Christmas 2008 Album 2

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Christmas 2008 Album

Annual Christmas Pictorial at the house, Christmas Day at Manila Ocean Park, lunch at Harbor View and some sight-seeing at Luneta Park...

D pUnks Christmas Party 2008

PUNKS NOT DEAD!!! A Black Party held at the Music Match Family KTV, Tomas Morato QC last December 27.

Photos courtesy of Pie Valencia.

Merry Christmas from Capiz Family!

From our house to yours...May the Good Lord continue to bless us all.

SURVIVOR PHILIPPINES RULES!

Survivor Philippines rules! And it rocks!   Initially, my bet for the first Pinoy sole survivor is Nanay Zita (Ortiga), a 43-year old labandera from Pasay City.   Later on, I began to admire this young lad by the name of JC (John Carlo) Tiuseco of Quezon City. Catch the explosive ending on December 12, 2008!

Eagles' Homecoming

When I graduated from high school (Liceo de San Pedro Batch 1988), I received, among many others, a gold (eagle) medal from Insular Life.

Little did I know that eight years after, I would join this company.

Last November 28, I, together with 5 other Insular Life senior personnel (SP) who were also high school valedictorians and gold eagle recipients, was invited to the Insular Life Gold Eagle Award Re-Launch. I was the lowest-ranking SP, in fact (there were 2 SVPs, 1 SAVP, 1 AVP, and 1 Manager), but, as our President said, "the youngest." So puwede na din.

Twilight

The waiting is finally over.

 

Being a Twilight fan (thanks to Cae), I was among those who counted months and days to be able to see the movie and so I watched it last night with Alex (Cae was with her friends, a row above us), prepared to love every inch of it.

 

Somehow, I blame my Twilight trailer-info-still photos overload that I felt that actually watching it was sort of anti-climactic.

I'm happy that the baseball scene, my favorite in the book, was executed well. While reading that particular chapter, I remember not being able to breathe.

Edward in shades was really O.M.G.

I like the graduation caps mural and Edward playing the piano. And yes, Charlie's humor.

Was that Rob Pattinson’s "Never Think" playing in background during the dinner scene?

I had the notion that the movie was done assuming the audience is already familiar with the story so no need for character or emotion build-ups.

One of my officemates, Joey, hated it, saying it's the worst movie she's ever watched. Parang B-movie daw. But I was telling the others to just go out and watch it, following their own instinct. Because if you don’t, you’ll enter the theater na biased na, ready to dislike the movie. So it’s only fair to let 'em have their own opinion.

 

I was expecting Cae to rave about it and scream her heart out but she has her own thoughts, in fairness.

For me, well let’s just say the book is better than the movie. The latter wasn't that gripping enough but as I've said, I was prepared to love the movie because I am a Twilight fan. It wasn’t as if we are expecting an Academy Awards nomination. I’d like to think that more than anything else, it was made for the fans. If disappointed fans or anyone else for that matter are still pushing for Tom Sturridge as Edward, well, you can say you’re vindicated but this doesn’t mean we love Rob less.

 

Seeing Bella, Edward and the rest of the Cullens on screen was like seeing old friends again after a while.

 

And seeing Twilight the movie, at least, I can now close this chapter in my life.

 

Next: New Moon

An early Christmas gift from the Tuloy sa Don Bosco children

Today is Insular Life's 98th founding anniversary.
 
As in the previous years, we started the day with a Thanksgiving Mass, followed by a breakfast (rice, pork steak, daing na bangus, salted eggs, and banana and ensaymada for dessert).
 
While we were eating, around 20 children (ages 13-15, I think) from the Tuloy Sa Don Bosco serenaded us with mostly Christmas songs, complete with choreography.
 
Actually, when they arrived, they immediately reminded me of Caitlin and her friends. As soon as they started singing, I started crying, too. I thought of Cae and of the many things she has, and of the many blessings coming her way, without her knowing it, and sometimes, without her appreciating it. These children in front of me come from a variety of problem backgrounds, including domestic violence and abuse. Yet, all I can see and feel are happiness in their faces and voices.
 
Even though we're not rich, and we don't have much, as my ex-boss Ana said, "We really are blessed whichever way we look at it." At least, we have a roof above our heads, Cae goes to a good school, Alex and I have our jobs and our family is complete. I just hope my children won't take all of these for granted.
 
Thank you for the early Christmas gift, kids. Thank you for your lovely songs. I was 98 times blessed nung nag-mano kayo sa akin.
 
(Tuloy Sa Don Bosco Foundation, established in the nineties by Fr. Rocky Evangelista, a Salesian priest, has become a real home for hundreds of streetchildren. In 2001, the Foundation moved into new and bigger headquarters, a 4.5-hectare Street Children Village in Alabang. You can reach them at Tuloy Foundation, Inc. Tuloy sa Don Bosco Streetchildren, #1 San Jose Village cor. Alabang-Zapote Road, Muntinlupa City, Philippines 1770)

One True Love

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Romance

Three reasons why I didn’t want to miss this film:

1. I have always loved the song “The Last Time I Felt Like This”, popularized by Johnny Mathis and Jane Olivor, and the theme song of the movie “Same Time, Next Year”, a 1978 film adaptation of the 1975 comedy play by Bernard Slade. I have yet to watch this movie completely, though (only the first few scenes, thanks to Youtube).

2. I am a DD-Marian loveteam follower (after Marimar and Dyesebel). I didn’t get to see their free birthday concert and I believe that to shell out 111 bucks for OTL is my way of showing my support. With the very talented Iza Calzado in the cast, who could ask for more?

