J-B-L-O-G-G-E-D

New Site

2011-05-24T05:23:00.001-07:00

Hello! Hello!

I decided to move with a new account name just because I realized my favorite nephew has grown up so fast that I just couldn’t use his name in any account online anymore (guilty! Been using EDREGIN everywhere, hehe')

So for those who would like to read some crazy updates about me, please visit my new abode online http://jblogged.com.

That's all and have a great Tuesday everyone!

Happy Postcrossing

2011-03-03T20:54:00.001-08:00

Here I am again talking more about my postcard mission. It's not just about collecting postcards. Won't you love receiving a postcard where a sender explains something about the photo or providing you a short fact of one's country? Or won't you get excited receiving a postcard with great birthday greetings? or won't you feel glad knowing new stuff like this?

The 3D postcard I got from The Netherlands
(seriously I came to know there's 3D postcards available only when I get this!)
You can view the card this way

or this way...awesome!

from U.S.A (I just love the pasted photo')
Finding how creative the sender is just great!
(I joined postcrossing at Travbuddy & this is one of the many I got)

loves it when I get a postcard from a place where I've already been
(Senado Square - Reminiscing moments ititch!)

Me at the Senado Square in Macau from last year's holiday
(patagilid at malayong shot para nga payat tingnan,lol!)

I can't wait for more postcards to receive...
so far I got 08..I know some are on the way & hoping to receive them soon
thank you all for granting my request' kisses* xxx

This is fun and exciting! I think you should try to do the same =)

P.S

Sorry photos are taken from my cheapang na mobile

Unexpected Parcel

2011-03-01T02:16:00.000-08:00

How lovely! I was really surprised when I got a phone call from FEDEX. Although I was expecting for a parcel from someone I didn't expect I would get something via Fedex (there must be a mistake on sending this parcel, lol!). I asked who the sender was but the guy whom I was talking to over the phone didn't answer my question instead he said my parcel is about to be delivered in an hour's time.

I was glad to receive the parcel especially when I figured out who the sender was. It was from a former classmate whom I haven't seen for ages (the last time was when we were in grade III as they have migrated to Australia). Got reconnected with him along with our other batch mates after finding him at Friendster and we get updated of ourselves via Facebook now (oooppss! Sorry friendster).

Thanks for this igso!...

OK. You may ask why I got this parcel? Well I emailed a bunch of friends who are based at different countries for my post card mission (collecting 34 postcards from 34 countries before my 34th birthday) and he is one among them...whom I requested for a postcard. But I was expecting for a postcard to be sent via post office so the fedex thing was really a surprise especially with what's inside the envelope aside from the postcards he's sent me.

The photo's dark right? But what you see is right!
It's a Christmas and a Happy New Year Card...
(because he said he forgot to greet me on these occasions? lol!)
(so I texted him & I asked where's the Valentines card, lol!)

A postcard from Frankfurt & Prague (where he has been recently)
But I don't know if this counts to my mission as it's not with a post office seal...
Probably I should count them in just because...
(the effort exerted to look for these postcards teh!)

And a birthday card which has a German greeting inside! lol!
(Apart from his hand written message of course)
Thanks a lot igso! You're so sweet!
All the while I was thinking you were just kidding...
about the German Birthday card you bought for me! :D

P.S

Writing this post makes me miss his mom. We used to write to each other when I was still in Elementary and she's the Godmother who never forgets to send me something during Christmas even they're far away.

Speaking of writing and missing chovachuchu...don't you just miss snail mails now?! :D

Sand Bank Experience

2011-02-28T00:03:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been in a sand bank? After many years of living here I finally was able to visit one. While holidaying at Bathala Island Resort for Christmas (can I call it holiday if we stay for 02 nights only?) Lola V and I joined the excursion called "Sandbank Cocktail Party" on Christmas day (it was a complimentary trip for us so why would we give it a miss?! diba?) I am very thankful for this "robinson crusoe" like experience.

I know I just came back from a short holiday but I can't help it. The photos I came across from my photo folders made me long for a resort/island break soon (a place where I do nothing but to just relax). A real holiday isn't it?! Wondering now when can I leave and go. I wish I could have the same trip again (holidaying in a resort is the best!). Sigh^ I imagined myself now in a sand bank...champagne in hand with the sunset as a backdrop' I can only wish coz miracles doesn't happen everyday!

the staff setting up the tables...

my signature pose :D
(patagilid at malayo para payat tingnan, lol!)

tables are ready for the coctail party

and Lola V with her first glass of wine...
(pila may nainom mo lola?! :D)

here's a video I took of the sandbank...nice diba?!
(when is the next time na makapunta ako!?!?)

P.S

All photos and the video was taken from my cheapang phone
Bit blurry but I do like the photos parang kuha lang sa panaginip :D

Dine & Shop

2011-02-27T13:59:00.001-08:00

Srilanka is just an hour's flight away from Maldives thus no wonder why expats & locals could frequent Colombo (the capital of the country) anytime..From time to time special airfares are launched and due to that we normally take advantage of the promo (when I went there last week I purchased a return airfare for US$ 189 only). So anyway what I am trying to tell here is that with my recent visit (after my 08th-10th visit I think) I discovered something I should share with you (how come I came to know of this refreshment area just recently?). I know the place and have been here before but didn't try the Cafe' prrffft!

If you happen to be in Colombo I suggest that you visit Paradise Road Cafe (this is only if you are a lover of cheesecake!). I may sound exaggerated but the best cheesecake I have ever tasted was at this place. I am not a cake lover but this one is just so yummy!

Double Cheesecake @ 575rupees around 5usd (if I remember it right)
I remember the taste but the price? oh! :D

By the way this place is not just a cafe but actually a shop where you can find good selection of collectibles, gift items, houseware stuff. So this cafe was added to serve the tired customers from shopping at the 2nd floor of the building or the vice versa. Either eating light meals first before you shop! You know I can stay at this place the whole day (ahihihi!) With that I say now I know why they didn't install wifi connection here :D

Paradise Road Cafe

The Cafe (there's an extension of Veranda too)

Selection of Table runners

The white room (selection of cups etc')

Fruit Jam corner and selection of place mats

and a lot more photos of the shop

Their Address:

Paradise Road Cafe
213 Dharmapala Mawatha Colombo 7
(easy to find ...all tuktuk or taxi drivers know this place I guess)

Short Break

2011-02-24T09:53:00.001-08:00

I told myself not to travel again yet but I wasn't strong enough with my decision. I can't believe I made it to travel without a plan of going (I mean I didn't think about it much!). I thought of traveling the night before my departure (purchased the ticket late in the afternoon - an hour before the Airline's Male office closes) and packed at night before my early morning flight.

Guess where my itchy feet brought me...Can you guess?! :D

(nyaay! sorry dirty feet I walked and walked only with this travel)

OK. This was actually because of my friend Jen. She was off to Srilanka (on a transit and heading to Shanghai after two days) and she was actually like "would you like to join?" So basically she was one of the reasons aside from feeling burned out that I thought I really should travel and unwind a bit even for 04 nights. Spur of the moment decision and it turned out to be a good holiday so no regrets even when alone when Jen left. What about you? Have you ever tried to travel on a last minute decision?

Azkals

2011-02-20T01:31:00.000-08:00

Maldives introduced me to football and I became a fan of the game (Maldivians are die hards of football and they're the ones who influenced me a lot on this)...so when a friend called up and asked me to support and watch Philippines Football Team (they were here for AFC Challenge Cup) I was like are you serious?! Philippines have a football team!? lol! (I had no idea we have our own team until I got that call) I was so pleased about the news so I called up my circle of friends (expats here) and we all purchased tickets and watched them :D WOW! (It actually made me think this is the game that would suit best for Filipinos ...if I have to compare to Basketball okies? as football is more like sipa takraw diba and for etc reasons!?!). Whoah! What a wonderful feeling it is to cheer for our national team!

So there ... feeling football fanatic (kuno!) :D...The first impression that I had on them was (OMG these toddlers are soooO good looking! My close friends and I call younger men than us toddlers' lol!) Kidding aside we heard that this team wasn't really funded well (and so not recognized). In short it seems to us apparently that there was politics and uhmmm...poor management probably?... that the Philippines Football federation just couldn't move forward with this field of game. However they still tried ... continue to work out... play and Wow! Indeed doing great performances. Winning over the defending champ Vietnam last year at the AFP Suzuki Cup and their recent good match with Indo team arrrgh! I know they can do it! They have indeed improved and it made me believed in them more.

As far as my memory could recall they were just called "The Philippines Football Team" when they were here (that was sometime in April 2009)..but now! Oh! I think they're widely known in our country (they even made it to the Twitter's trending topic, lol! and I assume not only in my country but with other asian countries and with that I say "hello female fans!" I am one of them, nyaay' lol!) They're known to be Azkals now and fellow kababayans seem pleased with them as they're getting much support now unlike before (they really deserve the support) and yay! Their names are getting bigger (this makes me scared with the thought eventually that these guys may join Philippines showbiz ...coz looks like there are lot of talent scouts who are interested to take them in to showbiz!) por favore' lol! Anyway, I wish the team well and hope they'll make us even prouder especially with their upcoming match with Mongolia team in March :D

Kaming mga taga cheer ng Azkals hanggang ngayon, chos! :D

And here's some of the photos taken...

when they were not that known compared to now :D

At ang paborito kong goal keeper yay! :D

Despedida Party

2011-02-19T04:36:00.001-08:00

It is really sad when you meet people and they have become your good friends and then after awhile they need to move for a greener pasture and there's nothing that you can do but to wish them good luck for their new endeavor in life. That's how it felt when I heard B & Leigh are leaving Maldives soon (B has left and Leigh next month). Sigh^ If only we can let them stay...They're one of the nicest couples I met here.

Anyway when someone's leaving there would always be a farewell party. Last Tuesday we were in a Safari Boat named Amphibiya (thanks a lot Maks for letting us use your boat & Sarah for organizing this ) & we had a "let's morning the night party". B called us horrible people (lol!) as she just couldn't believe we arranged a surprise party for her (Monday night we were all in HIH and she was expecting we all would be seeing each other again later on Wednesday as agreed at the same place). She had no idea at all we would be seeing soon in a beautiful location. I am so glad she had enjoyed the party but got a complain though. The complain? She slept under the stars on a sun deck but missed the sunrise, lol! (must be a good night's sleep really!). Other than that she couldn't thank everyone enough for being with her and for the splendid arrangement we had for her.

I really had a good time with this party. It's not my first time to be in a safari boat but this night was one of the best nights I had in Male. I wished it didn't end. When you are far away from home all you want to do is just to be with good friends. To B & Leigh for sure goodbyes doesn't mean forever (06 years to be stationed in different parts of SE) will haunt you and you will be coming again (ahihihihi!).

Surf Dhoni Trip

2011-02-17T03:31:00.001-08:00

Seems like my Saturdays wouldn't be the same (boring Saturdays) anymore!

