Supporting Earth Hour Campaign

Going green has become the new black – a fad, a lifestyle, a commitment. People, in one way or another, are now responsive to the escalating threats against our beloved Mother Earth. It has been gaining momentum lately and I hope we could save our planet before it’s too late.

At 8.30pm tomorrow (Saturday March 28), 1400 cities in 75 countries around the world are going to switch off their lights to support Earth Hour Campaign which is a demonstration that people want action on climate change. Our world will turn black for a cause and it will be the biggest show of support ever.

I’m glad that for the second time, our country is exerting efforts to join and widen its awareness. At least, amidst the economic as well as political chaos, for once we are uniting for a good fight. I, as an advocate for planet green, am glad to observe the hour in my own little way. I am going to switch off lights, unplug the TV, turn off my mobile phone, and not use the air conditioner from 8.30-9.30pm. This is not only for our Earth but also to my baby and his next generation to come.

My friends, I’m inviting you all to join the WWF’s Earth Hour tomorrow. Let’s vote Earth!

How to Manage Your Finances Well

We hear and feel the singsong of global economic crisis, people losing jobs, commodity prices going up, and so on. Are we really going rock bottom? If we are, then we’re lucky because there’s no other way but up, right? If we aren’t, then we really have to tighten our belts more and longer.

From my end, I consider myself fortunate because I and my family are not affected directly with all these. (Or not yet.. simbako intawon!) As long as we have food on our table, love in our hearts, good health, honest profession, and divine blessings – which I deem are the truest wealth- we’re okay, alive, and kicking. However, I consider myself frugal too; frugal in the context of saving more and spending less. Yes, I drool and spend (sometimes on impulse) on fashion, books, and other chuvah chuvah, but I feel guilty when I go overboard, and when I feel guilty, I make amends on my budgeting right away. I deduct here or add there, you know. Thus, I’m frugal who knows how to plan and enjoy life at the same time.

I want to share Miriam Quiambao’s financial plan which she shared on Ruffa and Ai’s show a month ago. She learned it from a seminar abroad and she assured everyone that it works when followed earnestly. I am trying to employ it myself and hopefully it will go a long way for me financially.

Basically, you just have to distribute your net earnings. Let’s say you have net salary of Php 5,000 a month. Here’s the breakdown:

Necessities (50%) Php 2,500 -Food, clothing, rent, utilities, transportation expenses, etc.

Financial Freedom (10%) Php 500 –Investment for properties, businesses or interests, etc.

Education (10%) Php 500 –Education for kids (if there’s any) or further education for yourself like maybe you want to study web programming or painting or dancing, etc.

Long-Term Spending (10%) Php 500 –Pay long-term debts like car loans, housing loans, etc.

Play (10%) Php 500 –Travels, eating in fancy restaurants, watching concerts, etc.

Give (10%) Php 500 – Kindness spreads happiness, remember? So don’t forget also to share to your family or friends or the church or any charitable institution.

Okay, okay, okay.. I cheat sometimes. I cut bigger than 10% for Play, and cut it out from the rest. But the main thing is, I have a plan. It keeps me on the right path to financial freedom. Hopefully, as I've said, it will take me a long way. I can only hope for the best.

For the Love of Fashion

When Sharon Cuneta’s 3M Hermes bag was featured on SNN some time ago, it was hugely commented as “extravagance” by kibitzers worldwide. Some said Sharon could have donated the money to hungry children instead; others say she was not helping the weak Philippine economy by being lavish. Nonsense! Sharon can’t save our country or the hungry children by not buying Hermes bag alone. She is working (ads, albums, shows, movies, concerts, etc.) thus she is earning thus she has the right to purchase anything she wants and needs. So please, give her a break.

This also goes to Ruffa Gutierrez’s lavish shoe collection which was shown on SNN last night. Before it will create a wildfire on the internet again, I want to say that Ruffa, like Sharon, deserves these indulgences too.

Thanks PEP for the photos. See more of Ruffa's shoe collection here. Related post here.

V for Victory

My man Rafael Nadal has been unstoppable since he won his 4th Grand Slam at Roland Gaross, 1st Grand Slam at Wimbledon, and when he finally got the hard-fought and well-deserved world number one ranking last year. Just in the first quarter of this year, he was crowned as new Australian Open champion, and he won the coveted title in the recently concluded ATP World Tour Masters 1000 in Indian Wells.

He is my man on court and I love him so much.

In case you may ask if he has a girlfriend, he has, and a very pretty one at that – Xisca Perello.

Here’s his and other football stars’ new commercial for Nike entitled V for Victory.

Good luck in Miami, Rafa! Vamos!

The Anatomy of Lechon

My sister Joy passed the Nursing Board Exam in February and had her Thanksgiving Party last Saturday. Since I couldn’t go home, I just called her up and asked what food were served to the guests. She said, “oh, you should be here, I know you’d love the adobo, pork chop, pancit, shrimps, crabs, salads, etc.. and of course, the crispy lechon. You know naman nanay when it comes to preparing a bash, she goes all the way man jud. “ Sigh. I missed eating lechon.

