I was awakened by an early morning SMS announcing that baby girl who will be named Maxeene was finally out!  I’ve posted a week ago about my officemate who is due for delivery and well, it did not take long after her last working day in the office because barely 3 days after her off from work, the baby was born.  Oh! I can feel how relieved she must be!   Further to the text message, the cervix would not dilate further to accommodate the engaging head presentation so her  OB gyne, already  prepared her and she went under the knife (Ceasarian section) after 20 hours of hard labor.  Although, the procedure will no longer prolong her labor but I bet  how she wished that Maxeene will come out by normal birth since operation will somehow make a a slight dent on their savings…. But that’s how it is.. The most important things is both mom and baby are fine.

This morning I received another SMS that they will be discharged soon… I was not able to visit them in the hospital because I was also having my own battle with flu and it is not advisable to go out unnecessarily so as not to spread out the virus.   I just text back welcoming them to the 24/7 world of babies….

Ah.. sleepless nights…

My daughter in her late teens can’t contained her excitement upon  knowing from a press release of the group 2NE1 that they will stage a concert performance in Manila.  It was  months back after the news of the concert came out she and there she goes, noticeably goody goody girl and “Ms. Nice girl so to speak”.  Obviously… and we know that there is a hidden motive behind that for everytime she writes to us, she never fails to mention about the concert and would always speak about her wish to watch the live performance of the Korean hip hop girl group called 2NE1.

We challenged her that if she will do good with her studies this current term (which she always does), her Papa and me will be willing to send her money to buy ticket….Actually, rarely that we allow her to go and see concerts because we were always worried for her safety… fear about stampedes, long lines, pick pockets and all forms of cheating.  Actually, it was no surprise at all when she got good grades and a promise is a promise.. so she received money for VIP ticket purchase.  She was really estastic and surprised that she will be on the front seat and will be seeing the performance up close.  We received a million thank you’s (exaggerated huh !) Though the ticket is pricey , we really don’t mind at all as long as she will not wait on long queues, braved the summer heat and inch her way with thousand of screaming and enthusiastic fans who too were eagerly waiting to reach the entrance gate.

She is really a fan and kept mentioning about the group and sometimes, I would tactlessly asked her what good she can get from those Korean girls… But well, I should have not asked at all because she wouldn’t listen.   So, I just did my little research to get ideas about the group and how it had even influenced the manner and style of dressing of my daughter.

So this is the group 2NE1….(have you heard about them?)

taken during the concert…

Korean hip hop girl… what’s in them ???

enthusiastic fans and my daughter was  one of them…

Since she was seated in the VIP row, she had a vantage point.. close to the stage but arms and hands with cameras somehow blocked her view.   No doubt, she too was among those who clicked her camera endlessly.  

Soon after the concert and on her way home, she called and recounted that she really enjoyed it and again reiterated that it was  dream come true for her..  

Oh well, I believe you… you are a great fan!

The fastfood that is the Filipino version of Mc Donalds

Right after office, we headed to the still ” talk of the town”  fast food chain that is Jollibee…..It is like a magnet that seemingly pulling all of us with an invincible force.   No matter what discouraging stories we’ve heard still it would not stop us in going there.   We still want to be part of the crowd that were patiently waiting in line just to have a taste of what we grew up with… the Chicken joy, the Yum Burger, the Jolly Spaghetti or the Burger steak.

I persuaded hubby to bring me to the place but he won’t give in to my request because he doesn’t have the patience to wait for hours.  He told me that my craving can still wait.  But I have cravings … cravings for fried chicken.!   “Forget it” was his quick reply especially it was the opening week and we heard from  friends that they braved the “almost crazy crowd” that snaked it’s way to the fastfood.

Hubby explained to me (as if I am a child that needed a good talk), that we should wait for a little longer say a month hoping the crowd will disperse or get tired of waiting in line.   So, almost 3 weeks since it opened last February 6, when I lovingly told hubby that it is about time to meet Jollibee.   When we were at the entrance, my heart was jubilant because the store seemed to be quiet but to my dismay,  it was jampacked inside.  To my  calculation it will take us about an hour to be able to reach the counter.   I was secretly checking on hubby,  who was somewhat fidgety and I know that any moment he might back up.  Since we were almost close to the counter,  I amused him with stories so that he will not get bored.

Is this all??? Oh my….

At last, we had our orders taken… but I guess, due to the long wait , my craving was gone…  We ended up ordering ONLY 1 chicken meal (chicken with a cup sized rice and gravy to go with it),  a piece of  chicken leg and palabok (they call it a combo meal), softdrink and juice and yes, no more…..  Lol… that’s the charm of Jollibee… you will go there crazy about the thought that you will be able to eat your homegrown favorite and then that’s about it.   You can’t resist to take pictures while inside (like what others are doing), which you will excitedly post in Facebook for your friends to see that you’ve finally made it there.

Waited almost 1 hour in line for this meal… I am not kidding!

The spacious Jollibee meal box!

