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Saturday, April 14, 2012

One Black Saturday at Newport Condominium

We don't have any vacation plans last Holy Week. My hubby and I decided to stay at home, rest and clean the house. But, we got bored...hahaha... That is why we had an instant plan. I contacted my cousins and invited them to swim at my parent's new condominium at Newport City.

The condominium is divided into clusters and they share one big pool. Here is the picture of the swimming pool entrance.

Swimming Pool Entrance

It is nice that they have this little fountain.

Fountain

Here is the big swimming pool. It has a jacuzzi and built in sun bathing bench (I'm not sure what it is called).

Swimming Pool

My little one is very brave. Nakakatuwa at hindi nangilala. Sumama kaagad kay Tita Ninang niya. Aside from that, hindi ininda ang cold water ng pool. Kahit nanginginig na sa lamig, go pa rin.

Ian with his Tita Ninang Ruvie

Group picture muna with the Titas and Mama G.

Ruvs, Ian, Ruvie, Mama G, Chris & Monek

They enjoyed swimming kasi medyo solo pa nila ang pool that time.

Swimming Time

Mama G trying to entertain Chris. Medyo tinotopak that time, ayaw sumama sa mga tita.

Mama G & Chris

Ian is enjoying talaga. Addict yata sa water eh. He is playing here with his Tita Ruvie Lyn and Tita Ninang Ruvie Joy.

Ian with Tita Ruvs & Tita Ninang Ruvie

Eto na, tinopak na talaga si bunso. Inihaon ko na kasi iyak ng iyak.

Topak Chris with Mama G

Si Ian naman, walang kasawa sawa to swim. Now, he is with his Tita Mikka. Oh di ba, lahat sinamahan niya.

Ian floating with Tita Mikka

Chirs is back! He is hungry lang pala. After mag-recharge, sugod kaagad sa pool. You can see naman in his face that he is enjoying di ba?

No more topak Chris

After swimming, we ate our baon, spaghetti, for merienda. My mom cooked it for us. It is her specialty. Wag ka, that day puro spaghetti laman ng tyan ko. Hahaha... Spaghetti for breakfast, am snack, lunch and pm snack. I didn't eat dinner na kasi nanawa na ako...Hahaha...

At 12:00nn, nagpack up na kami. Kanya kanya ng lakad afterwards.

Friday, April 13, 2012

My Future Swimmers

Ian and Chris love to swim that is why Mama G bought them an inflatable pool (the perks of being the first grandchildren). During the holy week, I got a chance to take some pictures while they were swimming. 


Ian
 
Chris

Look at them here. They are already swimming while their yaya is filling the pool with water.


Chris & Ian
See...they are really enjoying the water...They never got scared of water.


Ian & Chris

They do this when we say "Swimming! Swimming!". They do this also on the floor.


Ian & Chris

I hope that they'll become future swimming varsity like their Tito Ninong Raph and of course their dad's idol, Enchong Dee (LOL!).








Food Discovery: Tedi Chocolate Cookies

I have a new discovery and my twins loved it!!!

When I went to the grocery store, I tried to look for animal crackers for my babies. Unfortunately, they don't have any. Instead, I saw this:

Tedi Bear Shaped Chocolate Cookies

It is a bear shaped chocolate cookies by Island Biscuit and it only costs less than P5.00 a pack. I bought one pack first to try if my twins would like it.

I opened the pack one afternoon and gave one piece at a time to my twins so that they could eat it while they are watching a movie. They liked it and finished the pack. Out of curiosity, I tried a piece and it really tastes good. Actually, it tastes like an oreo cookie.

The next time I go back to the grocery store, I will buy these cookies again for my twins.

A Gift and a Letter from a Patient

Just recently, my hubby received a gift and a letter from one of his patients. I am very happy and grateful that he is appreciated by his patients. This makes me even more proud of him.

I know ever since that he'll become a very good doctor. Even during his med tech and medical training days, he is valued already by his patients. Every time he goes home, he has something from his patients such as puto, suman, fruits, sandwiches, other food and even watches. Aside from those, I can say that he is really valued by his patients because a patient of him during his training days at Makati Medical Center went all the way to Sta. Rosa Hospital and Medical Center for medical consultation.

Here is the picture of the planner, letter and VIA coffee given by the patient:

Starbucks Planner and Via Instant Coffee

And the heartwarming letter by the patient:

Letter from the patient

DR. RYAN NINO C. PADUA
Cardiologist

Clinic Schedule:

M-W-F
Medicard Head Office (Buendia) - 8:00am to 10:00am
Olivarez General Hospital (Sucat) - 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Zarate General Hospital (Naga Road) - 4:30pm to 6:00pm

T-TH-S
San Pedro Doctors Hospital - 8:00am to 10:00am
Healthy Lifestyle Clinic - 10:30am to 12:00nn
Sta. Rosa Hospital and Medical Center - 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Cowboys Ian & Chris

I just want to share you the pictures of my twins during their 1st birthday last February.

