Goodbye 2007, Welcome 2008!

I’ve been busy for the past days I don’t even have time to blog. I have so many stories to tell but we are off to the church in a few minutes so, I thought of making a quick post to greet everyone instead…*wink*

Happy New Year!!!

Party hard but stay safe on this last day of the year. This is my last post of 2007.

See you all in 2008!!! ☺☺☺

Quality Time

I just have to make a quick entry, I’m not feeling well. Maybe it’s because of the sudden change in weather. I keep on sneezing, my nose is running and my head is killing me! Oh well…

Anyways, yesterday Xave and I had Christmas dinner in Jack’s Loft Eastwood and it’s nice to have some serious talk from time to time. It’s just so surprising that Xave is more into details and long term planning than me. Something not usual with other guys I know.

I thought of posting this picture of us. Our Xmas photo on our his and her shirts (again). *wink* Our last Xmas as single people.


Let me share some of our discussions. Hmm, we were talking about the uniform and his rules/regulations for the yaya of our soon-to-be babies! My goodness! I have yet to conceive and our wedding is yet to come! *heehee* The TV he wanted to install in my car so our soon-to-be baby can watch Barney (daw). This one really made me laugh out loud! Theme of our soon-to-be house. He wanted to personally be involved in the designing and I’d have to be at the back end I agreed (yes I did!) but insisted of designing our bathroom instead. I have this thing for nice bathrooms and I want ours to have his and her sinks. *wink* That’s it and I can leave everything to him. I know him so well. Everything he plans very well. Unlike me, I’m not good at it.

Today, is pamper day for Xave and myself. We went to the Nail Loft, our new discovery and had a few services. The place is not crowded and there is no disturbing smell that I often experience in California Day and Nail Spa (CANS). The girls are very warm and always have nice smiles on their faces.

We tried the hand and feet paraffin aside from the usual pedi and mani with footspa. We were both flabbergasted when the girls handed us our eye mask with real cucumber. It was soooooo relaxing to the eyes! I had my nails in red while Xave had his favorite footspa with big bubbles. *haha* It’s nice to share moments like this with Xave because I can see that he is really enjoying. I love to make him happy.

As I write this, my BEE is driving himself to Bataan. I’m just waiting for him to arrive in the farm and I can go to sleep.

Gotta go people!

Merry Christmas!!!

This is my last Christmas as a Miss a.k.a. single and I can’t think of any other ways to celebrate today but the usual way. I tried doing something different though...*teehee*

1. Pizza making

Xave and I made pizzas for everyone. The first 2 were hmm, so-so however people who did the taste test liked them. They actually finished them off! *not bad* Though we both know that we can do better. The next 2 I can say outstripped the first batch. We loved it! *smiles* And we call our pizzas, BEEzzas. *wink*


2. Simbang Gabi

A Filipino tradition of going to mass for 9 consecutive mornings starting December 16 originally at 4am however, later on they started having evening anticipated masses for people who couldn't make it in the very early morning (like me).

I was able to complete the Simbang Gabi (2nd time in this life time, I think). I didn’t wish for anything but good health for my love ones. I don’t believe in doing something just for the sake of wish making. I find it so insincere.

3. His and Her

Just for fun, we chose to wear something alike this Christmas. *heehee* Xave chose pink tops and here we are! *wink*


4. Reminiscin’

It’s always nice to look back. Well for one, it makes us grasp the things we have gone though all these years. Second, we become conscious on our future goals and how to reach them and lastly, we get to laugh on old pictures and see the development not only on the way we look but on how we present ourselves. *beams*

We love sharing these fun times with family and friends. It’s not bad to have good laughs from time to time, isn't it? *heehee*

Merry Christmas everyone!

Starbucks Planner 2008

Finally, the most coveted Starbucks planner is now in my hands! *applause* After drowning myself with coffee, Toffee Nut Latte to be specific *yay* it's now here. *smiles*

I can’t wait to doodle! *heehee*

My Christmas pressie for myself. *bow*

4 hours to go…

DELL

It's official.

I’m joining DELL January 2, 2008 but I’m requesting to start on the 7th instead. I feel I need more breathing time.