When I was about to ask Mark to buy me lechon for lunch (so as not to deprive my craving which I qualified as "paglilihi"), the SMS came like an apparition, “manang, if you happen to crave for lechon, forget it, it’s bad for the baby, you know, it’s fatty.” Ahhh, when it rains, it really pours. So I didn’t try to push my luck for the reason that I don’t want to harm my baby in any way.

But mind you, luck was on my side because yesterday, after Mark and his staff had their field exercise in Talisay, they brought.. guess what?.. lechon for lunch! Yes! Lechon.. slurrppy.. finally. I couldn’t resist the temptation because its smell was too good for me to deny. And so I ate with my hands like everyone else seated at the long table and I ate with gusto, wiping out everything including the bones (our cat had its own fair share as well). It was indeed bad for my health but certainly good for my soul. However, I promised to myself not to eat lechon as often as I want to because it’s really rich in fat and cholesterol.

Yet it’s hard not to yearn for it especially I’m living in the Queen City of Lechon (errr.. the South). Cebu’s lechon is really the best in the country, you know. It’s crispy, tasty, and flavorful. It’s said that Cebuanos in the lechon business guard their methods and recipes like gold that’s why one can find the yummiest lechon only in Cebu.

In Market Manila (my favorite source of food insights), it is said that the secret lies on the tanglad (lemongrass) which is stuffed inside the pig (it explains why it smells so enticing) and the pig skin is rubbed with knorr sinigang mix, salt, pepper, and olive or canola oil. Or herbs are injected to the meat and then the skin is basted with milk or soda or coconut milk. Also, Cebuanos use native pigs and they roast them gradually over open fire until it's tender inside. They put into effect the virtue of patience well that’s why their lechons are crispy to the bones.

Well, enough for lechon baboy talk today. I’m now wanting another roasted delight, another Cebu’s best - lechon manok! Hmmmm. Sr. Pedro here I come!

20 Things You Don’t Know About Me – Yet!

1. When I was in grade school, I had a big crush on McGyver. Not the actor Richard Dean Anderson himself but the character he was playing in the series. I thought having a mind with almost infinite scientific resourcefulness was way too cool. I even had a life-size poster of him in my bedroom back then.

2. My mother gave birth to me in my great grandmother’s old house, delivered by a quack midwife, and my placenta was buried in the backyard. My four younger siblings were all delivered in our town hospital by the same town doctor.

3. If there’s one house work that I do best, it’s doing the laundry either with my hands or with a washing machine. On the other hand, I do worst in ironing clothes.

4. I am a frustrated painter and novelist.

5. I am afraid of total darkness, ghosts, and slimy animals.

6. I have this thing about restrooms. I can’t pee in smelly dirty restrooms. I judge a house, mall, restaurant, park, or any public or private place by its restroom.

7. I am claustrophobic. Though not severe but I seriously avoid being confined to tunnels, prison cells, caves, very crowded places, and small locked rooms.

8. I’m closer to my father than to my mother. Thus, I’m proudly tatay’s girl.

9. Two most prominent physical assets that I love in my husband are his broad shoulders and his chinky eyes.

10. Next to red and white, I like the blend of green and cream colors.

11. I am a certified Kapamilya. I love watching ABS-CBN’s programs and artists more than its major competitor second rate trying hard boring copycat GMA Network and any other network, for that matter, on free TV.

12. There’s only one person I can confide with anything – my sister Jill. We’re like salt and pepper. One is incomplete without the other. Though she’s five years younger than me, I feel that we’re twins.

13. I literally drink ten glasses or more of water every day. I started this habit when I had kidney infection in 2007 and the doc said I had to fill my body with lots of fluids as I can. Then it has easily become part of my lifestyle.

14. I want to grow old gracefully that’s why I don’t sulk on frustrations, hatreds, and failures.

15. I can be maldita when I am crossed BUT I don’t hold grudges against anyone and I can easily forgive and forget.

16. My mother, two younger sisters, and I have the same shoe size – 5.

17. I have four active email accounts, three blogs, and three YM's.

18. I love my two nephews – NJ and Daniel – more than their dads, my younger brothers. In the same way, I think, lolos and lolas love their apos more than their own children.

19. I dislike monotony. That explains why I change the theme of my blog every now and then and why I tell my husband to learn the art of taking the wind out of my sails from time to time. Otherwise, I’ll get bored to death.

20. I secretly (now it's not a secret anymore) wish for a hot balloon ride.

Iloilo Homemade Delicacies

Mark was in Iloilo for the past two days and when he came back this early morning, he brought me delicious Iloilo’s homemade delicacies. Yippie! I looove eating Ilonggo’s chow like lapaz bachoy and pancit molo as they always satisfy my craving for exotic palate, and with their delicacies, my sweet tooth is certainly indulged. Ilonggos really live to their standard – daw namit gid ya ang pagkaon!

