2 Bcome 1

When Boyfie and I went to a wedding fair recently, something caught my attention. This is something because we have booked our own photography/videography supplier already. I mean I was intentionally ignoring photo displays, but the photos in one booth were too hard to resist. Yeah! Simply irresistible. So, unique! 
What I saw is a TRUE artist! Astig... in a lifeylicious way! If you want something different, memorable.... something that will WOW everyone, go for Nep Almonina. Actually, I don't know the guy. hehehe... His work speaks... Be the judge. Here are some.

This reminds me of "til death do as part."

Sabay tayo... pati sa pagligo! Why not?! Conserve water.

Because of you, I stand tall!

Kaya n'yo to! Sweetness to the max!

Prenup po 'to! Sa ayaw at sa gusto mo! 

If you will ask me to present a stranger who thinks out of the box, I think this guy is the one. 


Now, that almost everyone who has a DSLR claims that he/she is a photographer, I suppose that after seeing these pics, you can identify who is the real photographer. Click! Click!


Just in case, you want to keep in touch with the genius, here is his email nep_almonina@yahoo.com.


(This is not a paid ad. Fan lang po ako.)

Fireworks!

I am not going to write about Katy Perry's hit song hence the title is not in singular form. hehe =) This is peek on how Boyfie and I celebrated our monthsary. We cannot just ignore what has been going on around the world, but it doesn't mean our lives should be paralyzed. I am all for happiness and it is enough reason to go after every opportunity of celebrating wonderful moments. I believe I need these... evidence of God's love.


After an exhausting week, it was just past three when I felt that I had to rest. However, because I promised to be with my Boyfie, I ignored my debilitating condition. I was quite annoyed as I endured the scorching weather on our way to MOA. I know that Boyfie was also feeling the same way but couldn't complain. Anyway, as planned, we visited the Wedding Theme and Motif exhibit at SMX Convention Center. On our way back to the mall, we noticed some photographers were setting up their camera's on the bridge connecting the mall and the convention center. I decided to stay there. I was oh so excited to watch fireworks there. It was Australia's and Philippines' turn that night. As I waited, Boyfie bought something to eat. On that bridge, we shared another memorable moment of happiness. Like kids, We were thrilled to watch the beauty before our eyes. I could not remember how many times I uttered "wow", "ang ganda", and "ang galing." 

It was a lifeylicious night indeed! I am sure that hundreds of people who were there were as happy as I was. What a night! Thanks, Boyfie!

I love FOOD!

For most of us, food has become a major source of happiness. When we are happy, we eat. When we are sad, we eat. When we are frustrated, we eat. When we are stressed, we eat. When we have nothing to do, we think of eating. When we see food, we just want to eat. Sometimes, our image in the mirror isn't enough to motivate us  to stop eating. We are willing to spend our hard earned money just for food. Why? Food is happiness. hehehe... The good thing is that it doesn't need to be expensive all the time. 


I want to share some pictures of what I eat in school. 

Strawberry shake - Php 20.00
Mooncake - 6.00/each

Palabok - Php 18.00
Puto -  8.00
Mountain Dew - 10.00

Diningding with Rice - Php 27.00
Melon juice - 10.00

So next time you see me and you think I am heavier, if not healthier, you know the answer. My life is lifeylicious!

Chosen by My Heart

Time to be happy is now! hehehe... Obviously, I am thrilled because boyfie and I have finalized our wedding date and venue. I never thought I could feel the way I felt when I visited Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Cubao. I love it and I am sure it will be more beautiful on my wedding. =) 


At first, I didn't like marching long aisle, but when my heart chose this church, I set aside that consideration. I told myself, "I want it here. This is the perfect place." Yes, it is perfect that is why I want to share it to you here. Now, I'm having doubts whether I should post it here or not because it is supposed to be a surprise. hehehe.. Anyway, only very few friends and relatives visit this blog sooo, why not, tsokonut! 


I never imagined getting married during my lifetime until January of 2011. I never felt so excited. The preparation is not easy but I'm ready for it. It just started... I just want to keep on reminding myself to enjoy everything. This is a GIFT FROM HIM! This is just so lifeylicious!

The march of my life will be here...

Another thing, my boyfie and I are already decided on our color motif. After seeing this, I am wondering what if I... Hmmm... I really have to seriously think about it. 

Sweetest Couple

It's LOVE month...