Because of a friend I recently joined this group at FB called Saturday Surf Dhoni (it's an open group for both locals and expats) who are into surfing, snorkeling, sun tanning (diving is soon to be added in the itinerary I believe). This event is arranged and confirmed every Saturday between 09:30am - 3:30pm if there are enough attendees to share for the boat hire charges (the more attendees the less you have to pay, I only paid a 100mrs - around 8usd when I joined last Saturday). That's the only thing you have to pay aside from being a "It's a bring your own baon event" (bring your own food, water, softdrinks, etc'). Affordable indeed!

Nope. I am not into extreme watersports yet. I still don't know how to swim properly (I can only float) but it never felt like I was an alien being with them. I had fun watching the guys surf while I was at the roof deck with other girls and did sun tanning (before you protest I know and talked to myself already "do I need this? I am too dark na noh?!" lol!). But OK kiver! I don't mind being a Kirara but it was more of like enjoying the trip being with friends there.

So anyway while having a great time lying down at the roof deck lazing under the sun with my OPM music I wished I have the confidence to jump off from the boat and did snorkeling like my girlfriends (my confidence is at high risk! just the thought ..scares me already). But hmmmm....A friend told me she'll teach me the proper strokes in swimming so probably next time I could do what others have been doing during the trip (I did swimming lessons before but I stopped, the instructor was just too cute eh, ouch! lol!). Yes, this is something serious I have to consider upon. Learning how to swim while I am still in the Maldives.

Oh! I am loving lately the options we can do here now during our free time. It's never been this fun I must say! Below are some photos taken from the previous trip.

Back to School

2011-02-13T00:01:00.001-08:00

Ciao! Come Va? Come Ti Chiami? Quanti Anni Hai? Chi Giorno E Oggi? Piacere! Di Dove Sei? Da Dove Viene? Ci Vediamo Presto! Arrivederci! Grazie! Cosi E Cosi' Yay! These are just some of the words I mastered and memorized from my Italian Class aside from the Italian Alphabet.

Finally after a long time of planning I made it to enroll. At first there was only myself who was really keen to enroll but my convincing power worked on our Sales & Marketing Director and our accountant. So what happened next? They too have enrolled. Lol! And it is very funny indeed whenever we try to communicate with each other in the office every morning on this language with our different accents. Lol!

The tuition fee wasn't really expensive...only 2,000mrs - US$ 157 (classes take place every Monday & Wednesday from 08:15-09:15hrs). Well it is cheap if I have to compare from other language learning centres here (and our office offered to pay half of our tuition fees). Yay! I coundn't be happier! Our class is so UCB and I am loving it. My classmates are so cool (they're from India, Srilanka, Canada, Maldives & Philippines!) plus our teacher is really good. I am for certain I will learn a lot from her.

While I am just on my 2nd week Lola V is telling me to take immersion class in Italy. LOL! but yah maybe ...someday when I have the money. But in the meantime I'll just concentrate and enjoy my class here in Male. I've never been this excited in a classroom and never been this eager to learn. While others hate Mondays to come I am the opposite! Mondays & Wednesdays became my favorite days now second to Saturday (my off day!) Charness chiena! =)

-----------------------------------------

The Language House
H. Maavadiaage Kasinjee Magu
Tel # 331-3206 / 778-2912

Birthday Wish

2011-02-11T01:33:00.001-08:00

Two months from now and I am turning a year older (which by the way I am not bothered of about the number except that my Mom, siblings, relatives & friends are worried I may not get married!) Hehe'

How time flies! It seems it was just yesterday since I last celebrated my birthday at Soneva Gili! (the best birthday I ever had - 5 days in a Conde Nast awardee resort' aarrrrgh'). Sigh^ I can only wish my birthday will be as posh as last year. But I don't think it will be (unless someone is going to give a treat with something like that!) coz one thing is for sure miracle doesn't happen nowadays!

Hmmmm...I am planning to spend my birthday outside the country, in Vietnam to be exact (but having second thoughts about it). Although if I go I won't have to spend that much (I still have a free holiday from the office which was due last Jan and I haven't claimed it yet) but then I thought it would be wiser to just stay at home and have a small party with friends and claim that trip later or probably I can request to convert that trip to cash (the idea to save than to travel hits me bad! In fact I've got zero travel plans now for the whole year!).

So while I am trying to convince myself that it will be alright not to travel anymore (waaaah!) I have this plan to overcome the travel bug in me. I thought it would be nice to receive postcards from different places that would make me feel as if I had been to these countries! So I am trying to collect 34 postcards (yes! 34 postcards to mark my 34th birthday! hehe') by joining post crossings! If you read this and have the kind heart to make this wish comes true you do know what to do! Please send me one' I love you! :D

Hiking Experience

2011-02-04T05:14:00.000-08:00

Nuwara Eliya, Srilanka
(Dec 2009)

My friend Lola V (who is very adventurous) wants to show us around at the The Lover's Leap Falls. For someone like me who gets easily tired was not very happy with her idea to visit there (plus the fact that I've seen some beautiful falls in the Philippines it's like I just thought it's boring to go). But at the back of my mind there is this thing that says...what if I didn't go and when they show me their photos of the falls were beautiful? Gah' I can't imagine the thought I will be left behind :D

So from Hakgala Botanical Garden our driver took us and dropped us off at the foot of the hill. I prepared my camera but still thinking twice if I really should climb up. With Lola V's convincing power I was like?! Uh oh! Let's go! So there. We started walking towards the pathways of the falls with just our slippers, lol! (my cousin Langga was on with the idea and well I got no choice as I don't want to be left with the driver). It was impromtu decision to hike.

Lover's Leap Falls is situated in the southern slope of Mt. Pidu and is 100ft high. For someone like me who is very inexperienced and who is very much unfit to such thing, had to stop many times (lost counts actually!) but got very determined to reach the peak with what Yvonne was narrating about the place according to its legend. It was said to be two lovers defied their families and immersed themselves into the falls to be united for eternity when they were chased by them.

For a beginner like me on this, it really felt great when I finally reached at the top. The scenery was pretty nice looking down (especially with the cold temperature during that time) and see the whole view of the town but when we were there, there were young boys who were drunk and kept asking for our names. We were very pissed off that we were not able to stay longer as much as we would love to and enjoy the view. We immediately went off but thankful for the experience I didn’t expect I’d enjoy.

If you happen to be in the area and would like to try something new probably you give hiking a try (good for beginners like us! worth the try for me). But if you plan to go there you better have a male companion with you. Especially that this place seem to be not given much attention as a sight or attraction (just my observation referring to the intoxicated boys there, dangerous for me especially when you’re up above, coz honestly I don't want to plunge myself into the falls in case they do something bad!)...I mean seriously! :D

P.S

Posted something like this in my TB account =)

H - E - L - L - O

2011-02-02T05:46:00.001-08:00

Belated Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Everyone! I hope this isn't too late to greet you all (nyaaay! What was I thinking?! Few more days and everyone will be celebrating Valentines soon'). This is the longest time that I haven't updated my blog account but hopefully after this day I would be able to perform my blogging responsibilities :D

Although my account has been inactive for one & a half months... it doesn't mean that I didn't visit my daily reads here. Just so you know I still visit your sites in order for me to know what's the latest about you (although I don't leave a comment as I used to before, sorry for this). Now that I am back to blogosphere I hope you won't get pestered with my non sense comments on your site :D

Anyway you may wonder my whereabouts and what has been keeping me busy these days. Nothing interesting that has happened yet (if there is I will be very glad to post it here' As if someone would be interested with that' Feelingera! lol! ). I think I am a boring person especially these past few days. My daily routine is home > office > home (having said that I do go out sometimes with my expats friends here - occasionally!) guess what consumes my free time?!...

Yay! I am hooked to this site. You know I have been a member since Feb 2008 but came to be active just recently. I am into this site more than I check my Facebook & Twitter accounts. I don't know what other term could it be than addiction. I just love browsing travel photos, travel blogs, etc etc and etc there.

But when I wake up today morning I promised myself that I shouldn't stop writing and abandon this site. Especially because this is where I started to write my humble (chos!) opinions, my garbage stories... my sort of online diary that is! I am sooOO glad to be back here and with this I say HELLO ALL and I hope you missed me' lol! Cheers! :D

Kasalan

2010-12-15T23:29:00.000-08:00

Another cousin just got married! Whoah! Everyone's settling down except me & the groom's twin LUI (my closest cousin). For sure L will definitely protest and say "goodluck!" to myself...lol! But I reckon ...he's still on the verge of mending his broken heart so I guess I will be the next person my relatives (mom's side) would see walking in the aisle' wink^ wink^ lol!

video by: Paul Macasaet on Vimeo.

The edited video of their wedding made me think somehow what's instore for me if I get this call to wed. Will it be a garden or beach wedding? Waaaaaah! Silly! Before figuring it out I should find my groom to be first, lol! Anyway, they are arriving here tonight for their honeymoon and would be staying at Angsana Velavaru the day after. I just wish they'll enjoy it here and I wish them a happy marriage! Congrats Mac & Trisch!

P.S

Loved this superb work of art by Nez - their photographer friend

No rice diet

2010-11-03T04:30:00.001-07:00

It's really surprising how alright I am without eating rice these days. I just can't believe it! Well I used to refuse the thought I could manage a day without eating rice. Glad I survived! Lola V is the greatest influence on this. I feel lighter (I haven't lose weight that much) but at least my tummy is not that visible now :p

I made few changes on my diet scheme this time. I think it is really important to eat on time and that's what I do now. Really...I mean it's not just about eating less. Aside from that I exercise at least 30 minutes by doing some basic yoga postures and hoping to regularize our jogging session at least thrice a week. Never been this dedicated and serious about getting toned. I am super challenged to get results (to see myself how I looked 04yrs ago?!?), lol!

And here's the usual foods you can see from our small dining table

For Expats

2010-10-30T23:38:00.000-07:00

Good news for us!

Aside from Hulhule Airport Hotel there's another place that we could chill out and unwind the night before our weekend. For now goodbye Champs Bar! Oh I will miss Pradeep and the others (but hmmmm haven't been there for quite sometime now). I am pretty much home-buddy these days (getting older eh?!).

Sheraton Full Moon Maldives organizes a beach party on Thursdays and expats are very much encouraged to attend this once a week party in the resort. US$ 1o per person for the return transfers by speedboat is very cheap if you wish to have a different night out at least once in awhile right? All your extras (drinks & foods) are to be paid directly at the resort. Transfers are arranged from 8pm to the resort and coming back from the resort to Male is at 1am. Just the right time to send you back home after getting your feet tired from too much dancing/shaking your bomboms.

Here's some of the photos when we went there. The music played that night wasn't really our kind but we had fun anyway! Good crowd (although very much reserved I think) and oh! we didn't have an agreement on what to wear that night okey?! Lol!