Mathe Christian Raphael G. Padua


Mathe Ryan Christopher G. Padua

And for our family picture...

"FLIPIS"

Maybe you are wondering what the hell is a "flipis". Well, it is a term we use to call a flying ipis or cockroach. Here is a picture...

Picture of a "flipis" from pestcemetery.com

Last night, while I am getting some night clothes in my cabinet, something landed towards me. OMG! It is a flipis. It almost landed to me buti na lang mabilis ako umilag. It even went inside my cabinet that I pulled out my things in order to catch and kill it.

Actually, I'm not afraid of cockroaches except for this kind of breed. Kadiri kaya ang feeling kapag nadapuan ka ng flipis. Aside from that, it seems to follow or attack you if you try to catch them because it really flies towards you.

I really don't know where that flipis came from. Nakasara naman buong house namin. Malas lang niya ako ang inattack niya kaya yan, todas siya. LOL!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Mama G's Laughtrip: Baa Baa Black Sheep

Every night, my mom always checks my boys before they go to bed. She plays, hugs, and kisses them before she says good night to them.

Last night, my mom tried to sing Baa, Baa Black Ship to my boys since she just bought them a new Nursery Rhyme Videoke:

Mama G: Sige nga mga apo dance kayo...
           Baa, Baa black sheep harry, harry wool...
           Ano nga ba yun?


I'm really laughing to death after she sung that line. Even my mom laughed on her own mistake. Well, that's my mom! Sabi nga ng Dad ko, hindi mabubuo ang araw natin kung wala ang mga jokes and spoofs ng mommy niyo.

"I Want Blue Bunny!"

My hubby is craving for different brands of ice cream nowadays. At first it was Magnum, next Mia Gelati and now Blue Bunny.


SCENARIO 1: Upon filing his ITR at BIR Binan

Doc Padu: BIR Done. Kaso yung 1702 hindi tinanggap dapat raw same ng size yung form.

Me: Huh? May ganun? Ask ko muna sa mga auditors. (after confirming to one of the auditors), Be,
       Tama nga, dapat nga same size ng form from BIR kasi hindi raw ma-sscan pag iba ang size.

Doc Padu: I told you so! Blue Bunny!


SCENARIO 2: At the office

Doc Padu: Blue Bunny! Blue Bunny! Blue Bunny!


SCENARIO 3: On the way to S&R

Doc Padu: Yehey! Punta tayo ng S&R...Mga anak (talking to the twins) bibili raw tayo ni mommy ng Blue Bunny!


SCENARIO 4: After updating the list of his patients to me

Me: Dami ni bebe px ha. Lab u!

Doc Padu: Blue Bunny! Lab u!

Ian & Chris Can Now Eat on Their Own

My boys grow fast. Now they can walk, run, dance, eat on their own, etcetera...etcetera...

Last Thursday, my mom let my boys eat on the mini table that she bought from Quezon. You can see the excitement in them that day. Let me show you their pictures...


Left: Ian; Right: Chris
 
Feel na feel ni Ian ang kanyang pagsubo

Ian started to eat from the plate

Chris imitated Ian

Both of them eating from their plate

Sunday, April 08, 2012

Mama G's Laughtrip: Nursery Rhymes Videoke

One Maundy Thursday at the Garcia's house in Las Pinas, while Mama G, Papa G and I were watching after the twins while they were watching their nursery rhymes videoke...

Song- I'm A Little Teapot

Mama G: Anak, anak, yan yung ginagaya ni Ian sa sayaw niya.

Me: Alin po?

Mama G: Yan oh, I'm a little teapot ching ching ching (singing)

Me: Hahaha (para lang slot machine sa casino ha)



Song- Eency Weency Spider

Mama G: Ayan, gusto din yan ni kambal... Ensi Ensi Spider...

Me: Ha?

Song is playing...the eency weency spider went up the water spout...

Mama G: Ah... Eency eency pala...

Me: (sige na nga...mali pa rin eh!)

Saturday, April 07, 2012

Darwin Awards

I received an email from my dad and the subject is "Darwin Awards". At first, I thought that it is related to work where he will ask me to prepare an ad for the company. To my surprise, it is just a forwarded email  awarding people because of their, let's just say, "stupidity".

Let me share it to you...