3. Watching Pinoy romantic, feel-good, light movies is one of my bonding activities with Cae, my unica hija.

Migs (Dingdong) is a young doctor whose relationship with childhood sweetheart Bela (Iza) ended when the latter decided to migrate to Canada. Three years later, Migs weds Joy (Marian), a nurse. An accident results to a retrograde amnesia and Migs could only remember Bela, who intends to win him back. Will Migs return to Bela or move on with his new life with Joy? Who will be his one true love?

My daughter and I noticed the 2 Migs played by DD here – Joy’s Migs who is playful and Bela’s Migs who is serious. We like Marian but Iza’s presence is really so powerful. The two actresses only have to move their eyes, kahit hindi na magsalita.

Joy to Bela: “Si Migs lang ang nagka-amnesia, ikaw hindi.”
Bela to Joy: “You have the only thing I have ever wanted in my life.”

Notable is Jennica Garcia who plays Raya, Joy’s sister. Magaling itong batang ito, mapa-comedy or drama man. I was trying not to cry but I had to give it to Jennica in the scene where Joy was scolding her for allowing Migs to leave the house.

The other characters have short exposures (Boots Anson Roa, Chinggoy Alonso, Pinky Marquez, Sheena Halili, Bianca King). Napansin pa nga namin ni Cae yung white and silver metallic mesh Havs ni Bianca. Adel Tamano was dashing as the best man. Si Richard Quan, kahit nakapikit ako at naka-hard hat siya, alam kong siya yun. At higit sa lahat, si Ma’am Annette Gozon-Abrogar ha, talagang ayaw paawat! Pero si mamang taxi driver, markado naman ang papel, in fairness.

But what I like about it is that walang paliguy-ligoy yung story, walang masyadong complications or twists or palabok. It has continuity flaws though (watch out for the appearing-disappearing-appearing bandaged arm of DD), but still, hindi pinilit na magbalik agad ang memory ni Migs.

Miiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigs!!!

Pasko na!

We already put up the tree and started decorating the house for the holiday season. Tuwang-tuwa kasi si Caehl pag nakikita sa TV si Santa Claus, the Christmas trees and the lights. He always watches out for Karen Davila's countdown in TV Patrol, and shouts "Pasko na!" So I thought, magayakan na nga ang bahay para sa makulit na batang ito.   He even helped me with the ornaments, handing them to me one by one, while saying, "Wow!" each time. Actually, may casualty na - one of the gold balls. He likes to poke them para umikot, "Wow, it's moving!" Eh napalakas ang ikot, nahulog tuloy, nabali yung lagayan ng string (kasi naman 5 years na yata itong balls na ito, ayoko lang palitan kasi ang gaganda pa). "Ayan!", sabi nila. Napahiya tuloy, he hugged me and whispered, "It's broken", and went inside our room to hide. Ayan!

Havaianas overload

Havaianas 20% OFF - until November 23, 2008 only! At All Flip Flops Alabang Town Center yesterday, my sister Lea asked all of us (Mama, Ate Pinky, Cae, Meg and me) to choose a pair. I gave up my "privilege" and opted instead to get Alex a pair of indigo Top. Ang bait noh! Actually, it ended up the only pair on sale, kasi ang pinili nila yung latest - metal mesh (1995/pair, white/gold for Mama and light gray for Cae, I'm not sure what Ate and Lea got for themselves), and metallic fun pin in black for Meg (1495/pair). The best part - Lea spent almost 10K sa mga lokong tsinelas na yan hehehe Ang saya-saya! P.S. It's Ate's 43rd pair, btw. Buti na lang din, same size kami ni Cae. Pahiram, anak, ha?

I like to move it, move it (Playtime with Caehl 2)

I’d like to believe I get younger each time I play with Caehl. Together, we would invent 101 ways to play a certain toy so we won’t get bored.

 

His favorite now is “Penguin”, a Happy Meal toy given to him by my sister Lea. It goes, “Just smile and wave, boy!” each time you hit it hard. I remember Caehl giggling so much whenever Lea wiggles her butt while singing, “I like to move it, move it (from Madagascar 2).”

 

And so one night, Caehl was playing with his choo-choo train (actually two remaining coaches from a train set, a birthday gift from a neighbor). He arranged the throw pillows in a way that when he puts the coaches on top, they would fall down and hit Penguin at the bottom. He’d go, “One…two…three…four…five…go! Start! Choo-choo!”

 

He did it repeatedly, and would get mad if the coach wouldn’t slide smoothly. Ang gagawin niya, ibabato na lang niya para matamaan nang sigurado si Penguin at para marinig niyang magsalita. This, while mumbling “I like to move it, move it…”

 

Ayus.

Dean's Birthday Party Album 2

More photos taken during Dean's Birthday Party (again, kindly disregard the dates on the pics hehehe)

Patrick Dean's 1st Birthday Party

Happy Birthday, Patrick Dean! October 31, 2008 Grand Barn, Li'l Fun Ranch Westgate Alabang (please disregard the wrong date on the photos, they forgot to reset it hehehe)

Caehl's Halloween Costume

Chubby Edward Cullen. Note his incomplete vampire ensemble. Ayaw kasi hehehe

Caehl at Dairy Queen

In "pambahay" clothes but wearing Daddy's pair of sunnies. Taken yesterday afternoon at Dairy Queen, Festival Supermall (after picking me up).   We love DQ!

Playtime with Caehl

Last night, Caehl and I were playing with his wooden blocks. Putting one over another, he was able to create two tall towers which he later referred to as his "Eiffel Tower."

Then, suddenly, he turned to me and embraced me, saying "Mommy...I love you, Mommy."

This is the moment I've been waiting for, for three years.