You might ask if we would go there again... the answer is YES! But probably would stay there for the night so we don't have to worry about time and we could enjoy the beach the following day besides I heard for some newly renovated beach front deluxe rooms it can be booked on special rates depending on the occupancy levels at the resort of course.

For those who are in the party mood comes Thursday night call +960-6642010 and look for Lahiro or Mario.

Beauty Salon

2010-10-28T07:15:00.000-07:00

...I've been to many here but I can tell that "Hair Maldives" is what I call salon away from home.

HAIR MALDIVES
(hair & beauty salon for both gender - unisex)
1st Floor, Hulhugali Building
Karankaa Magu, Male
Telephone # +960-3303033
Fax # +960-3325688
Email: info@hairmaldives.com

Never been pleased like this before. I mean I spent sometime finding luck of a salon here that would make me feel great (even after the visit). This certainly is the only salon here so far that reached my standards of a salon.

THE PLACE:

They have maybe the most spacious salon here in Male'. They have the cubicles for manicure/pedicure, and facial treatments aside from the place where hair cut is normally done. The place is kept tidy and of great ambiance (they have the best music ala "kailangan pabang imemorize yan?! so magic 89.9 ang dating, lol!)

THE STYLISTS:

All of them are well experienced. Very professional and you wont feel the sense of being rushed. I have to tell you that all of the hair stylists are guys. There's nothing to get nervous of though. They're all very friendly and make you feel at ease. What I love about them is that they listen well to their customers. DAN the manager ensures what you paid for is being delivered and makes you leave the salon happy. Their receptionist who is the only Maldivian working there (all the rest are Srilankans) is very pleasant. She always serve a coffee/tea/juice with a happy face and I love it whenever we are greeted with cold face towels whenever we visit the salon.

THE PRICE:

It's affordable! They have almost the same price range of services from other hair salons but I would have to say that they're better off with the service and its results.

Highly recommended really. By the way it is better to place an appointment before going (just a tip). I hope you'd get thrilled with the results after your visit like me! Hehe'

10 New Things About Me

2010-10-12T03:53:00.000-07:00

Lola V probably knows it all now but for those who doesn't know about it yet...you know what to do next =)

1) I already moved to a new apartment (sharing it with Lola V - a two bedroom apartment). I've never been happier since I moved in I came to know and cook at least 10 dishes now (pwede na mag-asawa! Yes' as in magpapa-advertise nako'' lol!) I am so happy I am not into frying anymore!

2) I went twice to a salon this month for a hair cut. First visit was all about trimming at least an inch of my hair. Second visit was to accompany Lola V for her Sothys facial clean up but I don't know what went on me that day that I ended up myself in a short hair! Yes, very short indeed!

3) I am so hooked with eating Jac'n'Jill Magic Cream (Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cream) Crackers. I always make sure I have it at my office desk everyday, tiwas gajud!

4) Since I came back to Maldives I have restarted drinking Green Tea again everyday and reconsidering of enrolling to a gym soon. It's not sure yet but hopefully soon. If I have to compute my weight to my height using body mass index I am sure Langga & Elaykra will get crazy laughing with its result. So I am keeping my mouth shut' lol!

5) Just recently I took the risk of owning something I never thought I would have. I got the papers for it already (not personally but it is with my sis)...it made me feel so good that I am focusing for another project again. The price from too much hardwork & sweats. I just love it!

6) I deleted a friend at Facebook just because I can't stand anymore on her posted shout outs, comments and sa mga uploaded photos nya. I think it makes me a bad person to you but I just don't want negativity coming my way and I don't wish to say more...you know something bad about her. Sabi nga true friends remains forever daw... kaya if you feel someone is untrue better tapusin na agad. I can't pretend more kase!

7) A friend told me I have been extra sweet lately. It could be true. But does it make a person sweet when they just want to forward or spend their free text credits to the people who are good to them? Hmmmm... I reckon' Hehe'

8) It's been more than a month already that I have been using Lola V's other phone. Why? My big phone reached its peak and died when I came back here' It's been a question for days which model and brand to buy but one thing for sure it wont be a Nokia phone again. I am certain to buy it tonight but I don't know which brand & model yet' Arrgggh! It should be a dual sim phone. Hmmmm' wonder what it is I will end up with tonight.

9) There's a game called BOUNCE that makes me up in our quite apartment. I am addicted and I often sleep late. Now that I reached the score of 100, 000++ (the score I wished to accomplish) I hope I play less this time na! Thank you Lola V for sharing this game...you have been very kind for giving me more reason for a sleepless night' huh! lol!

10) I am not into collecting bags and definitely not into signature bags (because first I dont have the money for this hobby) but I gave in for a Long Champ Bag when I was in Manila during my holiday. I thought the money I paid for it would make sense if I purchase for another & more important product but if you are being trapped in a place where you badly need a bag (that is worth your money & no other choices left) you would oblige to the necessity of buying it. Eekkk! Okey I will have to admit I was eyeing this when I was in Milan but I don't have enough Euros to buy for it. So there! I am just being nicer to myself dont you think?!

Etc about Simbahan

2010-10-07T02:49:00.000-07:00

Sigh^ What's going on with our Philippines churches?!

My friends who are both working here badly wants to have a church wedding but it seems this will not push through. Why? I was told the church requires them to go home 02 months at least prior to their wedding. I need more confirmations if this is really true. Going back to my friends....it is such a worry for them as mentioned they both are working here and of course it is impossible for them to have that long break (baka wala na silang balikan na trabaho pag nagkataon). Please note that they didn't inquire from one church alone. Their family & relatives have been communicating with 04 churches already yet there is no hope they can lessen the required days. This edict comes from Vatican (daw?!). With this my friends now are looking into a garden (civil) wedding as it looks impossible for them to get married in the church because of the new decree for marrying couples.

Another case is when parents are not married in the church. If they are on civil wedding rites then their child is not possible to get baptized. My take on this? Aren't they too harsh on the child? I was really shocked to find out of this from Lola V. I can't seem to understand for what reasons they're doing this. If you happen to know please enlighten me.

And have you heard about Carlos Celdran's iskandalo over a service or mass? Of course it was disrespectful of him to do that but I really admired him for what he did. For the last five years that I have been working abroad I think I had been to a church maybe like 5-10 times nalang. But during my younger years when I was still in pinas, I used to attend masses (wherever church it maybe). I often hear priests (not all naman) meddling with government issues (during homily) and I always I think its very inappropriate for them to do that. Honestly, the words that came out from Carlos Celdran's mouth is what I have been wanting to tell them. I am not like Carlos and I am glad there are still people like him who has the guts to bash them with their flaws! ...Major major clap clap for him!

Whatta good news

2010-10-03T23:23:00.000-07:00

How time flies!

It's already October. I am certain the spirit of Christmas is felt already in my home country. I assume people are already making their lists whom to buy pressies. Ahhh! This is going to be my 05th Christmas away from home. I also can imagine the on going promos at the malls now. People probably have started shopping already. Sigh^

But before getting sad on the thought I won't be able to make it home again this Christmas, I have something to be very thankful of. I think I am too lucky to hear the news that I don't have to settle for my electric & water bills at my new apartment?! Yes! I don't have to pay for it! My office will take care of it. I was told to just hand my bills to our accountant. Isn't it a good news?! Such early present for Christmas eh! Lola V (dili nata magbayad)! lol! I am all ears smiling today at work (even with a mountain of pending jobs to do - had email interruptions since Friday afternoon till yesterday). So what can I say the spirit of Christmas too is around the corners of Male' na! lol!

It's really true that sometimes there are things that comes to you when you least expect it the most. You see this privilege is normally not a part of the package for expats here (except for those who are working in the resort). With this I couldn't be happier. Hope you get your surprise today also! xoxo'

Para sa magBFF in UAE & AU

2010-09-30T06:12:00.000-07:00

Dear Langga & Elaykra,

I think it's really time for us to get serious with what Lola V has been been advising us on how to keep fit. I know that we are all doing fine & looking good padin (char.com.mv lol!)... but... I guess we should hit the gym padin and do a make over! lol!

After the gym we also could visit our favorite salons and have a new haircut. Look at these photos below. These friends of mine here definitely have changed. I actually was kind hysterical & cracked up laughing when I looked back at their old photos from the way they look now. But after some serious/crazy laugh trip session with Sheila (sorry guys but we're only human' lol!) para akong natsunga kase diba to feel good of yourself needs such big effort to achieve this (thousand tons of courage & determination). This is quite big difficult task. I have to remind myself of that....ugh!

Then there was a complete silence . Like for me in an instance. I have tried many times to loose weight yet the ounces of my fats are getting bigger & bigger. I told myself to eat on time with the right exact amount of food yet I always end up eating like a big man. And you also Langga you have promised youself and I thought you were very serious with that. Remember your recent post? Hala! We're becoming the big persons we never thought we'd become. Tiwas gajud! And you Manding, enough na of making muffins diton., lol! Ikaw din... Such a shame with my initial reaction gajud. Haaay' I was so wrong to laugh at them! These "BEFORE" & "AFTER" photos serves as an inspiration to cut down on our excess fats & get back our confidence again. Mabuti pa tong mga lalaking ito kesa sa atin. Sigh^

So what are we waiting for? Do we have to wait & be a jumbo before we work out? Guvah an at mga shop' lol!

With so much care & love,
Marmolia

P.S

Hey guys! You all did a great job on your make over!
Thanks for the approval na I can upload your photos ha' (wehehe).
This will help talaga na mamotivate kami (dhiveh-i!?!) =D

The Wedding

2010-09-28T06:07:00.000-07:00

...if you have read this before then you know already why I went home last month.

My cousin's wedding was well planned & I was really surprised how it was organized considering the couple were not the in the Philippines (or shall I say they were not together) when they were working on the details of the wedding. Their love story was truly special. If I could share a bit of it then here it is.

They've been in a relationship right after tertiary days, worked abroad (her in Canada & him in Saudi), broke up in awhile due to long distance relationship. Mended broken hearts. Met up again and then like after 10yrs they finally found out/realized that they're destined to be tied as one...the rest is what you call history. Nyaay! Didn't I just share the whole part of it?! lol! I just love their love story!

I have to tell you that while she was marching on the aisle heading to where her man stands & with the music on the background ...ugh! it made me cry. And so the other bridesmaids! I don't know if it was because of the beautiful music played at that time ... that made us sentimental. In my case I guess it was because of the happiness borne out of a dream that I was that person walking on the aisle! Lol! Kidding aside, as a cousin, a close friend, as a bridesmaid to her wedding I just couldn't feel happier for her & to witness (probably) the most important day in her life (coz when she gets pregnant & becomes a mom I think that tops the wedding day' Hehe).

I was really glad I went home. Being present in the event where it was jam-packed of relatives whom I haven't seen for ages & arrrghh! My heart bursts with so much happiness. To the newly wed couple I wish you all the best!

