8 Things I Learned

Singapore Flyer

September 1, 2014

Hello :)

I was away for four months and a lot of things (good and bad) took place and I had the desire to write a blog post from the heart and to pick up where I left off. 

I had 2 travels last month and I learned a lot from those. (Can't wait to make a separate post for this)

I am posting a different one right now because this left a mark in my heart and I had the urge to really express this ... get off my chest. 

This goes out to my dear friend who taught me these 8 things albeit the short span of time. Who would have taught that it would leave a mark?

Unexpected.

I was so happy.

Hence, this blog post of the thank you letter I sent in. 

What I’ve learned:

1. 1. Impromptu- I am the “plan type” girl (insert obsessive compulsive here) and feel happy if the plans go well. I look after the nitty gritty of the plan because I am afraid of some unexpected things or I blame the influence of the Operational Excellence training I had years ago- Forecast risks and plan to mitigate risks. But... Impromptu has its own beauty. I realised that “spontaneity, impromptu, spur of the moment” makes me happy and that I learn from it too. The best part: It happens! Unlike with plan, it has the tendency of not pushing through and it leaves me extremely disappointed. Impromptu equates  fun.
   
   
   
   
   2. Seize the moment- In 5 letters - Enjoy! Set aside worries and lose yourself in the moment. Moments specially the happy ones are fleeting. So note to myself: Let go of worries and just enjoy.
   
   
   
   
   3. Outside the box- Don’t be afraid to get lost, to be in a place where you know nothing. It only takes 20 seconds of courage and that’s it. I am always in the same place and whilst I feel comfortable, I feel bored at times. I used to be adventurous but for some reason, I changed over time however thinking and being outside the box is liberating. (And yes, I remembered the outside the box was included in the training deck I sent in!) Going forward, I must take a paradigm shift.
   
   
   
   
   4. Unexpected place, unexpected person- Learning is not only limited to classroom, site, travel, certain place et al...  A simple conversation from a sensible and smart person can leave a MARK.  
   
   
   
   
   5.  Don’t rely on single income- Whilst I know this for a long time now, hearing it from someone inspires me more. A great reminder to continue to strive while I am still able.
   
   
   
   
   6. Same frequency and differences- Point A and B are two different points but what makes them a line is a connection. Despite varying backgrounds and culture, it is such a joy to be in the same frequency.
   
   
   
   
   7. Good conversation is a blessing. – Being back to basics such as listening, acknowledging and sharing is always a great experience.
   
   
   
   
   8. Treat one self - We work for our family, priorities, dreams and goals. Along the way, it was inevitable that I sometimes forget to treat myself. Because I need to be on track with my goals but I learned from you that treating oneself is extremely essential, moreover to make time for it. Relax, listen to the waves, ponder and enjoy.
   
   
   I made this post to be a constant reminder on my end in my everyday life (forever etched in my heart) because life as they say is short. Make time, take time, and reminisce the time.
   
   
   
   
    “Time is your most precious gift because you only have a set amount of it. You can make more money, but you can't make more time. When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you'll never get back. Your time is your life. That is why the greatest gift you can give someone is your time.”- Rick Warren
   
   
   I say thank you to but I know it’s not enough. I am happy for the time you gave.
   
   
   
   

Thankful Last May

Choosing to be positive and having a grateful attitude is going to determine how you're going to live your life.
                                                                                         Joel Osteen


I started this blog to remind me about my faith, hope and gratitude. I've been blogging since 2006 (my old blog which I laid to rest - but of course not forgotten) and just this year decided to start a new blog that will and should constantly remind me of these important things that will remind me how to live life THE WAY IT SHOULD BE. It's easy for me to sometimes forget faith, hope and gratitude especially on down times. The nice thing though is I keep coming back to these "important things" and I can say Thank you Lord. It changes me. And this should be constantly. and FOREVER. After all, life is not to be lived based on one's past but about the present time and how things are going to be better or one chooses to be better.  ( and I don't know why I injected this last sentence hahaha but it maybe because I want to remind myself)

So enough about this and continue this grateful project. I was thankful last May which happened to be my birth month too. Truly, I have blessings which I sometimes forget that I have it. May was a beautiful month as always so thank you Lord.

I am thankful because:

My St. Jude visit

I love St. Jude and feels good whenever I am there. The last time I was there was

2012 so last May, I made a promise to myself to visit the church and pray to God.

Lucky Chinatown and my Vacation Leaves

My tour guide: My son Gavin

Can you imagine it was my first time in Lucky Chinatown? My son Gavin who have been there for many times happily toured me around the place and after that we ended up super, super  ( the best way I can describe the hours we were walking) stroll in 999 mall to do our shopping. So happy to be back in Divisoria too and making this trip and memory with my son.