I’m actually so overwhelmed on how things are going in my life. (read: new job, a wedding, et.al.) No wait, it’s not what you think…I’m happy to get these blessings at the right time. I just have the tendency to be hmm, in panic most of the time if not all the time. *haha* Something I would like to get rid by 2008. *resolutions, as if!* I’ve been wanting to be always in composure. *really huh?*

So! Honestly, I’m having some unwanted feelings and thoughts. Yes, I’m a bit skeptical or maybe the right word to use is worrisome. I’m starting to worry about a lot of things! I don’t know…perhaps I’m having this “fear of the unknown” maybe because new things are on my way and they are happening at the blink of my eye! Or maybe, I just need my usual dose of sugar? Yes, bars of chocolates! *muwahaha*

Umm, power of mind, that’s the best approach to use. Thinking that everything would be fine. *inhale-exhale*

I know that most of you will find me so uncanny. *smiles* I recognize that. I’m whimsical! *beams*

4 days to go ‘till Christmas!

99 days to go!

I had my first fitting of my bridal gown yesterday and I hope that would be my last. They say, it’s not good to fit your wedding gown before your big day. I’m thinking of posting some pictures here, and still thinking…As much as possible I want it to be a surprise for everyone but on a second thought, I want to share it with you. *hahaha* Yes, I’m a baffling bride. *muwahaha*

I was practically in total awe when I saw my reflection in the mirror in my bridal gown. Walking down the aisle hasn’t really sunk in me yet until I saw myself in the pictures taken by Amae.

OMG, I’m actually getting married! *guffaw*

We still have a lot of things to do, most often I feel our checklist is endless as it keeps on adding more things that needs to be done. *slaps forehead* Anyway, I don’t want myself to be buried in stress and pressure. I want this wedding preparation to be enjoyable and memorable for Xave and myself.

Umm so for now, let me share with you the gown design of my Bridesmaids instead. Amae was my first Bridesmaid to go to Edward Teng so the design was customized for her body frame. I hope it fits well with the rest of them.

99 days to go...

Crabby Me!

Last night while flossing, I lost one of my brackets so today I had to get up early (read: 730am) to see my dentist. Still half asleep, I drove myself to Marikina with of course a coffee on hand thinking “I had to be there before 830am or else, Dra. will not accommodate me and I had to go back tomorrow afternoon.” No way! I can’t be running around with a missing bracket, goodness gravy! *hahaha* Luckily, I was at their doorstep 815am!

It was so stressful to be in that chair for 2 hours with my mouth wide-open hearing the #$%^@! irritating instrument that was buzzing my teeth! Argh! I wanted to scream and make her stop. Waaaa!

Now, Im trying to sleep to get away the pain I am feeling (but I can’t sleep!) plus the fact that I am beginning to feel hungry. Oh my, food is one of my weaknesses (I just can’t resist my cravings!) and I’m starting to be cranky. I wanted to hide my face under the sheets, or maybe spank myself to be unconscious for awhile. Geez, my crazy thoughts!

I want NYC grande fries with garlic parmeasan dip! But the traffic is worst and I have yet to take a shower. And that means, I cannot go to Eastwood. Hmm…*thinking of alternatives…* Aha! Ding ding ding! I have to run now, and go to the nearest Potato corner to grab some sour cream fries! I’m drooling!!!

Later!

P.S. Sorry, I’m just not in the mood. When I’m hungry, I’m like this. Forgive me.

Size 5

I’m a frustrated shoe-addict. I’m size 5 and more often than not, I find it hard to come across nice shoes of my size. They are always half inch bigger. *sob* I normally buy my office shoes from Charles and Keith not here but in Singapore. I don’t understand why my size is not available here in Manila. *weird* So everytime I have a chance to visit Singapore, I usually hoard 5 to 7 pairs! It’s also cheaper there, usually less than a thousand pesos per pair and I even have my discount card of 10%. (applies only in Singapore though). Steal!

But being a Virgo, I easily get tired of monotony. I always look for new and different things and shoes-shopping in Manila will remain as my big frustration! Having said all these, I’m still in high hopes and will remain in search for good finds of my size here in the metro. *hopin' & wishin'*

The good side, I can get great finds from the Kids section. *giggles*

See my loot:

Havaianas KIDS
In my favorite color, PINK! The Bugs are movable. (you can place them on top, middle or bottom...wherever you like!)


So cute isn’t it? This style is only available in kids' sizes I got the biggest (kiddie) size which perfectly fits me! *chuckles* Amae wanted to grab one for herself but she's in size 8 and it's just so impossible to get one. *heehee*

I can't believe this is priced at 695 pesos only! A great find indeed!

P.S. Another December celebrant. Happy Birthday Kloe!