Fashion Night

2010-09-27T04:42:00.000-07:00

Hola! I am back from a long pause with that I welcome myself back here. Hehe' I have been away but doesn't mean I haven't visited your sites guys. I sooO miss blogging & promised to make it up and what's the best way to write for my comeback post here? Hah! Here (this is what I can easily think of & write)...

Lola V is leaving to Colombo tomorrow afternoon for a site visit & you know how girls are right? I guess wherever we go we do dress rehearsals first before packing things & fly to wherever destination we go. So last night, while she was preparing her things I asked her to pose so I could take photos of her with all the dresses she tried to put on.

Feeling girlish lah?!

Looking sexy & trendy, oh yeah!

What a dignified lady she is! davah?!

It's really fun to be a girl! We can always dress up, accessorize and all. I wonder if guys do the same. I was kidding of course! Well there could 20% of them who does. We wouldn't know at all noh?... what do you think? Now that is something that we should tackle next time. Lol! Anyhoo, what a fun night it has been! I couldn't wait till she leaves & come back . I think it's pretty good idea to dress up & do camwhoring at least once in a month (then I will upload our photos here). Oh! The idea excites me. It's gonna be fun fun fun! lol!

Great work

2010-08-31T18:53:00.000-07:00

Who would have thought a used tire, steel, wood and styrofoam can be used to create such lovely pieces of art? Well only a gifted artist can do. I was truly impressed with these creations displayed at the Times Square when I was in HK.

These are some of what I am talking about...

P.S

Please bear with me...the photos are not nice. My camera was a headache when I was there but couldn't afford to buy a new one , sigh^

Just an update

2010-08-30T05:16:00.000-07:00

...been away for awhile now. There are a lot of things to tell but I don't have much time as there are a lot of things to do still (maximizing the days before I go back to work) ...but just for an update this is what I have to tell you. After our HK & Macau trip I came back to Manila like this...lol!

(took this photo in a nearby shop in Macau -close to the Ruins of St. Paul)

We went there the sale season and my God! Lotta good buys! It was very difficult to resist and all that I did was to purchase them. Sigh^ This is the only travel where I went over the budget (the highest level) just on the second day. Glad I managed to put aside money till I get home otherwise...

Travel Itinerary

2010-08-02T03:29:00.000-07:00

All my bags are packed I am ready to go♬♬♬ (this song stands out right now ...here with me) coz am flying home soon for my ever long due annual holiday. YahooO! but what is this news cyclone may enter in the Philippines on the coming weekend?!? not cool really! The last time I went home few hours after I landed Manila the rain just didn't stop pouring. Lord please don't let this happen again.

Anyhoo' I thought I would be flying by Singapore Airlines (Oh how I missed flying with you) but my schedule didn't fit with their flight schedules and so I am flying now by Malaysian Airlines. If only I could fly with SQ but never mind as long as I reached Philippines safe then that matters the most.

Here's my itinerary and it's all confirmed. Ugh! I could have arranged it better. What's the matter with me?!

13th August 2010 - Male'
14th August 2010 - Manila
15th August 2010 - Butuan > Madrid
16th August 2010 - Madrid, SDS
17th August 2010 - Madrid > Butuan > Manila
18-22 August 2010 - HK
23rd August 2010 - Manila > Butuan > Madrid

I haven't been this excited to go home this time & the messed up itinerary but guess I should just sleep early these days before my flight so I won't really get sick & mahilo sa byahe.

Oh by the way I wonder if there is a DHL office in Pasay Rotonda coz I badly need to use their service on sending some of my things to home as PAL only allows 15K allowance & my things weighs more than that.

My itinerary looked very demanding I just hope all things goes well.

Hope you all had a lovely weekend everyone!

Pet Lover

2010-08-01T04:35:00.001-07:00

I am not but I know someone.

I like cats, dogs, birds but I have no plans of owning one. Probably because it is really difficult to get attached to them. When I was younger we had a parrot and a dog named Sheena (the dog was actually owned by Mano Leo - elder brother of mine). The parrot died the time he learned and started to mimic some words from us (I couldn't really remember well but he got sick), we were really sad. Sheena on the other hand was nowhere to be found after few months. We don't know if someone had taken her and we were really devastated. She was the most adorable dog I could remember and we really missed her.

Since then we didn't have a pet at home (because of what happened & especially after Mano Ed - a brother of mine who got bitten by a friend's dog and my mom also had the same unfortunate experience long time back) they both had to undergo injection sessions. Due to this I told myself once that we shouldn't get a dog at home ever again because anti rabbis and all remedy related products are expensive.

But yesterday afternoon my sister uploaded some photos of her along with my niece at Facebook with cute dogs. Oh! I am so looking forward to feed them (but they don't stay in our house but in my brother's house). I find them really cute! Diba? Diba? Diba? Hehe'

My little sis & my niece Edencleo

R2 & Elai are my brother's pet
(they looked like twins noh?! ahihihi)

Guess who owns them?!
(the brother who was once got bitten, ehehe)
He's such a pet lover don't you think?! =)

Four Seasons Maldives at Kuda Huraa

2010-07-26T04:58:00.000-07:00

They really know how to please their guests.

Prior to my arrival at the resort I have to admit that I was badly looking for something that would make the resort at fault. Not that I would want to create a fuss but I want to find something to criticize like they couldn't be consistent on their service and blah blah blah blah. This made me only realize that I couldn't mess with them. This group of hotels/resorts definitely know what hospitality industry is. Toinks! Of course I know that Four Seasons is the world's leading operator of resorts and hotels but what was I thinking? lol! They are pretty much are into consistency of perfecting your travel/holiday experience and they never failed me (don't get me wrong here alright. I was just trying to see if somehow they'll disappoint me like with the other group of hotel chains I know and have visited where service consistency was questioned).

My first Four Seasons experience was at Landaa Giravaaru where the stay ended brilliantly. I went there with Yvonne and this Kuda Huraa experience was shared with her again along with our other friend Dylan. This time there were three of us and it was even more delightful. Why? Because there was a bunch of dolphins when we headed to the resort. The boat captain had to stop so we could watch them while they were trying to do some exhibitions (i.e mega tumbling sila). During the check in we were taken by surprise when we were told we will have a Sunset Water Bungalow - wow! I was very pleased of the upgrade (the normal room rate for this accommodation is around US$ _, _ _ _++ a night - but they're on a promo right now) Yay' Impeccable service & so totally exceptional. All of the staff are very much into small details on ensuring all guests will have a pleasant stay. I need to mention also that this place was full of good looking staff (of both sexes). If only I can stay there longer lol! They serve scrumptious foods (so how could I resist?!). Great place means great holiday. We're just too lucky we didn't have to pay as much as the other guests (the speedboat transfers & our accommodation were on special discounted rates otherwise we wouldn't be able to visit the place lol!) So you can just imagine how our smiles were when we were there.. Thank you Lord for the opportunity extended. And oh! How could I forget this weekend getaway. It wasn't just great but amazing simply because of the two lovely people I was with. Thank you very much mermaids! Hehe'

By the way I took a video of our accommodation. You can check for more details of this room type at the resort's website. Wanting to upload some photos but the files are too big and I am too lazy to resize them. If you wish to view some photos during our stay at this resort please visit Dylan's blog.

Niknok

2010-07-12T01:14:00.000-07:00

He's not from Meteor Garden's Cast okey? lol'

I fondly call him Niknok before because (I could be biased but I would have to say) he is my favorite cousin (from my Mom's side). I could remember 10 years ago we were the closest cousins among our other cousins in my Mom's clan. He is younger than me but we got along so well when I moved to Manila from the province for my studies. I was his clown I suppose during those days (just because I used to pronounce I to E or E to I when I utter tagalog words, grrrrr!). Since I grew up in the province and him in the city I think that complimented our existence.

We used to watch same TV shows (MTV was a favorite), we used to share and read gossip/fashion magazines, hehe' (I couldn't read the books he reads - too deep kase wiz ko magets), I don't go to church often (unlike him), I dress alright (his dressing style was way better than mine of course). I remembered him commenting "Ate Ja, yong outfit mo para kang yong mga taong nangangatok ng bahay" lol! - not that there is wrong with Jehovah peeps' wardrobes who knocks on someone else's house for bible sharing or something but just because the thought of I am not one of them so I shouldn't wear like them.

Although both of us keeps updated of ourselves it's a pity to say that it's been a long time that we haven't seen each other (like 08 years long). I thought this time we should meet up and wow! looks like we will make it (hopefully there won't be any hindrance to this). Yvonne and I are scheduled to travel HK & Macau next month and Louie (if you want to know more of him just click it here) will be joining us. Woot! I couldn't wait and I have started my countdown already. OMG' I can imagine now how he will make fun out of me lol!

I couldn't wait to reminisce with him the days we had before. Like when he once maltreated me. He doesn't let me sleep even at the wee hour when he starts to make sketches and paintings before. He wants me to be with him until he get finishes and wants me to serve Milo for him (not only that while sketching he wants me to sing Mariah Carey songs for him, pahirap talaga' lol!) He really made me like his yaya-san before but it was all paid off. He's an accomplished artist now. One of his achievement was when he got proclaimed as grand price winner for WACOM's 2nd Holiday Season Contest. And as a proud cousin (I hope he stops bullying me, hehe) here's some of his works.

He sketches like this when he is bored
(Psylocke Ball pen Sketch)

CUPID - one of his mythology themed stuff painting
(he is very into this kind of painting during his UST days)

...and more of his work here. Super proud ang Ateng I hope he'll treat me in HK ng bonggang-bongga! =)

My Maldives Life

2010-07-11T02:23:00.000-07:00

There is no doubt and can't contest when a tourist says Maldives is a slice of heaven on Earth. It really is true. I am not speaking highly of the place just because it's my host country but because it is the truth. Not that I have been to heaven alright but we all have the idea how it is like. When we say heaven it means of a place where joy exceeds, serenity is felt, and a lot more where experience is described to be at it's best! Maldives definitely speaks for that especially for all who have visited the place.

But what about the expats? Well I can only speak for myself. I would have to say it is not easy being an expat here although with me I feel so lucky that I have a boss who is like a dad to me, office mates who are like my siblings, an office ambiance where a worker would love to be in. But what about the whole place where I live in?

Male (the capital city) is not the city that you have in your mind. It is a very tiny island where thinly buildings are built and is surrounded by blue waters. I would have to say the place is crowded for its size 5.798 km2 with around 104,000 population. Even though my living condition here is pleasant and even if I am staying in the business hub of the country I still feel at times I am no different with expats living in the resorts.

There is nothing much to do here. No movie houses, no malls and not much options to go out to (an island resort is the only possible place to visit). Yes indeed. Very limited but ey! I am not complaining here because this is what I want and I already have anticipated how it's gonna be like to live in an island. Routine here could only be home > office > home. Don't remind me how boring my days are. I am pretty aware of that. Hehe' But ey! Life here can be awesome if you have a good support system. Definitely your island life will change if you have friends. And because of them even if I am not in the resort I still feel and tasted how it is like to be in Paradise.