And so, to my heart’s content, I munch with gusto these mouthwatering treats..

Pinasugbo - made of sugar, banana saba, sesame seeds, and margarine. Saraaap!

Piaya (read as pi-ya-ya) - made of enriched wheat flour, vegetable shortening, butter, sesame seeds, honey, and salt. Honesty, I don't like it much but my husband does.

Barquillos - made of banana, brown sugar, and sesame seeds. Crunchy!

Biscocho - made of enriched wheat flour, cane sugar, palm oil, margarine, skim milk powder, iodized salt, and yeast. This is my most favorite because once you crunch one, you'll ask for more and more and more. It's super tasty!

Aside from being known to delectable foodstuffs, Iloilo also prides of having very malambing people. My younger brother Jai is married to a beautiful woman from Jaro, Iloilo and boy, she's a sugar! So whenever I think of Iloilo, I always get lost with some sugary thoughts!

Another Day in a Military Wife's Life

The sound of rain drumming on the rooftop woke me up around ten this morning. “Tap tap tap”, said the rain as if cuing me to get up, take a shower, and have breakfast. My growling stomach (or my baby pushing the gases out from my digestive tract) made me pull myself out from bed thirty minutes later.

I was in for a treat at breakfast. I feasted on fried fish, boiled egg, seasoned okra, and red apple plus the necessary anmum milk and folic acid. Our cook is not only good in the kitchen but also considerate about the health and wellness of the troop especially with me after he learned my condition. Every menu is well-thought of. My most favorite amongst his special dishes is katuray, a mixture of vegetables and shrimp which only a true-blooded Ilonggo can concoct.

After that.. alas! My eyes were slowly and involuntarily drooping again. Was it because of the gloomy weather or the effect of having a baby growing inside me? Hmmm.. I guess it’s the latter. My mother must be right when she said, “liwat jud ka nako magbuntis day, di maselan, but sige lang katog and kaon.” And so while half the world is on the go, I nailed myself into our tiny yellow bed once more.

At one thirty in the afternoon, I roused vaguely from the half sleep which I had finally succumbed. I half opened my eyes and shut off the incessant sound of my alarm. Then I had lunch of sinabaw na baka with cabbage and freshly squeezed orange juice. Slurrpy!

Right now, I’m fighting off my droopy eyelids yet again but I need to feed my mind and so after posting this I'm going to blog hop, check mails, catch up with my friendsTER, and keep myself abreast with events in the tennis world particularly the ongoing ATP Masters Series in Indian Wells. I’m such a tennis fan, you know. I even mentioned to hubby that our child is going to be a professional tennis player someday. (Ops, stage mother is in the making!) When we’ll move to our new house inside the base, the first thing I would like to install is cable TV so that I can watch a match as it happens.

Speaking of hubby, he is still in a nearby island accomplishing an assignment for the glory of God, country, and people. He will be back on Saturday yet. It’s his first time to be away from me since we learned that I’m expecting. The upside is I could cheat on my curfew which is 9 pm. Last night, I watched "The Other Boleyn Girl" and slept around midnight. One thing I can't do if honey is around. (By the way, I download movies via Mininova using uTorrent.) The downside is I’m feeling so alone. I miss my hubby na.

Oopss.. I can’t fight my drowsiness na naman. It’s time for me to go back to slumberland!

ZZzzzz..

If I Were a Tea

I would be a Black Tea because..

I have a bold personality. I am not afraid of simply being myself. I have the courage to speak the truth. I am fearless in my actions. I come off as a bit intimidating and unapproachable. Only confident people are attracted to me. I don't try to scare off anyone. I'm just an intense person!

What Kind of Tea Are You?

Smokin' Hot

One of my perks on being pregnant is that I tend to get all my cravings in just a snap. It seems like I have a magic wand that makes people eager to please my indulgences. Like I ask for pizza or sundae or kinilaw na squid and then it would be on my table right away.

Lucky me? Not so, because my tummy gets bigger and bigger!

As a result, I need to have a fashion overhaul. Hubby said I shouldn’t wear my old fitting jeans again as it might throttle our baby. Instead, I should buy new suitable clothes for an expecting mom. I totally agree. Shopping here I come!

Being pregnant doesn't mean I shouldn't feel confident, stylish, and desirable. So, I envision myself to look smokin' hot like my celebrity style twin and also a hot momma of two - Nicole Richie!

My Celebrity Style Twin

What kind of swimsuit would you be most likely to wear? A string bikini with an interesting pattern.

Everyone knows that shoes define a woman's style. How would you describe your ideal shoe? Faux diamond studded high heel sandals.

You've been invited to a fancy event and are going to go all out with your clothes. What would you most like to wear? A simple strapless belted dress that shows off my figure.

You'd like to pair your best pair of jeans with: A flirty open back top.

Your favorite accessory tends to be: A headband.

My Celebrity Style Twin is Nicole Richie

The perfect blend of uptown and downtown.

