Jakie and the Beadstalk

I am so blessed to have work that allowed me to travel to my new favorite vacation place: Malaybalay, Bukidnon.  It's even better than Baguio and Tagaytay.  I will be posting more soon, but I just want to share with you breathtaking pictures of the place.  I hope you'd put them in your to-visit list soon. Look! I don't even have enough words to describe this! A foggy day! Banana Plantation Approaching Manolo Fortich (view from the car) At Dahilayan Forest Park At Dahilayan Adventure Park Oh I will always have a craving for their super sweet  sweet corn. No other sweet corn in Manila compares to their corn. Too bad I wasn't able to take decent pictures of the pineapple and corn plantations which stretch as far as the eyes can see. I hope I can bring my family here someday.  Now I believe in love at first sight!

There are so many play areas now in malls, that parents can leave their kids there and shop, while their kid is busy (and happily) playing. One such play area is Action Station in Robinson's Ermita. It's near Tom's World, 3rd floor, near the Department Store. It's a bit pricey though considering that the play area is small, and there's not much to play with. But still, it's very colorful and it looks fun!

Last Monday, my family went to celebrate a special Day in Tagaytay. We first went to Pink Sisters.  Good thing we were just in time for the 3 o'clock Prayer.  Later, we went to Sky Ranch, then to visit Paps at the Memorial Park. When we got to Sky Ranch, the middle pavillion was closed (it is only open during Sundays, I learned), and scouted for a place to eat. I've been craving for a banana split for weeks, and I was so happy (more like elated, spastic-to-the-point-of-drooling) when I saw the Buy 1 Take 1 promo poster at Kenny Rogers Roasters!  I was (previously) sad because it was offered earlier in July this year, and I only discovered about it on August 1.  And now it's back!!! And so we ordered the following: Carbonara (P135) and Lasagna (P135) (and 1 pc chicken meal - this one's covered by a separate receipt) Ham and Cheese Sandwich (P130) Roast Chicken Sandwich (P115) - (a la carte) Banana Split and Peach Melba, both priced at P155 each....

My sister gave me a Happy Call Pan which she got from Metrodeal. Don't ask me, but I'm guessing that it costs around P1000 or P999. Since I love cooking, I was so excited to try but I never had the chance. Hubby, now a better cook than I, decided to take matters into his own hands and used the pan. And he loves it!

Ilang taon na akong sumasakay ng tren ng LRT. Ilang tao ko na ring nakikita ang nakapaskel na ito sa mga pinto ng tren: "BAWAL SUMANDA SA PINTO NG TREN, BUKSAN ITO NG WALANG PAHINTULOT O PUMIGIL SA PAGSASARA AT PAGBUBUKAS NITO." Bilang mga Pinoy at Pinay, dapat alam natin kung kelan ginagamit ang "NG" at "NANG".  Naalala ko ang tinuro sa amin noon eh ang "NG" ay tumutukoy sa pagmamay-ari at ang "NANG" ay ginagamit patungkol sa kilos o minsan ay panahon.  Kaya dapat yata ang ginamit dito ay "nang walang pahintulot". O, mali ba ako? Eto pa:   "MAY KAUKULANG PARUSA SANGAYON SA BATAS." Ay grabe, halatang-halata na mali ito. Bakit pa ba pinaskel ito? Hindi ba nila napansin? O hindi ba ito natingnan bago nag-"mass production" nito? Paano natin matuturuan ang mga kabataan ng tamang paggamit ng ating wika, kung makikita naman sa mga pampublikong lugar ang maling-mali ...

The lonely hospital corridors (while waiting for word from the doc about Papa's operation)   When my Papa was hospitalized last May, a representative from the Philhealth went to his room and talked to me about the requirements to get Philhealth benefits. She further explained that Philhealth provides better benefits now and combined with the Senior Citizen's Discount since my Papa was a Senior Citizen, a patient should no longer worry too much  about the hospital bills.  To quote, she said, " mas okay na po ang benefits ng Philhealth ngayon. Minsan nga, halos wala nang binabayaran ang pasyente dahil may Philhealth na at may Senior pa. " Wow, this was good, I thought.   Papa was going to go under the knife that evening when the Philhealth representative visited us.  While money shouldn't be a problem, he was worried so much about how much it would cost so we told him that everything is go...