Aikkks! This post was not meant to be written this long (I just want to bid farewell to my good friends). But I just couldn't write it in a better way of saying how important it is to have a support system when you are away from your own home (working abroad) let alone working on in an island. Well what to expect from me? When I say something it had to be in a diary or novel form like but very bony' lol! On a serious note I am very much grateful for my Maldives support system for months and years. It was because of their company that made my stay here more easier and remarkable. Below La isla bonita friends (that's how we call each other just because of the word Isla) are among the few friends I have here (although Yvonne has been a friend since childhood). Thank you guys for the tale of our lives that we've made together. They're not written in the sand where the turquoise water of the Indian Ocean could wash them away but in my heart. Good luck to your new endeavors in life! With so much love from me. Ugh! It makes me shed tears thinking my life here won't be as fun without your presence. Kekurany dho?

Dylan & Yvonne are both leaving next month

And oh dear mermaids! Please note and be reminded that we have to be very good in supporting the creator of Skype, Yahoo Messengers, and all other helpful networks where we could keep in touch when you're gone alright' And never get tired to update your blogs, twitter and facebook accounts' I will definitely miss you both to bits!

Moving again

2010-07-08T07:05:00.000-07:00

I thought I am fully settled in my current apartment where I called my second home away from home. Then came a surprise far away from what I've expected and looks like I need to find a new place of my own (hope only for few months) because the thought of having a place just for myself sound too boring. I don't think I can contain for long. So please help me God!

The notion of moving out is saddening but seems like I've got no other option. I would have to think it's a blessing in disguise. Should I stay more I think I will end up with a heart disease, high blood pressure and etc. Oh! It's just because all of my housemates could cook well and there's no way that I can control myself from eating happy food. My diet chart has never been damaged like this. Really.

Sigh* I am getting depressed with what's going on around me here. Few friends have left the country and few close friends are about to leave (will make a separate post about it). I had no idea things would come out like this and it's very untimely. Oh well! We can never tell things will happen in such way. Gotta have proper planning of my time. I am too busy at work these days due to I am off for a 30 days vacation next month and finding a new place at the same time is a challenge. Especially that it isn't easy to find an apartment here. Sigh* What is it with me these days? A jinx?! I hope not.

Highlights of Today

2010-07-06T03:39:00.000-07:00

Today morning I have posted this shout out to my twitter and FB account "It's been 05 days since I posted a blog post. Hope my approach to dieting is like that. Then I could lose a bit and attain my ideal weight. Wish ko laaaang ♬♬♬"

I mean when it comes to writing I can easily skip (must be because of my rusted or should I say dull brain and so the writing part can be very difficult' lol!). Ugh! Panic attacks are on the corner. I can't seem to figure myself on how to wear my gown on my cousin's wedding day with my hefty body condition.

I still have 53 days to tone down. Let's see if there will be changes. This is way toO challenging on my part. Dieting is easier said than done. I can only wish myself a "goodluck".

-0-0-0-

Noon time (during my lunch break earlier) I chatted with my childhood friend Yvonne via Skype. The conversation we had was full of enthusiasm. We discussed football again (worldcup mania has really taken us this much) and it made us want to travel to Brazil for the worldcup 2014. As if we were born to rich parents lol! But hey! Filipinos can travel to this country without having to apply for a visa. All we need is to just save money and that's it. There's enough time to save and yes this dream is possible to happen. Wow! Looks like the possibility of going there is high. I wish for a good health and great job condition for the next years and we'd be ready to pack and get our traveling bags ready for this. It feels great to aspire this much sometimes (hehe)'.

-0-0-0-

This afternoon about 45 minutes ago I spoke to Dylan and I couldn't be happier with the good news he's just informed me. He won't be leaving me yet for good (thank God the mermaid's departure was a false alarm). That's really cool! As much as I would love them to stay here I can't hold them should they want to leave and seek for greener pastures. Many friends have left this year and others are soon to leave. Sigh' Depressing as it is I reminded myself what John Gay has said about goodbyes "We only part to meet again" and I think it's really true. Someday somewhere somehow as long as we are still alive we will get reunited again just because if we really are "friends" we will always be connected and never cease to keep posted of ourselves.

Tune Hotels

2010-07-01T06:23:00.000-07:00

I was hesitant at first if it was a good decision to book for this hotel.

But I was really glad I booked it. When I went home last year for a short holiday I purchased a return ticket from Male to Manila on a special promo and so it wasn't a direct flight. That was the downside of availing the offer because I had to stay in Malaysia for a night and catch the earliest flight available the next day.

Since I had been to KL thrice or more I thought I should book for a hotel which is just nearby KLIA. There's no need for me to go the city even when my flight from Male would land at 7am and depart from KL to Manila in the afternoon the next day. I can rest and chill out the whole day in the hotel and have all the energy to go home.

Uncertain as I was I booked TUNE HOTELS KLIA-LCCT Airport instead of reserving Concorde Inn again. I saved a bit of penny from doing so and didn't expect I made the RIGHT decision. The hotel was pretty close to KLIA and I had a swift and efficient check in when I arrived at the hotel.

The room was quite small but big enough for me as I traveled alone. There was a folding table in front of the bed (which you can use and place your laptop if you wish to use WIFI connection in the room). No TV, no Fridge and I can do nothing but what do I have to expect from their rates? That's why it's a budget hotel and I will be there for a night's stay anyway. Besides, the AC was excellent, the bed was spotlessly clean, the bathroom was tidy with excellent hot/cold showers and a hair dyer. I am thankful the room was amazingly too comfortable for its price.

the bed and the bathroom

Honestly it would be difficult to find a decent hotel with a price as cheap as their rates. Definitely will book this hotel again if I will have a stop over on my future flights to KL. Its location is an ease especially if you are on the move. For a low budget night's stay... this hotel is truly good value for your money. I would have to say one of the best economy hotels I've ever been.

Bothered

2010-06-19T23:01:00.000-07:00

And one of the most difficult times is here... in terms of making a decision.

My sister first emailed me about the possibility of her to get discharged from work (due to all the NIA projects in our area are about to finish). We have anticipated this from the day she joined the bureau. In fact we were surprised that she is still working with them for more than 5 yrs now. Although we expected this will happen at anytime I still feel apprehensive about it but reading through her email she sounded optimistic and that made me feel better. I emailed her back and told her I will call soon.

She couldn't update me yet who and who are leaving their office. There was no official advice whether there is really a lay off but she has assured me she'll be alright in case there will be and she will be one of those who will be dismissed. She told me she will have more time and will get focused on her boutique & the fertilizer business. The signal was bad. We ended up a well phone conversation and wished her all the best.

Then yesterday I got another email from her. A good news! She's got her post retained (she's the youngest agriculturist among her office mates) but will be working in a farther district. There's no other option. She will be kept at work in a different place because she is the youngest & simply because she's single. That is not cool!

When dad died 02 yrs ago there were only the three of them who resides in our home. There's only her Mom and our helper. Mom is so attached to her. She is the only person who lives there with them that long. All my other siblings are living with their own family in their respective houses while myself has been living away from them since I graduated high school. During tertiary education days I go home once a year and same when I started to work I happen to see them once a year. My concern now goes to Mom.

Definitely should my sister accepts the offer Mom would say it's alright she can relocate and work wherever her job brings her. We all know how parents would give in for the sake of their love to their children. I am 100% sure she will say she'll be alright with our helper being around her. But the truth is she will get lonesome and that's certain. It's awful to think there will only be Mom and our helper at home (even when I know the helper has been with us for a long time) once she gets to decide and take the offer. In my opinion it's really different if there is someone from our immediate family to look after her. She is old and couldn't walk without the help of her crutches. Ugh! It would be easy to believe she'll be alright without my sister if she doesn't have health problems.

I knew for a fact that I can't ask my sister to stay at home. Her work lies her future too. She pretty much can decide on her own. In case she opted to grab the new job offer who will be there to look after Nanay? I can't ask her to stay while I have been away for this long. She might ask me the same question. Sigh^ This makes me in a bad situation. Our parents did their best and struggled hard to feed and made us what we have become. Now that they're old it's payback time! They deserve all the love and the care in the world that they need. Maybe I should ask a nephew or a niece to stay in our house (but we all know how teenagers are now. She might look after them instead!). I honestly don't know what to do. I can only hope for another miracle to happen. Please help me God!

Bag of Goodies

2010-06-18T02:51:00.000-07:00

I am just too grateful to the generous person who made the effort to bring these for me. This is something I didn't expect & indeed glad to receive them because I couldn't even remember the last time I tasted them. Filipino goods are difficult to find here (few may be available at some shops but they get out of stock soon) so I am very thankful I got these.

The eco bag from Watson with delicacies from home

P.S

If there's one thing that I want this time from home is to get a copy of METRO Magazine's July 2010 Issue. I came to know Solenn Heussaf's Maldives Photo Shoot is now available and I am excited about it because the location of the resort where they had the shots was in Baros Maldives (a resort close to my heart). A friend is going home tomorrow for a short holiday (hope she gets to read this post) and have the time to look for this and buy it for me. I can only hope' Hehe.

World Cup Fever

2010-06-18T00:11:00.001-07:00

Indeed caught on by surprise I am now a certified fan of football (to English) and soccer (to Americans). Am I correct?! Hehe' At first I find this game boring (watching it from TV where it takes a awhile for a player to hit the ball and goal) until Philippines National Football Team came here in the Maldives for AFC (Asian Football Confederation) Challenge Cup last year. My friends and I got free tickets and we all swamped the stadium to cheer for them. '

that's me (with the head band) and my friends

some of the Philippines National Football Players
(ang guguapo ng mga toddlers' lol!)

I never imagined that I would have fun watching the game and I reckoned this is much exciting and interesting than Basketball (I grew up in a country where people are Basketball fanatics). It didn't exist in my world but suddenly it hit me and wanting to watch more. Who doesn't want eye candy? Tell me who would resist watching a parade of good looking players? This is the only game I know jam-packed of handsome men! Girls and gays you agree on this right?! lol! Kidding aside I thought I prefer to watch a "TEAM GAME" if you know what I mean. In basketball one player can win the game (Kobe scores a lot right?!).

Anyway, since the worldcup 2010 has started I sleep late at night again and I am glued to TV as ever. We don't switch channel much. We only focus on one channel and forgetting about other favorite shows. We also have pasted a scoring board on the wall and so it would be easier for us to get tracked of the previous games. I am loving the turn of unexpected events happening at the worldcup 2010. Like I was really sad and shocked when Italy (the defending champion) got eliminated for Round of 16. And I love the fact that Asians were on for it (go go South Korean & Japan! lol!) Well I have to say that at the moment I don't have a special team to cheer on. I go for the underdogs. And oh can I show you photos of my list for the top hottest players instead?! lol!