Who's Your Celebrity Style Sister?

Pregnancy Survey

Is this your first baby? Yes!!!!

Were you trying to get pregnant? Yes for a year.

How far along were you when you found out? 5 or 6 Weeks.

What was your reaction? Amazed, excited, and scared all at the same time.

Who was the first person you told? After my husband Mark, my sister Jill.

How did you tell the father? I texted him saying “Honey, you are going to be a dad soon. It’s positive. Finally!” then I called him up. (He was at Shangri-la for a conference at that time.)

What was his reaction? He sounded so happy. I could imagine him smiling from ear to ear. When he came home, he hugged me tightly. Then he set up a happy hour in the barracks.

When is your due date? November 8, 2009.

Do you have any morning sickness? No, I don’t. My mom said I take this smooth pregnancy after her.

Do you want a boy or girl? I want a girl while hubby wants a baby boy.

Do you know what you’re having? No, not yet.

Do you plan on a natural or medicated birth? Natural but if I can’t take the labor pains, I will take epidural.

Are you scared about labor? Yes. Super. What if I can’t push the baby out? Heaven forbid.

Do you think you will cry when you see the baby for the first time? Yes, I'm 101% sure of it.

Who is going to be with you? I want my mother, my father, my husband, and my two sisters who are RN’s to be with me inside the delivery room. I need an army of support. LOL.

Are you going to video tape it? Yes, that would be exciting!

Do you know what you will say to the baby when you first hold it? No clue. I am waiting for that moment!

Do you have a name picked out? Not yet but I like names starting with M and J, like Maisie Jade (precious jewel).

Is your baby going to be named after anyone? No. Though I want a greek or latin name but hubby wants something modern and unique like Forecastle Hatch. What?!

What do you think the baby will be a "daddy’s girl/boy" or a "mommy’s girl/boy"? Mommy's boy/girl- totally mommy's boy/girl!

My Journey to Mommyhood

It’s time for me to announce that I’m pregnant – finally!

While I was tempted to shout my happy news out from the top of a mountain after I took the home pregnancy test last Wednesday, I held it as I was afraid the two red lines were only a trick. The following day, I had an appointment with my obstetrician, Dr. Panares of Chong Hua Medical Arts, and she prescribed Anmum for my milk and Meganerv F-A for my vitamins. Yesterday, my OB sent me for an early ultrasound to know the heart rate of my baby and for various lab tests. After learning the result that my pregnancy is indeed progressing at forty days, I then shared the wonderful news with my family and friends.

They were all ecstatic, telling me what’s and what-not’s, do’s and don’ts.

Honestly, the reality that I’m gonna be a mommy in November hasn’t sunk in until minutes ago. When it did, it came as an epiphany that my life is going to change tremendously. Yet I wouldn’t exchange for anything in the world my experiences on a well-traveled road of motherhood. I am willing to be transformed from a not-so-conventional wife into a selfless mom.

Last night, I bought a book entitled Baby Love, A Pinay’s Practical Guide to Pregnancy, by Marivic Soliven Blanco and Ipat Luna, and read it in just one sitting. I liked it and it made me appreciate the essence, grace, and humor of pregnancy. Then I changed my playlist from pop to everything instrumental – guitar, sax, piano, and violin. I've heard it would keep me calm throughout my pregnancy and increase the emotional quotient of my baby as well. I also created a blog to chronicle my journey to mommyhood. It's still under construction though, but please drop by if you have time.

Well, you may wonder, how did Mark react for the “bomb” that he’s soon-to-be dad? I will tell you about it in the succeeding days.

Keep posted!

Federer to be a Father

After dinner, I browsed for some tennis updates at ATP and the headline regarding former world number one, Roger Federer, made me smile.

"Roger Federer and his long-time girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec announced on Thursday that they are expecting their first child this summer."

Wow! I'm so happy for them. They are one of my favorite couples in the tennis world. I always admire Roger for his grace on court and also Mirka for her undying support to Roger. They are a great team.

Here's what Roger wrote on his website regarding this matter:

Dear Fans

I arrived in Indian Wells earlier this week and I am eager to get back out on court. My back is feeling much better and I am ready to go.

I also have some really awesome news to share with all of you: Mirka and I are excited to let you know that we will be parents this summer! Mirka is pregnant and we are so happy to be starting a family together. This is a dream come true for us. We love children and we are looking forward to being parents for the first time. Mirka is feeling great and everything is going well.

Speak soon and thanks for all your continued support!

Roger

Couch Potato Day

By the power vested in me, I declare this day as Jane’s Couch Potato Day. There are great movies lining up and waiting to be shared with my friend - the couch.

In line with this, I post here Moviefone’s 50 Best Movies of 2008.

I put x to the movies I haven’t watch yet or don’t have interest to waste my time with; The check means I already submerged myself into it or just liked it so-so.)

50. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (x - not my type of flick)
49. Burn After Reading (x - heard Brad Pitt acts like an idiot in this movie)
48. Mamma Mia (check – it’s exclamation point!)
47. The Bank Job (x – don't have plan to watch it)
46. Bolt (check – makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside)
45. Son of Rambow (x – nah, i’m not interested)
44. W. (x- forget it, George W. Bush is already history)
43. Quantum of Solace (check – it’s passable, just another James Bond trick)
42. Defiance (x – I’ve read it’s pretty predictable Nazi inspired movie)
41. The Duchess (x - but I’ll download it soon I’m finished posting this one)
40. Appaloosa (x-no comment)
39. Wanted (check – I love Angelina!)
38. Zach and Miri Make a Porno (x- I’ve read bad reviews about this film, makes me ask, why is it included on this list?)
37. Boy A (x – i'm not interested)
36. Religulous (x- hilarious blasphemy, I’m not sure I’m into that)
35. Forgetting Sarah Marshall (x – ahmm, I’ll forget this one)
34. American Teen (x – I’ll pass this one)
33. Planet B-Boy (x- I’m not really fond of hip-hop, more so hip-hop flicks)
32. Horton Hears a Who? (check – funny funny funny!)
31. Rachel Getting Married ( x – it intrigues me though as it made Anne Hathaway being nominated for Best Actress at the Oscars)
30. Dear Zachary (x – I’m not sure this documentary was released here in Pinas but I’ve read good reviews about it)
29. Let the Ring One In (x – nothing beats Twilight when it comes to vampire movies, okay? This one is second-rated trying hard copy cat!)
28. Pineapple Express (x – I’m not sure I’ll have a good laugh with this one)
27. The Wackness (x – another hip-hop storyline.. not my cup of tea)
26. 4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days (x – no comment)
25. Gran Torino (check – it is not perfect, much more like an indie film, BUT hey, it has a heart!)
24. Happy Go Lucky (x - but I should watch this kind of movie coz I need a dose of optimism nowadays)
23. Taxi to the Dark Side (x – honestly, I don’t have courage watching torture movies)
22. Shine a Light (x – I never heard of it until now, but my oh my, it’s about the Rolling Stones!)
21. Revolutionary Road (check – kinda awkward seeing Kate and Leo again without the Titanic and the iceberg)
20. Kung Fu Panda (check – love it!)
19. In Bruges (x – but I have to watch it, it’s Collin Farrell, hello?!)
18. Doubt (x – will watch it really really.. maybe tom)
17. JCVD (x – okay, I’ll consider it too..)
16. Role Models (x – maybe when I’m running out of ideas what to watch)
15. Surfwise (x – no, thanks)
14. Vicky Cristina Barcelona (check – hilarious and awesome!)
13. The Counterfeiters (x – Nazi again! please give the Jews their peace.)
12. The Reader (check – God, this movie is damn good! Two thumbs up!)
11. The Visitor (x – no, thanks again)
10. Tropic Thunder (x- I’m seriously considering it.. need a good laugh)
9. Milk (x – will watch it this afternoon after the Curious Case of Benjamin Button)
8. Man on Wire (x – well, it couldn’t be on top the 10 for nothing)
7. Wall-E (x- will watch it after Milk)
6. Frost/Nixon (x – I think it’s unexciting unless..)
5. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (x- will watch it before Milk and Wall-E)
4. The Wrestler (x – this movie puzzles me)
3. The Dark Knight (check – i love it!)
2. Slumdog Millionare (check – it’s nothing short of magnificent.. unique is another word)
1. Iron Man (x – oh sadness, why did I let it pass on theaters? Well, there’s always bit torrent, no worries..)

Wait wait wait, why is it that Changeling and Twilight are not on this list? These are great movies! Changeling made me cry. I love Angelina Jolie (who doesn’t, anyway?) and in it, I love her more. Twilight, well, needless to say, it possesses my heart.

A Spanish Escape

I dream of wandering around the streets of Barcelona, Spain someday. In the movie Vicky Cristina Barcelona, it is so enchanting and mystifying. This city offers a variety of possibilities and I want to make sure to spend a holiday in it even once in my lifetime. Plus a side trip to Manacor, Mallorca to visit the hometown of my favorite Spanish tennis heroes, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Moya. And also to shop till I drop in Madrid. Who wants to go with me?

Movie Review: Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Penelope Cruz, Rebecca Hall, Javier Bardem
Director: Woody Allen
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Synopsis: Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Awards: Won Best Picture (Comedy) at the Golden Globes and Best Performance in Supporting Role to Penelope Cruz at the Oscars.

Jane’s Review: I was smiling most of the time watching Vicky Cristina Barcelona. In three words, it is amusing. I love watching the magnificent panorama of Barcelona, Spain which is elaborately shown in the movie. Though Scarlett Johansson (as dreamy Cristina) and Rebecca Hall (as sensible Vicky) played their roles brilliantly, I had more fun watching Penelope Cruz as Maria Elena, the fierce and uncanny ex-wife to Javier Bardem (as celebrated painter Juan Antonio). Basically, the movie is a rueful comedy that explores the complexity of human relationships yet it is not grim. Overall, it is interesting enough without becoming frivolous. I recommend it to those who are exploring the depth of love and marriage - just yet.

