It's Christmas!

Sorry for the late post but I initially felt like just stashing the pictures in one album and post it in my Facebook but I digressed and decided Christmas 2009 deserves a spot in my blog...Oh yeah, my family had to celebrate an early Christmas because I had to fly back here in Manila couple of days before the real Christmas day.

First off, MERRY LATE CHRISTMAS from my FAMILY to YOURS! (At least no one will feel like I am shoving it to their throats to be merry since the day is finally over.)

I left Ninoy Aquino Centennial Airport on December 13 and had a very calm flight for Davao City (I slept in the plane). I was greeted by a shortage of pushcarts at the airport so I had to hire a porter to take my bags outside where my parents and sister and our new family pet is waiting. It was heartwarming to see them all again after our vacation last August. I realized...I missed them! We then headed for lunch and then I showered and changed to meet my college friends. We had pasta and crepe in a cozy Italian restaurant and then trooped to a nearby coffee house. It was fun catching up with the girls. I wished we could do it more often. And oh, Jade is engaged and her wedding will be in October.

After having coffee, I had dinner with my sister and her boyfriend in a restaurant that specializes in baby back ribs and steaks. The food was okay but not good enough for me to refer you to go there. The place was clean and the price was just right. We went home to rest to prepare for the road trip that was scheduled the next day.


From Davao City we headed to General Santos City (about 117km). We stopped by the newly opened Robinson's Mall for lunch. The mall is not pet-friendly so my dad had to stay in the car so he can watch over our dog. Chiz had instant fans from passersby. We then headed to Koronadal City (about 58km away from GSC). We passed by acres and acres of pineapple, banana and durian plantation. It was a safe and enjoyable ride. After buying some car wax and tire black in Koronadal for the carwash business, we headed to Tacurong City and then the pitstop for the day-long travel is Isulan. It was heartwarming to see familiar people in familiar places.


I pretty much spent most of my vacation in Isulan. I was not able to attend the Kate Torralba fitting for the trench coat I won in the Nestle Fitnesse Challenge so I had to measure my body stats myself and send them off to the designer. I hope I didn't overestimate or underestimate my measurement else I'll be wearing a funny-looking coat. I was able to catch up with some more friends and I attended church everyday. Two nights before my scheduled trip to Manila, we had a little party and family friends came over to visit. I was also able to bake some Devil's Food Cupcake with White Chocolates.



And oh, let me not forget to mention that I was still able to manage to squeeze in a few runs in the neighborhood with my cousin. I guess it was only but right for me to do it because I felt so bloated the entire time I was there. I enjoyed my stay and wished I had longer time to spend with my family. But work beckons so...

The Paradise That Is Boracay

My first Boracay experience happened only in 2006 (March) with some of my SSR coworkers (Dell). The second time I was with Brandon's mom and Rudelyn in 2007. I went back July of the same year with our Canadian trainers. In 2008, I decided to go back to celebrate my 26th birthday. And just last week, I went back again with my family. It was a short but sweet vacation time and believe it or not, it is the first family travel we took, just us. I know that it will not be the last time that I am going there and I will forever live up to the name I got christened with at work: "Boracay Queen". It's just because of the frequency of my travels there, not for any other incriminating reasons.

My travel this year has once again affirmed my love affair with the island.

How could I not love the place? First, I understand the dialect that the people speak. Second, you could forget about your stilettos and the way it makes your swag sexier while walking barefoot (or with your flip flops) on the shore...the fine sand will tickle and caress your foot and yes Boracay has the softest white sand beach I have ever been to.

I am one who loves a quiet rest but when I go to Boracay, amidst the noise of the local and foreign tourists alike, I can have my own slice of peace of mind. You look at the sea and the waves and you appreciate life more. You look at the simplicity of a coconut tree standing tall along the shoreline and you appreciate nature more.

I have always gone to Boracay during the summer months and so the travel last week was way off than before. This is the only time that I have seen waves taller than me (ahhh I'm exaggerating) but yeah the waves are really unusual than what I had experienced before. These waves are caused by the southwest monsoon or as the locals call it the hanging habagat. We went there on the 26th of August and got back to Manila on the 28th.