I am one of those who do not celebrate valentine's day. It's not because I'm bitter or something. It's just the way it has been. hehehe... But I will never hate this month for being a love month because I have become a witness of a love-to-last-forever. Sweet, no!


My mom's birthday is February 15. Since I become aware of this date, I never failed to see my mom having fresh roses on valentines day. When my mom was still teaching, my father used to send them in school. Of course, co-teachers and students always teased my mom. Who wouldn't? hahaha! According to my parents, my dad has been doing that since he was courting my mom. Actually, during the courtship stage, my mom received a flower/s every day. Kiliggers! hehe! Guess what! I have seven (7) siblings. Ang konti! That number excludes two (2) more brothers - Romano and Angelo! They are angels now. 


Let's go back to flowers. When my mom retired, surprising my mom has become more challenging for my dad. There was one time that my father had to hide the flowers in our tricycle and sneaked it inside without being noticed by my mom. hahaha! 

I am grateful for having parents like them. I love them very much. I love my family. 

This Sunday, February 13, will be my mom's birthday celebration and I'm excited! I think my mom won't be receiving flowers on this day. Why??? Because it has always been ON VALENTINE'S Day! Lifeylicious!

Twitter, I Love

It's been three (3) months since I started tweeting and I'm loving it more and more everyday. From 70+, I am now a follower of 213 twitter users. I must admit, I am hooked. hahaha! Actually, I gave up Cafeworld for Twitter. Maintaining an FB application is time consuming so I chose to serve just one master online. That's Twitter! Yipee!


I have only few followers. Those foreign followers gave up on me when I refused to follow them. hehehe! Those my list of those I follow is getting longer. I still do consider myself choosy. For instance, for news sources: I have PDI and ANC only. I follow few artists too. They are Jim Paredes, Rica Peralejo, and Miriam Quiambao. I follow them not because they are artists but because I love their personalities. I also follow those who nurture my  mind, heart and soul like Tony Robbin, Sharma, Ralph Marston, Deepak Chopra, C.S. Lewis, Ken Blanchard and more. There is this group of bloggers to who feed me with thought-provoking statements, questions and ideas. I love them not because I agree with them but because I'm learning much from them. Aside of course from my friends, there are those I follow because they are just nice people. 


Ask me what's my most frequently-visited site these days. The answer is TWITTER, I LOVE! Lifeylicious!

A Screenshot for you...

You Are Beautiful!

I just found a video via Twitter which I think is needed by many of us these days. I am glad I found it. My heart yearns to share it with YOU. 


All want to be accepted, to be part of something - whatever it may be! Though we want to be alone at times, we measure our worth by being part of something - something bigger than self. In our quest for this longing, we tend to measure our worth based on the standards of others. Consequently, with our permission, we let others pull our strings. An example is: People like beautiful, fair-skinned, fashionista person. In order to be one, we allow our purpose, our heart's desire to take the backseat. Sometimes, joining the bandwagon is like entering a labyrinth. Once we enter, expect a slim chance of escaping from it. It becomes life itself. We forget that there is life outside - Life that nurtures! 


If we know and assured that we are BEAUTIFUL as we are, will there be changes on how we perceive things, life... on how we treat ourselves and others, on how we talk, on how we think, on how we act, on how we LIVE?

Given by my father last April 2010.. Lifeylicious!

We are created in HIS image and likeness... Life is a miracle of beauty and YOU are a miracle just like YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!

Keeping Self Sane

With all the confusion going on brought my Makati bus blast, accident in Eaton Bldg. in Makati, instability in Egypt, and my midterms... Yes! even my exams, how do I keep myself sane and say "have a lifeylicious day?"


I believe in the power of thoughts. If I entertain bad thoughts, I will be doomed. It's not that I am selfish. It is natural to think of myself first. Right? (Humahanap ng kakampi!) Anyway, I am aware that my actions and thoughts affect others. If I transmit negative vibes, people around me will get weak. If they become weak, they will multiply the nega energy. Just imagine how damaging it could be. 


What do we think of people who smile? One is that they are happy. There are many answers but I'd like to emphasize this one. If we smile at someone, that person usually smiles back unless of course, you're flashing a wicked smile. hahaha! So if that person smiles, even if that person isn't happy yet, he imbibes that feeling and so he becomes one happy person.  


Going back to my question, my answer is I smile. Then I start to feel things will be okay, better or great!  