Easy Like Sunday Morning

When I was fresh out of college, I was burning with desire to be part in the world of work straight away. I was overly idealistic and optimistic. I wanted career growth, challenging experiences, and financial freedom all at once. The burning desire eventually became like a vampire that sucked out almost all of my blood. At one point, I felt something was missing and I thought I already reached the cul-de-sac.

Then my knight in shining armor came into my life, and he swept me off my feet!

When I married him, I made a U-Turn and promised not to go back to the bumpy road again. Not that I don’t want to desire growth, challenges, and freedom, but I want to be more realistic and grounded this time around.

However, being a Sagittarian, sometimes I can’t help fast tracking my way toward my goal. My best antidote is my husband. He is so cool and composed. He’s a Scorpio, by the way. Yet more than the zodiac signs, we really complement each other.

This morning I wanted to do lot of activities but he didn’t allow me due to my delicate condition. (My period is six days late and I could be pregnant.) And so right now, I’m on relaxation mode. I’m feeling easy and breezy with the quiet aircon keeping me cool in the summer heat, my bar of Cloud 9 keeping me full, and a movie that I’ve downloaded exciting me.

I like my day this way – easy like Sunday morning, but not always though.

Matias: Grilled Food at its Best

Lest you would think that I won't pig out at Matias anymore after my not fitting bontog encounter, you’re wrong. If my taste bud yearns for grilled food again, Matias, for me, is still the best place to go.

The smoke and aroma that wafts from its streetside barbecue/food hall is so appetizing enough.

On tables and benches under a tree covered in Christmas lights, this place even had a touch of ambiance at rock bottom prices. They serve chicken barbecue, atay and baticon (livers and gizzards), pork liempo, pork barbecue, grilled bangus, grilled bontog (which I hope you will pass up), soriso (sausages), puso (rice), sawsawan (sauce), beer, and softdrinks. (Our last bill was only PHP191.25 and we were so full na. That is what I call an incredible value meal!)

If you visit Cebu and are looking for a well-priced, no frills meal, try Matias Food House along A.S. Fortuna Street in Mandaue City. You have to be willing to rough it (like eating with your hands), but it undoubtedly presents grilled food experience at its best.

Lami gyud kaayo bai!

(Thanks Market Manila for the photos!)

Please Spare the Bontogs!

After hearing Mass at Pink Sisters Convent last Sunday, my husband and I headed for a pig out at Matias Food House in Mandaue City. It was our second time to go there and we were in for a surprise! The reason? They added a new specialty of the house – grilled Bontog bird!

I thought it was a chick when I held the BBQ stick up, but it was bigger than a chick so I asked a staff what it was. He said it was a Bontog bird. I exclaimed, “A bird? Why would anyone eat a small bird in a well-known food house?” My daring husband ordered one as he wanted to know how it tasted.

Though I felt pity for the little bird, I thought of having a bite of it as well. It was yummy, tender and crisp. My prejudice against the one who sold it was suddenly washed down with its tang.

But not until I decided to research about the bontogs on the internet.

February 18, 2009—A rare quail from the Philippines was photographed for the first time before being sold as food at a poultry market.

Found only on the island of Luzon, Worcester's buttonquail was known solely through drawings based on dated museum specimens collected several decades ago, and is known to be extinct.

Michael Lu, president of the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines, told AFP the bird's demise should inspire a "local consciousness" about the region's threatened wildlife.

"What if this was the last of its species?" Lu said.

(Source: NationalGeographic.com)

Poor little birds!

But I can’t uneat the bontog which I attacked with gusto from Matias, can I? My only consolation for now is that I can do my share to save extinct birds from human threats which of course includes not eating grilled bontogs again.

Wait, what about tokmo and dimodlaw? (It's my hobby to hunt birds using an air gun in our province.)

I guess I really have to research further what kind of birds that can be freely hunted and what should be fiercely protected.

A Fairytale Wedding of a Muse

I visited Rajo Laurel’s site just minutes ago and learned that the stunning model, Sarah Meier, finally walked down the aisle last Tuesday. I first saw Sarah on a magazine years ago and was enthralled by her exotic beauty. Then she had a short stint as judge on my favorite show, Project Runway Philippines. I found her to be not only beautiful but also kalog. No wonder her wedding theme is enchanting, just like she is.

Best wishes Sarah and Benjo!

See more wedding photos at Rajo's blog.

Hollywood Hair Makeover

It’s Saturday! How do you want to enjoy it? If you ask me, I seriously want to have a hair makeover today.

Last night, I tried on the cuts I wanted at InStyle and oh boy, I had fun! The not-so-fun is that my hubby thought I looked like bayot (drag queen) on my photos but he tactfully added that I don’t have to look like somebody else because I’m already beautiful as I am. Awwwss!