*DARWIN AWARDS*

*Yes, it's that magical time of year again when the Darwin Awards are bestowed, honoring the least evolved among us.** *

*Here is the glorious winner:**

1. When his 38 caliber revolver failed to fire at his intended victim during a hold-up in Long Beach , California would-be robber James Elliot did something that can only inspire wonder. He peered down the barrel and tried the trigger again. This time it worked.
And now, the honorable mentions:

2. The chef at a hotel in Switzerland lost a finger in a meat cutting machine and after a little shopping around, submitted a claim to his insurance company. The company expecting negligence sent out one of its men to have a look for himself. He tried the machine and he also lost a finger.. The chef's claim was approved.

3. A man who shoveled snow for an hour to clear a space for his car during a blizzard in Chicago returned with his vehicle to find a woman had taken the space. Understandably, he shot her.

4. After stopping for drinks at an illegal bar, a Zimbabwean bus driver found that the 20 mental patients he was supposed to be transporting from Harare to Bulawayo had escaped. Not wanting to admit his  incompetence, the driver went to a nearby bus stop and offered everyone waiting there a free
ride. He then delivered the passengers to the mental hospital, telling the staff that the patients were very excitable and prone to bizarre fantasies.. The deception wasn't discovered for 3 days.

5. An American teenager was in the hospital recovering from serious head wounds received from an oncoming train. When asked how he received the injuries, the lad told police that he was simply trying to see how close he could get his head to a moving train before he was hit.

6. A man walked into a Louisiana Circle-K, put a $20 bill on the counter, and asked for change. When the clerk opened the cash drawer, the man pulled a gun and asked for all the cash in the register, which the clerk promptly provided. The man took the cash from the clerk and fled, leaving the $20
bill on the counter. The total amount of cash he got from the drawer... $15. [If someone points a gun at you and gives you money, is a crime committed?]

7. Seems an Arkansas guy wanted some beer pretty badly.. He decided that he'd just throw a cinder block through a liquor store window, grab some booze, and run. So he lifted the cinder block and heaved it over his head at the window. The cinder block bounced back and hit the would-be thief on the head, knocking him unconscious. The liquor store window was made of Plexiglas. The whole event was caught on videotape...
8. As a female shopper exited a New York convenience store, a man grabbed her purse and ran. The clerk called 911 immediately, and the woman was able to give them a detailed description of the snatcher. Within minutes, the police apprehended the snatcher. They put him in the car and drove back to the store. The thief was then taken out of the car and told to stand there for a positive ID. To which he replied, "Yes, officer, that's her. That's the lady I stole the purse from."

9. The Ann Arbor News crime column reported that a man walked into a Burger King in Ypsilanti , Michigan at 5 A.M., flashed a gun, and demanded cash. The clerk turned him down because he said he couldn't open the cash register without a food order. When the man ordered onion rings, the clerk
said they weren't available for breakfast... The man, frustrated, walked away. [*A 5-STAR STUPIDITY AWARD WINNER]

10. When a man attempted to siphon gasoline from a motor home parked on a Seattle street by sucking on a hose, he got much more than he bargained for.. Police arrived at the scene to find a very sick man curled up next to a motor home near spilled sewage. A police spokesman said that the man admitted to trying to steal gasoline, but he plugged his siphon hose into the motor home's sewage tank by mistake. The owner of the vehicle declined to press charges saying that it was the best laugh he'd ever had.

Friday, April 06, 2012

Fishballs sa Kanto

During my childhood days, I can only eat fishballs when we visit Nanay Anding (my maternal grandmother) at her house (Blumentritt, Sta. Cruz, Manila). We live kasi in a private subdivision kaya bawal ang mga kariton na naglalako ng kung ano ano. Aside from that, ang Las Pinas dati parang province kung saan konti lang ang tao and establishments.

But now, after more than 20 years living in Las Pinas, ang laki sobra ng pinagbago - kabi kabilaang traffic, mga nagsusulputang mga malls (Ilan nga ba ang SM sa Las Pinas?) and big groceries, restaurants, convenience stores at siyempre di mawawala ang mga STREET FOOD sa mga bangketa na malapit sa mga terminal ng jeep (kwek kwek, boyong, chilak, bopis, pares, balut, pancakes, buko juice...at iba pa).I stressed out street food dahil paminsan minsan nagfufood trip kami ni hubby sa kanto ng aming subdivision. P100.00 namin, solve na kami niyan.

Nowadays, nagcocommute na lang ako pauwi since si hubby sa south na nagprapractice. So meaning, lagi na lang ako na-eexpose sa temptation island sa kanto ng aming subdivision kung saan ako bumababa. Kaya ayan, halos gabi gabi may bitbit akong P20.00 na fishballs. Sa sobrang suki na ako ni manong, lagi akong may free na P2.00 worth na fishballs.