NKOTB fan years

Playing some 80s songs one crazy Friday afternoon in the office, I rushed home to look for my New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) fan years photos with my sister Lea. I remember her sitting in my Press ethics class (under Atty. Corro) so we can proceed to Rizal Football Stadium afterwards for the NKOTB concert. My favorite was Jonathan Knight, hers Joey McIntyre.

Twilight standee sighting at Festival Supermall Cinema

Cae and I shamelessly had our pictures taken in front of the big Twilight standee at the Festival Supermall Cinema. http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/2945/p19100819572nq1.jpg http://img379.imageshack.us/img379/1846/p19100819571os3.jpg http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/3172/p1910081957qr4.jpg http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/845/p19100819551dp4.jpg http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/9634/p1910081955bd0.jpg

Party Photos 4

Last album na siguro ito, including post-party photos (kami na lang ang natira sa videoke until 10pm). Hope everyone had a great time!

Plugging to San Pedro residents: Magpayo's Catering and Party Needs 529-1488/0905-3268814. Look for Mr. Jun Magpayo. Napaka-maasikaso. This is our 2nd event with him.

Party Photos 3

Ang dami palang pictures (taken by Daddy). Si Daddy ang walang picture hehehe

Party Photos 2

Here's more...lots more...

Let's Get the Party Started!

The ice cream and cotton candy carts came early. So did the two clowns. Our next-door neighbors, the Isaacs, were a big help. The neighborhood kids, Caehl's cousins Kuya Dom and Dean, and Ate Cae's friends Kat and Inna all came. The Acuña Family is complete. Lola Panching was there. I didn't know Caehl had so many friends in the village. Mommy had Tita Malou and Vinci as guests, Ninang Arlyn couldn't make it, Ninang Joyee attended her class at La Salle.

For Caehl's first two birthday parties, I avoided having them at home because I don't have a big house and I don't like the tidying up and the "pagod" afterwards. I really didn't plan to throw a party (read:magastos!) but Tita offered to shoulder the expenses. Mag-inarte pa ba! I didn't expect it to be this big, ang daming tao!

Caehl's 3rd Birthday Party (Morning Preparation)

Lootbags

Just some souvenir shots

Caehl is turning 3 on Oct. 13!

Ang hirap ipa-pose, kailangan nanunuod ng TV para makunan mo ng maayos at nakangiti. The shots were taken while he was enjoying the Kapamilya anniversary station ID (and his mom's a certified Kapuso, hmf).

Red Shoe Diary

What is it with a pair of red shoes that is so intimidating? that seems to scream, "Exclusive!!!"

While waiting for the elevator one morning, an officemate across me was stage-whispering to another officemate, “Mamaya, magre-red shoes din ako.” She actually wanted me to hear her. I looked at her and she said, “Inggit ako, eh.” When the words sank in, I realized she was referring to my pair of red shoes.

That morning, I was wearing a thin white jacket, a black camisole top, a pair of black pin-striped pants with a red patent belt and my pair of red-and-white patent flats. Every time I wear a pair, someone would always comment on it. “Wow, red na red!” “Wow, red shoes!” I would always wonder why it never fails to solicit such comments. As far as I could remember, I have always owned at least a pair. I have had flats, mules, slip-ons and slippers in maroon red, ruby red, scarlet red, coral red, crimson red, burgundy red. Wearing red has never been a big deal. If every woman should have a little black dress, why not a red pair of shoes?

Actually you can wear it with white, blue, blue and white, blue and red, blue and black, white black and red, black, black and red, and black and white outfits. Kim Chiu can even wear it with yellow or green or orange or fuchsia pink and get away with it.

I think I read somewhere that, “There's a pair of Red Shoes for every type of woman -- unless of course, she hates red.”

My Birthday Dinner

37 na, wala nang urungan

Sept. 17. My siblings couldn't resist celebrating my birthday. Ate cooked spaghetti, Lea brought a cake, we ordered pizza.

Many many thanks to those who greeted and remembered. God bless you all.

For The Next Time

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Romance

I finally managed to catch FTFT with my daughter over the weekend, first screening 1230pm Cinema 4 at SM Muntinlupa.

I went inside the theater with no expectations. I didn't read the reviews so I won't get biased. I didn't want to analyze it and I wasn't looking for depth or perfection. I just wanted to see Richard and KC together and I just wanted to have a good time after a hard week in the office.

KC could be better. Richard is fine. For someone who has watched Kamandag closely and has been watching his seryes (Kapuso po si Good Girl), I can say that, in all fairness to Chard (uy, tight kami), I didn't see a bit of Vergel or Grecko (Asero) here. He was, well, Seth.

For her first movie, KC's crying scenes are ok but please, in her next ones, kindly teach her the basics of cinematic crying (if ever there's such a thing). Because, even though her crying seems real (heaving chest, hindi makahinga, as in tears are really everywhere, etc), feeling ko hindi pang-movie. Dapat may subtlety. Also, I find the last scene kinda mawkish (mag-speech ba!).

Most of Annabelle Rama's wards are in the movie (even Eddie Gutierrez who played Richard's dad was there). I was waiting for her to show up as well.

Star Cinema had an opportunity to put some of its oh-so-many starlets to work. Especially the Pinoy Big Brother ex-housemates. Nah, forgetful faces and names.

Nor Domingo and Candy Pangilinan are the best. I've become a fan of Nor after watching his movie Bigtime. I'm sure you've also seen him in the Coffeemate TVCs.

I was amazed at KC's full figure. The cleavage! I loved her clear LV bag and the blue one (I didn't quite catch the tag, though).

And Greece is not a place for those with vertigo. Puro hagdan! But the sunset is spectacular.

