Baguio break - part 1

Yes, we are back from our short but sweet stay in Baguio. Perfect weather for relaxation... Sunny but cold. Very ideal for vacation.

I sooo love Baguio! I love the weather, the manor, the food, people, the parks and simply Baguio itself! One of my fave get-away spot next to Tagaytay. With just 5 hours away from Manila (via SCTEX), Baguio is the next convenient and accessible vacation spot for the family.

Sharing some of our Baguio pictures ... (sorry picture overload here)

at Camp John Hay Manor -- still at 50% off room rate until Sept 30

enjoying the boat and bike ride at Burnham Park

horseback riding at Wright Park

at The Mansion grounds

at Mines View park -- Sam enjoying the barbecue, picture with DJ -- St. Bernard



wearing the Igorot costume

kuya ico, sam and panda

MBAPs Meet

* MBAP photo snagged from Abie

Thank you to all mommies (and daddies) who showed up last Sunday for the Dampa, Macapagal meet. It was a huge success, kudos to everybody who went and had a great time with the seafood feast! Wish I can say more about this meet up, but I guess the pictures from Abie, Peachy, Mich and Joy’s blog showed how much fun (and food) we had last time. So much food that we all went home with take-outs enough for family dinner! Yes, ganoon kadami foodie extended until dinner! :)

‘Til next gimik date on October 19, Sunday. Venue c/o Jane. And it is official … baby shower and early Christmas treat for the MBAPs. Will probably send email next month for the party details. For the meantime, start doing all your rakets…need to save up $15 for the foodie share.

And to the preggo moms, no one should give birth earlier than the said date! Otherwise, malolokah ako to set new meet up date!lol.

Kelly, Thea and Apple … time to redeem yourselves! Oh we expect a lot of goodies (and foodies) from you! Seriously.

To MBAPs, looking forward to our next EB date. Hopefully more time for tsismis this time.

Again, thank you for making it happen ... love you all!!

I am busy ...

... doing my last minute online shopping.

Just got email that hubby's aunt from New York she will be home on September 9. Really excited. I've got so much online loots I sent to her house for the past two months and I can imagine her balikbayan box full mostly of my loots! Very bad. lol.

She'll be home for two weeks to spend time with the family and we all look forward to her arrival. I was told that she requested three weeks vacation from the hospital (she's a surgeon, by the way) not only to cover her Manila visit but also for her house transfer at Fresh Meadows, New York. By this time, she's probably mid-way of her house transfer process with the help of moving trucks she hired from NY. Thank heavens for this help wonder. Otherwise I can't imagine my aunt moving all her heavy furnitures and boxes all by herself in one day!

off to HongKong and Macau again...

It was announced yesterday that our sales travel incentive shall be in HongKong. Finally after the long wait, the Bayan sales team will fly to HK this coming Sept 12-14. All 65 of us .... Our HK package includes round trip airfare from Cebu Pacific, accommodations from a four star hotel, Hotel Panorama at Kowloon, airport transfers, half day city tour (optional), breakfast outside the hotel and Disney entrance tickets! Lovely and really exciting! I can imagine with all of us flying on the same flight --- it will be very, very chaotic.

Part of our travel itinerary is to visit Macau too. Since I've been to Macau last February, most of my officemates are counting on me how to go to Macau. I plan to bring them to Venetian Hotel, and of course at the ruins of St. Paul and Leal Senado. With a very limited time, we can only visit few places and probably have some photo opps with Macau's famous landmarks.

Though I want to go to Zhuhai for bargain shopping, I don't think this will be possible. With my colleagues on a three-day stay, we need to be very wise in picking our destination. Sadly, our short trip to Macau is not covered by the company. All expenses shall be from our own pocket. Thus, I am hoping we can add up travel insurance as part of our travel package. Just hoping. Or probably since I'll be extending my stay in HK for another three days due to some business meetings, I can ask our travel agency to upgrade my HK package with travel insurance since I am on an official business anyway. Hmmm..think this will be perfect. Oh I just can't wait for this trip ... I am so excited! Another bag shopping for me. Hehehe!

finally booked ...

for Sam's 4th birthday party.