Fishballs 3 for Php 2.00
Oh di ba, very tempting ang kawali ni Manong? Kaya tara na sa kanto... ika nga ng mga taga _______ "Let's go na to the kanto. Let's make tusok tusok some fishballs and make sawsaw sawsaw to the sauce!"

Thursday, April 05, 2012

Usi: Short for Usisero

Just a thought...

Bakit ba ganoon? Every time may vehicular accident or whatever incident ang dami talagang mga "usi". Para bang may shooting ng pelikula na kailangan panuorin. Usually, wala naman talagang naitutulong, kundi nakakagulo pa.

On my way home the other night, there was a vehicular accident between a motorcycle and SUV along Alabang-Zapote Road. Ayun, yung leeg ng driver ng sinasakyan kong shuttle service ay nanghahaba, as in mahaba pa sa leeg ng giraffe, kakatingin sa accident. Hindi niya alam nakakacause siya ng heavy traffic. Most of the time, heavy traffic na nga sa Alabang-Zapote, lalo pang naging heavy ang traffic because of that accident. Hindi lang yun, instead na kaawaan ang nakahalandusay na motorcycle driver, pinagtatawanan pa at kung ano ano ang pinagsasabi. Sila kaya ang nasa shoes nung taong naaksidente.

Nag-flash back tuloy sa isip ko yung incident sa isang mall, yung may nabaril na student ata yun. I forgot na. Basta nasa news yun at naging controversial. Ang daming "usi" pero wala man lang tumulong dun sa guy na pwede pa sana masave yung life.

Mga Pinoy lang ba ang ganito? Sana naman hindi ito isa sa mga trademark natin. I hope na instead na maging spectator lang tayo at makadagdag sa gulo, tumulong na lang tayo.

Wednesday, April 04, 2012

Income Tax Return (ITR) 1701

As a responsible citizen, we need to pay our income taxes annually. This is the reality that we need to accept kahit alam natin kung saan lang napupunta ang mga binabayaran nating buwis.

In my case, hubby and I file prepare our ITR jointly. Actually, I'm already done doing it. Kinareer ko talaga yan dahil ayaw kong mapenalty. The difference lang this year and last year is that nag-iba na ang form. As in major overhaul. So naloka talaga ako. Buti na lang at nagrelease ang BIR ng interactive form wherein automatic na yung ibang figures. Yun lang inaral ko pa nung nakaraang weekend.

Yesterday, hubby sent our 2011 ITR together with the 2551M and 1701Q to BIR Binan after his morning clinic. Maaga kami nagfile para hindi na sumabay sa deadline which is April 15. Malas lang talaga at hindi tinanggap yung ITR namin. Bakit kamo? kasi nakaprint yung ITR namin sa short bond paper. Yun pala dapat kasing size ng original na form which is 8.5 x 13 since hindi raw marerecognize yung ITR namin kasi computerized na raw sila. Aba malay ko ba, wala naman instructions na iprint sa 8.5 x 13 na papel yung form. Prinint ko lang ng diretso since I thought nakaset na siya. Well, well, ika nga nila maraming namamatay sa maling akala.

Pero ok na, done na ako. Naprint ko na rin sa 8.5 x 13 na paper. At least, may bago na naman akong nalaman at natutunan. Hubby will go back na lang to BIR Binan to file it.

Tuesday, April 03, 2012

Express Lunch at the Corner Tree Cafe

I forgot my baon last Saturday because my dad and I are in a hurry in going to the office. I was thinking that time na hindi na lang ako maglulunch since we had a heavy breakfast that morning naman (aside sa pagiging super kuripot ko...LOL!)

At around 10:30am, Manang Susan asked me kung ano ang kakainin ko. I told her baka hindi na lang ako kumain kasi busog pa ako. Then she asked me kung ano kakainin ni daddy. I told her to ask him because I don't know and we don't have any baon. She approached my dad and asked him what he will eat. At ang sagot ng aking daddy is "Sabihin mo kay Cheryll ilibre ako..." Natawa lang daw si Manang Susan and she told my dad na hindi nga ako kakain. Knowing that I'll not eat lunch, ang daddy ko na isa pang kuripot, na pinagmanahan ko, ay magpapakatay na naman ng kanyang bestfriend Kirkland Chicken Breast. Pero siyempre naisip ko na minsan lang maglambing ang daddy ko at di ko maatim na delata na naman ang kakainin, I told manang not to prepare him lunch anymore.

