AND SO, LIFE BEGINS...

I don't have any big excuse as to why I haven't made an entry in my blog site for months. No, not the series of natural calamities... not the virtually telenovela-ish political scene... not even Aling Dionisia Pacquiao's stellar rise to fame.
I was just, uhm... how should I put it... oh yes, lazy.

Although I am not obliged to update anyone with what's been happening to me, I would do it just the same... whether you like it or not (well, you entered my blog site anyway... might as well read on).

* I haven't been practising my culinary and/or baking skills at home... for the same reason that I haven't updated this blog.

* My exercise regimen is a mess.

* Potato chips has been a staple nightly snack.

* I have been hooked on the new musical TV sitcom "GLEE".

* I think my pet beagle has AHDH.

*.... and, yup...

It's my Birthday!!!
NOVEMBER 4

I decided to declare this month - MINE! A series of intimate gatherings in celebration of my birthday with special groups of loved ones had happened and will continue to happen within the month of November. Of course, I have to start with my family.

BDAY CELEB: PART ONE - WITH FAMILY

My family gathered at Gateway Mall, Araneta Center in Cubao Quezon City.



at the Super Bowl of China (level three)


at may tarpaulin pa talaga ako with my dog, Will.


"BROTHERS & SISTERS... and NANAY"

not in this photo are Kuya Roland (sick) and Ate Arcel ( USA)

BAYAWS & HIPAG

MY NEPHEWS

MY NIECES


EAT! EAT! EAT!

















MY CAKE



CHIKA! CHIKA! CHIKA!






Itong magkapatid na ito.. magkasama na nga sa bahay nila. Hanggang dito sila pa rin ang nagkakwentuhan.

Father & Son




UWIAN NA...



... and I ate my cake at home... hehehe

BDAY CELEB: PART TWO - WITH BEST FRIENDS

It goes without saying that this bunch is not complete. Several of my close friends were not present for valid reasons. Not around, and I dearly missed, were Ferdie Cruz, Randy Rendal, Agnes Samson, Jeca Balisi, Tracy Zabala, Tess Anastacio-Guadarama, Fe Cuay and Sidney Noel.

But as they say, the show... or in this case... the eating must go on. Hehehehe... And I was in the perfect company to accomplish the task-- Jig, Jana, Sandy, Inas and Carl.

First stop, buffet lunch at Somethin' Fishy in Eastwood, Libis.

We didn't have a lot of pics because we were busy clearing the buffet table.

Then, coffee and dessert at

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

STAY TUNED... MORE CELEBRATIONS TO COME. :)

Farewell and thank you, Pres. Cory...

This is a simple tribute to the Mother of Philippine Democracy. A collection of quotes from a woman who has inspired an entire nation and will continue to do so with the coming generations.

I am not embarrassed to tell you that I believe in miracles.

As I came to power peacefully, so shall I keep it.

Freedom of expression - in particular, freedom of the press - guarantees popular participation in the decisions and actions of government, and popular participation is the essence of our democracy.

I would rather die a meaningful death than to live a meaningless life.

One must be frank to be relevant.

Reconciliation should be accompanied by justice, otherwise it will not last. While we all hope for peace it shouldn't be peace at any cost but peace based on principle, on justice.

Faith is not simply a patience that passively suffers until the storm is past. Rather, it is a spirit that bears things - with resignations, yes, but above all, with blazing, serene hope.

I just do whatever it is that I believe I should do, regardless of the risks to my life.

I guess my religious faith sustained me more than anything else. Family is also very important. If I didn't have children, it would have been too difficult. Even if you are strong, you still need people who would support you all the way.

It wasn't until we got over the self pity that we were able to accept suffering as apart of our life with Christ. A man or woman reaches this plane only when he or she ceases to be the hero.




I know my limitations, and I don't like politics. I was only involved because of my husband.

It is true you cannot eat freedom and you cannot power machinery with democracy. But then neither can political prisoners turn on the light in the cells of a dictatorship.

National leaders who find themselves wilting under the withering criticisms by members of the media, would do well not to take such criticism personally but to regard the media as their allies in keeping the government clean and honest, its services efficient and timely, and its commitment to democracy strong and unwavering.

It is not I who have been consigned to the bedroom of history.

It's very simple, I just tell my sad story, and people weep.

I've reached a point in life where it's no longer necessary to try to impress. If they like me the way I am, that's good. If they don't, that's too bad.

The media's power is frail. Without the people's support, it can be shut off with the ease of turning a light switch.

I don't have any formula for ousting a dictator or building democracy. All I can suggest is to forget about yourself and just think of your people. It's always the people who make things happen.

Farewell and Thank you Pres. Cory...

He Had Me At HE-WOOF!

For the past weeks I have been dreaming of having an DSLR camera (see previous blog entry) and a pet dog. My first choice pet is a chow chow but I have heard negative feedbacks about its temper and grooming. Also, it is quite expensive. The one I saw at SM Fairview costs P22,000.00. My next choice, a beagle. I remember, seeing one at Serendra last Mother's Day. Also, it reminded me of Snoopy and the Underdog.
So last Wednesday, I went online to look for one which could fit my budget. After hours of surfing, I came across this ad at Sulit.com.ph:

I took a closer look at the pup's photos and I knew that this is THE ONE.



I immediately contacted the owner that same night and asked certain details about the pup. We sort of sealed the deal in a matter of minutes. We agreed to meet up somewhere in Katipunan Friday afternoon. My good friend Perry was there to help out because I know I might have a hard time driving with a dog for a passenger.

I immediately fell in love with the beagle puppy the first time I caught a glimpse of it. He was even wearing a blue bandana around its neck.
After asking several questions about the pup and being handed with the papers and medical records by the owner, we went straight to the mall to buy the basic stuff that the puppy needed.
On our way there, we talked about the dog's name. Perry suggested "JONGLE" (jong+beagle). Uhm... NO WAY. Parang bisayang pronunciation ng "jungle". I wanted a name that is single syllable. I am a big "Will & Grace" fan. So I named him...

WILL

We of course took pictures right away...

Will is generally a happy puppy... well, sometimes too happy.
He loves to play.

He sniffs everything around him and likes to run, run, run. I think I've reached my quota of cardio exercise for the month. What I love most about him is that he doesn't bark even if all the other dogs around him are in a barking frenzy. He didn't even make a sound when we bathed him.

My nieces and nephews just adore him.

He moves around happily in his new domain.

WILL-come to my life...