Summer in November

Consider this post stale. Yes, this was supposed to be posted in November as my dog, Summer, turned one last November 21. I can't let this event pass without a post (since I've completed two birthday posts for Logan, haha). I don't wanna be charged of FAVORITISM.

Like Logan, Summer is black Labrador, too. We bought Summer in Davao as a "top pick". And we believed we got lucky. She's (Summer) a darling on her first day and nudged closed to us when she's being belly-rubbed. She'd bag the most-behaved award for being so fixed and clammed up. Though her calm behavior is very unusual for a Labrador, we found her so captivating.

Well, that behavior lasted for only a day! Summer has always this "in play" mood and it intensified wantonly each day. She would jump her highest when I release her from her cage, run as fast as she could, leaving everything that comes her way on the floor. She would sniff at the garbage can, get everything at the garbage and gobble up the fruit peelings. When Logan is doing playing on his own (or concentrating on his chosen toy), Summer would mess Logan up. This means she would jump on him, distract him or get Logan's toy. Sometimes, when Logan is spittingly annoyed, he would scare the hell out of Summer. And Summer would cry her heart out. Ha-ha

I also remember Summer getting one pack of pandesal we placed on the terrace. When I attempted to get it from her, she ran like a real racer. And when I gave up chasing her, she shared everything with Logan. Ha-ha Poor dad, he didn't have his usual coffee-pandesal morning.

And everyday when Summer is dead tired from all the running and messing everything up, she follows me like crazy! She never changed her sweetness! She'd love to be belly-rubbed. And every time she sees me near her cage, she will immediately lie down to be rubbed and pampered.

 

Sometimes, she's adorable. But, more often than not, we are struggling of some sort. Don't get me wrong, I love her to bits even for what she is not. (Do I sound like a lover? Haha) In ways she's different from Logan, Summer is equally loved! Happy Birthday! To more running, chasing and cuddling!

"Frozen" thoughts

I’m still on a high about the Disney movie “Frozen”. I’ve always been a sucker for animated movies and by far, Frozen is one of the many I place on the pedestal – when it comes to the feel-good vibe and you-wanna-be-part of-the-movie mood plus a meaty plot.

The movie has struck a tsunami of emotion in me – it kept me giggling, gushing, singing and a little teary-eyed. Blame (not blame in a bad way) it to the magical songs, the wonderful story unfolding and the characters.

Here are the songs that still keep me enchanted (and keep me humming every now and then):

1.Do you want to build a Snowman?
Do you want to build a snowman? Come on let’s go and play!
I never see you anymore, come out the door, it’s like you’ve gone away
We used to be best buddies and now we’re not, I wish you would tell me why
Do you want to build a snowman? It doesn’t have to be a snowman

This is the song Anna sings to her sister, Elsa who keeps herself locked in a room (because of an icy curse). I can feel the desperation Anna feels in trying to reach out to her sister since age five until she’s fifteen. It breaks my heart big time, feeling the great sisterly love yet you can't be with the her physically.

2.) For the First Time
'Cause for the first time in forever
There'll be music, there'll be light
For the first time in forever
I'll be dancing through the night

Finding hope in meeting The One in her sister's coronation is Anna's "crazy dream". Of finally finding a romance after waiting for forever. Isn't this every girl's dream? Gasp.

3.) Love is an Open Door
And it’s nothing like I’ve ever known before
Love is an open door
Love is an open door
Love is an open door
With you (with you)
With you (with you)
Love is an open door

I remember the crazy line from Hans "Can I say something crazy...will you marry me?". To which Anna replied , "Can i say something crazier...Yes!" You know the feeling of being so blown away with the super kilig scenes from a prince and a princess. Your heart would totally melt!


4.) In Summer
I'll finally see a summer breeze, blow away a winter storm.
And find out what happens to solid water when it gets warm!
And I can’t wait to see, what my buddies all think of me.
Just imagine how much cooler I’ll be in summer.

And my most favorite is the "In Summer" of Olaf! Just imagine a Snowman wishing it's Summer! Ha-ha I love Olaf (the Snowman with a carrot nose)singing his heart out to this tune...while he's having a sauna, having fun under the scorching heat of the sun, playing with the dandelions.