3 in a Row

Burp! Ooops! I’m so full again.

Just this week, I’ve been in 3 Persian restaurants:

(1) Uncle Moe’s in City Golf last Wednesday
(2) Mister Kabab in QC last Thursday
(3) Behrouz in Metrowalk tonight

And it will not be this good without my food trip buddy, Mama Maits! *smiles* I feel I’m absorbing her cravings. I’m actually eating more than her! Oh my…I shouldn’t be gaining weight till our big day. No, no, no! I want that dress to perfectly fit me. Please.

I don’t know why I’m loving the Ox brain aside from the Kababs, grilled tomatoes and onions. I just find them soooo appetizing. *yummy*

Oh gosh, enough of these food talk. I don’t wanna be craving of anything at this ungodly hour. Hmm, let me just clear this up…I am not conceiving and it’s Maita who is on the way, okay? *smiles*

On the other note, I have updated our Wedsite (finally!) though I still have some more to add. *heehee* Uploading pictures is making me insane! I’ve also modified my Ticker by the way and it’s cuter this time. *wink*

Check ‘em out!

P.S. Asis is celebrating his birthday today. Happy BEERday Asis!

Some Things JUST Change

I notice, something unusual is happening to me…

Hmm, for the longest time I’ve been wanting to use Pink as our motif. Then, I thought I’ve overly used it already during my debut party. Next level/choice please…

I used to be fascinated with colors and when I say colors, loud and bright colors! And then I like Butterscotch, Tangerine and Fuchsia as our wedding motif. I feel these are the right colors in time for our wedding. Aside from the fact that March is summer time, Xave and I love happy colors. So, why not reflect that on our big day?

Then one day, I had an urge to totally switch to a more elegant and classy tones so that made the Bronze, Gold and Pewter as our FINAL motif. Dark colors for a change. I’m glad our entourage and Xave like it. They say, these colors are easier to use/match and I agree.

Timeless.

P.S. Another good friend is celebrating her birthday today. Happy birthday Cyl! I hope to catch you soon! Miss you girl! *mwah*

Wedding Prep. Updates

What a busy week! Haven’t been online for days and that’s very unusual of me. I’m sure most of my friends are now wondering what’s happening to me to think I quit my job last Monday and in the following days, I am nowhere to find. *heehee*

Here’s the story.

This week was spent doing stuffs for our wedding preparations, which is so long over due now. Xave and I had series of meetings with suppliers to finalized everything and talk about further details.

1. Angelswink Production (AWP) and Paulo Clemente

Officially, we got AWP as our wedding coordinator and we decided to get the Gold package and Paulo Clemente as our wedding singer in the ceremony and reception and event host as well. We can’t wait to hear him sing LIVE on my Bridal/Bride's March and Groom’s March. Yes, you read it right…Xave will be doing his own march which is something new and getting popular nowadays! *wink* He might have a Groom’s cake as well. *double wink* I don’t want our wedding to be focused on me alone, I want Xave to feel extra special too. *heehee*

website: www.angelswink.biz

2. Lito Genilo of SmartShot Studio

We discussed the concept for our Pre-Nup pictorial. He wanted us to do the ‘Trash the Dress’ concept but Xave and I feel that it’s not appropriate with our personalities. It’s not us. I’m not so into kissing and very sexy pictorials. The thought alone is giving me shivers. We prefer something candid, natural and spontaneous. Well, let’s just wait on what will be the outcome soon.

website: www.smartshotstudio.com


3. Edward Teng

Finally, my Matrons of Honor had the time to visit our couturier. I’m so elated with the designs Tito Edward did for Maita and Tricia. I’m so looking forward on seeing them in their very beautiful gowns.

website: www.edwardteng.com/index.htm

Here are some of the pictures taken today:

Edward Teng doing the on-the-spot sketches for Tricia and Maita (Matron of Honor)


Picking the right colors and combinations


Finishing touches


Maita truly, madly, deeply in-love with her gown design


Up close...Maita's gown design


Tricia's love at first sight and can't wait for the 1st fitting of her gown

Up close...Tricia's gown design


Tito Edward Teng and myself with my wedding gown sketch that we stole from the production team just to have this picture taken *heehee*


As much as possible, I don’t want to post pictures of my wedding gown here. I want it to be a surprise to everyone. But because of the requests, *thinking…* Ok, I will have a separate entry for my wedding gown SOON. My first fitting will be in December 20. I will take pictures for you guys to see, PROMISE! I will TRY to talk details of it as well. *wink*

Excited? I am.

