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!

At Home @ House

This is not a food blog. It just so happens that food tasting has become a habit. hahaha! Also, it's good to savor singlelicious life through giving in to our cravings! Hihihi. Well, let's just say that this is the prize received by my boyfie for being the Rocker of the Day of  his company's recently-concluded Christmas party. For someone who's favorite breakfast is pancakes, the best place to be is Jollibee? Mcdo? Kidding! It's Pancake House. 

The place was quite crowded when we arrived but that was okay because we found a nice table at the corner. There was nothing which could spoil that moment. Though an old lady's voice was a  one or two scale higher than moderate when she reminded a waitress to make no mistake, ('Twas somethin' like 'siguladong alang mali ah.' in a Chinese accent.) I thought it's okay. The waitress didn't seemed embarrassed and  I've heard about the reputation of Chinese when it comes to business. In short, no hassle! So we ordered. My had  Choco Mint Surprise and Hot Cappuccino while he chose Festive Fruit and Nut for me. I added Green Tea which I am still raving about! I am not a tea lover but I ordered a tea and I will not mind having tea again next time if the tea will be as good as what I had there.

Choco Mint Surprise!
The Surprising part is the jello in between...

I really love this!
(BTW, can you find what's wrong in this pic?)

My visit here this morning is far better than the previous one. I am not sure if it's because of being with boyfie again after not seeing each other for about 34 hours. Anyway, I categorically say that a hearty breakfast with Boyfie is lifeylicious. 

I guess the serving is too much for me.
I love it though...

Bill:

1     F.Fruit & Nut E            158.00

1     Chco M. Surprise E    158.00

1     Pure Green Tea E         32.00 (Mura lang pala!)

1     Cappuccino Hot E        58.00

Plus:

8% Service Chrge                29.00

Expensive? Lem'me remind you that we don't do this everyday! hahaha! To Boyfie, did you like your prize? 

Hello, Pollyanna!

I just found something to be glad about and that is knowing Pollyanna. Actually, I've heard her name several times but it wasn't big deal for me. Pollyanna is just one of those girls in cartoons, I thought. I never expected that this video will make such an inundating effect on me. It just did.


To those who has no idea who Pollyanna is, well she is Little Ms. Enthusiastic or Little Ms. Positivity or Little Ms. Glad Girl. This optimistic girl has become a source of optimism in a seemingly dull village by sharing the game her father taught her, the Glad Game. Because of her presence, the lives of the people changed.


The story started when she arrived in a village where her Aunt Polly lives. Being an orphan, she has cherished the memories she had with her father including the Glad Game. She's so vibrant as opposed to her aunt's stern attitude. The villagers aren't so friendly too, except for Nancy, a servant  and two other male helpers. However, their negativity slowly got thawed by this cheerful and smart girl. The girl melted hearts such as those of Mrs. Snow and Mr. Pendleton which are hard as stones. She was like fire that changed the forms of metals. Her amiable character is so amazing that it transcends age and status. Until one day, she was tested. She was struck down by a car. No child of Pollyanna's age will react calmly when he/she finds out that walking and running will be just a part of memory and dream. When little girl accidentally heard about it, she was devastated. It crushed the heart of her Aunt Polly. Though she has an option of asking help from Dr. Chilton, who happens to be her ex-lover, she kept her pride. To make the story short, I'll say that  this is a 'they-lived-happily-ever-after story,  so with the help of those who have been touched by her, she was able to walk again. The End. 

You're such a lovely girl! Thank you! (Click this if you want to watch it too.)  

The movie is oh so moving. It made me cry. The movie is great. I wonder if the book is better because I really enjoyed watching this one. Slow internet connection could not dissuade me from finishing it. By the way, the girl in this adaptation is Georgina Terry. This version was broadcast in 2003. 


What transpired in the story is my dream for myself and for everyone, i.e. that we may always find the good in every situation - every, all, no exceptions. This may be difficult for those who felt they have been cheated, those who have been betrayed, those who are suffering from cancer, those who are about to lose someone, those who have lost someone, those who have lost one or more of their faculties, those who have been demoted, those who have been fired, those who have been persecuted, those who have been victims of wars and of crimes, those who are hungry, those who have no shelter, those who failed, who has been called a disgrace, those who have no families, those who are asking who their real parents are, those who have to work even during holidays, those who are away from their families, those who are living hand-to-mouth. those who received nothing this season, etc. (You know me when it comes to enumeration... I have to stop at some point. Just like my Christmas wishlist.) But no matter how difficult it may be, it is possible for us to be GLAD. 


Life is great. Life is beautiful. Life is lifeylicious...


Short Prayer: Knowing you Jesus is one of the reasons why I am glad. Thank you!