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!

Where did 2007 go?

I have abandoned this space for quite a while again. It's now 2008 and I can vaguely explain how 2007 went for me. But I can vividly remember how it felt. The memories of the last year, to put it simply, ... were bittersweet!

The bitter part of it still stings but it doesn't cut like a knife anymore for I know I am THE better person while some people are just brought up to be fatal errors on this earth. (It was unfortunate of me to have come across such a screwed character. But I am thankful that the encounter wasn't that long.)

So as the last month of 2007 approached I started basking in the glory of the sun. I am rejuvenated, refreshed, renewed. Awakened from this deep stupor by the sweet caring words from dear husband.

In 2007, we have endured seven years of marriage and he picked the winning Christmas card last December. For it says,

"The first time I saw you, I somehow knew you'd be important in my life.
In my eyes, you were beautiful in so many ways.
There was no doubt that I wanted to spend forever with you.

And when we got married, things were every bit as good as I'd hoped.
I didnt' want anything to change.
But... life is full of changes.
Not everyday can be paradise.

Together we've faced reality, the day to day "bumps in the road" that test every couple's patience.
I've seen you in many challenging situations.
And the miracle is...
you're even more beauitful than I thought possible.

Not only you are the woman of my dreams
but you're also my best friend.
And as time passes by
I fall more deeply in love with you."

That surely melted my heart and now I feel so loved up!

And I may have been yakking to my TRUEST of friends how life can be unfair sometimes. I now know that with a little faith, He will make me see the beauty that surrounds every desperate moment. Now I choose to live out of the shadows and walk into the light. And I will stay there as long as I breathe - together with my family - the love of my life.

Nice Read... All the best for 2008

Lefthanded Soldiers by Gary Eby


Lefthanded Soldiers is dedicated to all of those who have been wounded in life ... whether physically, emotionally, spiritually, or financially and yet, against all odds, have risen from the devastation to become a champion!


There are few things in life that move me like seeing someone overcome adversity. I believe that there are great men and women from all walks of life, who, because of some "event" or series of events, have pretty much given up. Somewhere between brokenness and bitterness many have laid down their proverbial swords and surrendered. They've been wounded. Lefthanded Soldiers teaches us that when we are wounded … when our "right arms" have been hurt … that we can become Lefthanded Soldiers rather than allowing our circumstances to condemn us to a life of "what-ifs."


How many great leaders are no longer leading? What will our society suffer because the leadership we need is somewhere hurting rather than rallying the troops? What great sickness is raging because the doctors and nurses who can make a difference are in need of healing themselves? How many great sermons will not be preached because an overworked and underpaid Pastor had a "humpty-dumpty" fall and is allowing condemnation to keep him out of service? Great public servants, teachers, volunteers, entrepreneurs, and politicians, all over the world are waiting ... waiting for someone to care enough to put their arms around them and say ... "Let's get back into the battle of life again! We need you!"


I believe that great leaders can inspire the "wounded warriors" among us that they can "engage" in life again and they can be winners!


In the real world … most of the time ... it's the size of your mess that determines the size of your message. It may not be pleasant to hear, but, the size of your testimony is due, in large part, to the size of your test.
Where would Abe Lincoln have been without the Civil War? Where would John Kennedy have been without the Cuban Missile Crisis? David needed Goliath to become King. You cannot not wear a victor's crown without having fought a few battles! You can't sing before you talk. You can't run before you walk.
You can't have a message until you´ve had a mess … and you can't have a testimony until you've had a test! Let's look at these lyrics to a song that I wrote.


"The victor's crown only goes to those who've been in war.
Eagles can't stay in their nest if they want to soar.
Sitting on the side lines you'll never be your best.
You can't have a testimony `till you've had a test."


"God won't send thirsty people to an empty well.
Heavens cup sure is sweeter once you've tasted hell.
There's no wine until the grape has gone through the press.
You can't have a testimony `till you've had a test."


Out of this understanding "Lefthanded Soldiers" was born. I want to teach you ... to teach others that "Change is a door that can only be opened from the inside!"


The willingness to change can be inspired by others but change itself is a personal choice. It is "Choice" not "Chance" that determines your destiny.


Lefthanded Soldiers is a call for the wounded to "get back into the battle of life!"