Well, that's all for now. More updates pretty soon...watch this space and our WEDSITE.

P.S. Happy Birthday to my dear brother, Timothy and my fellow mugger, Rina R. Wish you guys more birthdays to come! Take care.

Soon-to-be Parents

On a Wednesday morning 8:44am to be exact, Xave and I together with the rest of other friends got a message from someone and I quote: "I'm gonna be a daddy soon. Yahoo!"

It was a big surprise that the message came from one of our closest friend, Robert. Personally, I can feel the happiness in him. A very proud soon-to-be-Dad.

Congratulations to Daddy Bert and Mama Maits!

I think this says it all!

Based from the Chinese Calendar, they are having a baby boy. Let's see how accurate it can be...

Maita, have a safe pregnancy. Stay healthy and beautiful. *smiles*

Bert, take care of Maita and we all know you will. She’s the queen of your heart and your prince in on the way. *wink* We and your friends are just here as the two of you take another chapter of your married life.

Again, CONGRATULATIONS!

Photo taken the day before they found out that Maita is "on the way"

Maita, now 2 weeks pregnant.

Meet Roselyn

Since her father died last year, Roselyn, 12, had to help her mother earn so they could eat everyday. This means working nonstop for 6 hours in the mangroves to gather oysters (talaba) in a remote Aklan town. Without money to spare for a pair of slippers, Roselyn often gets cuts on the soles of her feet standing on beds of oysters barefoot while harvesting them, making it painful for her to walk the 4 km to and from school. As much as she loves going to school everyday, there are times when she is forced to stay at home because of this.

You can help Roselyn and others like her to have a bright future. Send a poor Filipino child to school and help him or her get out of poverty.

It takes so little to make a big diffrence in a child's life.By sponsoring a child, YOU can bring lasting and positive changes, not only to the child, but to his family and community as well.

YOU CAN HELP CHANGE THEIR LIVES. YOU CAN GIVE THEM A CHANCE TO FINALLY HAVE A BETTER AND BRIGHTER FUTURE.

source: World Vision

Call World Vision now.


Websites: http://www.worldvision.org (outside Philippines)
http://www.worldvision.org.ph (within in Philippines)

Telephone number: +632-3727777 (within Philippines)

World Vision

In 2004, I first saw World Vision in a billboard somewhere in EDSA. From there, I never stopped searching for them. I’ve wanted to sponsor a child for the simple reason that I want to help build life of a child. Surprisingly, one day I bumped into their booth in one of the top malls in Manila and I didn’t leave without a sponsor child in hand. Whatever blessings I get, I try my best for pay it foward.

I wanted to somehow monitor the growing years of a child so I got the youngest girl in 2004 and that was Ericka Acla. She was 3 years old that time.

Meet my girl, Ericka Acla now 5 or 6 years old
The previous annual reports I got, it was her mother who used to write me letters. 3 years after, Ericka is bigger and she knows how to write already and I was almost in tears to receive a letter she personally wrote...


Heart-melting isn't it? She completed Kinder and promoted to Grade 1 this school year 2007. She wrote me that gets school supplies, tuition fees, uniforms and bag from the donation I give. *Double aaawww...* It’s always a nice feeling to know that I am able to help a person.

Everytime I receive letters and pictures from Ericka, I always show them to Xave. I’m not surprised when one day, he asked me to bring him to World Vision. Here’s his guy,

Jemarc Purol

Xave got him when he was in first grade. He is now in Grade 2 this 2007 school year. Here's the letter he wrote for Xave.

Xave and I support these children discreetly. We don’t want to be announcing, “hey, we are sponsoring blah blah blah”. Maybe you are wondering why we are now discussing this openly to public.

Because we wanted you to sponsor a child, too. To give fullness of life to every child, believing that for all the good things we do to and for a child, will bring us closer to the Kingdom of God.

What are you waiting for? Build a better world for children.

World Vision details: CLICK CLICK CLICK!

Websites:
http://www.worldvision.org (outside Philippines)
http://www.worldvision.org.ph (within in Philippines)

Telephone number: +632-3727777 (within Philippines)

Hmmm....

“What's worse, new wounds which are so horribly painful or old wounds that should have healed years ago and never did. Maybe our old wounds teach us something...they remind us of where we've been and what we've overcome. They teach us lessons about what to avoid in the future. That's what we like to think. But that's not the way it is, is it? Something's we just have to learn over and over and over again.”