In my dangerously lambing voice I said, “Honey ko, I’m really bored na with my hair, I need it styled differently na, okay?” But of course, the answer was the usual “ok, if it makes you happy”.

So my friends, please help me decide on what will be my next hairstyle..

Let's Go Boho!

When you go out and instantly you wish you were in Iceland, you'd know that it is summertime. Of course, you’d also know it judging the fashion cuts shops are displaying on their stands and racks.

I passed by a shop at SM Cebu the other day but I forgot its name yet the designs of their clothes and accessories really stuck in my mind.

Then I found out through my friend, Google, that the style which caught my eyes is called Bohemian or Boho fashion. I lust over it and soon (hello banker?!), I’m gonna wear a few of these..

You'll be Missed, Kiko!

The master rapper, Francis Magalona, succumbed to leukemia at noon today. He asked for prayers on his last blog post and it was rained with lots of support from his fans and friends. His family requested for privacy and they asked that instead of flowers and mass cards, cash and blood donations to Philippine Red Cross will be greatly appreciated.

You were the man, kababayan ko. Your legacy in this kaleidoscope world will surely live forever.

Don't You Just Love KC?

Isn’t she gorgeous?

She’s The Best-Dressed Celebrity of 2008.

For me, she’s the epitome of glamour and elegance, and I love her!

Check out KC's sites here and here.

Drooling Over Hermes

Imagine owning a bag worth.. drum roll please.. 3 million pesos! Wowowie! Well, why not? If you happen to be a megastar and have been working your butt off for 30 years then you unquestionably deserve it.

This is the Hermes Black Crocodile Birkin Bag with diamonds own by Sharon Cuneta. It has surely put showbiz denizens in awe. Check out related post at SNN.

Happiness Comes in Pieces

On Mark’s 25th birthday in 2002, I gave him a book entitled “The Next 500 Stories” by Frank Mihalic, SVD, and I wrote a note on its first page that said, “Age is not a date in time but a state of mind. Our duty here on earth is not to add years to our lives but to add life to our years. I love you honey. Happy birthday.”

For many years, this motivational book has guided him and me on how to make the right decisions and choose the right roads. Sometimes we read our favorite stories all over again and talk about what we have learned from them.

Now, I want to share the #384 story/poem that helps us understand the partiality of happiness and why we don't ask God to give us more of who we are and what we have (though I don’t mind having more) as long as no one in our family gets sick or get into trouble with the law or something. Moreover, it gives us the rationale on why we should have peace of mind first before anything else.

Happiness Comes in Pieces
Happiness is like a crystal,
Fair and exquisite and clear,
Broken in a million pieces,
Shattered, scattered, far and near.

Now and then along life’s pathway,
Lo! Some shining fragments fall;
But there are so many pieces,
No one ever finds them all.

You may find a bit of beauty,
Or an honest share of wealth,
While another just beside you,
Gathers honor, love or health.

Vain to choose or grasp unduly,
Broken is the perfect ball;
And there are so many pieces,
No one ever finds them all.

Yet the wise, as on they journey,
Treasure every fragment clear,
Fit them as they come together,
Imagining the shattered sphere.

Learning to be thankful,
Though their share of it is small,
For it has so many pieces,
No one ever finds them all.

-Priscilla Leonard

I Think Therefore I Am

and I am who I am..

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Having my family around on a Sunday afternoon, cracking jokes, and laughing out loud without any reservations or whatever.

What is your greatest fear?
I fear death, not of my own but of my loved ones.

Which living person do you most admire?
Definitely my tatay. I look up to him since I was a little kid. He is passionate, dedicated, and disciplined. As I grow older, I appreciate more and more the little and big things he does for us.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Backbiting. There are nasty people in this world who take pleasure in ruining other’s reputation, and I despise them all.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Extravagance is defined as “the quality of exceeding the appropriate limits of decorum or probability or truth.” My first answer was “books,” but the bookworm in me says one can never have too many books. So I say it would be food. I will not hesitate spending on good food.

What is your favorite journey?
My journey through life. If I die and live again, I still choose this path I’m taking right now.

On what occasion do you lie?
I am such a bad liar. My eyes expose me every time I attempt to save my ass. Though I would be hypocrite if I say I don't tell white lies, I do, and I think they’re acceptable on certain occasions.

Which living person do you most despise?
Those who are trying hard to climb the social status and hurting others along their mischievous ways. They’re disgusting.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“OK!” I say this when I’m in agreement with someone, when I spot a good buy, or when I’m enjoying a moment. I may use it too much, but that’s a good thing, right?

What is your greatest regret?
I regret not taking my piano, guitar, and voice lessons seriously when I was a kid. My father, a great musician, used to teach me and my siblings at home but I was hard headed (mom said) and I just preferred playing outside than being stuck in a room with musical notes. It would be nice if I could entertain a crowd with music, no?