Canavvaro of Italy & Afellay of Netherlands

Reid of New Zealand & Tasci of Germany

There's of course Cristiano of Portugal, Kaka & Robinho of Brazil, Gourcuff of France, Honda of Japan, Messi of Argentina (younger version of Richard Gere? Hehe') Veloso of Spain and lotta more! Wondering where I got all their photos? visit here. That's where I got all their photos. Yes, that's Fifa's website! =)

Travel Pre Cautions

2010-06-12T23:07:00.000-07:00

"Locked Up Abroad" of National Geographic made me write this post. This show tells tales about true stories of ordinary people who went to another country miles away from their homeland where they ended up having the worst nightmare of their lives like getting imprisoned, kidnapped, and etc which made them almost not to be able to go back home.

Watching stories of these people breaks my heart. I feel sad for these people and I couldn't help but cry. Sometimes I thought I shouldn't watch it because I get chills from watching the show. But getting informed of what's happening around wouldn't harm us. It is always good to get warned of such things because it may happen to anyone. Thanks for the show!

Anyway, traveling could be fun but it also has its challenges especially when traveling solo. I have traveled solo not just once but I thought it is much better when you are with your peers. Regardless of being in a group travel or solo I think we still have to be very vigilant. Here are some of the things that I do when I travel as part of safety measures.

1) Book for a flight which has a morning arrival
- This is because I don't want to scare myself riding on whatever mode of transfers is at night. There is ease when arriving in the morning & certainly it is much better than arriving in the evening.

2) Photo copy the travel documents
- I make sure I have a copy of my passport and a copy of my credit card. Store them in a great and secure location. Whatever happens I have something with me to identify me, huh' Never entrust things to others but to yourself. I also inform friends and family where I am staying.

3) Run your common sense
- I mean I don't compromise safety with few bucks to save on transportation and hotels. I don't go back to the hotel late at night. Use your insticts when to buddy up and know the limitations (so we won't get bothered too). If I drink it has to be moderate and exude confidence (we don't have to let them know were tourists noh).

4) Keep in touch with friends
- I normally make a shout out at Facebook (see there is also the good side of it not just socializing' hehe)' There is Twitter now too and it is much better there to update friends and relatives how you've been. It would be expensive to call or sms so these networks could help. They can trace and would know you're still safe.

5) Dress properly, read & ask from the right person
- I normally travel with my slippers on (the best for walking). I just wear a normal get up so it won't draw attention (naks! As if outstanding ang face, lol!). I always bring with me a hotel's business card and its map so eventually when lost it is easier to find the place. I don't usually read the whole thing of a country but at least a bit knowledge of it is good. I don't normally talk with people unless they're from the right establishment.

What about you? It would be great if you share other preventive measures for a safe & fun filled trip.

I am no tech savvy

2010-06-10T23:18:00.001-07:00

Do you still remember when I said I had a hard time uploading a video at Youtube? Not anymore! I have signed up an account and uploaded few videos already. I didn't know it was easy lah! A friend of mine has advised me to install AVI (it is an application where you can convert any video files to mpeg for free). Gosh! If he didn't inform me ...maybe till this time I am still trying to upload the videos regardless of the big size and its format which youtube doesn't permit. Thank you Marvin! I was hoping for a miracle to happen noh?! Blame it all to my decaying mind, lol!

Please check for my first ever Youtube uploaded video...on sharing with you the accommodation that we had during our 05 Days & 04 Nights Soneva Gili by Six Senses retreat. Yes! The one I was bragging about (hehe'). Enjoy viewing and hope this would help those who are wondering how the Spa Suite Residence looks like (char.com.mv! Hehe)'

Spa Suite Residence at Soneva Gili by Six Senses
(250 sq.m)

Secluded for total privacy with King Size Bed
Large Living Room with sitting arrangements & day beds
Roof Top Sundeck with Sun loungers
Airconditioned Bedroom & Living Room
Ceiling Fans in Bedroom & Living Room
Chess & Backgammon Tables
Kitchenette
Open Air Private Bathroom With Separate Glass Walled Shower Area
Bathtub & Shower
Espresso Machine
Mini Bar, personal safe & hair dryer
Television with video on request
CD, DVD, Denon Hifi System, Ipod Desk Dock
Television with Satellite Channels & Separate DVD Player
Spa Beds
Jacuzzi
Own Gym
Own Sauna

P.S

Pasensya po magalaw ang video ko =)

Childhood Memories

2010-06-09T07:21:00.000-07:00

My mind is wandering in my beloved hometown at the moment. I know for a fact that there's still 80 days till my vacation comes but time flies...the next thing we know I am already in the Philippines spending all the penny that I've been working hard for, lol!

I am thinking too much of this holiday (well am just like any other OFW who looks forward to seeing the family, friends and relatives at home). Arrgh! Too much excitement I guess ...that brings me back to my childhood and made me realize how I miss these things when I was a kid. You know...care free days of my youth! lol!

1) Praying the Holy Rosary for the Lady of Fatima

When I was in elementary I used to go to houses on the same block of my house to pray the holy rosary. My best buddy Andrie and I would always go together. I must admit that as a kid I always look forward to the snacks the household would offer after the rosary, that bad! lol!

2) Singing and dancing without embarrassment

I am a daddy's girl (miss you Tay!) and whenever he goes for a party he'd always bring me with him. You know the rest of story right? I should have been in the entertainment industry (bata pa lang nakitaan na ako ng galing) Wahahaha! Kidding aside I was the opposite when I grow older' prrffft!

3) The freedom to play

I wasn't born rich but lucky to have friends who had the best toys in town when I was a kid. I wasn't just watching them but play with their toys as well. I loved bahay bahayan and one of my friends (Wewen) was even built a real small bahay kubo. We cook, eat and clean the place like our own house. This made me remember Ate Malot who used to take care of us. Wonder where she is now?! Anyway, loved playing jackstone, hide and seek and a lot more of games at any time of the day (although in the afternoon we were required to at least take a short nap). Wow! such a good life we need not understand and worry about life and the world!

4) I miss the days where there was no electricity

I am very glad there is electricity but those bonding times I spent with my siblings is truly missed. I remember when we moved to our house (it was not finished at that time) and we had to sleep next to each other. Imagine my elder brothers telling us tales (horror ones) at night. We would scream out loud and hid inside the blanket hugging each other. Oh my! That was really fun' lol!

5) The simplicity living in town

No DVD's no computers yet. We don't even have a TV until I was in highschool. I loved those times where I had to sell ice candy to earn money and so I could watch a movie in my Aunt's movie house' Betamax days! lol! I miss those days where we would go to Carac- An River to wash clothes (we go there when we have lots of clothes to wash na' lol!.... with a hired labandera). We would fish while we let the clothes dry and then cook what we caught and eat it there. It was sort of a picnic!

6) The art of giving

Don't you just love the festive season when we were still kids? Makes me miss my godmothers and godfathers who were very generous. They just can't escape me. I go their houses and collect my Christmas present' lol! Christmas is my favorite season. I always get gifts which I always show off to my siblings and make them pissed off at me' But having said that I always share when they're really finally mad at me' lol! Do you remember our parents who would always tell us to put socks on a Christmas tree?! I really thought it was Santa Claus' lol!

7) Doing the household responsibility

Aside from waking up early on Sundays which is a must so we can attend mass, we also are tasked of home chores. I wash our dishes once a week (normally I do it on a Saturday). I sweep our backyard at least thrice a week and above all else doing the laundry of my clothes! Imagine tubig poso + magkula' so barriotic! lol! but I really miss that!

8) The joy that we get from eating native foods

Chow time during my childhood days are difficult to forget. Lutak, Ginat-an, Banana & Camote Que, budbud plus the Nutri ban the school was providing before...arrrgh! So delicious! The school doesn't provide Nutri Ban now and these native foods are no longer available as much as before. One of my favorites was Pandesal ni Mang Kardo. I remember they used to sell pandesal with a boy who works as part time to roam the bread early in the morning. Miss those days!

9) Just being a kid

I miss those days where I would take a bath outside the house with the pouring rain. Miss those days when I get sick where my Mom and Dad stood by my side and takes good care of me till I get well. I miss those days where my siblings and I would read komiks' It was always on abangan ang kasunod na kabanata' lol! I miss the time that I first traveled with my Auntie Melit and stayed in a relatives place in Colon Cebu (that was the farthest travel ever)' lol! Arrrgggh! So much happy days to remember.

10) Worry free days. No drama. No pressures. No need to dress up. Not minding the weight. What a life it was! But sure it will come back to us. That is if we live longer and uugod ugod na tayo (know what I mean right?)' lol! Just can't thank enough for a happy childhood I had.

Vacation plans

2010-06-08T23:42:00.000-07:00

Last night I stayed up late figuring out the itinerary of my upcoming trip to my home country - the Philippines. I listed all the things that I needed to do because I just don't want to come back here and keep wondering on the things that I missed during my holiday. I should be very organized this time. Here's some of the things that I need to do.

1) Stuffed myself with seafood & pinoy dishes (yes I still feel deprived of food despite my body weight' lol!). What's on my list to eat. Fresh Shrimp & Squids (sarap magkilaw..makes my mouth watery now). Crabs (the ones in my hometown. Nothing beats it! (kase mas masarap at malasa). Isaw, Shawarma. Chicharong Bulaklak and all about pork (because I can't it eat here unless I am in a resort). This one I shouldn't miss Balbacua!

photo credit goes to this person
(googled for it & grabbed it from his account)

2) Indulge myself on spa massage treatments. It is expensive here so I will have to take advantage on the assumed cheaper rates there. Hmmm..have you heard of "Spa Theatre" at the Water Day Spa? I checked on their packages and the prices are affordable! It seems interesting. I want to try that. I also have to do series of facial treatment (naksss! Overhaul ito at parang andami kong pera, goodluck! lol!).

3) I want to do a Carlos Celdran Tour (been reading his blog and totally enthralled). I want to book the "Living La Vida Imelda" or the "Intramuros Regular Walking Tour" or anything that he arranges. I want to try & ride the karaoke jeep tour too. Looks like I am going to have a blast. Wow! lol!

4) I want to try and experience the new way of watching a movie! I haven't tried the IMAX Experience. I missed this the last time I went home. A must to do this time. And speaking of movies...I want to visit Binondo also and scour for a hard to find DVD's (Asian DVD's especially Korean Movies...their movies are unbelievably the funniest and undeniably the coolest cheesy movies ever! Huh' me ganun?! Basta. I can watch them all over and over again! I am inlove with Korean movies and until now I can't believe Yvonne is also hooked on this. Haler?!? Si Lola V?! Talaga?! (thought she's only interested with encyclopedia and all that!?) Lol!

