE… acrylic nails.

I WISH… I can start a business.

I HATE… pathological liars.

I FEAR… losing my children’s love and respect.

I SEARCH… for recipes, parenting tips, home improvement tips, furniture styles, fashion.

I WONDER… when we can be debt-free.

I REGRET… being friendly to almost anyone.

I LOVE… to be distinct. It makes me feel comfortable.

I ALWAYS… dress up.

I AM NOT… stupid and neither gloating!

I DANCE… when I hear, “Mama-se, mama-sa, ma-ma-coo-sa”

from Michael Jackson’s old hit “Wanna Be Starting Something”.

I SING… songs of worship and praises.

I CRY… when I remember Jesus’ passion and death.

I WRITE… on my journal (diary) and on my blogsite.

I WON… in a duet contest a long time ago

(with my dad when we sang “When I Fall In Love” when I was in 4th year high school).

I AM CONFUSED… when some people say they love you and yet they hurt you most.

I NEED… a spa/massage.

I SHOULD… read a new book. Suggestions are most welcome.

THE LAST THOUGHT YOU GO TO SLEEP WITH IS… how great is God’s love and grace.

They calm my raging seas.

Next to tag is Gem, Irmee, Cata, Mia

Simply Red

I was tagged by LitCoo who was tagged by Cata and was tagged by Mee and the list goes on...

(By the way, this is an overdue tag. It took me a long while to publish this post because I couldn't dig through my files for a "red" photo. But I remember of a handful of red shots because red is a favorite colour of mine. Inatake lang ako ng katam...katamaran!)

I was able to buy a red styletto shoes yesterday from Joanne Mercer for a bargain so I had a reason to wear today for work this red silky skinny long sleeves - something I bought from United Colors Of Benetton in Rome. I had to put a stress on UCB cause we don't have it in Sydney.

I'd like to tag April, Carla, and Leng.

The Rules:

1. Post your photo wearing red, may it be a red top, bottom, the least would be red accessories if you hate wearing red. If you can’t find one, you still have an option. Either post your Significant Other’s photo or your child’s photo, if you have one. Of course, they should be wearing red.

2. Let us know the reason why you were wearing red that particular day. Was it your birthday? Is red your fave color or was it the shirt that you first saw in your closet that day?

3. Tag 3 people close to your heart. By the way, they have to be in your blogroll. No cheating heart please.

Obsessed to be the best...

PARENT for my own children alone... that is!

Nine years ago, I was obsessed planning our wedding. (Thanks to http://www.weddingsatwork.com/! I still remember its early days when the number of members subscribed was just down to a hundred something I think, or even less!).

When I became a wife, as we don't have the privilege of having helpers unlike in the Philippines, I became obsessed on cooking, baking, cleaning up toilets and kitchen and training dear hubby to be domesticated. (Hahaha! Successful naman so far).

When I first got pregnant, I became obsessed on nurturing my then unborn Wiji. I was eating 8-10 apples a day. (Well, it was the only food my stomach could take). No salt on my fries please and I hated oily, processed food. Listened to only classical music at home and in the car. Said adieu to pop radio station. Dear hubby and I read pregnancy books and was full of conviction that I would give birth the natural way. And we were able to achieve that by reading the Bradley Method book I have ordered from US. (I covered it with plastic cover and used it again for the second son, Yoyon.)

So now that I am a parent, my goal is to be the best mother to my sons. And just like my previous obsessions, I only have one take at this. NO repeats! One of my greatest fear is to fail them. One day they will have a mind of their own and I hope they will perceive me as the best mum they can ever have in this world.

I was reading Bo Sanchez's journal the other day and that of Jim Paredes'. And they made me reflect again and revisit the last six years of my parenting stint. While I can say that I have done my best, I believe there are still a lot of areas in me as a mother that needs a little tweaking.

So I will set a few goals before I hit 40. Whoah! That's another decade from now but we all know that 10 years can go by in a flash. And before I knew it, "Life has just begun" for me again.

1. YES. As inspired by Bo, I will always say YES when my children ask me to read them a story. Kasehodang, pati right vocal cord ko eh ma-paralyse. Oh yes, the left vocals have been damaged for a year now. Depressing but I just pray for a miracle.

But when it comes to requests such as wrestling, transforming Bumblebee and Optimus Prime, or sit on the couch and play PS... I think my sons will understand if I will have to beg off. Those are dear hubby's share to my YES.

2. SLOW DOWN. I said before if I hit an annual gross of 6 digit, then I'm good to quit. That was before petrol prices hit $1 per litre. Unfortunately, now's not the time to quit. Instead, I will slow down and minimize working late and going home late, and will have the discipline to be home earlier for my kids. Long hours will be limited to only twice (tops!) a week. As they say, quantity time with kids is quality time. Gotta hang out with them as much as I could.