I told my dad na we'll just eat sa Corner Tree Cafe. It is a vegan restaurant located at Jupiter St., Makati. Nagpromise din kasi ako sa kanya before na papakainin ko siya dun since he is in a "vegetarian" diet.

Corner Tree Cafe
As a starter, I ordered the Corner Tree Starter Plate. It is a combination of Dukka (a distinctly Egyptian snack made with a dry blend of seeds, spices and nuts. Earthy and fragrant. Served with extra vigin olive oil and warm chunks of whole wheat bread and white bean hummus (a lemony white bean dip servied "on the rocks"). With sticks of cucumber, singkamas (jicama) and carrots.

This starter plate is really delish. Nabitin nga ako sa bread eh. The white bean hummus is very addictive. I actually ate it without the bread. I also tried dipping the bread with the olive oil and Dukka. Ang sarap din niya. May pagka-smokey ang flavor.

Corner Tree Starter Plate Php 210.00
For the main dish, I ordered Tofu Teriyaki with Sauteed Asparagus and Shitake Mushroom for my dad. It is served in a bowl over organic red rice.

I tried one tofu and I could say that it is delicious also. It has a right blend of ingredients that the flavor of one ingredient don't overpower the flavor of another. My dad enjoyed this dish as well.

 
Tofu Teriyaki with  Sauteed Asparagus & Shitake Mushroom Php 280.00
And for me, I ordered Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna. It is made of spinach, roasted red bell pepper, mushrooms and 3 different kind of cheeses. It is served with a side salad as well.

Their lasagna is flavorful. Hindi siya nakakasawa or nakakaumay. Aside from that, ang dami niyang spinach. The good thing about this dish is that hindi siya mapait. Usually kasi ang spinach medyo bitter ang taste.
 
Spinach & Mushroom Lasagna Php 390.00
For our drinks, I ordered Organic Lemongrass Iced Tea. Hindi ko masyadong type ito. I find the taste weird eh. Not the usual iced tea, maybe because of the muscovado. Pero my dad, he liked it.

Organic Lemongrass Iced Tea Php 90.00
To complete our meal, we had a slice of Banoffee Pie for dessert. Eto talaga is a must try. Ang SARAP talaga! Gusto ko nga magtake home ng isang buo eh. Si daddy rin nagustuhan niya ito especially yung toffee. Tamang tama ang tamis. Actually, mas masarap itong banoffee pie na ito as compared to the one that Starbucks is selling.

Banoffee Pie Php 165.00
Maybe you are wondering why it is an express lunch. Express because we stayed at the restaurant in less than an hour. Meaning, kasama na dun ang pagbasa ng menu, pag-order, pagkain and pagkuha ng bill. Bakit kamo, kasi may meeting si daddy sa Galleria ng 2:00pm. Buti na lang mabilis sila mag-serve ng food.

Here are my comments to the Corner Tree Cafe:
  • Parking - Limited parking; it is hard to park. Nakadouble parking kami
  • Place - Too small to the point na magkakabanggaan mga customer
  • Food - Delisyoso and served hot
  • Serving Size - Tama lang - not to small and not to big (nabitin lang ako sa starter plate)
  • Price - Medyo pricey siya since our bill is almost Php 1,400.00. Pero sabi nga ng dad ko, mahal talaga pag healthy food.
  • Service - Prompt service ang hindi ko lang nagustuhan ay yung cashier nila kasi nakabusangot and hindi accomodating
Overall, I am satisfied with our dining experience at Corner Tree Cafe. Maybe next time I'm going back with my hubby to try their Tofu Burger which I heard is one of their bestsellers.

Sunday, April 01, 2012

Soderno Food Trip

Just before the parenting conference started last Friday night, my hubby suddenly asked me: "Saan tayo kakain ng dinner?" I just smiled back and in my mind I said "Talaga nga naman ang hubby ko oh, di pa nagsisimula ang conference tinatanong na ako kaagad kung saan kami kakain ng dinner. Basta pagkain talaga, number 1 si Doc Padu." 

Then he asked me again the same question. Di talaga ako tinantanan. Then I said "Soderno na lang". When I said that, there is a big smile in his face and he said in a childish and exciting way "Ay sige, sa Soderno!" I chose Soderno because it is open during night time and there are a lot of food choices there.

When we arrived at the area, I asked my hubby to drop me at the Korean grocery because I'm craving for a Korean Ice Cream. I bought this flower-shaped ice cream.


Korean Ice Cream Php 50.00


It is almost like an ice cream sandwich. Wafer on the outside and vanilla ice cream, red beans and sticky rice inside. It is very delicious. Hindi siya nakakasawa kasi tamang tama lang ang sweetness niya.

Then we went inside Soderno and started strolling around to check on the booths.