5) For now that's what on my list aside from meeting with my friends and relatives. I also have to do window shopping. Visit some Ukay Ukay shops. And if I have extra money for a short trip on the nearby cities I would love to arrange that. In the meantime I have to focus on what's on the top of the list. I am really excited and can hardly wait!

Social Network Meme

2010-06-03T04:49:00.000-07:00

I have so much in my mind to blog (naaks dunong dunungan, lol!) but I just don't know on how to start. Arrgh! I thought of uploading a video blog for a change but Blogger and Youtube are not cooperative. I don't know if it has something to do with my internet connection. Whenever I try to do it I always get an interruption or maybe ...I didn't get the instructions so well that I couldn't upload the file lol!

Hmmm...I don't mind. Whatever reason behind the interruptions I am no longer interested. Too glad I stumbled on Squidoo. Thanks God my blocked mind is saved and now I have something to blog. It's really been awhile that I haven't posted something like this (Hey ZJ! Where are your memes? You just don't know how much I need them especially during difficult times like this lol!)....and here it goes.

Copy and paste into your blog and change comments to your own. Use the title of this meme in your subject line or create your own. Feel free to tag your friends or not. A link back to this lens would be appreciated.

Social networking is a way of connecting with old friends, new people, business associates and others with similar interests. Some of the most talked about in the media include Myspace and Facebook. This meme lets you talk about your social networks.

What was the first social network you joined?
I couldn't remember which site I registered first. Maybe Friendster if not Hi5 or Tagged.

What networks do you belong to?
These are the ones that I could think of at the moment (maybe I have more lol!)

* Friendster
* Hi5
* Tagged
* Linked In
* Twitter
* Facebook

Which one is your favourite?
I am always on Twitter (via Tweetdeck - the best Twitter application ever). Most of my time is spent there. I love reading tweets not to mention you get updated of what's going on around the globe at the tip of your fingers! You get to know more of the people you admire the most...and you may even get to exchange tweets with them. It's another version of chatroom sites for me at least. My friends and I exchanged DM (direct message) all the time. Way better than opening your yahoo/hotmail messenger, skype (no need to get online and keep yourself on "idle, busy, away" status. I adore Facebook also because all of my friends are registered there. It's nice to get updated all the time of what's new with them not to mention my favorite games there lol!

Which one is your least favourite?
Hi5 has been my least favorite. Among all the networks this is the only one I find difficulties to log in. I just couldn't get the right password most of the times and that made me abandon the site (yes I have different passwords on each network lol!).

How many "friends" do you have?
I have about 680+++ at Facebook and counting

What is your favourite apps?
I have a hate & love thing for the apps at Facebook. But if FB games are considered as one of those apps then you know where my time is devoted at FB (Restaurant City, Hotel City, Cafe World, Mafia Wars, Yoville, Vampire Wars, Tiki Farm & Treasure Madness) Huh'

Who are your top 7 friends?
Elaykra, Jen, Monette, Kaye and my other top friends are on this blog's list.

What do you like about social networking sites?
Getting updated of what your friends are up to. Seeing them through their uploaded photos. Meeting new friends. Knowing the latest gossips and seeing the interesting different kind of people around! Lol!

What do you hate about social networking sites?
The spam mails but it's okey. I can delete all them anyway. And those unknown guys (not in my list of friends) who sends you mails in an offensive way - I am friendly but they're are just nutty guys out there! (although I ignore them still they made a bad effect on my day).

My DK Bag

2010-05-29T07:15:00.000-07:00

I actually blogged about this before (the bag that became my favorite daily bag - a give away bag when I bought a Donna Karan Perfume). Hmmm... Why blogging about it again? Due to the reason that I am very happy I am still using this. So durable after all this time despite the daily use and what it has inside.

Know what? I always complain of bringing a heavy bag but I can't leave the house without them. Sigh* What about you? Do you carry the same items that I do?

Lovin Twitter

2010-05-27T08:04:00.000-07:00

One day I browsed for tweets about "Maldives" and I came to find out that some of the interesting people who are very much active with Philippines' Entertainment Industry are coming for a photo shoot here. You are right! The next thing that I did was to lurk on their profiles every now and then. Due to that I visited profiles too of some celebrities who tweeted them about their Maldives experience and loving what they say about my host country.

Sweet! I love it that they loved it here. Reading their tweets made me decided to try to approach the peeps who are coming here. I don't know what went on me that day. I thought since they're coming I should go to the airport & meet them before their departure. You know filipino hospitality! I tweeted the two of them Jigs Mayuga & Solenn Heussaff (there were 05 of them who came here) Wow! I actually didn't expect for their reply coz I think in a day they'd have many tweets & may not be able to read mine not to mention how hectic their schedule was. I was very pleased. They have replied & were very nice! Unfortunately I wasn't able to meet them I got busy in the office the day they departed.

What I am trying to tell you is that, guys Twitter is the best site in the world if you wish to know & get connected with your idols with just one click & you are being able to interact with them right then and there! It's not there to just update you of what's happening in the world, keeping in touch with friends and family of what you are up to, your mind thinks & to socialize! Haizzzz. Promoting twitter much noh?! Just being thankful for this network.

What are you waiting for? Sign up now & get involved! Be a twitterholic! lol!

My Fab Birthday

2010-05-26T00:42:00.000-07:00

I thought I should share with you where I celebrated my birthday and how it went. Hmmm...I really have to say this was the best birthday ever. The grandest of them all! I thought the birthday treat that I gave to myself (with Yvonne's help) is what I truly deserve...Ahem!

I know I have been to the most sought after resorts in the country. But I will have to say that I had my best moments in this consistent CONDE NAST TRAVELER Awardee Resort - Soneva Gili Maldives by Six Senses Spa. It was a dream come true to stay there (you know it was an ultimate dream of even just stepping for a Day Tour). I told myself 04 yrs ago "Ey Soneva Gili taga mo sa bato! One day I will be able to visit you!" And the heaven's heard me. I stayed for 05 days & 04 nights there. And know what?

I was the happiest celebrant on that day in the whole wide world (maybe exaggerated to you)' Lol! But really?! Well we were upgraded from a normal Villa Suite to the most luxurious Spa Suite Residence on arrival (imagine for the entire stay staying in a 250 sq. m accommodation - whoah! not just a Villa but it was a house for me). Our accommodation is too big for the three of us. Just imagine a Villa with total privacy, A large living room with sitting arrangements & daybeds, Roof top sundeck with Day bed and two dining facilities plus Spa beds (in case you want to have spa treatment in your room) and Jacuzzi at the roof top, Over Water Sundeck with Sun Loungers, Open Air private bathroom with separate glass walled shower area, Bath tub and shower, We have our own gym & sauna, A walk in closet and etc. You need not want to go out everything is in the room! Hmmm...I think I was the only guest in the island who stayed there without a huge amount in the bank. Lol! I was sharing the island with the rich and the famous from all over the world. Imagine how I was when I was there... a social climber! Lol!

If the princesses who were there at the resort during my stay received a VIP treatment, I was treated the same (and so the other 02 Pinay nurses who were with them). The service was excellent! The food was great (in all exclamation point!). You know holidays turn right when the food is good. I didn't skip any of the meals! And guess what?! My birthday night was awesome. It was like a Christmas/New Year's Eve Gala Dinner. The resort's theme for that night was Mediterranean and God I never imagined a preparation like that on a normal period (I pretended as if sanay na ako with this occasion, lol kapalmuks!) Anyway, that's one of the big reasons why these people doesn't mind paying huge amount at this resort (resort's accommodation rates doesn't come up with free meal, it's based on room only + subject to service charges) - when we were there a normal Villa Suite was around US$ XXXX per room per night so imagine how much our room type costs? It was around US$ XXXX per night on RO + service charges). But guests would say it's worth the money (how much more to someone like me na di nagbayad as much as them, lucky! lucky! lucky, lol!). The resort pampers their guest with great deal of attention in every aspect. I am very much indeed grateful to all the lovely staff who rendered us such great hospitality during our entire stay. Having said that I never gave a tip (wanting to give but Vonash a.k.a Lola V said butlers are richer than us if they compute all the tips (imagine a butler getting a tip of 50usd to 1000usd. What if all guests would give a tip? how much are they getting in a month?) plus their service charge shares! (sure they dont mind their salaries). Lol! While it is true I was thinking I should really give because I was really happy with their service... but will they be happy to receive what I am going to give?! Arrghhh....I put the money back in my pocket Lol!

Here's some of the pics I took during our holiday

P.S

Yennox, thank you for flying from Dubai just to be with me & Lola V on my special day. And to you Lola V, thank you once more ♥ ♥ ♥

H-O-L-I-D-A-Y

2010-05-17T07:01:00.000-07:00

Yes I just had my 05 days break last month but that wasn't enough. I would have to say I had been to some of the best beach destinations in the country and would love to be in the city this time. I want to wear high heels and trendy clothes. No more bikinis and sun tanning for a change. Good thing I still have 27 days left to spend on a holiday and couldn't I be luckier with the below air fares?

They're pretty much on sale! My only concern is my travel date ...it's not fixed yet (waiting for another mail from Ghia). And oh! Philippines is not included on the list. Got to check from another airlines maybe they have low cost deals too. I just hope Philippines is on a promo. Sigh* If only there was a budget airline here (like Air Asia) that makes the world smaller. I hope I will be able to finalize this vacation before the month ends.

Oh my much awaited holiday please come soon! =)

Change of Plans

2010-05-13T04:36:00.000-07:00

My annual holiday supposedly happens every January but this time since I flew to Colombo (Srilanka) & Milan (Italy) in February I thought it was wiser to go home this May (especially that my work related trip to Dubai got cancelled). But it makes me feel guilty to go for a holiday because the time I came back to Male till this date I made few absences already for island getaways. I thought I should consider flying on December as it has been 05 yrs of not celebrating Christmas & New Years' Eve at home.

Then suddenly I got an invitation for a cousin's wedding which will take place on August. With so much excitement I agreed to be a part of her wedding entourage. We haven't seen each other for more than a decade and was pleasantly surprised when she brought the news. My other cousin Langga emailed me too and said he'd be home for her wedding. I couldn't imagine the fun when we get together until...

Langga said he won't make it to be home. There are things to consider about his job. Understandable! I told myself it will be alright. It wasn't that long since we met in Bali last year and besides we'd be seeing each other again on December. I was gonna ask my boss if I could take a leave when I was reminded of a colleague that it seems going home twice isn't a good idea at all. Why so? Due to the periods that I am planning to go home are on the peak seasons. That made me change my mind. I can only travel on off peaks.

Then, Yvonne - my travel buddy called up the other day just to tell me that instead of going to Nepal and the Himalayas she now plans to go to Hongkong & Macau and that she has booked her tickets and the itinerary has been made. Ugh! The pressure on fixing my schedule gets messed up.