-Dr. Meredith Grey

***

"But as tough as wanting something can be...the people who suffer the most...are those who don't know what they want."

-Dr. Meredith Grey

Hello & Goodbye

I had 2 important meetings today.

1. With Mr. BB: I got the offer from DELL and I’m having my medical check up (a requirement) anytime this week. Finally, the long wait is over and it came at the right time. I’m H-A-P-P-Y!.

My instinct never fails me. (see previous blogs)

2. With Mr. DBA (the president): It’s always hard to say goodbye. I never thought I’d shed tears. (Yes, I did!) They’ve been so good to me and it’s difficult to put everything to an end. It’s like breaking up with a BF. *heehee* I failed to hide the emotional side of me. Well, I’ve always been transparent. I don’t know how to hide feelings. I can’t do poker face. Look at my eyes (and face) and you’ll know what’s inside me. *wink*

I’m thankful and proud to be part of Microwarehouse Inc. Being part of this company alone is a big opportunity for me. My stint there will always be memorable. But all things have its beginning and end --- short and sweet.

3 Things...

1. I quit my job and my last day is on the 10th of December. That’s 7 days from now! I’m in a vacation mode already.

2. I’ve been spending too much time on the computer (from sun up to sun down) and I feel I need to some time off to catch up on my reading.

Here’s my new book: The Tipping Point (How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference)



3. Something special is happening in July 2008…

One Mind One Heart

The long wait is over!

Xave and I went to Lacoste, and parted ways inside. I went to the ladies’ section whilst Xave off to men’s. A few seconds after, I hurried myself to see him on the other side whilst he was rushing towards me. We were both surprised that we were holding the same item --- chocolate brown pique! We’ve been waiting for that for so long now.

Later on, I thought of getting a different color (yes, sometimes I'm fickleminded) but Xave said I should dare not let my hands off it as it would take some time again for them to have that color and it’s nice that we have a his and hers pique. *heehee* I followed his advise.

That's Xave. What he wants, he gets. And whatever decisions he make, he sticks to it and nobody can make his mind change. Very decisive, persistent and have great attention to details. Traits I do have except for the latter. *heehee*

It’s just so surprising to be sharing one thought and one action. *hahaha* But there are also times we clash but at the end of the day, we always try to resolve whatever issues we have. It kills us to sleep while having bad feelings for each other.

Oh well, the long weekend is over. *sob* Tomorrow is back to reality (think work, traffic...). I'm in a Xmas mode already. I can smell the Xmas breeze. I'm in the room and I can feel the extra cool air our aircon is emiting and it's touching my skin. I'm shivering and I think I have to go now. I'm already freezing, I need a comforter and a shut eye.

Goodnight peeps! *smile*

Sweet Saturday

It was a long day yesterday. Our whereabouts:


Fernbrook Gardens

Xave and I together with his parents went to Fernbrook Garden’s for the ribbon cutting. Construction is still on going though but somehow we have a glimpse already on how it’s going to look like. Beautiful and breath taking! We can’t wait to see the place to be completely done.

I want these pictures to somehow serve as a teaser...*wink*

Tito and Tita as they walk towards Fernbrook entrance


Mini Basilica (Notre Dame de vi Chappelle) where our ceremony will take place

Top of a hill chapel just inside Fernbrook Gardens. There's a lake underneath the chapel where the Gondola will be stationed (ala Venice). Xave and I are thinking of using the Gondola instead of the Horse Drawn Carriage, Limousine, Bentley or Rolls Royce. Gondola is something new and different. *smiles* Well, it's not yet final though. As the wedding gets nearer, we'll be able to make our plans more concrete if not, final.

Byzanine Garden where our reception will be held


And us, enjoying and loving the moment


Greenbelt

We picked up Amae in JRP for lunch in Italianis Greenbelt. It was a hearty meal and we just talked about the wedding. Tito and Tita are now beginning to ask more details. Right after lunch, we went to JRP again to bring Amae for her afternoon class then, went back to Greenbelt to kill time.

Heard mass in Christ the King.


Eastwood

On our way home, Tito asked us to go on a gimik to celebrate and he chose Eastwood to be the place of the night. *heehee* Dinner and some booze in Ipanema whilst enjoying the live performance of Martin N. Great singer! Tito wanted to go back next week. *chuckles*

That was it! Our long busy day, nothing fancy though but it was good to be complete again after some time. Sweet.