My kid's no.1  favorite when it comes to food is Gravy with Chickenjoy. Yep, gravy comes first before the Chickenjoy.  He can eat rice with only Jollibee's gravy as his ulam, but he can't eat chicken and rice without the gravy.  Sabaw-soup, ika nga . My take out.  

Two months ago, I went to Divisoria to buy some items for re-selling.  I chanced upon some loom bands at P196 for a dozen packs of looms with a hook.  The rubber bands in each pack were approximately 200.  Cheap huh!  So I bought a dozen and checked online on how to make a fishtail pattern. I saw a loom/ladder with bands already but I didn't buy it because it was P80. There was another type, and it cost P60. Well, I didn't but it because I thought they were broken because the boxes were so dirty and old. Fast forward to last week. I went looking for a loom/ladder at Divi and I was schocked to see the 80-peso-kit being sold at P700 at the bangketa !!! This is Divi for heaven's sake!!! Pissed, I went to trusty old YouTube and looked for videos that taught one how to make loom bands using one's fingers.  So, here are some of my finished products. I've made about 10 each kind that I posted. These are the only ones I made this morning: 1. Fishtail: ...

The last month was hell.  I know you know what I mean.   I'm trying to live my life without my Papa around (physically), though I often see him in my dreams. If you've lost a parent, you know how it feels.   BUT...   Life must go on. I know Pamsie would want all of us to move on and live our life to the fullest.  

Mornings: the perfect time to get acquainted with the latest events and "chikas".  It's bad to read about bad news so early in the morning, but what's even worse is the numerous typo errors on the page that one is reading. I'm not saying I've got perfect grammar. But Yahoo! Philippines should because it's got its own staff to edit and copyread its posts. This morning, this is what I noticed in one post  by Yahoo! Philippines: "Blakdyak used to be a popular. (Screengrab from TV Patrol)" So, Blakdyak used to be a popular screengrab from TV Patrol. I thought he was a real person. Screengrab lang pala sya. Here's another one this morning: "4 . The sun is combines two representations" This is so glaring, I don't know why nobody from Yahoo! PH noticed. Why, oh why?  Hayyy!!!! Good thing, I had a hearty breakfast this morning so these two didn't dampen my already gloomy mood.

Paps, it's been a week since you were buried, nineteen days since we went to the hospital. There's a big void left in our hearts when you earned your wings. I still cry at night, or at every moment I think of you.  Maybe Ate and LA too.  Mama is devastated. I know she is strong and she's trying to get her smile back, but she can't help it, not only because you're gone, but because half of her existence is gone. You're half of each other, right? Everyday is going to feel incomplete because you are not physically with us, but I am also happy for you. I know you're gliding ang sliding up there, with your Nanay and Tatay, Lola Caria, and bestfriend Lola Eyay, (haha) and other relatives and former neighbors.  I know you are playing mahjong all the time and you've probably taken all your opponents' chips.  And if you get bored, you are having the time of your afterlife playing golf there, without any handicap at all -cause yo...

Photo credit: www.glitters20.com

You don't belong in the hospital. Please be better and come home soon.

The last time I played at the Manila Children's Playground was when I was around 12 years old- literally decades ago.   When I started working in Manila, I noticed that the playground has been rehabilitated, and colorful dinosaurs started inhabiting the area.  It used to be that the most prominent thing there was the giant shoe house, but not anymore. So one time, I brought my kid there to play.  Manila Children's Playground is located in Kalaw, Ermita, Manila.  If you ride the LRT-1 line, get off at UN Avenue Station, cross the street to Kalaw. From Kalaw Taft, there's a Wendy's at the corner. Go past the Wendy's, turn right and that's where the entrance is.  You won't get lost! Entrance fee is P10.00 for a whole day of play. You can bring food too, and have a picnic there since there are tables and chairs with umbrellas. The Giant Hippo is still standing tall!!!