I am not apathetic. I also feel for those who are victimized, aggrieved, have lost someone and in misery. Reading news articles and watching videos about them make me cry. However, I am powerless to change how they feel. Praying is what I usually end up doing. Then, I shift again to positive mode. I focus on what can trigger happy thoughts... 

like food...

or this...

We need happiness and joy to keep us enthusiastic, to keep us moving towards our goal, our purpose. As we journey towards that end, we are already doing our part. 


What role or how important the role is not important to me. I don't entertain many goals. hahaha! I don't care about labels. Doing what I should ought to do is the favor I can do for my family, friends, church, community, society, and my country.  


To sum up, when we smile (as in genuine smile, kahit pa bungi!), we are doing favors to others already. Isn't it great? Gaganda o gagwapo ka na, nakakatulong ka pa! Lifeylicious!

Delicious Not B'coz It's Free

It's nice to be back.Yey!

Anyway, my boyfie last night just told me something that made me think and smile. I am not talking about sweet nothings... Not here! hahaha! He said that we could have saved a lot if we have learned about free food tasting three years ago. Amazing! For two (2) consecutive days we've been enjoying sumptuous meals. Ohhlala! That's true.

The first one was on Sunday when we went to Weddings and Beyond event. It was almost 6 p.m. when we got there. The good thing is that it seemed we missed nothing. The vendors are everywhere. Since it was our first time in such event, we were not really into booking yet. So just checked everything before us. We also asked questions because we haven't decided about anything except that we are getting married soon. hahaha! It was fun! So after collecting brochures, pamphlets, calling cards, etc., we noticed that the tables and chairs there were not for display but for food tasting of Juan Carlo the Caterer. Because we liked the color of the table napkin (ang babaw no?!), we decided to try. I am glad that we did! I was like thinking that I attended Regine-Ogie's Wedding. I don't like to wear a red gown though (out-of-topic). Thank you, Eric for the assistance. We are definitely considering your service. As promised, here's your pic!

Juan Carlo Endorser?

Next. Since a polite and efficient (efficient because he was able to get across his message in a limited time) guy who looked like a waiter invited us to visit Robert Camba Catering Services in New Manila, we reserved our Monday evening for them. 

After discussing the packages with a friendly representative, we proceeded to the dinner. hahaha! Food tasting and dinner in one! Food was oh so palatable! Though we feel like saying, this can be it. We want to delay it for one more week... Bear with us! 

Robert Camba in New Manila

 After a hell week due to my midterm exams, I am overwhelmed by two-consecutive lifeylicious evenings! Thank you, Jesus, for the food, for the people, for a wonderful life! Muwaahh!

Time to Celebrate

Though I want this to be a food entry, I won't make it as one. Why? Because this all about my birthday. I am the protagonist. hahaha... This is my blog, my castle, my haven. I've been out of touch these past few days but it doesn't mean that my days are less lifeylicious than before. It's not like that! 

Anyway, I want to thank Sis Jhane for agreeing to spend our pre-birthday celebration together. We had a wonderful bonding time in Megamall. We visited E.O. and Sbarro. It was really a WOW! Thank you too for the gift, Sis. It was unexpected and it made me glad. 

I also thank the Dela Fuente's for the greetings. I really appreciate. Of course, I want a special mention of mama's name here. "Mama Ghie, thank you po sa lahat, lalo na sa caldereta at pancit. Mwah!" 

To my family and friends, thanks to your greetings sa SMS at sa FB. I know you're all wishing the best gift for me this 2011. Let's all keep on praying for that. hahaha...

The above is just an intro. wahahaha! Of course, the highlight is my date with Boyfie. After attending the 6p.m. mass, we had dinner at Benilli's Italian Restaurant located in Cubao Shoe Expo. 

I really had an unforgettable night. It was my first time to have a romantic dinner . Mauulit yang wine na yan. Masarap pala... The kid in me rejoiced to death. The food was okay too. The now-you-see-now-you-don't scenario happened again. I love the music there too. It was such a cozy place. I even told Boyfie that the place is such a nice place for titigan (eye-to-eye contact). I was relaxed there. Definitely a place to be on my birthday. Not being in Cebu for Sinulog is okay as long as I am with the people I love. Happy birthday to me!

Such a romantic mood...

That dinner was followed by coffee time/study time because it's my exam week already. This means I have to end this entry and hit the books again! 