Where and when were you the happiest?
Every time I am with my husband, family, and closest friends. They are my angels in disguise.

What is your current state of mind?
Stable and contented.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Too much sensitivity because more often than not, it consumes me.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Being married to my knight in shining armor and having a great marriage. I am blessed.

If you were to die and comeback as a person or a thing, what would it be?
Still the old simple me, or maybe a better me. I love my life, everything in it.

What is your most treasured possession?
My wedding ring.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Living alone.

Where would you like to live?
Our dream house in Bohol, that includes a medium-sized garden for Sunday BBQs, a study room/library, entertainment room, an average-sized kitchen with a kickass oven, Zen inspired dining area, a veranda overlooking our private beach, comfy rooms, a nursery, a laundry room. Set in a safe and friendly neighborhood. Dream on!

What is your favorite occupation?
This doesn’t count as a formal occupation though it does occupy a lot of my time: blogging.

What is your most marked characteristic?
Resiliency.

What is the quality you like most in a man?
The take-charge attitude. It stems back to the caveman days I suppose, when he’d go out with his buddies to bonk a dinosaur on the head and bring it home to his wife for dinner. And, someone who faces the odds no matter what obstacles he must have to hurdle.

What is the quality you like most in a woman?
The nurturing quality. The maternal instinct shines through in everyone, even those who are not mothers. A woman cares like no other.

Who are your favorite writers?
A lot. Lately, I read all four books of Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer, and I read for the third time The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks.

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Right now, Edward Cullen of Twilight.

Who are your heroes in real life?
Tatay, nanay, my husband, lolos, and lolas. Having heroes so close to home inspires me the most to become a better person.

What is that you most dislike?
I highly dislike cigarette smoke, but find myself living with a smoker. Then I realize it’s a matter of how you deal with that kind of negativity. So I highly dislike knowing that I live in this negativity but not successful in doing anything about it. *sends note to self*

How would you like to die?
Peacefully in my sleep.

What is your motto?
Live, love, laugh.

A Day in a Military Wife's Life

“As I rouse from deep sleep, I offered a prayer to God for a good day ahead. Just then, a voice over the PA system announced: It is now recall. It is now recall.”

As a military wife, I can't help being like a PA system that sounds off at five in the morning to remind my military husband to get up and prepare for the day at such an awful hour.

That’s basically when and how my typical day begins.

I figured that it would be all right to let you know my daily schedule. Though, I must add, that it does not apply to every military wife’s life because every family in the armed forces is different – some have working moms while others stay at home, and some have no children while others have one or more. So, all of these schedules would definitely look different.

0500 Reveille (means hit the alarm and wake hubby up)

0515 This is the final warning and he has to get up. Otherwise, I set the alarm beside him so he would be rudely awakened. He leaves our bedroom, do some exercise or inspection at the unit, and I hit the pillow once again.

0630 Time to forcefully pull myself out of the bed and take a bath ahead of my husband.

0645 I prepare his uniform as he showers. This is also my time to watch the news on TV.

0700 Breakfast (I have to eat with him at the dining area with some members of his troop and I make it to the point to look at my best. I dread this part sometimes because there are days when I just want to look like a simple Jane Doe, you know just wear my old worn out shorts and tops, but I can't.)

0800 Hubby does his duties as Commanding Officer while I clean our room which happens to be just adjoined to his office. Convenient no? Nah, not at all times because I have to give him all the space and time in the world even if he is just arms’ length away from me. Then, I do the things I love to do such as reading books, surfing the net, eating, and doing feasibility study for a business.

1200 – Lunch (Thank heavens someone from the troop is cooking our meals otherwise I would run around the kitchen on my pumps. Remember I have to look presentable at all times? I wonder if I could even roll my eyes in front of someone.)

1300 – If I don’t go out, I usually head down for a long nap.

1900 – Dinner. After that, I surf the net or watch the news. Hubby would still be working at this time.

2200 – Taps. Woo hoo! This is my bonding time with my Mark. Usually, we just talk and talk until we get sleepy and call it a night.

Now this is just a regular day, nothing exciting and I haven't really explained completely what I do during the day. It’s not as easy as you think, trust me. As I’ve said, this is just a typical day, wait until you hear about inspection week or when he must work late (late means wee hours in the morning). That's a whole other blog though.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

My young and moving experiences definitely happened in high school. It was there that I prepared myself in the process of growing to maturity. Also, I went through the trying days of a teen’s life when I was constantly tested on how well I made the right decisions and did the right thing.

Recently, I visited my alma mater – Central Visayas State College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Technology (formerly Bohol School of Fisheries), and I took a couple of pictures that reminded me of my high school days.

Field

Stage

SAC (before it was a pagoda for hang-outs)

Gym (used to be an open tennis court)

High School Building

More high school buildings

Info Tech Center

Flagpole and Admin Building


Gate

Covered Walk

College Buildings

Library

Bulletin (i used to be a staff in our school paper called The Harpooner)

Friends since first year high..

Thanks for viewing!