Every girl (or anyone who still has a kid heart) should definitely watch this. I think, after the movie, I want to be a princess again and sing. Ha-ha Well, what can i say, i'm downright pleased with the movie. 5 stars!

All that juice.

Finally, after being idle for a long bout, I've finally put our juicer back into juicing works. I regret that I let it sit for long. Anyway, the inspiration is from friends, Kaye and Sheng. They've been juicing in preparation for the annual physical examination (which, by the way, we can earn a bonus should we pass it!) They let me have a share of the green juice - a combination of sayote and cucumber. It looks so odd and smell a little stench-y, or should I say not your usual heavenly tasting juice. Ha-ha But I took a sip. Surprisingly, it tasted incredibly good - in a cucumber-ish way! So, i tried it at home and have my parents try the juice also.

The only downside of juicing is the clean-up part, cleaning really sucks. Ha-ha Nevertheless, for prevention of diseases and maintaining health, it's worth the pain in the neck! Happy juicing!

blessed to serve (and other things to be grateful for)

In the string of tragic events that struck the Philippines, especially in the recent storm Yolanda, I thank God for...

1.) The overwhelming love the world has shown the Philippines
The world aid - in the form of cash donation, relief kits, heavy equipment, C130s to transport volunteers and the victims, their human resources - has immensely helped alleviate the torrential devastation brought by Yolanda. Moreover, it is also noteworthy to thank Philippine companies for sending in their products, their people and cash donations.

2.) Dole Phils, Inc with the help of Mahintana Foundation for the generosity and the initiative to do the "Dolefil Caravan of Hope". Through this initiative, the employees are able to extend a support to the victims. I honor our company for matching the cash donation provided by the employees. Kudos also to our Managing Director for his big heart and for "cancelling" company-sponsored Christmas Party to extend more help to the caravan. I also honor the volunteers for taking part in the relief operations - the repacking of the goodies, hakot here and there.

I spent only few hours in the relief operation but I thank God for the opportunity to help in my own little way. I am blessed to be able to serve. I pray that the Lord will continue to give our kababayans the grace and the strength as they rebuild their lives. In this very inopportune phase, God will always see us through.  From Max Lucado's In the Eye of the Storm," When God's high hope kisses your earthly hurt, that moment is holy".

sneak-peek-slash-house-raid

It felt like we've sneaked into a celebrity's turf. Or any home featured in those home magazines. We barged in JP's (our officemate) house which was completed only this year. We compelled him to let us in. Talk about peer pressure! Ha-ha

The design / structure of his house was personally designed by himself, taking inspiration from various magazines. This is his dream house made into reality by a stern discipline of saving that started when he was in grade school (from what I heard).

The thrilled girls (and boys) excitedly scoured each corner and taking mementos at each floor. By the way, the rooftop is way too amazing - perfect for barbeque (or ihaw-ihaw parties). I don't have the photo at the rooftop - overlooking the vast greens and mountains.

Here are sneak peeks of the grandiose house (and the fun while we're house raiding!):

Like kids who'd try everything they see.

Like kids who'd sit where they can sit.



The lovely interior, black and white theme.



I can feel the enormous sense of pride of JP while showing us his house. And he reminded all of us to get a good grip of our dreams - especially a dream house for ourselves. AMDG!

That little disagreement

I've ingested the idea of investing wholeheartedly. I even persuaded my parents to invest. My friends and I started this investing thing 2 years ago. Though I haven't reaped the rewards yet of investing, but it's great to have moved a step towards financial independence.

This blog isn't about investing and its whereabouts. Rather, it's the little discourse that got a little persuasive and strong afterwards  - during one afternoon at our coffee break. It started with our FlexBen Enrolment and somebody spoke about his variable insurance. And "they" (the once young officemates) all know we also have the same type of investment. Like wildfire, they attacked "the idea" of having to put your money to financial companies. I know where her fear is coming from. I knew you were a victim of those pre-need education plans. My parents are victims, too. From CAP, Pacific Plan and EduPlan, they all failed. But I am glad my parents are open-minded to venture again in investing - in its real sense.