Saw this on Yahoo! PH this morning and I was bothered by the glaring typo errors in their news. So I took screenschots of them.    Photo Source: Yahoo! Sports Philippines   "Filipino watch"  - I don't need to discuss what's wrong with this.  

Ang init na nga, wala pang tubig??!?!?!?!! Here's Maynilad's friendly reminder: To address the perennial flooding in Manila, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will construct an interceptor drainage box culvert along Blumentritt St. Unfortunately, this structure will cross Maynilad’s water pipe along Juan Luna St. and Hermosa St., so we must  re-align our pipe prior to the implementation of the said DPWH project. We will need 72 hours to expose, dewater, re-align and energize our pipe because it s a 7-foot-tall primary line. At dahil diyan, mamamaho ang mga tao sa mga sumusunod na lugar: 3 days na tag-tuyot: Caloocan Barangay 8, 12, 14, 21–51 From  April 16, 1:00 p.m.  to April 19, 2:00 p.m Malabon Barangay Longos From April 16, 1:00 p.m. to April 19, 2:00 p.m. Manila Barangays 1–186, 198–202, 202–A, 203–222, 227–233, 275 From April 16, 12:00 noon to April 19, 2:00 p.m. Navotas Barangay Bangculasi, North Bay Boulevard North (i...

I was browsing the latest news on the internet when a link popped showing a list of Hollywood celebrities with a big heart .  So I read the list and was finishing #9 on the list - George Clooney - when something made my eye pop:   This is my screenshot of the page. I just resized on Paint and included the red marks. Hehehee

I'm on YouTube mode today. Actually, Lea Salonga mode.  Here's another of my favorites: "Nothing" from "A Chorus Line".  Lea Salonga sang this during her Broadway Concert many, many years ago. I bought a CD of this concert about seven years ago, and lent it to a friend seven years ago, who, seven years after, still hasn't returned it to me.     "Nothing" is a song about how Diana Morales feels about her acting teacher.  Her teacher told her she'd never be an actress.  This is so funny because I've attended acting classes that bordered on insane and corny to nonsense.  This is the perfect song for all those moments.   OMG, this just reminded me now of a Music teacher in elementary who told me I couldn't sing, so I couldn't join the school's singing contest. Memories repressed!

I'm listening to Lea Salonga's concert featuring Broadway songs right now, and I want to share it with you. It's from the Musical Chess: New York and is entitled "Someone Else's Story".  Long ago In someone else's lifetime Someone with my name Who looked a lot like me Came to know A man and made a promise He only had to say And that's where she would be Lately Although the feelings run just as deep The promise she made has grown impossible to keep And yet I wish it wasn't so Will he miss me if I go? In a way It's someone else's story I don't see myself As taking part at all Yesterday A girl that I was fond of Finally could see The writing on the wall Sadly She realized she'd left him behind And sadder than that she knew he wouldn't even mind And though there's nothing left to say Would he listen if I stay? It's all very well to say you fool it's now or never I could be choosing No choices whatsoever. I could b...

I'm supposed to " feel elated or gassy, or somewhere between that zone " but I'm not.   I'm at work on my birthday, and my sister's birthday, and I'm broke because everything is set aside for bills and stuff. And it's enrollment soon.   So...there...   But then again, if I count all the blessings I have been given, I don't have any right to feel depressed at all.   Lord, thank you for the gift life. Thank you for my wonderful husband and super sweet son. Thank you for my family. Thank you for my parents who decided to have another child 37 years ago.  Thank you for my friends, my work(s), and thank you for always letting me know that You are watching over me and all my loved ones.  Thank you that I have my sister with whom I have been celebrating the same birthday for the past 36 years.   I'm sorry for feeling so sad this morning. I promise to enjoy this special day you gave me.  

Most people have their bucket lists. While I have mine, I also have the "Baket List" - this is a list of things that I wasn't able to do as an adult, but could have or should have done. It's not really a list detailing what I regret not having done, but something that I wish I had done before, but it's stil possible to accomplish it. Let me share with you a few things on my Baket List:   1. Enroll in a dance class.  Photo credit: www.carolgodbytheatreworkshop.co.uk When I was youngER, I was able to take dance classes during summer.  The dance classes I enrolled in were part of a scholarship that I got and it was something I totally enjoyed. Too bad, I wasn't able to continue because, 1.) I was more focused on voice lessons, and 2.) the scholarship had already ended after three years. 2. Pursue auditioning for Miss Saigon. Photo credit: Yahoo! Philippines This morning, I read the Rachelle Ann Go's Saigon Diaries. It will chroni...