Day 1:
Our scheduled flight was moved from 10AM to 12NN aboard Zest Air due to some reasons that I wasn't made aware of. This is the first time that I travelled aboard Zest Air and they have considerably left a bitter taste in my mouth. I was still thankful that we landed safe at the Kalibo Airport. We then drove to Caticlan and took a boat to the port and then we took another ride to the hotel where we stayed. If you woke up super early in the morning to catch a flight that was moved two hours then all these vehicle transfers is no child's play. We were exhausted but still looking forward to our vacation. We spent the rest of the afternoon walking along the shore of White Beach. I had my hair braided and my sister just had to take a dip in the inviting waters. We were all just anticipating the sumptuous seafood dinner we were having that night. After dinner, mom and dad decided to retire to bed early while me and my sister went out to have some cocktails. We went back to our hotel before midnight to take some much needed rest for the activities in store the next day.




Day 2:
We hired a boat in the morning right after breakfast. The whole four-hour island hopping cost only Php1000 ($20). The first stop was the snorkeling site. I didn't really enjoy as much as I dd before because I think the Puerto Galera snorkeling site is way better than what Boracay has to offer. White Beach is nothing compared to the solitude and pristine beauty of Puka Island and Crystal Cove. In Crystal Cove you could explore two hidden caves and we were so lucky that it was low tide when we went there because we were able to swim to the other side of the cave, a place where I have never been before because I have this strange fear in me that the sea will engulf me in it's belly anytime. Ahhhh, silly fears!



Me and my sister had the time of our lives swimming in Puka Beach while waiting for our lunch to be ready. We had sweet and sour shrimp, buttered garlic shrimp, calamares (buttered squid rings), fish, oysters, mussels. I was too hungry to take a picture. Hahaha!



We went back to our hotel right after lunch and we were still so full of energy. We showered and changed and decided to walk farther away from our hotel and explore the rest of White Beach. I played photographer to my willing subject, the model that is my sister.



While having dinner along the shore, we witnessed a spectacular sunset. See for yourself...


Day3:
We decided to take a dip again after breakfast and then packed our bags right after. Boracay was sad to see us leave I guess. It rained while we were aboard the fast craft en route to the Caticlan port.

I will be back for sure...I just don't know when.

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Daydreaming

I remember the last slumbook I signed whilst reading the giveaway details of LittleMsFirefly. The thought of it made me smile and definitely brought back thoughts of some dreams, what I really want in life, my life. I wrote "to be a housewife" in the ambition part of Sohnea's slumbook.

Housewife? Yes, you read it right, I want to be a housewife someday and that is my dream. I want to be able to build a family with the man I am going to marry. I envision us sharing our lifetime together in a simple house made strong by love, trust and fidelity. I want the house to be simple yet welcoming and "homey". I want to be able to bear children of course, be their first teacher, nurturer and supporter. We would as a family have our walks and talks and play times and just about anything that a family does in and out of the house. I dream of the white picket fence and yes, my own little flower garden with all my favorite flowers abloom in spring. I dream of giving my family happy tummies and happy smiles. I dream of being a happy housewife. I dream of not being afraid to break the mold as a housewife: this is a job where I write the job description myself, so I'll make it work!

And so I will write my duties/tasks/responsibilities (as I see it):
1. Shower my family with love (not a day less)
2. Prepare sumptuous food in the dining table for all to share
3. Play nurse and doctor when someone is sick
4. Support my husband and my children in doing things that make them happy
5. Provide intellectual boost to everyone in the family
6. Train the kids to be valuable members of the society
7. Save for the rainy days, spend wisely, manage the finances
8. Keep the family healthy
9. Discuss family discipline and expectations with my husband
10. Maintain a clean and organized living space
11. Spearhead activities that we as a family will enjoy
12. Treat everyone to surprises as often as I can
13. Make time for "family talks"
14. Hug everyone everyday
15. Say "I love you" to everyone everyday
16. Never go to bed with a heavy heart
17. Raise a prayerful family
18. Live joyfully
19. Live a frugal life
20. Foster open communication at home

I have only listed a few and for sure this list could go on and on. I know I will never be a perfect housewife but I will forever dream to be one...