So, to you who discouraged us, I would like to answer your attacks:
1.) We read and researched about investing before putting off the money. (Robert Kiyosaki's The Rich Dad, Poor Dad; Bo Sanchez' My Main Invests in Stock Market; Investing for Dummies; and other online journals)
2.) We understand the risks of investing, so we only set aside the money we can afford to lose. And you can't simply gain without risking. DUH.
3.) You're investing with our Provident Fund, and they're the same thing. DUH. Again.
4.)We still enjoy our pay but we observe prioritizing...spending only what is needed, shed those unnecessary wants and ditch the impulsive buying. I don't have the high-end gadgets or travel as often as I used to (naks!), I just live modestly. But again, it doesn't mean I'm (we are)  not enjoying.

Hope this will knock some sense to you...

"Filipinos are not much of an investor, which is why our investment market, although performing extremely well, is not as big as it should be. The rate of Filipinos with insurance is likewise low at less than 20 percent of the household heads.
Here’s another disturbing statistic, it is believed that only about 10 percent of Filipinos actually prepare for retirement. Because of all these, a big majority of the population ends up financially dependent on their children during their old age. An SSS (Social Security System) study said that over 70 percent of Filipinos during retirement are living with and are being supported by their children." (Brighterlife.com)

There, I said my piece. I'm claiming a brighter life. There's not a need to heed your warning. I'm never giving up my gargantuan dream!

Caravan of Hope

This is a repost from Dolefil's facebook page. 

 --------------

Together, let us give them hope...

URGENT HELP NEEDED: A call for support to Dolefil Caravan of Hope for the victims of super typhoon Yolanda.

Employees, dependents, business partners and other individuals & institutions alike are invited to take part in the relief operations. Cash and non-cash donations are welcome.

For questions, please comment on this photo or send us a private message. Thank you!

#dolefil #yolandaPH #CaravanofHope #MahintanaFoundation Dolefil CSR

 PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD. Daghang salamat!

—

tonight, with the community

One thing I love about Fridays is the Community time with brothers and sisters of ALNP. I've been trying to protect my Fridays for this. And like always, it's so worth it!

Tonight, we don't have the usual praise- and- worship set up. It's like an open discussion. We shared our thoughts about the stark reality we are facing - after Yolanda hit our country and claimed a number of lives and properties.

After each story shared, we couldn't help but let out a gasp over the grimness of it all. And Sir Guy (our Branch Leader), threw a thought-provoking question : What is God's purpose for this?

Citing from Max Lucado's "It's not About Me", everything happens to give glory to God. We may not comprehend everything that has happened but we can place our trust in God...we can fix our gaze ahead because "something good comes out of immense suffering". The Bayanihan all over the world and the kindness shown to the victims is a manifestation of God's glory. Moreover, the resilience and resoluteness the world has witnessed from the Filipinos demonstrate our deep faith in God - which points to God's great glory as well.

So that's the serious part that transpired tonight. Now, the fun part is the useless bantering and endless teasing we do - that would send us in fits of giggles. Ha-ha

I remember the joke shared by a brother..."Wala gyud nakaya ni Yolanda ang Bacolod ug Iloilo, mas kusog ang hangin sa mga Ilonggo!" Haha This cracks me up hard. No, i don't have prejudice about Ilonggos because I have an Ilonggo bloodline and i have a lot of relatives in Bacolod. (Paki-explain, haha) And this tells us something, we Filipinos can still joke about everything despite the hard knocks of life. Our coping mechanism is really superb!

And Friday would never be complete without a food. So we ate out, the bantering continues!

woofing second birthday

Just six posts after Logan's first birthday, here we are again celebrating his birthday!

His birthday may not be as bongga as last year (sans the birthday hats, lotsa cupcakes and a candle to wish to), it doesn't mean i love him less. The love and the fondness just keep growing!

Here's a short list of Logan's sweet-cray antics:
1.) He enjoys making balat  the buko. And while on the side cheering him up, his speed accelerates exponentially. Making pasikat of some sort.

2.) He's a lot stronger and faster than Summer (my other Labrador, a year younger than him). But when Summer tries to get his toy (a ball or anything they can grab), Logan willingly lets Summer have it.