Oohhh La La... Look at these... the uric acid and cholesterol station...

Ihaw - Ihaw
Hubby ordered this. It is called Bagwang. It is served with thinly sliced crispy pork jowls, fried rice and fried egg. Honestly, hindi ko siya masyadong type. It tastes bland for me plus it is not served hot. It just tastes like a bland chicharon. And I think pricey siya.

Bagwang Php 170.00
I bought takoyaki. I love takoyaki. I remember the takoyakis being sold in the streets of Hong Kong's night market. The best talaga with their sauce, mayo, dried fish powder and seaweeds. Yummy! But this one, hindi ko rin masyadong like. So so lang. It is not served hot kasi. Gusto ko sa takoyaki yung napapaso paso ako, yung nakakachallenge kainin. Aside from that, yung filling niya iba. Instead of  octopus, they used crab sticks.

Takoyaki Php 70.00
I also ordered Manang's chicken. This one I like. I love the mix of flavors (original sauce and sesame seeds). Very crispy and juicy.

Manangs Fried Chicken Php 149.00
I like eating ihaw-ihaw, especially isaw manok/baboy. Malasa kasi siya eh. But this one, I don't really recommend. Bland din ang lasa and dry. Yung taste niya hindi yung ine-expect ko na malinamnam. Medyo naumay kami ni hubby. Sabi ko pa nga baka makuha sa suka, pero ang suka niya hindi rin masarap. One secret to a delicious ihaw-ihaw is the sauce. Kung masarap sana ang suka, madadala na ang ihaw-ihaw. The best pa rin talaga ang Mang Raul's sa BF Almanza.

Isaw Manok/Baboy Php 40.00 per stick
Para mawala ang umay, I ordered Mr. Tea's Milk Tea with pearls. Ok naman ang taste niya pero not that good compared with the other milk teas. Ano naman kasi ang e-expect di ba, mura lang siya compared sa iba.
Mr. Tea Milk Tea Php 70.00
Hubby naman, he bought a 2 scoops of gelato for dessert for Php 200.00 (I forgot to take a picture of it). He chose 2 flavors: chili chocolate and Baileys.

So that ended our food trip. Next time we go back at Soderno we will try the roast beef and the steak.

Parenting Conference: 30 Years of Parenting

Being first time parents, hubby and I attended a parenting conference sponsored by Victory Christian Fellowship at VCF Alabang. The speakers are Pastor Paul and Aleta Barker. They talked about their mistakes made and lessons learned during their 30 years of parenting.
Pastor Paul Barker
During the conference, we learned the following:

Mistakes Made
  1. Lacks family devotion - family should pray together, they should share gospel/word of God to each other
  2. Did not work together as parents in raising the kids - both parents should work as one in raising their kids
  3. No "Sex Talk" - Openness to one another even to "Sex" topic
Lessons Learned
  1. Allow the gospel to grow deeper into your heart every day - Colossians 1:6
  2. Enforce loving and consistent discipline - Proverbs 13:24-25
  3. Stand on God's covenant promises - Psalm 112: 1-2, 6-8
We really learned a lot from this conference. We hope that VCF will have other sessions about parenting or family because it will surely help us in raising our kids properly.

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Instant Laksa

My dad went to Singapore with my mom for a business trip. I told my mom to buy an instant laksa for me. I was referring to the laksa that are bought in packs of 6. Since she don't know what brand I like, she bought me this...



My mom told me that this is quite expensive for an instant noodles. For its packaging and size, mukha naman talagang mamahalin.

Yesterday, I asked our Manang in the office to cook one for me kaso nagmukhang sinigang sa dami ng sabaw. Hindi ko tuloy nalasahan yung dapat kong malasahan. You know what I mean. Actually, ang taste niya naging tubig na maanghang. Sayang talaga. It seems pa naman na very creamy siya and malasa. Di bale next time na lang. Buti na lang I have another pack. Ako na lang ang magluluto and I'll blog about it again.

Here is the picture of yesterday's laksa. Madaya lang yan, yung sandamakmak na sabaw nakahiwalay. LOL.

Friday, March 30, 2012

Magnum Ice Cream Cravings


During the preaching last Sunday, Pastor Ariel included eating Magnum Ice Cream in one of his metaphors. He described how delicious and addicting Magnum Ice Cream is to the point that he ended up eating three pieces a day and started hoarding some in his fridge.