My  profile shoutout “ I’ve been to Jollibee”….

Yes!  We partied 2 weeks ago… It was only today that I was able to download all the pictures taken that night.   Rarely, that we socialize formally  (you bet the ladies wore gowns and the gentlemen were in their best suits). We veered from the usual casual get together and we had  a blast partying with couple friends.   Well, as I had posted, I decided to wear my old gown because nothing seemed to fit me anymore.   After few quick alteration, a stitch here and there, the gown is as good as new!   My aunt used to tell us that it  is how you carry yourself that will make you standout from the rest.  So that night I wore my old gown, my 2 1/2 inches heeled shoes and my best smiles ever!   Well, I did not bagged the Queen of the Night because I was with the panel of judges… lol… I don’t have any expectations…

It was amusing to see my lady friends who really prepared for that party… all made up and be- jewelled in their gowns.  During the planning stage, I’ve heard that they were having qualms about wearing gowns, according to them they are not used to it, but surprise! They all showed up wearing it….. Although, they claimed that don’t really have the body , but who cares??? … Anyway, all ladies have bulges and flabby arms to show…except for some few ladies who are still in shape (good for them!)   While the gentlemen dazzled in their suits… though some tummies were evidently bulging.  No matter what the shape we are in, (Isn’t it that we should love unconditionally????)   We enjoyed and partied the night away!  It was a respite from the hectic and busy days we have.

The camera flashed endlessly, the girls posed without let up….the men are our papparazzis!  Chance to be photographed in their best and for Facebook posting… And true enough, the next day… all postings are pictures… pictures…. taken that night.   I was tagged countless times,  some pictures for keeps and some I would rather not post at all, like pictures which did not captured my best angle….  (*wink).

It was a night to remember… you see, they were asking for the next party! party!

Yes, we were invited to a couple’s night!   It is going to be a post Valentine affair!  We’ve been looking forward to this event where our couple friends will have the chance to be together in a special night of love, fun, dancing and super bonding.  In preparation, the ladies will take out their best dress or formal gown as specified in the invitation, while the gentleman are required to wear their suits or Barong (Philippine attire).  Well of course, I don’t want to be outdone so lately, I’ve had to rummaged my closet for evening gowns.  However, it is quite hard because some won’t fit anymore and needs repair but I am already pressed for time so no way…. Won’t fit?  Yes, it goes without saying that I gained weight.   Last night, I tried to fit into my favorite gown but since it is  a bustier type, my somewhat broad shoulders and now big upper arms will unnecessarily be exposed even with a shawl.   Hubby for sure will not like it.  In fact while I was doing my fitting or should I say dress rehearsal,  I myself doesn’t like the sight of me infront of the mirror.  To exaggerate… I looked more like of a wrestler.    I know it is already too late to do something about it…. the affair will be tomorrow and there is no sure way now to fit into most of my gowns that I had chosen.

Hubby was gracious enough to drive me to the city and allow me to made rounds of shops for gowns.  With vast array of gowns to choose from, sometimes it is hard to decide… some are too frilly, some too sexy, overdecorated and very expensive.  Usually, those that made me drool are gowns that are tastefully designed,  with good fabric and expensive.  And for me who have a budget  to consider, I have to settle for the lesser ones.  And if  I don’t want my husband to lose the smile on his face, I’ll better stay away from that shop.  Oh yes, I am aware that we should be practical these days!

I’ve found simple gowns with fine lines and reasonably priced but this will be best carried by ladies with long lean bodies.   So, what a shame if I will insist on buying it.   I will only be fooling myself hoping that it will look good on me.  I have to be realistic… I need to be in tip top shape before I can carry such stylish gowns.  And when and how?  It will take a lot of determination..  Since till today, I haven’t got a new gown yet, I will  just settle with my favorite gown.  Never mind, if I had worn it  last time in a debut party, I will just add some accessories and wear few conversation pieces of jewelry which I have invested on.   That would complete my look!

After tomorrow’s big event, I have to re- assess myself.   I don’t really like what I have been seeing lately…. Actually the running joke in the house ” I was a coca cola body before but now a coke in can”.   That means the curves are no longer in the right places.    Ouch!   That would be a wake up call!

What would you expect?  This holiday season, everybody seemed to be in a rush and in a shopping frenzy.  Shopping is done left and right… invitations for parties, exchange gifts, gift giving, food galore are all part of this Holiday season!  Although shopping really excites us no end but shopping for oneself is different from shopping for another person.  If you are going to buy a gift for a friend, there is much thought put into it like you have to carefully consider the receiver’s personality, likes, lifestyle.   But  first and foremost is to consider your budget. 

 Just a wishful thinking-  how simple and meaningful it would be if we could  just blow kisses into a box and wrap it.  Also gifts can be in a form of good deeds- a hug and a kiss, opening a door for an elderly, baby sitting for a neighbor, visiting the sick, giving love and cheers to those who are in prison , in the home for the aged.  Simple things count a lot.  But let us face it, we can no longer get away or others are unwilling to do away entirely with the gift giving tradition. 