3.) He's a great protector! Logan (or any other Lab i think), doesn't have a bad bone. I remember an instance when a Belgian Malinois was barking at us. I believe Logan was feeling my fright. And wham, Logan instantly barked back. Though he still was looking cute and malambing while trying to fight off with the Belgian.

4.) He's very behaved when it's his bath time. He raises his leg when i'm soaping him between his legs. He really has a mind of his own! Haha

5.) When he sees my dad carrying a pandesal, he would immediately be in his "down" or "sit" position. He begs like crazy! And he would never stop until my father waves his hand and says "No more!".

6.) He knows how to go up and down the tricycle. Sometimes, when we're having our walk at the plaza and he sees a tricycle parked, he would make sakay straight away. Uh-oh, we're not going home yet. Ha-ha

I can't enumerate everything in one blog post. Ha-ha Maybe some other time.

To end this birthday post, I pray i could spend more time with you - which means zero OTs, add more than just the sit-down-stay tricks, more gala at the plaza, more beach bumming and a lot more activities together with Summer. I thank God you're a lot healthier this year, no more dog-hospital-scare. Cheers to more years together!

Let's do the Yoga!

because i want to give my body a challenge, i (together with my friends) joined a session of yoga at Marichi Yoga. We came late since we have to travel from our town all the way down to GenSan. And we missed the warm up and we have to catch up with the group.

The session that night was all about balance - standing in one leg while your arms are pointed somewhere, bending in one leg while the other leg is stretched at your back. I get a good laugh remembering my wobbly legs while balancing and unsteady arms while doing some planking. And i know the teacher can easily weed out the beginners from the little advanced yoga students! Ha-ha

I never thought yoga can be a little draining, perspiring and challenging. My limited idea of yoga, before, was a relax and relaxation stretching on the mat. That time i was really struggling to keep my foot steady on the ground. But it inspires me that bigger studes from the class can really have their balance.

The climax of the class was for everyone to do a handstand. And I was line, Omigaaaad! I never saw it coming. I'm the type who's afraid to do tumbling or much more hand stand. The other studes (who are already a little experienced) did really an amazing handstand. I wasn't certain if i can make it, worry got ahead of me. Ha-ha But i was "forced", or i forced myself to beat myself on this. i was whimpering when it was my turn and added "ma'am, please take care of me!". Ha-ha So here is my not-so-perfect handstand with the assistance of the teacher and the wall.

Differently capable, who got it right?

My no-sweat favorite part.

My handstand and balance suck, but it's a good start. I'm glad to have pushed myself to this. Someday, i'm gonna do the handstand by myself (sans the wall and the teacher). According to Pattabhi Jois, “Practice and all is coming…” Namaste!

fun trekking.

The "magic stays with you" seems not an EK-exclusive banner. This surreally wonderful experience happened 9 months ago and i still feel the horror and fun. I am not an outdoorsy-type and climbs are never really my brand of fun

I got several invites before but i always said no. This time i finally said yes, on the premise that the activity would be easy - something that we, beginners, can do. A friend even assured us we'd be fun trekking only- no difficult trails. So off we went to Cassava-Kalaha trails.

But it terrified the heaven out of me wading through those difficult (i mean deadly) trails. I could have really died if i didn't take extra care... where you need to hold on those rocks for your life. I knew i whined a lot that time...i couldn't even count my shrieks of horror. Ha-ha But hey, i wasn't the same person after that.

It was exhausting and relaxing at the same time, fulfilling and rewarding at the end of it all. And I thank God for the beauty in the randomness of nature!

The Tennis Party (40 Love)

Every time I have my usual malling, I never failed to catch a quick stopover at a bookstore (National Bookstore or BOOKSALE). I would browse books from my favourite authors. And one day, while having an aimless look at the books, I was lucky in Booksale. That I almost flapped in delight. I bumped in to this super sale, hard bound book from my Madeleine Wickham aka Sophie Kinsella - the 40 Love. (I've been rooting for Sophie Kinsella since I read her Shopaholic series). Get this, I bought the book for Php40. Pretty much a catch!