So, did we have a good time? Hmmm, sige na nga pwede na. Naiyak at na-touch naman ako ng slight (even though I never did like Kuya Ipe). Basta, my last thought was, with a quick glance at Cae, who was also tearful (hay naku, madaling umiyak yan kahit anong movie as in "Best in Actress"), ang hirap talaga magpalaki ng anak. Whatever.

GMA Films, you're next. Make it (more) real.

Kung tayo'y matanda na (A Birthday Post)

I'm too old for birthday wishes - I am 37.   Secondly, when my father got hospitalized a week ago, I promised the Lord I won't be asking for anything on my birthday, or even celebrate my birthday at all, just spare him from surgery. This is why I've been trying to ignore my sister Lea's text asking what I want to get this year.   A few days before I got her text, I have actually been listing down some items I'd buy (if and when I have the money). The list includes: a pair of chocolate Crocs Malindi (which I have been eyeing after scoring a silver pair from Lea, although I'm still a Havs addict) or a pair of brown patent peep-toe pumps (kahit hindi branded) a pair of colored jeans (preferably purple, kahit hindi branded) new make-up (a blush stick would do) a new red belt (to go with my red shoes and to replace the old one I have) a new DVD player (actually, I wanted a Karavision but a simple player is more affordable) 4R picture frames (DON'T laugh now but I do LOVE picture frames) a rechargeable fan or lamp (in case of brown-outs. Again, DON'T laugh, it's the mom in me speaking here), and a dresser for Cae (what is Cae doing here? Isn't this my birthday list!).   Going over my list, I realize once again how easy I am to please. These are simple stuff, actually. For someone who appreciates towels, note pads, hankies, and pens as gifts, I guess I'm doing ok. Good girl di ba.   Last Saturday, while I was out with Cae, I saw a copy of Coraline (Neil Gaiman). I've been looking for one ever since I saw its synopsis in a magazine. And guess what, National Bookstore-SM Muntinlupa had both hardbound and paperback editions - and discounted at that! How lucky can you get. So that ends the search for a birthday present for myself - a copy of Coraline. Again, don't laugh now - I am truly, madly, deeply happy with it.   Lastly, my 37th birthday-thanksgiving prayer includes (but not limited to) my parents, my wonderful siblings and my two children who give me so much joy (kahit na minsan hinihimatay ako sa mga kakulitan). Thank you for my job (yes, 12 1/2 years in Insular Life) which enables me to keep my house and car, continue to support my family and do what I do best. Thank you for friends who keep me insane (I don't want to be sane!). Thank you for the bridges that don't burn, and the doors that don't close. Thank you, Lord, for loving me.

LICEANS BATCH 88…Christmas Party ’08…20 years after

Start:	Dec 13, '08
Location:	Hacienda Grefaldo, San Pedro Laguna Philippines

Alumni Homecoming and Christmas Party of Liceo de San Pedro Batch 1988.

Calling all graduates of LDSP Batch 88. Please subscribe to liceans88@yahoogroups.com for more details. You may contact Emily Macatangay-Arguelles +639222780683, Hilda Tabar-Cleofe +639173270324, Arlyn Calupitan +639062737373 or Albert Fojas +639208273669.

Caehl

in his new haircut

My Birthday!

Start:

Sep 17, '08

37 na ako

Signs of the Times (Mental Snapshots 0902)

I’m sure you got this Pinoy Signs email that made you cry (sa kakatawa).

 

Don’t enter your slipper

• By management

 

Bawal umupo dito

Setting is not allowed

• Management

 

Beware the fallen objects

• The Management

 

Si “management” talaga, ang higpit! Hanep!

 

In the office, we can’t get over this flyer which was supposed to give us tips on how to save during these trying times. It turned out to be more hilarious than a comedy flick, sobrang pinatawa kami.

 

Picture yourself with a placard bearing these lines:

 

UNSTABLE PRICES OF OIL PRODUCTS!!!

SOARING COST OF UTILITIES AND EDUCATION!!!

RISING PRICES OF COMMODITIES!!!

 

Nakakabitin hehehe      

 

Where else but in the flyer can you see pointers such as:

 

• When going to the restaurant, refrain from ordering appetizers, beverages and others. (Ah eh, ano pa kaya oorderin ko?)
• Stare at your bills every month. (Ano yun, para matunaw? At least hindi mo na babayaran noh!)
• Study at the point of your mean. (Ano daw?)
• Learn how to use a gift box. (Eh di ba mas mahal pag may gift box?)
• When going to a mall, agree on how much to spend or whether you will to spend at all. (It’s better to have loved and lost than never you will to spend at all, out of nothing at all).
• Spend at the point of your strength. Parang navivisualize ko si Samson dito habang tinutulak yung columns.
• But if you have a lot of, buy a brand new car. Nabitin ako dun ah.
• Under Gambling: Do not entrust your life to chance. Entrust your life to GOD. (Actually na-touch ako kasi may spiritual aspect. Parang ang dapat na kasunod nito, Jesus Saves. God knows Hudas Not Pay.)

 

Inside a tricycle:

Miss, gusto kita makilala

Nguni’t ako’y abala

Sa aking manibela

 

(at least, careful si driver sweet lover di ba?)

 

In a nearby village:

Junk Shop

By Eric Bote

 

(O ha, bigtime na si Bote!)

 

And since we’re on the subject, the story below is a contribution from my officemate Abi.

 

Enjoy it people. Make laugh, not war.

 

It was jazz an ordinary day. The skies were clear, the birds were chipping. Ang ganda-ganda ng araw! Nasa SM ako noon at katatapos ko lang mamili ng groceries. Timing naman nasa foodcore si Angel Locsin, nagpro-provoke ng movie nya. Grabe, andaming fans, pull-packed talaga! Dahil fans nya rin ako, nakipila rin ako.