With his high credibility (being a pastor) plus matching exaggerated facial expression and body gestures, I could say that he can be an effective food endorser. Well, I am right. My hubby suddenly felt the urge to try one. Imagine, my hubby tried to buy Magnum Ice Cream from one store to another from Supervalue (Festival Mall), 7-Eleven, Ministop, Select to SM Southmall. Could you believe it, walang tsumamba...lahat out-of-stock? So my hubby just left a note "Kapag nakatikim ako niyan at hindi pumasa sa expectations ko, ewan ko lang, ibloblog ko yan!". Ang funny talaga. Tawang tawa talaga ko every time he'll return to the car without a Magnum Ice Cream. Mukhang kawawa na naglilihi eh.

Anyway, when we arrived home. I told my mom about it. Tawa rin ng tawa si Mama G at inaalaska pa si hubby. Mama G pretended that she has a stock of Magnum Ice Cream in her fridge at sinabi pa sa maid "Manang, itago mo yung Magnum Ice Cream ko sa freezer ha. Huwag mo ipapakita kay Doc!".

The following day naman, my mom called me up. "Anak, guess what? Ang laman ng Facebook ay yung preaching ni Pastor A nung Sunday. Yung kwinento niya about Magnum Ice Cream. Yung mga tao pala after going to Church naghanap talaga ng Magnum!"

Well, well, that could explain why naubos ang supply ng Magnum Ice Cream last Sunday sa Festival Mall. So Unilever, you must pay Pastor Ariel for a talent fee because super naging effective ang "endorsement" niya sa Church!

Carpool It Is

Yesterday, I have to take public transportation in going to work since hubby's clinic is in the south area. Hubby dropped me off to the shuttle terminal at around 7:10am. Unfortunately, there are no vans available because I think most of the shuttle vans there are colorum and they are hot right now in the eyes of the traffic enforcers.

It's 7:45am already and yet there are no vans coming. At the queue, a group of girls asked me if I want to take a cab with them and the drop off point will be at Makati Med. I agreed because I'm terribly late already. Haayyyssttt...additional 41 bux for the fare...It's an ouch in the wallet...

While on our way to Makati, I asked these girls if they want to join me in a carpool since my hubby is driving me to the office every Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. They just have to pay me the same fare (P70.00). At least I could save in paying the Skyway Toll Fee which is P164.00 one way. They agreed (Yehey!!!).

This morning, it is the first day of our carpool. Only two of my new-found friends showed up. Not bad huh? It is still P140.00 savings on Toll Fee.

How about you guys, how do you save in your transportation expenses?

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Cooshies Diapers

I love to try on different types of diapers to my babies. I already tried so many brands like EQ color, EQ Plus, Drypers, Giggles, etc. etc.

When I went to SM the other day, I saw a new brand of diaper wherein Baby Company is carrying. The brand name is Cooshies. It is a little more expensive than EQ Plus. I bought 2 packs of 10 to try if it a good diaper.

We tried it immediately that night to our boys to see its quality the following day. The result is...NEGATIVE!!! Why:

- it is not that absorbent
- baby's wee wee leaks
- the cotton inside the diaper crumbles
- the diaper is too thin
- it ends up that you are using many diapers at the end of the day
- it irritates the skin of the baby
- the bottom of the baby is not kept dry (malagkit)

I don't recommend moms to buy this diaper. Mas mapapamahal pa kayo since you have to change diapers often. So far, the tested diapers for me are EQ plus and Drypers. I use EQ plus for everyday use and Drypers when we go out.

How about you moms, what diapers do you recommend?

Friday, March 23, 2012

The Twins Meet Jollibee

Last Sunday, we went to the 1st birthday party of Grei, the son of Louille who was my classmate in UP Manila. It was held in Jollibee, Shangri-la Mall. It was my twins first time to attend a Jolly Party.

My twins are very energetic that time. They keep on walking around and even dancing every time they hear a dance music. The time came when Jollibee, the mascot, arrived. I was very excited to see my sons' reactions. Good thing they are not afraid of Jollibee. They just stared and tried to touch him. Usually, babies are afraid of mascots eh. But... during the photo-op, when Jollibee tried to hug Chris, Chris got scared while Ian tried to go away (as you can see in the photo). Nakakatuwa kasi parang magkadikit talaga ang pusod nila kasi Ian was also affected when Chris got scared.



After some time, Chris was not afraid anymore with Jollibee kasi he was trying to touch na the foot of Jollibee. Si Ian naman, he was so bibo, he was dancing also while Jollibee was dancing.

Having kids pala is parang you are going back to your childhood ulit. You are invited to a series of children's party. And siyempre, I don't want to be KJ (kill joy) to my kids kaya go na lang ng go. In short, their happiness is also my happiness.

Cebu Pacific 90% Off Seat Sale

Early this month, Cebu Pacific had a seat sale. All their domestic and international flights are 90%off the price. Cool huh?