Fast forward to the actual leafing through the pages (I did not mean to insinuate I did not enjoy it, Haha). I find it surprising I was actually dragging myself finishing the book. Maybe, it was the story I was never excited about… it was full of negativity. There's too much drama surrounding the characters and all were unravelled in their two-day stint in the house of the Chances. I was shell-shocked with so many clashes between Cressida and her husband, who still has the hots for his ex, Ella. Patrick, to get his bonus, tricks Stephen into buying his investment funds. Stephen, later on, developed a rift with his wife, Annie for not telling her about the investment fund.

Moreover, the tennis party (or tennis per se) did not interest me so much. I think I just had enormous expectation from the book knowing the usual chick lit from Sophie Kinsella.

Here's is the summary from goodreads:
Everyone wins this game of literary tennis, a comedy of manners about envy in which Wickham skewers the nouveau riche. At their country estate, Patrick Chance and his wife host a weekend tennis party. As four couples gather on the sunny terrace, it seems obvious who among them is succeeding, and who is falling behind. But by the end of the party, nothing will be quite as certain. While the couples’ children amuse themselves with pony rides and rehearsals for a play, the adults suffer a series of personal revelations and crises. Wickham’s nonstop action reveals at every turn that matters may not be as they seem, and in the end one thing is crystal clear: the weekend is about anything but tennis

Let's Have a Break.

"Break sa ta!" is this year's theme for Crossroads Retreat sponsored by ALNP. Along with the service, the retreat is a perfect breather from the hustle and bustle of work and home. And amidst all the chaos and hectic schedules we hold everyday, a pause from all these is a much-needed.

I've been attending this retreat for about 4 years already. Each retreat has been an enriching experience. The modules may have not changed but the experiences are equally enriching and moving...as we are confronted with endless decisions. The duration of the retreat tackled 4 inspiring talks:

1.) Where am I?
This talk was prepared by Aga and he prepared an Evolution Game to kick off. It was a fun game where everyone gets to play jack-en-poy, We were all given an egg mask and whoever wins in the jack-en-poy becomes a chicken. All chicken who win in the next round become human and eventually become a superhero. One must be so lucky to become the superhero. Haha Others remained an egg, a chicken and human. The talk stressed that we must anchor our decisions with the ancient wisdom or eternal principles - which are the law of love, law of forgiveness and law of faithfulness.

2.) Choices of the Heart
This may sound cliche but life is all about choices. Indeed, talk two tackled "Choices of the Heart". You may wonder whose heart? The choice we make is based on God's and our heart. Sometimes, we dwell on something we really want and do not seek what God wants. And wham, we fall into sin, we feel empty and alone. Thus, this talk tells us that we must seek God's heart.

Here are the tidbits from this talk:
*God's loving decision is when He chose to create and be our Father
*God's greatest gamble and gift is when He give us freedom to either love Him or reject Him
*True love is impossible without freedom
*God chose to win our hearts, to take the initiative to reach out to us.



Sir Guy, the Branch Leader, doing the introduction





The attentive participants, a little chit-chat is totally okay. Ha-Ha




Retreats are never complete without much goofing around...the camera.

 

Let me end with a quote very fitting for this course...
"Life has cross-roads in it. It may move along smoothly and then suddenly it changes, that's why we need God's involvement in everything." I couldn't agree more!

Good Fellas we love

My blog hiatus is finally over, thank God! And this “Good Fellas” makes me come rushing to the computer and blab about it.

It was a planned dinner out with friends with nothing in particular where to dine out. Just wanted to treat ourselves with no-frills good food. Choosing the perfect place that night was never nerve-wracking and we instantly agree about trying a not-so-popular place, the GOOD FELLAS. It’s a European-Italian cuisine within the dining strip of Microtel.

The interior is a reflection of European culture with wines, cutesy photos of bicycles, windows, tables…blah blah everything is really a replica of Europe. It’s really a nice place that caters our rich taste.HAHA

Good fellas also offers the cutest hats to match the ambiance. 

 

 Enjoying a free wine. Thanks to the Happy Wine Hour!

 Bonco Brollio. I'm not sure if i got it correctly.haha 

Good Fellas offers the most delish European food in the city. And with a good place to match. There's no doubt about it. *wink* 

Photo credits: JP and RJ