What's in a name?   Eight years ago I was one of those hopefuls, to get that coveted "Atty." to attach to my name. Take note of the "period" (".")! My law professors told us students that when somebody completes law school, he or she has earned an ATTY to his or her name.  Passing the bar gives that person the "." to attach to the name. And it is only when he or she has passed the bar exams that such right to use  "ATTY."   Every waking day, during law school, I asked myself this question, "Why? Why am I doing this? Instead of enjoying life, here I am, being tortured."   Eight years later, I have come to realize what the title "Atty." entails.   1.  It is definitely a privilege. People with legal issues look up to lawyers as their solutions to their their legal problems. Lawyers have the capacity to bring significant changes to the lives of people with legal issues.     2.  Lawyers are in a ...

According to the grapevine, the bar exam results for 2013 will be released at 1:30 pm.  According to more whiskers and much haka-haka, the result is that the passing rate is 20%. How true? (Parang blind item lang ano? ) About  5,593 bar applicants were supposed to take the exams. But I've heard of two (2) examinees who were never allowed to complete the four (4) exam days because of... hmmm... let's just say, katigasan ng ulo . Anyways, to my friends who are waiting for the results this afternoon, good luck, God bless you.  If you pass, then welcome, mga panyero at panyera. Please don't forget to uphold the profession and that it is a noble one, albeit, controversial because of some rotten tomatoes. If you don't, wala nang five flunk rule ngayon, kaya try and try and try and try lang !!!  

Last Monday, when our office shuttle was still not available (it was fixed for three months), commuting was really tough. I left home at 6 am, and was able to get a ride to Manila at 7:15. I arrived at the office an hour late. While looking out for empty colorum vans (there were no buses where I waited) and jeepeneys, this was the thought that came into my mind: "(fuming) Pagdating ko ng office, bibili na ako ng condo unit SA TAPAT ng office . Para si little boy, dun na rin sa Manila mag-aaral (eureka!). Malapit na yung school niya, hahatiran ko siya ng lunch, tapos ako na maghahatid at magsusundo sa kanya. Weekends na lang kami uuwi sa bahay. Mamaya, titingnan ko yung condo ." When I finally got a ride and arrived (super late at the office, I looked around. Ay, wala palang condo sa tapat, kasi school yung nasa harap, tapos ospital yung nasa gilid ! The next day,  I couldn't find a van again, and my brain was doing this weird clicking again while trying to get a r...

Ever seen these posts/ signs anywhere? "Thank's God, ok kami... or something like that" "Bawal Umehi Dito. Magmomolta." "Posts No Bills." Basta, alam niyo na kung anong ibig sabihin ko. So, I'll start posting them because I want to post them (bakit ba? blog ko 'to eh!) And here's the first: Hmmmm... Pwede sigurong strictly prohibted or very much prohibited. Pero highly???? Tapos sa office comfort room pa? O siya, sige na. Bawal magvandal dito.  Period.

Photo credit: goodreads.com The first in the series... A typical story - Girl meets a guy who's rich, hot, and handsome. They have great sexual chemistry. Girl falls in love, guy doesn't realize that he's in love with her too. He tells her he can't commit, not even with her.  Girl discovers that guy is like that because of his haunting childhood.  Will the girl be able to make the guy realize that he has more to offer than what he is offering?  Will he realize that he is capable of commitment?  Will it be a happy ending? I find the story okay... I like the writing style, it's light and readable. Too much sex scenes though. The dialogues are not quotable quotes. They're too long that they eventually become boring. Do people really say that much? And another point: when Sabrina dresses up, the description there focuses more on the brands she's wearing not the clothes/shoes. I spray on J'adore... I wear my Jimmy Choos... What's this? ...