P.S.
Wake me up before I burn the cookies!

You're the 1, Goldilocks

"You're the 1 Goldilocks, because you are the melting pot of the Filipino culture."

PASALUBONG
Goldilocks is always found in every pasalubong bag or basket. I am sure this is not just true in my family but to all other Filipino families as well. I can vividly remember when I was younger the smiles this goodie bags would bring to me. My mom was always out on seminars, conferences, and other gatherings that would entail her to be away from home for extended period of days. She would always bring us polvoron, never failed. The classic ones goes to my dad, the cashew flavor is for me and cookies and cream for my sister. As the sweet goodies offered by Goldilocks expanded, the pasalubong list ballooned to include chocolate crinkles, brownies, chocolate lollipops and the ever so yummy popcorn that I used to bring from our home to my school to share with friends so they can have a slice of the pasalubong from my mom as well. Fast forward to the time when I move here in Manila (2003), every time I go back home, I would always be reminded by my mom to not forget to bring home some Goldilocks treat and I would willingly oblige. Now, pasalubong for me is synonymous to Goldilocks. "Ang sarap magmahal ng Pinoy!"

Pasalubong, in general, is a "gift for a relation or friend brought by" a "traveler returning from a trip," and could also refer to "anything given as a gift to someone on the way home to a certain place." - Wikipedia

MOVING TO MANILA FROM DAVAO
I can still remember the first lunch I had here in Manila in 2003. It was the year of my graduation, I lived miles away from home a month after. My mom flew with me to help me settle and get all the things I would probably need in order for me to transition well. We had our lunch in the Megamall branch. It was a memorable lunch because she was lecturing me about life and saving money and finding a job and what things to expect living alone while I was busy satiating my hunger with the food we ordered. It was just the start of the many lunches I would have in different stores as I live my life far away from home. We went back to our hotel with her pasalubong for my dad and sis in tow. "How thoughtful, how Pinoy!"

Trivia: Goldilocks opened its store in Davao back in 2002.

REVIEW BUDDY
Back in 2003, when I was still reviewing for the CPA Board Examinations in CPAR (Espana, Manila), I would never be caught without some classic brownies together with crackers and other gutom quick fixers. My favorite place to have afternoon snack would be the Espana branch with my dormmates and review buddies. We have lost touch now and if they happen to read this, I am sure they would remember the laughters and stories we shared over siopao, fresh lumpia, palabok, dinuguan and puto plus our snack must-have sago gulaman. We hoped then that Goldilocks stores are open 24x7. My guardian back then would always pick me up in our dorm every weekend to go to the mall and unwind and as always our first stop, Goldilocks in Robinsons Manila and that is where I discovered the extreme "yumminess" of crema de fruta and rellenong bangus. And oh not to mention the pinakbet that tastes like the ones prepared at home. (Writing all these down makes me want to jump out of my blogging nook and head to the nearest Goldilocks store.)

SWEET TREAT
I give out some sweet treats to my direct reports in the office as often as I can and butter macaroons almost always never leaves my list. This is just me, if and when I like something I make sure that people around me gets a taste as well. The first time I tasted such, I got hooked. I suggest next time Goldilocks should include a warning in its packaging. Something that reads: "WARNING: HIGHLY ADDICTIVE!" I always buy a few of the big packs and then go around the team and give each of my direct reports some. One thing noteworthy is during one of my performance reviews, the team said they liked that I go the extra mile to keep them amped by giving out impromptu rewards and recognition and food to boot. Sweet!

MOTHER'S DAY
Last month, I was not able to go home to celebrate Mother's Day with my family. I asked my sister to buy my mom a cake, some flowers and organize a surprise lunch for her and she did. She bought a chocolate cake from Goldilocks and scribbled Happy Mother's Day on top...my mom was in tears. It is the first time that I have done something for her like this. She immediately called me up to say thank you. It is not often that I tell her I love her but I know the distance was bridged with the help of the thoughtfulness that came along with the cake.