I am also thankful of my vacation leaves that I took that is why I was able to go to places I have promised myself. ( Eventhough the Tagaytay Trip was postponed, I still feel good :> ) The next day after Chinatown, it was Eastwood day  because it was the time my Gavin and I were slated to buy school supplies and watch X men.

The Celebration 

Beautifully presented at Mesa

My Family and my bestfriend

( I remembered my dad's ever thoughtfulness on this day and everyday)

30ish + 5ish= A better 35 year old on the road to become better than yesterday

and avoid the mistakes of the past. 

An intimate and happy dinner with my family. 

I love Sambokojin buffet and the fact that birthday celebrants are entitled to a free buffet.

This wonderful gift being a brand ambassador of my favorite brands

I realised that writing post like this reminds me that I am blessed. It feels good saying it. I still have a long way to go to positivity but what am sure of is that I am taking the right way for a better life.

I still want to post more about this but maybe I will share more on my next post.

Thank  you Lord!

I'm a Woman of Health and Style

Throwback story

I was seven years old when something captured my eyes whilst visiting my aunt. Their plates caught my attention and I remembered feeling good and classy ( oh yes, me being 7 years old that time) whilst eating our food. And the brand? It's Corelle. To make this short, I fell in love with the plate and vowed to myself that when I'm older and already living independently, I would buy myself these feel good plates. The good thing was some decade ago, my dad and mum bought us these elegant plates and happily used. ( In addition to my mum's PYREX collection) It just validated my love for the brand. 

Fast Forward, May 2014
I was chosen as one of  CORELLE'S Women of Health and Style! 
I jumped for joy and it really made me high like I was on top of the world. I was like, wow dream come true... my favorite brand and the best thing was that we won a shopping spree and I was uber delighted! 

Thank you so much to you guys specially to Raffles Marketing. You made me so happy. Not to mention that last May was my birth month! I had a wonderful gift, really. 

Thank you for making us brand ambassadors!

Love, 

Forever Corelle lover

The Awarding

The beautiful and elegant plates

I chose the set on the left side, top shelf

They were on sale last May

Again, thank you so much and I'm proud to be a brand ambassador.

Poco Deli, Kapitolyo

Poco Deli and friendships reunited, summer 2014

Over sausage and these mint coolers, my friends and I spent time together to catch up and laugh. We don't normally do this but it does feel good doing this once in a  while. Glad my friend, decided to chose Poco Deli ( which is actually her favorite) because finally I got the chance to try their delish sausages and set aside my diet that time. My cheat day, friend's day, mommy's day out.

Night cap at Ace Hotel

Top of the Citi

Nice to be back

Le Souffle

We meet again Fried.

Nice to be back
After 8 years, I was given the chance to dine again at Top of the Citi, Makati and I feel grateful. This was actually a treat ( who is so sweet by the way!) of my boss' boss. The place remains the same- serene and cozy while overlooking Makati. This is by the way at the 34th floor of the Citibank building. This is a go to place for couples out there who want to make their day more special. It's so nice to come back and am a lucky girl, we were treated for this and a good time too.

Le Souffle
My boss' boss was the one who encouraged to try this out and yes it was a first time to me. At least now, I know what it taste like! :) (before I know only to pronounce this) For me, it's like a fluffy mamon with a twist. I also learned- It could be savoury or sweet.

We meet again Fried
After avoiding ( the hardest thing to do in my healthy diet) fried food, I finally gave in when we were at the Top of the Citi. I couldn't resist the smell and the juicy flavor of tempura, so helathy diet aside, I devoured this.... and vowed to myself " I need to walk, excercise this out!


Sorry dear, for the few ( as in few pictures) about Top of the Citi but what I can assure you is that, you will never go wrong if you decide to make this place the venue for your occasion. The service is remarkable, by the way. As for the prices, I didn't get to check it that much (libre kase) but what I'm sure of, more than the average.

Estrel's Cake

When you say Caramel Cake, you say Estrel's Cake!

My mum and I got this gift from my sister last Mother's Day. It's a lovely reunion with this caramel cake after a year. I don't get to have this all the time but everytime I get the chance, it's always a sweet treat ( and I always make sure that I have this paired with brewed coffee)

So for special occasions, why don't you indulge a bit on this? =)

Visit them here!

The Best Mother's Day Gift!

For all the mommies out there, I am so sure you had a wonderful time out there with your family. It's really nice to be appreciated on this special day and celebrate motherhood. The best gift for us women.

I had a wonderful time last Mother's Day together with my family. At the same time, I got greetings too from my true friends.

But what set apart from all of it, was this:

Sweetness from my son, Gavin. This is the first time, he made something from me.
The bonus part from this sweet gesture was his hugs and kisses while saying " Mommy, bibili sana kit ang necklace pero wala akong money... sorry"

I swear, the word overwhelm was an understatement. 

I love you my Gavin! 

Cheesecakes By Guy at Eastwood City

Cheesecakes on a Sunday afternoon

It's worth a try!