Lefthanded Soldiers is a call for leaders to build an army of renewed, revived warriors. Let's teach them that they can make a decision to "engage" in life again. Let's teach them that they can make a difference in the world. They can be "Lefthanded Soldiers!"


--Gary Eby


"It's the action, not the fruit of the action that's important.
You have to do the right thing. It may not be in your power, may not be in your time, that there'll be any fruit; But that does not mean you stop doing the right thing. You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no results." Mahatma Gandhi


Be a 'Lefthanded Soldier' and make a difference in the world.

Wishing you a prosperous 2008.

We've moved...

Finally, we're into the new home we started dreaming about almost 2 years ago and started building in January this year.

November 19 was the day we moved in this new family home. I'm still halfway done with unpacking. And it might take me years to furnish this 5 bedroom house with a study room and theatre room downstairs. Ayayayay!

Pintong Mahiwaga

''Isang pintong mahiwaga di bubukas na kusa
Si Hesus ang doo'y tumutuktok, naghihintay ng sagot
Sumagot ka na ba sa Kanya? O ayaw mong paabala?
Ang buhay mo ay laging gugulo kung wala si Kristo sa iyo.

Pag-isipan, o anong ligaya ang iyong malalasap doon sa kaluwalhatian
Puso mo'y buksan at si Kristo'y anyayahan, kaligtasa'y tunay na makakamtan. ''

This is one of my favourite Filipino Christian songs since I was young. My uncle's choir always sings this during the mass. When Nanay Nena died, they sang it again. I tried to record their rendition on my mobile phone Nokia N91 but two weeks ago - this model has given up on me! Grrr! Now I'm in dire search for the mp3. Can you direct me where to?

A Song from Miss Saigon that Touched HOME...

Yesterday Louie and I (together with Ate), watched Miss Saigon at the Lyric Theatre. Leo Valdez was really a standout.

Anyway, it was during the act when Kim was holding 3 year old Tam as she sang I'd Give My Life for You , that made me cry heavily. Listening to these two verses struck home - home is where my two sons are ...

"I've tasted love beyond all fear
And you should know it's LOVE that brought you here
And in one perfect night when the stars burned like new,
I knew what I must do

I'll give you a million things I'll never own
I'll give you a world to conquer when you're grown
You will be who you want to be
You, can choose whatever heaven grants
As long as you can have your chance
I swear i'll give my life for you"

And I think even just typing this blog entry has started to swell up my eyes again. I must end it here.

On my own in Manila...

It felt weird going back to Manila on my own. This is the place where I met Louie, where we finished college together, where we had our barkada, and where we fell in love most importantly.

We had so much history together that my heart ached whenever I chowed down those sizzling bulalo, balot, crispy pata, Andok's manok, Chicken Joy, etc. So I just drowned myself with a lot dalandan juice, mango shake, tamarind juice, San Mig Light just to forget the pain of being ocean's apart from my hubby and our two boys. And to kill time - I went to the salon, checked out Trinoma, Megamall, GB3, The Block, Serendra, Greenhills, Divi 168, Mall of Asia. But I just couldn't take going for a spa and lay in my own naked body without my hubby around (READ: I ran out of time!!!) .

That was a week long. And had he not persuaded me to come back home as soon as possible, I would have gotten stuck there. I'm glad he did!

Seriously babes, it was really NOT fun NOT having you with me all throughout my stay. Your humour and good company was sorely missed. (It was really difficult keeping together my passports, boarding pass, baggage claim number, e-ticket. And I had to take a deep breath everytime I would dare grab my luggage from the carousel. Thank God, there are still good souls out there who are ready to help a klutz lady like me.)

The good side of it, at least I would know where to take you the next time we fly to Manila with our boys. So get ready!

My own granny...

She passed away peacefully last Sept 27. Although my mom wasn't adamant at all that I fly back to Manila for the funeral, I thought she was the Lola who looked after me when I was young and whenever mom was at work so it's just right to "visit" her one last time.

Nanay Nena took care of me just how my mom looked after her own grandchildren, Luis and Leon.

I remember my Nanay Nena will take me to church, to the "palengke" when I was in kindie. When she had her first stroke, I was already 15 years old. In reverse, I was the one who would take her to the hospital for her therapy and I remember arranging her medicines in a rack of bottles of different coloured lids, labelling them appropriately.