BIRTHDAY = GOLDILOCKS CAKE
My 18th birthday cake was two-tiered and heart-shaped and was enjoyed by everyone who attended (I wish I could post pictures, I need to go find me a scanner). I have this little habit of buying cakes for friends who celebrate their birthdays and I am not able to celebrate it with them (especially those who are out of the country). I would take a picture and send it to them to let them know that they are thought of. I could not remember when I started doing this but I like seeing them smile or even just knowing that the picture of the cake meant a thousand words for them. This is my own version of e-cake only I get to eat and share what I bought. And a couple of days from now I will be celebrating my 27th birthday and Goldilocks is still in existence, still a strong brand, still reaching out to Filipinos here and abroad.

PRESENT DAY
I like that the famous "sosyal" actress Kris Aquino is the endorser of the brand. It is an overwhelming evidence that the bakeshop and foodshop that is Goldilocks strives to reach out to every Pinoy. With a 100% product awareness score in the AC Nielsen survey, Goldilocks is truly #1 in every Filipino family, the brand being ingrained in every Pinoy's mind. And there's truth to "You know you are Pinoy when Goldilocks means more than just a storybook character to you."

GOLDILOCKS, you have been the star of the show in every gathering with family and friends, you have brought joy to aching heart, smiles to lonesome faces, cheers to sullen moods and sweet to every tooth. Goldilocks makes relationships tighter, makes smiles sweeter, makes bonds stronger, makes life lovelier and makes memories last longer. Through the years, Goldilocks has been a staple in the culture of family bonding and togetherness. Goldilocks has been tested by time and has proven that resilience would move you to where you want to go and make you reach whatever it is you aim at. The evolution of Goldilocks from a modest bakeshop to an everyday food shop is a testament to the enduring character of every Filipino. As the variety of menu expands, I can see how this Filipino family favorite has infused the culture of food to its ever expanding array of food choices. And the "soupinoy" menu is undoubtedly a winner...Truth be told, you are truly the #1.


To read more about the history and the evolution of Goldilocks, click here. This image was taken from the Goldilocks site (milestones).

Acid Attack: CM's Ordeal

I got back from my vacation last Sunday with all the bags and my sister in tow. My sister will be spending time with me in my apartment while waiting for the NLE board exam results to come out (she’s getting her license, a laptop and a puppy if she pass). This post is an account of her ordeal with her tummy ache.

A day before our scheduled flight from Davao to Manila, my sister felt some tummy discomfort already. She felt some air in her tummy and she cannot burp and pass out flatus. She was curled in bed almost the entire day subsisting on medications advised by mom and dad and her experience as student nurse. But a couple Buscopan, Dicycloverine and Loperamides didn’t seem to help. She said coffee seemed to alleviate the pain she feels so we had her drink coffee as often as she wanted. We went to church the next day and she was still feeling the same pain. We blamed everything to the jackfruit she ate the other day. She started losing her appetite for food. I can only imagine how she was feeling during our flight. Hours after we landed, she said she felt the air move from one part of her tummy to the other. I told KB about it while we were talking and he got so concerned that he requested for their base doctor to talk to us and try to diagnose what my sister is feeling. She was prescribed Gas-X or Maalox and was advised as well to maintain a clear liquid diet and slowly progress to BRAT diet (banana, rice, apple and toast). We went to the 24-hour drugstore and I made soup for her and then had her take the meds. She felt a little better, was able to burp and pass gas and was able to go to bed. When she woke up, she had the same airy feeling in her tummy again. I took her to a medical clinic and she was advised to take Domperidone tablets 30 minutes before each meal for one week. She was still bedridden, only gets up to shower and use the bathroom. I wished I can share half of her pain. While having dinner yesterday, she was crying in pain already and asked me to rush her to the hospital. I had to call in sick myself as I could not leave her alone in the hospital. She was injected with Ranatidine Hydrochloride, a histamine H2-receptor antagonist that inhibits stomach acid production and used to treat Helicobacter pylori infections. She was initially diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease. She writhed and groaned and in so much pain after the injection. Dr. Sergei Ledesma and the nurse informed us that it was to be expected and that it is a sign that the medicine is working and the pain and discomfort should last for at least 15 minutes. While assisting my sister, I also had to talk to KB and call my mom from time to time. I already lost count how many times I had to call her. After staying several hours in the emergency room, we were given a go signal that we can go home already as my sister has been fairly stable after several hours. Before we went home, we dropped by the drugstore again and bought the meds she needs to maintain. We were advised to see a gastroenterologist after about a week for further tests and for possible endoscopy. She was able to sleep soundly today and has been a little upbeat already. No airy feeling anymore but still feels sudden jolts of pain in her tummy plus of course the discomfort of her “girly pains”. She could not consume any spicy food, alcohol, acidic fruit juices, milk and products with milk, coffee, tea, chocolate and soda.

