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.