I've already confirmed my bookings at Mc Donald's, El Pueblo for November 8, Saturday --- four days after Sam's actual birthdate. Booking my preferred date was not at all difficult. As a matter of fact, I was the first one to book for the month of November in their books. The party assistant was surprised that I am reserving the place three months ahead. Well, if this is the usual clubhouse party, I guess three months already quite late. Talk about being OA and OC! lol.

Anyway, as promised to hubby I'll just throw a simple party this year for Sam. I want her to blow her birthday cake with lots of kids around. Thus, Mc Donalds is a perfect budget party place. I told hubby got no plans to be the OC party mom this time. I'll just make it short and sweet for the kids and will work out within the budget.

BUT, as I was negotiating with the party assistant I was surprised and ultra-happy I was able to get the approval for the ff: (well, almost everything!)

* continue my party theme : strawberry shortcake at mc do-landia
* bring in my own balloons/balloon decors/ table centerpieces
* dress up the place with decors etc.
* bring in my own party tarpaulin (stage) including my 2 x 5 standee
* bring in my own lootbags/give-aways.
* bring in my own party cake (can be served as long as with waiver)
* themed pinata or pabitin
* prizes or games
* bring my own glitter tattoo or face painting (after several pa-cute!)

Unfortunately, mc do wont allow bringing in my own entertainment or host. Party games and hosting should be done by mc donald's crew. well, minor problem... I don't have budget anyway for magic shows :) Food carts not allowed too.

You might be wondering how I will dress up the place with the 1.5 hours limited party time at mc do. Of course being the OC mom I am ... I reserved two party slots! Yes, they allowed me to do this! hahaha! So, with few thousand bucks extra --- got my desired party time. I reserved 400-530pm and 6-730pm slots! Wohooohoo! So we've got extra time for games and chicka time with guests. Aliw noh?! And the best part, since I got two party slots...two mascots (kiddie mc do and grimace) will appear for the mascot show! and twice pa!! Yippeee!! I so love Mc Do!

Anyway since I've got until Sunday to confirm my reservation, I am considering Greenbelt as a party venue due to its playground inside the party premise. Hubby thinks otherwise. He prefers party venue to be accessible to our family and friends. Hmmm...let's see.

I just hope (and pray) that my blog moolah will save me this time. One of the reasons why I got hubby's approval for another party this year, due to promise of my blog moolah. lol! With barely three months left, I am hoping the web raket will be kind and generous to me...I really, really hope! Wish me luck.

NFL family time

Sandwiches … check, fruit basket … the kids in the car … check. All seems to be complete for the family picnic except for one small detail … my husband. Ever since my husband got the NFL Sunday Ticket, things never was the same at home … expecially during Sundays!

With the Direct TV NFL Sunday Ticket, my hubby gets to watch the games … in HD! First I thought who would enjoy HD viewing of grown men beating up each other. Oh, the horror! And worst of all, you get to see the action like you are there in the field! Literally, up close & personal!

But with several attempts to convince my husband to give the DirectTV NFL Sunday Ticket (and failed), I gave in. If you can’t beat him … join him. And on second thought, it seems to be a good deal … watching all (as in literally ALL) the NFL games on TV is a good deal. Nothing beats NFL TV!

Now, I make sure the goodies are prepared before the start of the games. And the kids too enjoy it as well. Now, who says this NFL TV Package can stop my family from enjoying Sundays? It is now part of “family time”!

Happy Birthday, Mommy!

Sunday was spent with my side of the family. We had dinner last night to celebrate my Mom's 52nd Birthday. Her actual birthdate was last week, August 08 but since I was in Baguio to attend a wedding that time, we decided to hold her post-birthday dinner celebration a week after. My penalty ... I get to treat the family!