3. GETTING REALLY FIT. Even if I'm on my ideal weight right now, I have to start to really look after my health. I can't wait to be 40 or 50 before I become conscious of what I eat and drink. With dear hubby's cholesterol level shooting up, I have to scratch the weekly menu and find healthier alternatives. The after dinner walks and jogs around the neighbourhood with dear hubby must be on a regular basis too. Come to think of it, it serves as a good bonding time for us also. We both need to be strong and healthy so we can enjoy a lot of years being together and bringing happiness and hopefully inspiration to our childrens' lives.

4. PRAY MORE. Need I say more? To be honest, I never appreciated the power of prayer until I hit 30. I never understood the power of His grace that suffices all our needs, that makes us whole, renewed and deserving of His love. And I believe with a lot of prayers, I can be stronger, physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually so I can achieve these goals without too much strife.

So if you notice me going against these goals (which probably my dear hubby would do with regards to #2), please pull me back to this posting so I can rearrange my world again.

The Throb...

Last night's dinner conversation with my little boys were quite interesting. As usual, Yoyon would tell tales of how his day was at the childcare. If I asked him how his day went, he would enthusiastically reply, "Good! I play wid mah frend". If I asked what he ate, he'd say "I ate apple, bread, mac-roni... Daz all!". That's my 2 year old boy.

Now, my almost 6 year old son, had a different story of how his day was at school.

Wiji : You know mum, my friend Jarrod and Brooke (their classmate) kissed! I saw it! Some girls and some boys saw it too!
Me : (in shock!) Huh? Ahm, hmmm, how did they kiss? Was it on the cheek.
Wiji : Brooke just went close to his face and they kissed on the lips!
Me : (in shock again) Huh? Ahm, ahm, forget about it and don't do it to other girls! Okay? (My dear hubby did not approve of my advice. But I can't think of any at that moment.)

The other day he was telling me that Jamie has a girlfriend in class and her name is Jessica. So I asked, "What about you?". He said, "I don't have one. I don't like to have one." Haay, buti naman!

His stories are giving my head a throb. I just don't know how to respond sometimes.

Gone are the days that he'd tell me that he played in the sandpit, or did a lot of drawing, or listened to a nice story. I'm sure it's going to get a lot more interesting in the days ahead.

I saw this book before. I can't remember which bookstore. But it was giving tips on what answers you can offer for different age groups when they start asking "big" and intimate questions. I think I need to find that book...

The Kindie Heart Throb

My eldest who is turning six in a couple of months time, is a favorite in the Out-Of-School-Hours Care within their school. This young blonde lady (a carer) is smittened by his 'big eyes', apparently.

When the carer met my sister, she said she is looking forward to meeting the Parents of Wiji and all praises for his well-behaved character.

When she met dear hubby , she expressed "delight" in finally seeing where those cute genes came from. (At mukhang delighted din ang dear hubby with all the flattery!!!).

When we met... WE HAVEN'T. LOL! I'm sure she'd say it didn't come from hubby - but from ME!!! (I know someone will strongly raise an objection. Sige na nga! Sa yo na galing! After all, looking back over the last 13 years, certified matrona killer ka naman talaga! LOL!)

A family friend's daughter, Dani, was even telling her mum this story that this carer blurted out these words to my son, "Oh, you're so cute. I want to take you home". Teka, teka! Iba na ang dating! Of course I get it that it was said in jest cause she probably really finds my son adorable! Flattered I am. At the same time worried that he might be following the footsteps of his dad's matronish killing looks! Ha ha ha!

Some inspirational words I got this morning...

Sunrise marks God's message of PEACE, LOVE, and HOPE... While sunset stands for His GRACE. May you always have the best in between these two beautiful moments. Good morning! PS. That was the silhouette shot taken by dear hubby along the shores of beautiful Palawan, Philippines back in March 2004.

Waking up to Maroon 5

On my way to work, I heard this song, "Wake Up Call" by Maroon5 which reminds me of this whorrendous matrimonial bed incident as posted a few weeks ago. I still cringe in ... eeeewww! .

Anyway, I almost forgot that in a month's time, I will be seeing their concert at the Acer Arena, Sydney Olympic Park with my good girlfriend. (As in GOOD, walang kiyaw kiyaw! Don't ask me what that lingo is, I got it from my big Ate.)

I love Adam - his voice is unique even if some of his songs are quite weird just like this Wake Up Call... Haaay! Wake up na talaga!

Living in the Best City

That's coming from this Sydney is world's best city - again.