We were advised by the doctor as well to immediately come back to the emergency department if my sister:

a. have increased stomach pain, chest pain or generalized abdominal pain

b. develops persistent vomiting, vomit blood, pass black stools of if the pain shifts location to the right lower part of the abdomen

c. develops fever and diarrhea

I hope she continues to feel better. I am not used to seeing her like this and I pity my lil sis having to go through all these pain. I have not personally experienced what she has gone through and I can only pray for her speedy recovery.

Happy 52nd Birthday Mom!

It's mom's birthday today and I would like her to know how special she is and how I am thankful that she's my mom. She's just the best mom in the world!

Thank you for raising me just the way you did. Now I understand why I had to be scolded and not spared the rod. I am who I am now because of you and Dad. Thank you for doing the best you can to provide for me and to nurture for me. Thank you for everything...

This song is for you...

A Song For Mama

You taught me everything
And everything you've given me
I always keep it inside
You're the driving force in my life, yeah

There isn't anything
Or anyone that I can be
And it just wouldn't feel right
If I didn't have you by my side

You were there for me to love and care for me
When skies were grey
Whenever I was down
You were always there to comfort me
And no one else can be what you have been to me
You will always be, you always will be the girl
In my life for all times

Mama, mama you know I love you (I love you)
Oh you know I love you
Mama, mama you're the queen of my heart
Your love is like
Tears from the stars (yes it is)
Mama, I just want you to know
Lovin' you is like food to my soul

You're always down for me
Have always been around for me, even when I was bad
You showed me right from my wrong
Yes you did

And you took up for me
When everyone was downin' me
You always did understand
You gave me strength to go on

There was so many times
Looking back when I was so afraid
And then you come to me
And say to me I can face anything
And no one else can do
What you have done for me
You'll always be
You will always be the girl in my life

Little Sister

NOTE: Little sister appears to be taller because she is wearing some two inch high heels and I am comfortably wearing my ballet flats in this picture.

Meet my sister...Chiradee May.

She's 21 and working on her nursing licensure examination.

Time really flies so fast. I could still remember our numerous childish fights and countless jealousy on who's more loved by our parents. I could still vividly recall the numerous times I had to bribe her so she will be the one to wash the dishes and do my other chores so I can go ahead watch TV and be couch potato for the entire day. I also recall this one fight we had that we threw things at each other and we received some bigtime scolding and spanking from our Mama Queen Bee because of that. That still cracks me up more often than not. I think it is too darn childish. I remember our neighbor telling me that my sister confided that she feels that I am more loved than her. She's funny. I guess she never realized that I do am jealous of her too, sometimes. I also remember her having a crush on this one guy I've dated. She would feel giddy when she sees that guy. (The dating game is over and that guy is already married - not to me.)



Our last fight happened last year though. But it was over before the next day ended. Living far from my family makes me miss them so much and I miss my sister to say the least. I wish we could have our own girls night out. Just enjoy being sisters. She still would consult my advise on love matters otherwise through the phone, SMS or when we chat.



But we have grown up well. We both finished school. Petty fights is so over and we have grown past that stage.