I didn't cry much when she was laid to rest cause I know she is in a much better place now.

To my granny, see you when I see you :)

Welcoming Xtine down under...

Late last month, we had the pleasure to meet in person someone I have known back from the good old w@w - n@w days. Christine who migrated to NZ several years ago paid the OZ based n@wies a visit.

Thanks to Carla@Jon for opening their home to host the Sunday lunch.

See you again friend! Really had a great time chatting with you and Simon and Bea. All the best with the new work!

Broken Promises... no more!

I am left with no words to explain why I haven't been visible in the blog world yet again.

I just came back a few days ago from a week long hiatus in Manila. (Yes Xtine I will try to update this site soon. No more broken promises cause I ain't promising anything. Hehehehe!)

Abangan na lang...

What's currently playing in my new Nano IPod?

O Hesus, Hilumin Mo
(By Bukas Palad Ministry)

KORO:
O Hesus, hilumin Mo
Aking sugatang puso
Nang aking mahango
Kapwa kong kasimbigo

Hapis at pait Iyong patamisin
At hagkan ang sakit
Nang magningas ang rikit (KORO)

Aking sugatang diwa't katawan
Ay gawing daan
Ng 'Yong kaligtasan (KORO)



Hinihiling nitong pulutin ni Hesus ang pira-piraso ng basag-basag na buhay, at muling buuin. Sapagkat Siyang sinugatan at binasag sa krus ang Siyang pinakamainam at pinakamabisang lunas at ligaya ng pusong sugatan at basag din. Sa gayong paraan, nakamtan ang lakas at tapang upang humayo at magdala ng pag-ibig at paghilom sa kapwa sugatan.

Back Online... ( I hope!)

I've detached myself from the virtual world for the last two months. What a shame, I must admit!

Hopefully I can upload all ou Europe pics in my multiply site. I've been procrastinating. But if you're my friendster buddy then most probably you've seen most of it already!

Let me get my act together and maybe (just maybe!) in the next couple of days I'll be back with more stories and pictures to tell!

M

My 30th birthday

I never knew that I was gonna be in for the biggest surprise of my life. Give me time and maybe I will tell you all about it ...



For now, let the pictures speak of the blast we had in Europe.

More pics when we arrive in Sydney in a couple of days time.

Signing off from Heathrow Airport, London...

Counting the days...

... before I bid my twen-teens.

 

and

 

... before we leave the kids with Mom and Ate as hubby and I take a 3 week break in Europe.

 

Yesterday, I managed to book ourselves for a cabaret show in Moulin Rouge. My workmate told me that it has to be done in advance. And that's what I just did. I'm sure hubby is going to be ecstatic!

 

I am excited - a tad bit. At least work is off my mind. I just can't help thinking about the kids...

 

 

Because Litcoo Tagged me.

So I'll try to share a bit of myself.

I must post the rules, 7 random things about me and then tag others to do the same. Sound fair enough, right? These are the rules… each player starts with 7 random facts about themselves on their Blog. People who are tagged need to blog 7 facts about themselves and post the rules as well. At the end of their blog list 7 people you are tagging. Let them know that they are tagged by leaving them a comment.

1. I only had 1 boyfriend and I've been married to him twice. One in civil rites and one in the the church. I want to marry him again. *wink*

2. Hubby and I are going to Europe three days past my "coming of age" and we're not taking the kids. Does that sound appalling to you? Look, I've done my research long ago and I was advised against taking even my 5 year old kid. :(

3. I love being distinct in dressing up - it boosts my confidence.

4. I used to sing well - now my left vocal cord has been paralyzed.

5. I have an older sister and a younger brother and both of them are single.

6. I'm a scrapooker, occasionally.

7. I can't swim.

I'm tagging anyone who comes past this post :)

Welcoming a friend Down Under...

Finally, after years of planning, our good friend (back in college) and kumare from the Phils arrived last Sunday for a month long business trip.


It's always a pleasure to be in the company of your close friends. Those you've grown up with and has acknowledged the best in you and has been tolerant of your not so good side too.



Nice to have you KT down under! I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay!

Love,
MaHan

My Wiggly Boys

Just wanna share a few pics of the boys... taken last Saturday morning.