Anyway, We had simple dinner at MANN HAN restaurant (our family so love Chinese food) in Megamall and post dinner celebration with coffee and donuts at Krispy Kreme. Very simple celebration. My mom was really happy since we spent our Sunday with her, together with all her apos (five), and in-laws. Though we are not complete (less my younger brother working that night), she's very happy that we spent our Sunday night with her just simply catching up and making her feel special.

Family dinner at Mann Han




To my mom : Happy, happy birthday! Wishing you more birthdays (and lovelife) to come!

Bonding time and sharing good laugh over coffee and donuts at Krispy Kreme
(the cousins: Sam, Adrian, DJ and Bam)

Mommy and the bratinella, Sam

Kuya Ico (the oldest apo)with Adrian (my brother Raymond's son) and DJ (my sister Lhotte's son)

another baby shower ...

Just came from another baby shower last Friday. One of our sales operation assistants is scheduled to give birth to a baby boy next week. She's been praying for this baby for a long time, thus when we learned the great news, we are all happy and excited for her. Some of our colleagues prepared a surprise baby shower complete with party program such as baby games, food, give-aways and gifts. The soon-to-be mom was really surprised and almost cried when she saw how happy and how much effort was done to prepare her simple baby shower.

During the program, she shared to us how much happy and scared she is with the coming of the baby. Like all first time moms , she's totally unaware of all the baby necessities she needs to prepare prior birth of her baby. When asked, she bluntly told us that she haven't bought anything yet except the baby bag and a few baby clothes as part of baby's going home outfit. For baby funitures, she bought a three-in-one crib that can easily be converted to playpen as soon as the baby gets bigger. Though she's excited to buy a baby stroller, she's having a hard time deciding and choosing reliable stroller brand for her baby. I told her to consider checking out the Bob stroller I saw on the web which will fit perfectly with her active lifestyle. With its unique pivoting front wheel, malling and jogging with a baby in tow will not be that all difficult anymore. I told her not to scrimp on the budget but ensure getting a baby stroller that is reliable and sturdy for her baby. Moreover, getting a stroller is one of the best baby furniture investment that I did since it is wise, convenient and practical than breaking my back from prolonged carrying of a baby.

to my virtual friends

Got this from Em, from her detour blog, all things beautiful. Thanks girl! Truly value your friendship.

FRIENDS: 1. Everyday Life 2. Words of Love 3. Sheng's Simple Thoughts . . . 4. My Life's Rollercoaster Ride 5. Princess Vien 6. Deviously Creative 7 Doll Me Up 8 Living the Healthy Life 9 Mind Bubbles 10 Vanity Kit 11 Stripe&Yellow 12 Something Purple 13 Em's Detour 14 Coffee Table Conversations 15.YOU!

We need friends for many reasons,

all throughout the season.

We need friends to comfort uswhen we are sad,

and to have fun with us when we are glad.

We need friends to give us good advice,

We need someone we can count on,

and treat us nice.

We need friends to remember us

one we have passed

sharing memories that will always last.

Spread the poem of friendship.

Passing this to my virtual blogging friends abroad : JoyD, Gracie, Apols and Jen.

weight loss fluke

I lost 4 lbs last week. Was ecstatic and inspired to slim down. I did'nt eat much carbo (particularly, rice) and sweets. I even avoided buffets and late-night snacks. I am happy and just maintained my usual meal intake. Bread for breakfast, one cup of rice for lunch and dinner. No afternoon or late-snack binge. Despite the good news, I was quiet about it to hubby ... I want to surprise him.

BUT after weighing in today, I was surprised that I am back at my original weight. Darn. After not eating much and avoiding snacks, I can't believe nothing happened! I was expecting to lose 2-3 lbs more with my last week's effort, but boy ... I was wrong! What may have caused this diet loss fluke? How I gained back the 4 lbs I lost in one week? Can't figure it out ... Totally irritable after knowing the result.