Sold at supermarkets. Bought mine at Robinson's Ermita Supermarket at P99.50. I am constantly in search of effective mosquito repellents. With the dengue strains all going berserk, I need to make sure that my kid is somehow protected against mosquitoes.  One time, I saw Human Nature's Bug Shield Mosquito Repellents displayed in one of the racks at Robinson's Supermarket, and immediately grabbed one. At P99.50 for 50 ml, I thought that this one's a good deal.  It's DEET-Free and it's made of natural ingredients (all Human Nature products are). This one's a spray. But I was disappointed when it didn't really spray like atomizer nozzles do - you know, one spray, with a diameter of a few centimeters? This one is more of a squirt - one push and oil is quirted.  So what you do is you have to spread it on your hand first before you apply on the body. Well, you can directly apply on the body, but since it's a squirt, it's a littl...

I was able to get a free trial pack of Tiger Balm's Anti-Mosquito Patches for kids. (P195 pesos at Robinson's Supermarket) It's actually very easy to use, just peel off the protective layer and stick onto  your kid's skin or clothes.  The patches are chemical DEET-free* so it's really safe for kids. Upon opening the pack, one is assaulted by the strong Citronella smell. Even my kid wrinkled his nose when I opened it.  Here are my thoughts on the product: Smiley faces: 1. It's easy to peel and stick on. 2. It's also easy to peel off and no sticky mess is left on the skin. 3. It can be stuck on the clothes. 4. It's very handy.  The diameter of each patch is about 2 inches. 5. It's DEET-free. *Some studies show that long term exposure to DEET causes seizures and other toxic side effects, and affects the central nervous system.  Sad faces: 1. It's a bit pricey if it's 195 for a box of 10 patches. 2. I apprecia...

I always make it a point to make the most out of everything. As a working mom, I should know how to budget our family's needs - this includes balancing our expenses, yet making sure that we are not so deprived.   So I have to make sure that every peso we spend is "sulit". This includes making the most out of a rewards card.    The other day, I went to a Savemore near us to buy my kid's "baon" for school, and bought some other essentials.   When I went to the cashier, I asked her if I could use my SM Advantage Card points to pay for the grocery items. She said yes, and proceeded to check out the items. My bill amounted to P661.00. When she checked my points, it was 660 points already! So she said, "Ma'am, piso na lang ang ibabayad niyo." Wow, nakakatuwa. I bought items for one peso.  Here's the list of items that I bought: 1 pack Oishi Pillows 2 Highlands corned beef (150 gm) 1 box Zesto Choco 2 packs Lucky Me Pancit...

Photo credit: http://www.harlancoben.com/ I started my love affair with books late. While members of the family were already enjoying novels, I was still stuck with Enid Blyton's children's stories, Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew mysteries. I started reading the more serious novels in college.   Not too many few people know that I try to finish at least two books in a week. Yep, that's my goal. If I get to finish three in a week's time, then that means I have a lot of extra time in my hands. (Gasp! I do?!?!!?!)   Anyway, a year ago, someone (Ms. Dawn) visited me in my former office and saw a book I was currently reading perched on my table. After that, she gifted me with a copy of "The Woods" by Harlan Coben, her favorite author, and another book, the first book in the series of the same author. The name was so unfamiliar, I was scared that I won't be able to finish the book (what a waste!) I started reading The Woods, just a few page turn...

My room for two nights Last November 20 was the awarding of the Tupperware Women of Confidence for 2013. There were five of us, but unfortunately, two were unable to attend. Remember my post about that?  If not, you can view it here . Anyways, here are some of the photos.  As a sidenote, we were housed by Tupperware Brands Philippines at the Holiday Inn (for an overnight stay).  Venue for the awarding was the Oz Bar at the Holiday Inn Makati. The three of us didn't know that the awarding ceremony was for that day. (I didn't properly read their email for me).  We thought we were attending the workshop. I arrived at lunch with my bags, thinking that we were just having lunch and when I got there, everybody was dressed - except the three awardees. Oh well!    The staff of Tupperware were so nice, they insisted to take my bag and bring it  directly to my room while I ate, and my camera was there. So yep, I just stole the photo belo...