Well, if not for the housing prices soaring high, interest rates upto our neck, our "daily grind" on M2 (Motorway 2) that debits $4.40 from our E-Tag each way (but I would not exchange it for public transportation that would rather take a toll on my health because I will suffer a significant level of anxiety waiting and dealing with breakdowns and delays), and last but not the least - the limited shopping hours (makes me want to run for public office and introduce extended retail hours), I can agree in a heartbeat that it's the best city to live in.

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Through the nine years I have lived here, I can say that it took a few years before a part of me has been "Australianized" and before I have learned to appreciate the limitations of this city. Actually, I may have been limiting myself that's why it took longer for me to really settle here emotionally.

Hubby was the only big anchor (my sole family) that kept me here during those times. And he was great, that even drifting on sometimes lonely shores of this continent, the experience wasn't too bad cause I was never alone. Now that we have two boys, I take pride that people say it's the best city for them. For me it's the best because this is where me and my own beautiful family live. Hehehe! (Ang kumontra, panget! Hahaha!)

My Student of the Week

Had I not gave in to Wiji, he wouldn't know the surprise awaiting him last Friday in school.

Both boys have been fighting cough and colds since late last week. So last Friday, because it had turned to incessant cough for Wiji (colds triggers his asthma), I was trying to persuade him not to attend school for the day. But he insisted. Baligtad ano? Sana ganito lagi! (((LOL)))!

When he got back in the afternoon, he rang me at work and proudly told me that he was chosen to be the kindergarten's Student Of The Week. I remember I was asking him a few days before that - on how one can be on that list - when I saw it in last week's newsletter from the school.

So for this week, his name was on the newsletter and his big photo displayed on the bulletin board. Last night, he announced that he will be the class' captain for next week. In his own words, he describes it as being the leader, the one walking in front of the class wherever they go!

Go Wiji! Go! Go! Go!

What's Lunch for Today? (Pa-Order Oh Waiter)

Eating shouldn't be a frustration - not when you know what to eat and where to get what you want to eat!

During the week, everytime I haven't gotten any "baon" (packed big lunch - at Luis' school there's little lunch which is synonymous to our recess), I often spend a lot of time, thinking what I want to get especially when you don't have much choices around here (that includes "rice" together with the typical Pinoy ulam).

When I heard this song from Parokya ni Edgar, I just kept laughing especially when he sang at the end, "Gutom lang talaga ako..". I can easily throw a fit when I'm starving!

Whatever It Takes...

A few days ago, hubby downloaded new songs for my Ipod. This morning I listened to all the songs he recently added. And this was one of those : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iawro7IfoCM

It's the first time I heard this song but it felt so familiar already... Couldn't help feeling a bit emotional on my way to work. It was as if the lyrics evolved - somewhere - from our past ...

(Unfortunately I cannot embed the video from YouTube. Anyone knows how to hack it?)

Anyway, here's the lyrics...

Whatever It Takes Lyrics by Lifehouse

A strangled smile fell from your face
It kills me that I hurt you this way
The worst part is that I didn't even know
Now there's a million reasons for you to go
But if you can find a reason to stay

I'll do whatever it takes
To turn this around
I know what's at stake
I know that I've let you down
And if you give me a chance
Believe that I can change
I'll keep us together whatever it takes

She said "If we're gonna make this work
You gotta let me inside even though it hurts
Don't hide the broken parts that I need to see"
She said "Like it or not it's the way it's gotta be
You gotta love yourself if you can ever love me"

I'll do whatever it takes
To turn this around
I know what's at stake
I know that I've let you down
And if you give me a chance
And give me a break
I'll keep us together, I know you deserve much better

But remember the time I told you the way that I felt
That I'd be lost without you and never find myself
Let's hold onto each other above everything else
Start over, start over

I'll do whatever it takes
To turn this around
I know what's at stake
I know I've let you down
And if you give me a chance
and believe that I can change
I'll keep us together whatever it takes

Loved Up

This was our post Valentine lunch at Crown Plaza Hotel right after attending HillSong Church service. (Oh, I haven't told you about us regularly attending the service for more than 3 months now... That will be blogged later on if I remember...)

This was dear hubby's gift as stated as a courtesy invite in the Valentine's card he gave me of which the excerpt says, "my hope for today and everyday, is that you'll know and feel with all your mind and heart that I love you without doubt and hesitation... I love you with all that I am and with all that I can give..."

I heart you too my Babes. I used to feel your love was just too much. But in hindsight, it was really what I loved most about you! "For whatever has been and whenever the future seems uncertain, just always remember that I was not just walking behind you, but I was and will always walk through life beside you." ... So it won't be too hard for you to find me ...

To end this entry let me just share the panacotta I had for dessert. It was just very well presented!