 

Then suddenly, out of the loo, may bumulong sa akin ng: “Indaaaayyyy. ……”

Huh? It sounded like a familiar sound. Who can it be now?

“Dodong!” sigaw ko.

 

Napalakas yata voice ko. Kasi the other fans turned their backs to their behind at napatingin sa amin. Sabi ko “Sorry, I didn’t mean to be loud and proud.”

 

Hinawakan na lang ni Dodong ang kamay ko at lumayo kami from the crowd.

 

"Kamusta na Inday? Do you come here open? tanong nya.

“Bihira lang, Dodong. I’m just droppings by. Ethnic and schedule ko eh” sabi ko.

 

Memories came flushing in my mind. How can I forget to remember Dodong? Siya na may mata ni Piolo, dimple ni Aga, at bigote ni Rex Cortez. he’s every woman’s dreamboat. I was just starting my tour of duty kay ate noon nang unang makilala ko si Dodong. Contraction worker siya sa ginagawang bahay sa tapat namin.. Naging kami for a while then after that were not an item anymore.

 

“Tanghali na Inday. What did you say we have lunch together?” tanong ni
Dodong.

“I don’t mine” sagot ko.

 

Sa restaurant, nilapitan kaagad kami ng waiter. “What’s your odor sir?” sabi nung waiter kay Dodong.

 

“Do you have porkshop?” tanong ni Dodong.

“Yes sir” sabi nito. “Our porkshop with a resistance to the teeth of boast of our chef. Domestic careful selection of pork with little fat of female liking is used. The exquisite cooking which repeated trial and error and was completed. it also has healthy vegetables with salad feeling fully” dagdag niya.

 

“And you mam?” sabay tingin naman sa akin.

Hmmm… mukhang masarap yung porkshop. Pero I’m cutting down on my carbon kaya pinigilan ko.

“I’ll just have water, thanks. Liquidate diet ako eh.” sagot ko.

 

Pagkatapos kumain, nagyaya si Dodong manood ng sine. Teka teka, this is going too far. Besides, it’s a long, long way to run.

 

“Reality chess, Dodong. May asawa na ako, si Jay. As a mother of fact, I’m happily married” pagmamalaki ko.

“Di na pwede yung tulad ng dati. Sorry pero I didn’t expect you still have more feelings than I expected. i don’t want you getting the way. Past is fast. Therefore, cause and defect.” dagdag ko pa.

 

Tumahimik sya. Parang may language barrel na namagitan sa amin. The seconds that passed seemed like fraternity. Di nagla-on, nagsalita na rin sya.

 

“I don’t care less!” sigaw ni Dodong.

Shocks, give me a brake! The nerd ng taong ito para sigawan ako! To think it’s his other woman that caused our separation to part.

 

Kinabahan na ako. I felt speedbumps all over my body and was having panic attach. Tinalikuran ko siya at nagmadali akong lumakad palayo. Pero sumunod pa rin siya like a monkey on my butt. Hanggang sa makakita ako ng security guard. Biglang nawala si Dodong.

 

“Excuse me kuya, pwedeng magtanong?” sabi ko sa mamang guard.

“Of course miss, I can help you with my pleasure.” sagot niya.

“Saan po ba ang exit? Could you point me to the right erection? I got lost in my eyes.”

“Diretso lang.” sabi niya. “Then turn right anytime with care.”

“Thanks for your corporation” sabi ko.

 

Buti na lang nandun si kuya. Pero saglit lang, I smell something peachy. As I turned, nakita ko na namang nakasunod si Dodong! Delaying static lang pala kanina ang pag disappear nya.

 

“Nyahahaha! You can run but you can hide, Inday. No matter where you go, there you are!” pananakot nya.

 

Oh no, is this the end? This is too much, I feel degradable. My world started falling afar.

 

Then suddenly, Jay come from behind! Dodong was caught to the act! In the matter of minute, it’s all over. I’m out of arm’s way.

“Thanks Jay, my love. But how did you?” bago pa man ako matapos, sabi niya:

“I was in the neighborhood. Fans din ako ni Angel eh. I heard you shout but at first I didn’t give it a thought. Pero nang makita ko kayong magkahawak ng holding hands, then i give it a thought. I know something is a missed.”

 

From then on, Dodong did not brother me again. In fact, he didn’t even sister me. As in platonic at wala na talaga. Pero kami ni Jay, heto, shoot sailing pa rin ang relationship. Lalo pa ngayon, open na kami sa isa’t-isa at walang exhibitions. i feel I’m on cloud. 

 

Warning: Laughter is the best medicine.

Mental Snapshots 0901

Oh my, I really miss blogging a lot. Sometimes I wish I have a laptop and could go online anytime. I find it so tedious to turn on our PC at home, that and our slow dial-up connection courtesy of PLDT Vibe.

 

Well, the past weeks saw us paying our last respects to my uncle, Mama's youngest bro, who succumbed to heart attack at the age of 58. I remember him taking care of us when we were kids in QC while my mom was still working.  In the mid-80s, he went abroad and left his family.

 

After this, our relationship with my aunt became unpleasant and this of course affected their children, my cousins. I found this sad considering those three kids were my only first-degree cousins from my mom's side (there are four of them actually, the other one being Mama Diche's daughter who lived with us for a while). That’s why I have this certain longing for cousins. I never had a cousin who’s close to me or one whom I grew up with. Unlike my three siblings who each had a cousin-barkada.

Anyway, our plan was to have my uncle laid to rest in my mom's lot in Biñan, beside Mama Diche. But Choy (Christine), the youngest of his three children, came and requested that she be allowed to take care of her father’s burial. Choy brought along her husband and two kids. They so reminded me of her when she was young. Considering she wasn't given a chance to know her dad well, I find this admirable. 