Incidentally, both had the "Murray" look - the Red Wiggle...

They both love playing together and tugging toys from each other. It's a joy seeing them interact but I had to pull them apart when they start getting rough. But it's the part of their play that they enjoy most. What to do when boys become boys?

Detox Day 2

I've lost 1 kilo in the last 24 hours.

Today is very similar to the end of the first stage in childbirth. (These stages can be summed up as (1)Labour (2)Push (3)Cut the cord.)

I practiced Bradley methods to get through child birth the natural way with my 2 boys. And in that book just before you make the big PUSH, as contractions are closely apart from one another and as the pain spikes up into your brain - you suddenly doubt if you can REALLY (x100) get through the whole naturelle process without any medical intervention.

And yes - I am in DOUBT right now!

I want to give up this whole detox diet. It's crazy! It's masochistic in nature! It's making me so weak and sleepy accompanied by headaches.

---

This afternoon, i fell for the temptation. The fruit basket sitting just behind my desk, didn't help! Plus the flavourful aroma of my workmates' lunches was beckoning my palates to run to the nearest gourmet takeaway. What a pity! I really did feel sorry for myself that I grabbed a banana and chowed it quickly!

After an hour, I was vomiting heavily. I kept stepping out of the office either to take some power nap in the car or just walk for some fresh air. It helped but I was already too weak from vomiting.

I dreaded to take even a sip of this herbal drink.

Tonight I declared that I'm giving up detoxifying my body any further. I think it's best to start it on a Friday. Then you have Saturday and Sunday to get through the "healing crises". Then, by Monday, you're body is more or less used to having no solids at all.

I guess the quest isn't really over yet. I just need to find a weekend that I wouldn't have to do my groceries or wouldn't have to go to an eating binge party. After all, detoxification of the body should really be done twice a year.

---

I'm now making my way to "breaking my fast".

Detox Day 1

I've finished my Atkins Induction two months ago and I've tried to be on low carb diet ever since. I was also combining it with Callenetics exercise to tone my arms and thighs and give that waist a little trim because current fashion dictates that belts are now worn up on the waist again!

But the month of May proved to be filled with festivities and it was just too hard to resist the delicious banquet. I may have added a few pounds again but I dare not check it.

So I can shed the unwanted fats and maybe start anew the habit of healthy eating, I'm going cold turkey and will fast this time. For the next 4 or 5 days my only source of nourishment is this herbal concentrate mixed with water and added with fresh lemon juice. It's called Lemon Detox.

Watch this space for daily updates as I wash off the toxins from my body.

He's now FIVE!

Last Saturday we celebrated Wiji's 5th birthday party. We booked a party at Dural Putt Putt for 15 kids where they "played" 18-hole mini golf game and had hotdogs, gelato for snacks.

The kids had a blast playing golf "like hockey". The dads patiently guided the little boys and girls throughout. The courses were fascinating. One is the Camelot. And the other one is called Space-Trek. At half-time, the kids were treated to a hotdog sandwich and a fizz drink.

After all the hard work of putting the balls, it was cake time. I distributed the cupcakes I made the night before to each kid. I decorated the cupcake with green icing (tried to make it look like putting green) with a flag (blue for boy and pink for girl) and white apricot ball on top.

The cake was also ordered from a Filipino bakery shop that makes my favourite mocha cake. I was lucky to have the golf themed cake toppers which just arrived the previous day.

Then, the kids went back to play again another course. After which they were treated to some gelato ice cream to cap what has been a very busy yet fun-filled afternoon.
And just to show you how happy he was on that day, here's a collage. Because he's been a good son and Kuya, he got his birthday wishes. A Galvatron transformer (cause he wanted a nemesis for his Optimus Prime robot he got from us for Christmas) and a DS Lite - a recent wish he had last Easter.

All done!

He made the announcement two weeks ago. A promise of "maybe". It was during his surprise party when it all began. Today he has paid for what he has said, (literally speaking)!

So in two months time we'll be country hopping in Europe.

I was thrilled that he did the legwork for the first time. It was intensive (not to mention, a little expensive than what we have assumed) cause we didn't have too much options left. So I don't want to look at the invoice cause I'm sure it's going to hurt my eye.

It's all done and the countdown begins...