It's lifeylicious to see that I'll be posting a new entry. I miss this... 

Thank you, Baby Jesus! I wish many Filipinos will choose to be happy and serve you in everything we do!

From My Former Students

People I know who viewed my blog tend to remember my food entries. That seems to be our common weakness these days. However, I refuse to reinforce that craving for now... for now!

On December 24, 2010, when I cleaned my closet, I came across some souvenirs of my years of teaching. Since I'm in a different field now, I know in my heart that it's time to let go of my old stuff. But there are things that I can't just let go. Hence, this entry. Below are some written evaluation of my former freshmen students. I asked my students not to write their names so that they could write freely. 

Honestly speaking, the first time we've met I felt not comfortable in your class because I was feeling nervous. That time my perception of you was you're a terror teacher. Nakakahiya man pong sabihin but there were times that I prayed na absent kayo and we have no class in English. But as time goes on, madaming nabago, nakilala ko ang tunay na kayo. Ma'am, thanks a lot for being a friend, sister, mother and at the same time, good teacher. Ma'am we love you!!! Thanks...

For me, I evaluate Ms.___ as a teacher is very interesting because she is strict in a sense that the students have to learn the subject and study well. She's trying to teach us to be good students. 

You're the one person who inspires me to study very well, to be successful someday.

Having a professor like Ms. ___ made us, students feel good and even better. 

You know how to treat your students very well that's why we're very thankful for having a teacher like you who always understand our weaknesses and help us understand those things which we are having a hard time to comprehend. How can I forget the first teacher who told me face to face that I can be someone I didn't expect to become? You're the first person who made me feel proud of myself and who always builds up my self-confidence when I think that I can't make it. For me, you're not just a teacher but my sister who I can turn  on to when all have turned their backs on me.

And because of that and for all the things and favors that you did for me and for us which I did not mention here, my sincerest thank you. Whatever success I can get, you're one of my inspirations and one of the reasons. Thank you.

Ma'am, thank you for being nice teacher to us. Marami po akong/kaming natutuhan sa inyo. Pasensiya na po kayo kung Tagalog ito. 

Sana po kayo uli ang teacher namin sa second year. Malaki po ang utang na loob ko sa inyo para sa lahat ng aking natutunan.

Maraming salamat po!!

These messages will remind me of one of the highlights of my life. Reading these is lifeylicious. To my former students...

Wherever you are guys. I want you to know that I learned a lot from you too. The time I spent with you was so meaningful. I did my best and I am still giving the best I can now though I am no longer called a teacher... You made me the person I am now. Thanks a lot. Mwah! Mwah! Mwah!

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

I miss writing... It has been 10 days. Well, please bear with me because I started hitting the keys without any topic in mind. 


I am thinking of sharing what happened during Christmas. Okay! This one is just short because this is certainly a late post. hahaha! My alibi is not because I was busy but because being with my family always requires my full attention. I tend to forget everything, even the required readings, when I am surrounded by the ones I love, especially kids. Is that justifiable? So to those who did not hear anything from me, Merry Christmas! 


Christmas is for children. So this year, our protagonist is my two-year niece, Aerisse. We fondly call her Innie or Ineng. She has been the source of love, happiness and contentment of the family. Who would have asked for  more when he/she is being entertained by a child as smart and lovable like Innie. 

She's oh so happy and so we are.

Before Christmas, I always see to it that we have packed candies for kids. F.Y.I, on December 25, we are visited not only by those we know but also those who are strangers. We wholeheartedly give to anyone saying "Papasko po" or Merry Christmas as long as they are kids. The preparation was made more special by Innie because she joined me and Boyfie in packing. 

She's two, but she looks five here!

Because of her wit and charm, she earned lots of Potchie. As a two-year old surrounded by candies, you might wonder how in a world can we (Boyfie and I) finish packing. Believe me, Innie is gifted with a power of self-control. She listens when you say no, but finds a way on how she can win you. When she succeeds as she always does, you'll reward her by giving what makes her face beam with delight.

Pose, Innie! Our happiness...

Aside from Innie, my Inaanak Marell made me really happy. She gave me two outstanding performances. She sang Reflection and recited a poem. If all godchildren as amazing as Marell, ninangs like me will be dirt poor. Hahaha! 


Oh well... writing this makes me realize how happy I was. Each child reminds me of Jesus, the reason why we have Christmas! Happy birthday again, Baby Jesus!