 

Imagine, she grew up not knowing her dad, all of a sudden he’s back but he didn’t come home to live with them. I remember Choy, who was eight or nine then, with an innocent look on her face, telling us, “Pag naman nakita ninyo ang Papa ko, ipakilala ninyo naman sa akin.”

 

While we weren't given the chance either to talk much, I am happy that I saw her again. She married quite young and I'm glad that she seems to have a good life. Her eldest brother is now in the US with his family, and her Ate is now an optometrist.

Then, there's Alex's Mauban project which is burning his pockets and into which he spends most of his time and energy. Harvest season will soon come. I can’t wait for the day when sacks of rice are being dropped off at my doorstep. Rice all you can, Capiz family!

 

Cae is still not over Edward Cullen and the Twilight series. Twilight the Movie is coming to the Philippines on Nov. 20. As early as now, she’s making plans how to get to the theater as early as she could. She seems to have forgotten Ney

Dimaculangan (6cyclemind), tsk tsk. Typical of Cae. 

On the other hand, my little (or should I say big) prince is attacking his books like crazy. Caehl has grown tired of his Almanac (after mastering the 12 months of the year, the 7 days of the week, animal kingdom, Solar System, USA’s 50 states, and the flags of the world) and his books Birth of Christ and Jeremy Fisher. Actually, we were scared when for a time, he was staring at the Table of Elements. I told him, “Chemistry is for Ate Cae, not for you yet.” He’s a TV junkie. He loves MYX Daily Top Ten, horse racing, and videoke (yes, he is into singing. I hope this is not because I was so fond of videoke nung naglilihi pa ko). His current favorites are KC Concepcion, Hale’s Leap of Faith, and watching his videos in my cellphone. Below is his photo wearing Ate Cae's headbands. He puts them on, covering his eyes, and says, "I can't see." Now, he wears one below his nose while reading, and when asked what the headband is for, he says, "Glasses to read."

Liceo de San Pedro Batch 88 Reunion Touchpoint Meeting

Start:	Aug 23, '08 2:00p
Location:	Giligan's Festival Mall Alabang

Please be informed that there will be a touchpoint meeting (first of a series) for the Batch 88 Reunion.

WHEN: AUGUST 23, 2008 SATURDAY, 2PM
WHERE: GILIGAN'S, GROUND LEVEL, FESTIVAL MALL (ACROSS MCDONALD'S)

Everyone who is willing to help plan/organize the reunion is invited to attend.Mas maganda daw kung may representative bawat Section.
Please look for Hilda Tabar-Cleofe or Maric Baniqued-Fajardo.

Beware of these VIPs riding Starex van with Plate#ZLN814

Please read this text message from my brother Deng Acuña regarding a hit-and-run incident involving my sister-in-law and these so-called VIPs riding a dark gray Starex with plate #ZLN814. I decided to forward this to all of you through an email blast and through my Multiply and Friendster accounts. Paging good Senators! Good evening. I just want to report a hit and run incident that happened this afternoon (August 11, 2008), 2:52pm at the intersection of Laguna Bel-Air along Balibago Tagaytay Road in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. My wife was driving her silver Toyota RAV4 (XLP538) going to Balibago and stopped at the red light of the intersection. On green, she began to drive forward, when all of a sudden, a dark gray Starex van, with 2 motorcycle police escorts, Plate Number ZLN814 cut her and bumped the right fender of her car. Going to Balibago, they overtook from the opposite side into oncoming traffic, as attested to by bystanders. My wife tried to talk to them but they waived her off. saying that they are VIP, and my wife should have let them pass. Starting on green light, with my wife at the forefront of the intersection, that would be impossible. Luckily, my wife and two kids were not hurt from the incident they had with the so-called VIP. The 2 policemen were quoted saying they do not have any liability as they were VIP, even if you bring the case to LTO. If they had diplomat plates, I would understand. I just would like to know who the VIP was. From Deng Acuña, a taxpayer. ================= To date,  it was learned that the dark gray Starex van is owned by a Korean, YOUNG HAN KWON of Sitio Bayugo San Isidro Poblacion, Antipolo Rizal. Ang sarap maging VIP!

2nd Internet and Mobile Marketing Summit

Start:	Aug 13, '08
End:	Aug 15, '08
Location:	Hotel Intercon, Makati City

It's All Geek to Me

Alex's Birthday

Start:

Aug 25, '08

Dada turns 37

One Saturday

Last Saturday (Aug2), we braved the rains and headed for Powerbooks Greenbelt to attend the Breaking Dawn pre-launch party. While Cae and I screamed with fellow Twilight fans, Alex and Caehl toured Greenbelt. Kawawa naman, napagod. We had dinner at Racks Magallanes afterwards. Look at Caehl's naughty face. He chose the shirt himself, gusto pa may collar.

Breaking Dawn Pre-Launch Party

We were there!

Not-so-Mental Snapshots 0727 - Hale at SM Southmall

This time, these are real pictures.

• Cae and I have waited long enough for Hale's SM Southmall gig (nag-ipon pa ng P299 si Cae to buy her 3rd Above, Over & Beyond CD). 


• Hale's SM mini-concerts would usually start around 6pm, but Southmall's Event Center was smaller so it was easy for Halers to fill it up.


• We saw Champ arriving with his sister Cher and mom.


• Later, Champ's mom joined the audience. I greeted her and she responded by offering her cheek. "Si Daddy po? I asked and she said, "Hindi na sumama."


• To my delight, Champ greeted me again while onstage, "Tita!"


• During the CD signing, Anna asked me, "Pang-ilan ninyo na yan, Tita?" She laughed when I said "Pangatlo na." Natawa din si Roll.