I told hubby my weight loss fluke and he was laughing at the result. With so much effort done to shed off few lbs, he told me it might be attributed to my PMS cycle. Lately he noticed I am quite irritable too thus he's thinking I am under the "PMS" phase. The husband suggested I should consider taking progesterone cream to prevent any PMS symptoms. This way, I can naturally combat my sudden weight loss/gain, abdominal cramps and irritability. Hmmm...coming from my husband, I am sure this is a perfect explanation and solution my PMS symptoms. He's the one taking all the birth of my ire! Hahaha!

travel incentive and bag hunting again

To Hongkong or Macau? Still undecided. We haven't made any final travel arrangements but definitely we are sure to claim our sales incentive on Sept 12-14. I've got one of a hell travel plans next month. And I'll be away from my little girl for seven days ... to know more, read here.

Anyway, since we are confirmed to go ... I am one busy bee doing my shopping list (and budgeting) now. You see, I really need a nice black bag for office use. Despite owning several black bags ... I feel that I need something formal, corporate and serious. Aha! That's the perfect word I can use for hubby --- serious bag! lol.

Since I am a brand loyalist (and a boring shopper) ... I am thinking of getting another LV, An EPI black this time. Just to be on the safe side. My choices are :

LV Passy PM

LV Speedy 30

LV Alma

LV Lockit

I am torn between getting the Alma or Passy PM. Pricey compared to my previous bags but this is made of different material, EPI leather. I can strech my budget to Alma ... but I have to think 5x before getting passy PM. But I so love passy too! Worst, I'll settle to speedy 30 but that would be ultimate bore and conventional. Besides, I already have speedy style. So maiba naman. Hahaha! The LV lockit, same price as speedy but my least favorite among the choices.

Hmmmm... hard to decide especially if you have limited moolah. Of course, as much as I want to buy all...I can afford to buy only one. And it will be unwise (and impractical) to get all black epi bags! Hahaha! So I really need to be a wise buyer ... and note, this is my super early Christmas present na! No more turning back. What do you think?

Btw, I am not sure about Gucci or other brands ... any other suggestions for a nice, corporate and serious black bag?

skin treatments

After my second laser hair removal session last month from Belo, I am more convinced to try the Spanish peel facial treatment. I saw positive results from my officemate who had the said treatment and I was so envious how smooth and flawless her face now. I've been monitoring her progress from the day she started her treatment, and surprisingly you will notice dramatic skin changes. Really!! Her blackheads and skin blemishes gone! Her face lightened and it was really smooth. And she's just on her third session! Because of this, I am thinking of grabbing Belo's 3+1 package for Spanish peeling next month. I so want to experience deep cleansing and skin peeling to remove and exfoliate my skin. I just hope I can save up soon so I can avail the promo. If not, I still have my ever- dependable and reliable skin care products from Aveeno like my daily moisturizer with SPF15 and lip moisturizer with natural ingredients like oatmeal, jojoba oil and shea butter. Love these wonder products. Really works wonder for my skin.

Back from Baguio

After three days and two nights stay in Baguio, I am back!

Despite the rainy and cold weather in Baguio, we all witnessed a very beautiful and romantic wedding! My dear friend Anne got married on her dream wedding date, 08.08.08 and at her dream venue Baguio. It was a black and white theme which was beautifully executed with style by the bride. The wedding took place in a very small chapel Our Lady of Fatima in Benguet, while the reception was held in The Verandah of Manor Country Club. It was one of the best (and farthest) weddings I've attended.

Sharing some of our Baguio wedding pictures ...

the bride, picture taken from our room at the Manor

Bayan friends at the church

photo opps before leaving the manor --- cole, ruth, me (big arms!) and beng

Believe me, it was freezing cold during the reception but we braved the cold weather by drinking countless red wines, coffee and eating several cups of soup (yummy, by the way!). We were surrounded with the company of good friends and colleagues, not minding the biting cold as we chatted and posed for pictures the night away...

candles and a glass of red wine, to warm me up!

with the bride, Anne

with our ex-boss dicky and wife, jody