Gift giving dated back in our ancient times but during those days gifts, were simple and non-materialistic.   But  gift giving  was no doubt transformed into a modern Christmas celebration with too much commercialism.  There is no disputing that Christmas giving has become a very big, brisk business because there is no stopping people from shopping to give away gifts.  It became a tradition.  Somehow it became a ” SEASON TO BUY”.   To most it brings happiness but disappointments to those who can afford very little.   Our culture changes but the spirit of Chrismas and the giving associated with it, is affected by the modern consumer culture in which we live. 

Well, we all have different viewpoints here.  Actually it is our choice…. let us not overspend…. let us not be a millionaire for a day.  While it is true that it is better to give than to receive,  however, let us buy gifts that is within our means.

I love giving and receiving gifts…

A friend called  a week ago asking for any available Halloween costume I might have in our closet.  Her son should come in his best Halloween outfit not necessarily scary but was encouraged to be unique.  She told me that almost all children come in costumary cartoon characters outfits while the braver ones used scary masks and all sorts of spooky make-ups and they wanted to be different this time.   Well, since my children all all grown up, I had already given away all of their small clothes, all school  costumes- used for United Nations parade, Halloween, Nutrition month, their Santa outfits… what else?  So, I can only suggest (as if I am a fashion guru..lol) and we found a 1970s afro wig and told her that maybe she can have her son used it as Michael Jackson come to life and apply very pale make-up and touch of dark color to circle around the eyes.   That’s all I was able to suggest and hopefully  she liked it.    I  believe there are a lot of toys and novelty shops here that sell masks and wigs and you can be different in a way if you will be more creative.    Afterall, you will only be using it once a year and not necessarily you have to buy expensive outfits.

The next day when I reported to work,  the phone was busy with two of my officemates comparing notes about Halloween costumes they had prepared for their children and were excited too!

I mused and said to myself,   dare to be different… creativity is the key!



The image of a stork bearing an infant wrapped in a sling held in its beak signifies childbirth

A baby girl finally came to the life of happy couple Jimmy and Trixia Andaluz.  The baby saw the light of day today, 14 October 2010.   It was a long awaited moment they will both cherish because after 5 long years of union, the couple were finally blessed (for the first time ) with their new bundle of joy.  The baby is a precious gift from the Lord.    We were excited hearing the good news so we trooped to the hospital and there we saw the proud Dad, tired but fulfilled Mom and the cute baby girl just brought in by the nurse for rooming-in.

We can feel the excitement of the first time parent and we are here to guide them and give some parenting tips if needed.

Babies are such adorable creatures!

Our big banner became a centerpiece for our parade.  It was conceptualized by a friend who had flair in designing logos and we beamed with pride as we displayed our Blue team banner.  It generated excitement and motivates our members to be livelier and enthusiastic about the parade.  It was almost 10 am when we lined up in the Philippine Embassy ground and the direct rays of the sun seemed to be piercing our skin but we continue on with our march with matching chants.  That was one rare chance that we were able to  gather a large crowd like that!

Advertising has come a long way… tarpaulin printing made a great impact in getting messages across.   Our logo was printed in vinyl material and it was durable since it is water resistant.  However, it was obviously oversized.  Anyway, the bigger the better, it can be seen from afar!

Everybody cooperated, they prepared their own “pom-poms and assorted cheering paraphernalia’s and potluck too!   The members gamely participated in the parlor games and supported their team members.   We had a great day last Friday!

The culmination of a month long preparation for the Family Fun day happened yesterday at Philippine Embassy ground.

This morning, I woke up with sore legs which  I believe is  due to long hours of standing, walking and running because being one of the organizer of the event, we can’t afford to just sit down and watch the event unfolds.  It was a big event, very well attended despite of our initial worries that the weather might deter the families from coming.  It was still hot at 42 deg. Centigrade at noon and the children are expected to become uneasy.  However, we were glad that many families stayed till the end of the program braving the weather.   I bet, most of them applied a sunblock lotion before the day starts and re apply every now and then.   Admittedly, I was one of them who dreaded the after effect of long sun exposure.  So, I prepared a wide brimmed hat, a light weight jacket to cover my arms and applied sun block lotion plus a bag full of mineral water to help replenish lost fluids.   Believe me, since it is dry here, I hardly experience any sweat at all despite our vigorous movements of running, jumping.

People started to come as early as 8:00 a.m. and program started with parade of colors. After the usual opening remarks and pep talks, the  fun began at half past 9:00 am.   The mood was festive and exciting!  The children and adults alike enjoyed the games!

The kids enjoyed the game except this little boy..  I guess he was bored and sleepy!

Obviously, the adults had their share of fun!

We retired to bed that night exhausted but fulfilled because the event was fun filled and people  enjoyed bonding with old and new friends.  We were thankful that no casualties happened and the lucky ones went home with raffle draw prizes.

Success we may call it!