OK. I thought of changing my plans. I emailed Ghia (my cousin) and told her if her wedding invitations weren't printed yet then maybe I could still back out (with the thoughts of seeing her here for her honeymoon in September). And then I could join Yvonne on her planned trip and get to be home on Christmas. Voila! What a perfect plan I uttered.

Today I got Ghia's reply and told me that it broke her heart that I had to choose between August & December. I was told whatever works for my schedule will be fine. She said she fully understood about being away from home (she's based in Canada) and that she respects whatever decision I will come up with but mentioned she would be very pleased if I will be able to witness her walking the aisle (once in a lifetime existence after 33 yrs).

OK. I guess I have to go home the 3rd week of August. I could visit Hongkong and Macau before Manila or vice versa. I think my Mom and my siblings won't mind if I wouldn't be with them on Christmas (what matters most is that I can come back home and be with them at least once a year). I guess I have the best plan ever.

Now it's time to look for the flight details during the month of August and its prices. I also have to check for bridesmaid dresses & styles. I live in an island and I am honestly out of fashion. Ghia is going to pay for the gown but I can have the design based on my style. So far these are my finds. I don't know which suits me best.

photos are from Vera Wang Collections

If you have any suggestions please let me know. Whew! I couldn't remember the last time I was on a wedding. I am looking forward to it. I need to get the flower bouquet from her... I need to be the next bride to walk on the aisle LOL! By the way this is the August Bride and just looking at her photos I can now imagine how lovely bride she will be on that day. Congrats Ghiang! xoxo'

The act of kindness

2010-05-06T06:54:00.000-07:00

You see I didn't ask for this. Amazingly freebies keep on coming. This made me in high spirits simply because not all are blessed with generous friends.

That's my friend Harry who had me registered to their IHG Friends and Family Programme (one of his great benefits for working in one of the IHG Hotels). How lucky guys coz now I have the privilege to book from any of their hotels around the globe due to that privilege extension.

IHG operates seven hotel brands and that's Intercontinental, Hotel Indigo, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites & Candlewood Suites. Imagine! Now I have the access to special insider deals available by just clicking a magic link (hehe). Due to this I am itching to go for a holiday now but I can only wish! If only I were a child of a king...oopss! I am just kidding Tay! Hehe.

And would you believe I can also pass you the magic link? When you have it you could book hotel stays at low special rates. Yes you read it right. So if ever you plan to go for a holiday and wishes to stay at any of the above mentioned hotels let me know and I am pleased to share this with you. Just message me your email address because the link is not possible to publish. So let me know at anytime!

Camera & Foot Craze

2010-05-04T06:57:00.000-07:00

WARNING: This can be gross...

This is what happens when I have a camera at hand. Taking photos of my "sinauna or pangninunong paa - ANCIENT FEET" lol! I know this is unpleasant but right after organizing my photos in my laptop today, I couldn't help it but share you one of the things that I'd love to take photos of and here's some of it.

On a sofa in my friend's apartment...

On a hammock in my friend's place...

Inside the walk in closet with a glass floor in Soneva Gili' Spa Suite Residence...

Mine and Yvonne's yaikkss!!! LOL!
Excuse us but we were on a backapacking trip in Cambodia & so the dirty feet...

In a Fish Spa somewhere in Berjaya Time Square Mall KL, Malaysia
That's Langga's, Yvonne's, and mine...

Yes even before weighing I had to take a shot, lol!

the required shot because of the boots
(this was taken at a "secret" place when I was in Milan Italy...ssshhHH')

Ugh! I wish I have a nice set of feet like this then I could wear sexy sandals without my siblings & friends bullying me around. Well as long as I have a set of clean feet then that matters the most (panget na nga madumi pa ewww na talaga)' lol!

Grateful

2010-05-02T07:32:00.000-07:00

You guys are awesome! I asked for one but I got four. WOW' How good it is to know I am loved. Actually I didn't expect someone would give importance on my request because there's no need really. It was just a part of my wish list and I wasn't serious when I said "that someone may buy me a Burberry Brit, Lacoste or Hugo Boss Perfume" I still have bottles of different perfume and just because I couldn't think of anything more material. Oh my! Now there's no reason guys will not notice me, lol!

Meet my fab benefactors...
~ Maha thanks for the Lacoste (pic not available) ~

Hugo Boss all the way from Dubai
Thank you so much Langga!

For the Burberry Brit Perfume...
Thanks a lot indeed Ganda!

...and for the Elizabeth Arden 100ml Green Tea Scent Perfume
(which I forgot to take a shot)

Thank you very much Yen!

My Birthday Wish

2010-04-19T03:26:00.000-07:00

1) Good health for my dearest Nanay (Mom had her 2^nd tendon operation and she couldn’t walk now without her crutches). I would have to say that it’s good I am not there coz it's really depressing to see her with the crutches. Heartbreaking!

2) That my friend Sheelah’s plan to come to Maldives will get realized (I am really on the highest hope that Elay could come back here again so she could visit Eiesha this school vacation). They haven’t seen each other for a long time now.

3) That if ever my cousin Langga will get relocated to another country he’d get the best job deal more than what he is enjoying right now and that it would be easier for him to adjust in the new place, make new friends and eventually get settled soon.

4) That my siblings business will get more customers and generate more profit and so I could have someone to turn to when I needed money anytime, lol!

5) That my housemates and I will find a new apartment soon. A bigger one. I meant with a big receiving area merely because I think our place is the most visited pinoy apartment in Male. It’s all about Ate Marivic and not because of me :D

6) That my company will get more reservations even on off peak seasons

7) That my friends who are in trouble due to heart matters will find peace and make right decisions

8) That my friend Vonash dream to study will get realized and that her promotion will happen soon before she relocates to (M) and that she will find a boyfriend soon. I really want her to have a bf, lol!

9) That my friend Paul who is leaving Maldives for good will find a great job soon, stay healthy and may continue to travel to places he wants to visit

10) That my friend Dylan will enjoy his Bali trip as much as I did

11) That my friend Jen will have the perfect wedding she’s ever wanted at Fiji, no more cold feet loca! Your wedding is fast approaching!

12) That there won’t be earthquakes anymore

13) That my countrymen will vote the right person on the presidential 2010 elections

14) That someone will buy me a CK Watch I long to buy because I can’t afford LOL!

15) That someone may buy me a Burberry Brit Summer perfume or Lacoste White or Hugo Boss Femme

16) That I will be able to save money for a CANON G11 Camera

17) That I will be able to meet my cousin Lui in HK before I head home for my cousin’s wedding in August

18) That I could go home this Christmas and be with my Nanay & siblings

19) That I could travel to at least 02 more countries I haven’t been to before the year ends

20) That an IPAD will be available here

LOL! What a long list! Above all else that hopefully rain will not pour from 21-25 as I will be off for a break at this consistent Conde Nast awardee resort

Last Thursday night was fun

2010-04-11T03:02:00.000-07:00

Etc

2010-04-05T06:23:00.000-07:00

Today is a special day...my Tatay's birthday. I know you're out there somewhere and keeps on watching me. You are dearly missed & I love you!

-O-

"the view from our room ZOMG this is the best place i have ever stayed in my life http://twitpic.com/1cku9x" - tweet of quarklovesyou (twitter account of Quark Henares - son of Dra. Vicki Belo).

(they are currently staying at W Retreat & Spa - Maldives - Dra. Belo left Maldives last night according to my friends who did the Male Sightseeing Tour for her yesterday afternoon) but her two children and ex husband are still in the resort). Chismis noh! Hehe'

I am happy to know they love it here! I learned this from Quark's tweets...and heard Dra. Belo will come back again and maybe with...hmmm :D

-O-

Looking forward for my 07 nights vacation (it'll be in a resort island). Pretty sure I'd get negneg after this break but I know it's going to be alright. If only I can fast forward the time. I want to celebrate my birthday now. I don't care about the age all I know is I want to be in this resort soon. Arrgh! I am doing the countdown now. So excited! LOL!

-O-

My set of friends in Male' is getting bigger and bigger. What makes it more interesting is that we're all Bisaya LOL! I couldn't say thank you enough. Meet Jet Jan & Tin. Pretty gurls yeah?! :D

Photo is taken from Tin's FB account...

Very thankful

2010-04-05T05:06:00.000-07:00

Everyone forgive me for I may sound like a celebrity thanking her sponsors for the products she's endorsing. Well I just thought of thanking the people who never cease to amaze me with their thoughtfulness. I think I have been doing good this year (could be the reason why I got plenty of gifts' ahem!) and astoundingly is still pouring (just the other day I received another present again) How cool is that?! THANK YOU ALL for your gifts!

1) For my housemates - for Jajaruku (that's how I call the Japanese looking doll they gave me) 2) Elaykra - for the bracelets and the vest you sent (oist Elay I am still waiting for my wedge shoes Hehe') 3) Langga - for the Trench Coat & the shawls (indeed it helped me stand the freezing weather of Milan) 4) Thappi - for the set of Erb Bath & Body Collection (it was her "pasalubong" when she went to BKK) 5) Tintin - for the shirts (of different colors) she bought and for the Harem Pants (my fave pants now!) 6) Jen - for the chocolates, 02 sets of swimwear & a black vest (that I so love coz it makes me look skinny) 7) Kuya Joe - for the pink wallet with a $50 dollar in it (Vonash blue wallet is waiting for you here in Male) 8) Luciano - for the Mortadella all the way from Italy (truly appreciated as I miss eating Mortadella so badly) 9) Ead - for the 2.8 kilos duck & all the instant Phad Thai & other instant Thai Food packets (he's supplying me these for free :p') 10) Tya Dads - for all the FOC Avon products (hehe').

Wondering what will I get on my upcoming birthday...Hmmm :D

Kuredu Island Resort

2010-03-22T04:02:00.000-07:00

I just came back yesterday from a 03 day weekend getaway at KUREDU ISLAND RESORT. Prior to my visit I assumed that I will like the resort (lots of people are telling how lovely the island is) but never did I imagine I'd say "I love Kuredu!" (simply because I am not a fan of big resorts ... I prefer a small or medium sized eh :p)...

Aside from the fact that I was astounded by the beauty of the surroundings (turquoise & clear waters, white sands, huge beach area) the service was just great! ...and the food was of good quality (the concept of dining around in at least 03 restaurants is really cool - well I am speaking for jacuzzi beach villas and water villas occupants on FB Meal Plan - normally you can only dine in at the Main Restaurant). The Villas are kept tidy and and the entertainment was good. Ugh! It was really sad to leave Kuredu but I will be coming back next month Whoah! ...excited and counting the days now... Haha'

New found friend

2010-03-22T03:12:00.000-07:00

Our names started with a letter J and could be the reason why we instantly clicked as friends. She may be younger than me but we really get along well with each other. Or could it be because she graduated tertiary at the UP Diliman and so we jive well (mostly of my cousins esp my mother's side graduated at this institution but not me' lol!). Kidding aside I am very glad to have her.

P.S

madam pang calendar girl gyud ang imong photos. mwuaah!