• Sheldon and Omnie have both slimmed down. Courtesy of Gold's Gym???


• New haircut for Roll.


• And kisses for and from Champ. That's me behind Cae and Champ. Paningit!

We love HALE!!!

• Afterwards, we had pepperoni pizza at Joey's, and Cae had brownie a la mode for dessert.


• While at Joey's, we were listening to a nearby concert. The group was singing mostly Beatles' tunes. Niloko namin si Alex, "Daddy, picture-an ka namin, dali."

Caehl's Latest Pics

Ayaw magpagupit.

Mental Snapshots 0724

• Joy and I went out for lunch, had shawarma and tokneneng (boiled quail eggs coated with orange-tinted batter then fried and eaten with sweet chili sauce or spicy vinegar). Hindi pa nagkasya, nag-kwek kwek (the boiled chicken egg version) pa siya.


• Passed by my derma’s clinic and had my hand checked up. Ok na daw but I still had to continue using the prescribed creams. Hindi na ko siningil ni Doc. From him, I learned that:




• clobetasol propionate is for inflammation; and


• ketoconazole is for fungal infections.


• I think I have to explain it further lest people think I’m kadiri.


• Several months ago, I had to do the laundry when our maid resigned. Red spots or irritations started to appear on my right hand, actually on my ring finger. Then they began to affect my middle finger and finally my index finger. Sometimes they would disappear, and then they would appear again. I just let them be, thinking that they would go way someday. Funny but my left hand was spared. Funny because you can’t do the laundry with one hand, can you? So if I was allergic to detergent powder, then they should have victimized both hands. But come to think of it, kawawa naman ako kung parehong kamay. Para pa naming pang-anak mayaman ang kamay ko.


• Doc advised me against using/being exposed to any detergent or dish washing liquid from then on. He was concerned, "Eh pano po yun, sino na ang gagawa?" When I replied that I have a maid already, he added, "Ah, masipag lang ho kayo talaga." Talaga!

Mental Snapshots 0726

Note: I will post my MS 0725 later. I left my file in the office.

• 3am: Alex departs for Mauban, Quezon.
• 9am: Hatid si Cae who will meet up with her teacher in TLE and classmates. They will go to Manila to purchase some project materials, the money for which has been with Cae for quite sometime. The money (and its safety) has been a concern because it’s quite a large amount and she used to bring it everyday to school. Until we decided she’d leave it in the house and would only bring it if it’s required by the teacher. Sinuportahan naman kami ng adviser niya.
• So ayun, meeting place was Jollibee Pacita. When we arrived, she said, ayun yung naka-yellow. I thought the guy was her classmate. It turned out he was the TLE teacher. Aba, ampogi pala ni Sir. Ang bata pa. But then, I consider anyone below my age as “bata” anyway.
• Then I had a ham-and-cheese omelet breakfast at Tropical Hut, just beside the supermarket. The omelet went well with a cup of coffee and a glass of pineapple juice. Hay, this is the life.
• It’s my 2^nd week to do grocery-shopping alone (Alex was also in Mauban last week). We usually do this together on Saturday mornings, mostly in SM Muntinlupa and Shopwise Festival Mall. It has become our Alex-Pam bonding time. It's nice to be alone even for two hours and have lunch together - something we don’t have or do on weekdays when we’re both busy and stressed out because of work. There was a Saturday when we suddenly thought of watching a movie (I think it was Hancock) after having lunch at the food court. Ang lamig tuloy sa loob kasi naka-pambahay lang kami. Minsan mabuti pa yung biglaan na ganun.
• But sometimes, ok lang mag-isa kasi pag kasama si Alex (at ung dalawang makulit), lumalaki ang grocery expenses ko. Dami kasing extra-curricular sa cart na wala sa listahan ko. Hmm, siguro, may built-in invisible magnet yung mga shopping carts ni Henry Sy at ng mga Tantoco. What do you think?
• In Mightee Mart, I couldn’t find the mami noodles I prefer so I made a quick dash to the wet market. I happen to pass by a toy kiosk and found a set of cars for Caehl. Yabang ko pa, then I suddenly asked Ate Tindera, “May pera ba ko?” Eh bakit siya ang tinanong ko. Buti na lang, out of my P2,000 grocery money, may sukli akong P200. Eh P180 yung toy, mawawalan ako ng tricycle fare. Buti na lang, I was able to haggle with her and had it at P150. Ang cute naman kasi, eh (asus, humirit pa).
  
• When I got home, Caehl was half-sleeping. Mamaya ko na lang ibibigay, pag gising na. Hope he likes it. 

Mental Snapshots - An Introduction

Sometimes there are so many things happening in a single day, some are trivial and some are worth recollecting when you’re about to pray and sleep at night. The happenings during the day make me laugh, smile, or frown. Sometimes, from them, I learn valuable lessons. Sometimes they are so senseless, but nevertheless are enough to make my day. Sometimes I could hardly contain my excitement that I would text my husband or my siblings or friends right away, to share the experience. Sometimes they seem so blog-worthy (at least for me) but alas, I wish I always have the time (and the Internet) to do it.

I’ve become a forgetful person (thanks to anesthesia) that sometimes, I want to put all those happenings and emotions and thoughts in a bottle, and write them down when I find the time (like now).  So I decided to come up with this to capture them somehow – and laugh, cry, or frown again and again.