Chef and Bakers at Ayala Fairview Terraces

My new favorite place. Call me nerdy but there's something in a baking tools shop with party stuff that makes me happy and in high spirits. (and wish that I can bake too!)

I super love this place and everything in it. They have the carousel cupcake holders ( first time to see one), party stuff like plates, cups, goodie bags, chocolates in bulks, et al.

Too bad, I only took few pictures but next time will do more and display it here. 

Love in goody bags/loot bags

Php 50

I bought the pink one

Super Duper Cute! 

They come in different sizes starting Php 20. Great stuff for parties.

Will buy these soon.

Will visit the store again and take many pictures.

Ground Level, Fairview Terraces, Novaliches, Q.C.

Vist them here.

Easter 2014 at Ayala Fairview Terraces

One of our yearly traditions and and a "looking forward event" is Easter Egg Hunt because we are always eggcited to attend one because of our Gavin! Last year, we had it at Rockwell. For this year, I decided to give it a try at Ayala Mall because this is near my parent's house because first, it's time saving as I don't like travelling far just to reach the destination for certain event like this. It was supposed to be in Active Fun in Fairview Terraces but the first thing that I saw was that the mall itself have one. The requirement was to purchase a  php500.00 at any stores and present it to the concierge. I think it was better way, at best the child or the parent has something to bring home.

While my Gavin was buying a toy from Toy's 'R "Us, I saw this on one of their racks and I so love it. You see, I love anything that involves party details. #simplejoys

and here are soem snapshots of Gavin's Easter Egg Hunt.

What we liked about the Event:
It was a walk in the park, straight forward and a smooth breeze event. We were just given a passport and was just requiring to complete all stamps to get the freebies and a picture in their photobooth. 

They had shows in the late afternoon but we did not participate anymore since we had to go to Eastwood.

Overall it was fun, organised and definitely FUN moment.

Be Still and Know that I am GOD

source

Have a blessed week. 

Holy Week 2014

Throwback: Netherlands (Part 3)

Waiting for the bus. I've come to experienced the most relaxing way of waiting for a bus.

It was always a breeze duringthat time. Walang haggard. So I miss this.

R A N D O M

I really miss this awesome country.

Las Farolas- The Fishy Trip

Fishy, fishy post..

This is actually a look back post since we were here in this wonderful fish world last October 4 during the birthday of my son. He specifically requested to go here after his Lego birthday party in his school. He was probably enthralled by the colorful entrance of Las Farolas in Pasig whenever we pass by. We were lucky that day because it was only the two of us who were visiting inside the museum that time. And boy, my son had tons of questions and this is what I liked him so much hence this trip was really educational for the both of us. The lady guide inside the museum was really accomodating during the visit so all questiosn were pretty much answered.

Fish world it is...

Orange you like it?

The "swerte" fish 

Whoever said that there are plenty of fish in the sea probably went to 

Las Farolas =)

and wait, we saw this unique fish and I just love its color. It was my first time to see one. They are actually selling this outside the museum. (There are actually fish shops outside it)

After the trip to museum, my love asked me to go with him at Fun Ranch ( his favorite hang out all these years) which is actually at the back of Las Farolas for a ... well guess what? Go fishing! The pretend play mode.

Las Farolas is indeed a venue for learning about "rich freshwater diversity" which is also described in their website. Children can learn so much from this museum just like any other educational places. Trip like this is what I would like more for my love to experience because for me it enhances his imaginations, encourages him to ask questions after another and see more of this world.

You can also visit their website here: http://www.lasfarolas.com/

Have a wonderful visit!

Las Farolas

A conservative glimpse... blogging about this soon.

Takes last October 2013

Thank you March, April is here already!

Step by step

I recover, I try, I say I can,

I praise, I ask, I believe

I hope and PRAY

Thank you January, February and March

You made me who I am today

Indeed, there's a reason for everything

Welcome April, welcome summer!

Things in my mind lately:

1. Subic - this is my second home for my other work. I terribly miss going here.

2. Palawan- this is my mum's hometown and weeks from now she and my son will be going there for a short vacation and I really would like to come. Just that, April for me is spelled the "expenses" month as it equates to enrollment dues, car registration, my Sun Life equity fund payment et al. Priorities come first. But you know what will I miss big time? 

Precious moments with my son!

wishful thinking:somebody will give me 5k for an airline ticket

Taken: January 2013

3. Dessert comes first

This never leaves my mind actually and keeps on haunting me every meal that I take :). This is my simple pleasure and am grateful because need not to be expensive. Cake, ice cream, donut and many, many more. And mind you, I choose happiness during weekends because I know I have the right to have a warm brewed coffee combined with a sweet something and I am beside with the  love of my life. Heaven.

cakes from Cab Cafe, Kapitolyo

4. My son and our precious moments every weekend. 

credits to the one who uploaded this.

5. Faith

   

That everything will be okay in God's time. May I claim this.