 
July 23, 2008

• On my way to the office, it was quiet inside the van, as most of us were starting to doze off. Suddenly, the driver stepped on the brakes. I shouted, “Ay!!!” Shucks, ako lang ang nagreact at ako lang ang maingay. I said “Sorry” to my katabi and parang to everyone na din. But nobody was paying attention. Hmp, sayang lang sorry ko. Wala namang pumansin.
• The first day of our new boss – the big boss of Sales. He went straight to our floor (where he is temporarily based) and fortunately, he was greeted by one of our department heads. He proceeded to his room, and someone shouted, “Joh, ihatid mo naman si Sir.” So, takbo naman si Ms. Joh. Afterwards, our HR VP was rushing, too. “Ano ba yan, sabi ko sa guards, sa akin muna papuntahin. Hahahahahaha.” Don’t worry, that’s how she really laughs. It's contagious, mind you. But you end up laughing at her, not with her. Pero mabait naman si Ma'am.
• I found out later the bosses were giving a despedida dinner to our former big boss. And guess what, the dinner is free, courtesy of the cash prize Abi and I won in the Blazing Race. And I wasn’t even invited to the dinner. Sana masarap yung kinain nila.
• Preparing to go home, I took off my gold-and-brown high-heeled shoes. Putting them inside a plastic bag, I muttered, “Nag-heels pa naman ako. Akala ko i-introduce tayo kay Sir. Hindi pala.” Natawa tuloy sila. You see, I rarely wear heels in the office. It was supposed to be a special day. So I went home in my gold Crocs Prima.
• Inside the van, there was only me inside and a guy at the front seat. A woman opened the door and said, “Wala pang laman.” Inirapan ko nga, ano kaya kami? Loko siya.
• I love this Trebuchet font and I started to use them in all my correspondences. Cute di ba?
• I forgot to buy ballpens for Cae. Magagalit yun. Buti na lang, meron sa tindahan sa kanto. 5pesos lang.
• When Alex comes home, ikukuwento ko nga lahat ito.

The Dark Knight

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Action & Adventure

Are you in Heath?

Disclaimer: I am not a movie critic and I don’t know the scientific way of reviewing a film. Ergo, this is not a film review.

Synopsis courtesy of IMDb: Bruce Wayne/Batman (Christian Bale) continues to eliminate crime in Gotham City with the help of Lt. Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart). The Dark Knight wants to finally get rid of organized crime for good and be free of their corruption. Batman soon finds that a new psychopathic mastermind known as the Joker (Heath Ledger) has taken over organized crime. After the fall of Carmine Falcone, the remaining crime bosses try to pick up the pieces. However, the Joker is killing them off one by one. The Joker's plan is to terrify the citizens and throw the city into chaos, and then kill Batman. Batman takes the fight with the Joker personal, which makes him confront his own beliefs. The Joker is the most dangerous criminal that Batman has encountered, and he will need all his strength and vigilance to defeat him.


If Gotham City were real, I wouldn’t want to live there. Crimes happen in a blink of an eye, banks are robbed by clowns in broad daylight, terrorists are your friendly neighbors, and lives are taken in a snap.

The movie features a strong cast, with Christian Bale as Batman, Michael Caine, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman. Bale is so far the only Batman I can put up with (I don’t really care much for ex-Bruce Waynes Keaton, Kilmer and Clooney).

We’ve all read how critics rave over the performance of the late Heath Ledger, with many of them pushing for an Oscar nomination. “Ledger offers perfect pitch, perfect tone, his Joker hits all the right notes,” said Sam Rubin, an LA entertainment correspondent.

Another also said that his performance here is even better than his Brokeback Mountain role for which he was nominated for an Oscar. I so totally agree. I watched BM and his Ennis Del Mar portrayal was truly breath-taking. He wasn’t just Ennis, he breathes Ennis.

I read in a Dark Knight review that perhaps, it helped that Ledger was hidden behind make-up so we can focus on the character and forget (even for a while) the actor’s fate.

In the latter part of the movie, while suspended upside down from a rope, the Joker smiles and tells Batman: "I think you and I are destined to do this forever." For Joker, yes, but unfortunately not for Heath.

Some Joker scenes to watch out for: the “disappearing pencil”, a psycho-terrorist walking away in a nurse uniform, and a silent shot of him aboard a police car, hair blown by the wind.

Directed by Christopher Nolan.
Now Showing in your favorite theaters.
Catch the “Dark Night”, chase him if you can.

Pick Pics

wala lang, just a compilation of latest pics taken

Chef Rob Gets Married

My favorite chef, Chef Rob Pengson finally tied the knot with Chef Sunshine (or Ana Christina Yuchengco Puey, granddaughter of Alfonso T. Yuchengco) last Saturday July 5 at the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart (San Antonio Village, Makati City).

The Squids

From left, Azalea, Piya, me and Kuya

Breaking Dawn Pre-Launch Party in the Philippines!

Start:	Aug 2, '08 4:00p
Location:	Greenbelt 4

POWERBOOKS and TWILIGHT COVEN PHILIPPINES invite you to the Breaking Dawn Pre-Launch Party! See you at Powerbooks Live! Greenbelt 4 on August 2, Saturday, 4 PM. Exciting activities and prizes await attendees!

More details to follow. Keep checking the TwilightCovenPH blog, forum and Multiply site for more information.

http://twilightcovenph.blogspot.com/

Hale at 19 East (The AOB Special)

Start:	Jul 5, '08
Location:	Km 19 East Service Road, Sucat

The fun continues...
Hale is #1!

Anniversary Dinner June 18, 2008

Dinner at Shakey's to celebrate the 42nd wedding anniversary of Papa and Mama. Ang kukulit ng mga baby boys. Look at Caehl prompting his grandparents to kiss, shouting 'yehey' afterwards. Piya had to leave early for her 10pm-6am shift at Convergys.

Hale at SM Sta. Rosa

Start:	Jun 29, '08
Location:	SM Sta. Rosa

AOB invades Sta. Rosa Laguna.
See you Halers!