We booked two flights. One going to Puerto Princesa for my mom's birthday celebration and another one going to Taiwan for my birthday celebration. The ticket price is so cheap. We only paid around 14k for our Puerto Princesa trip which is already for 6 adults and 2 infants and only paid around 6k for our Taiwan trip which is already for 2 adults.

I am not really a fan of Cebu Pacific but their promo got me. =)

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Naughty Lizards

Look what I saw the other night...




Two naughty lizards...hahaha...it was my first time to witness two lizards making love...sobrang babaw lang ako...

SM Southmall Grocery Paper Bag

In Las Pinas, there is a "No Plastic" campaign. Bawal na ang mga plastic bags sa department stores, groceries, shops, restaurants, etc. I really appreciate this move. However, I just hope that SM change their paper bags. Super bad ang quality. Parang supot lang ng pandesal. Actually, the paper bag used in Pan de Manila is better than theirs. Hindi pa nakakalayo sa counter, sira sira na. Kawawa naman yung mga shoppers na nagcocommute lang.

Lesson learned: always bring with you an econo bag... You'll never know if you are going to shop or do some groceries.

Free Groceries

Last night, we went to SM Southmall to buy some groceries using the gift certificates we got from Standard Chartered bank.

And here are the items that I bought using the P 1,000.00 SM GCs...

Thanks for the credit card promos!

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Free SM Gift Certificate

Ye'y! We have free P1,000 worth of SM gift certificates. How? With every P25,000.00 spend using Standard Chartered Bank credit card, you can exchange it to P1,000.00 worth of SM gift certificates. Actually, there are other options. But of course, being practical, I chose SM GCs because I can use it to buy our supplies.

So what am I planning to buy? Hmmm... Diapers... Diapers... Diapers... Hehehe... Well, aside from that I'll buy some baby foods and oatmeal for my hubby.

Mama G's Laugh Trip: Mini Hamper

On the way home yesterday, we saw a small car...

Mama G: Ang liit naman ng kotse na yan, ano ba yan?

Papa G: Mini Cooper yan, mahal yan.

Mama G: Mas maganda pa rin yung sa akin. Mini Hamper.

Me: Anong Mini Hamper Ma?

Papa G: It's Hummer

Mama G: Ay, Hummer pala

Me: Ah...akala ko yung lalagyan ng maduming damit eh...

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Club Astoria Invite

We were invited by Club Astoria last Friday for a dinner for two at Gumbo Restaurant MOA. They said that after dinner they will just have a 1.5 hours presentation and after the presentation they will give us a gift certificate for a free overnight stay at any of their hotel in Bohol, Bali, Bangkok, Las Vegas or Florida.

I agreed because of 3 reasons - free dinner, free gift certificate and the presentation is only for 1.5 hours.

Hubby arrived at Gumbo earlier than me because I was stuck in Makati's horrible traffic. When I arrived at the restaurant, my hubby already started with the appetizer. We ate fast so that we can finish early because I brought with me my boys (My mom brought them to my office to surprise me. She forgot that I have an engagement in the evening). We were served salad, pork chop, fish fillet, fried chicken, mixed vegetables, fried rice, chocolate cake and refillable drinks (freshly brewed iced tea for me and lemonade for hubby).

After we finished our dinner, we approached the agent and told him to start the presentation so that we could go home early. He presented Astoria Time Share and asked us questions about our previous and future travels. From there, he is trying to convince us that through the time share, we would save on our hotel bookings. At first, the offered price is 1 million. We frankly told him that we don't have a budget for that and it is not in our priority list at this point in time. Then, he called his manager in order to present us a discounted price. The discounted price is more than half a million and they offered us additional discount if it will be paid in spot cash or in 48 months wherein the lowest price is dropped to more than P200k.

At first, you will be enticed with the offer because of the big discount that they offer. But then if you compute it, it will still be more expensive if you use it. Why? Because you'll just be given one (1) week once a year in order to use your time share. You won't be able to use it during Christmas, New Year and Holy Week. Apart from that, you still have to pay SGD 198.00 for local/Asian Travel and SGD 398.00 for other international travel if you are going to avail it. There is also an annual fee of P8,800.00 for the Astoria Time Share and P5,000.00 for RCI membership.

Having this time share is definitely a no no for us. Having analyzed the benefits that you'll get from it, you'll not get the value of what you have paid for. And based on our own experience (My dad has a Laguna de Boracay Time Share), we were not able to use it.

How about you, what do you think about time shares?

Friday, September 30, 2011

Yesterday - A Disaster

Yesterday was a disaster! My stress level almost neared the maximum... First, I'm so worried about my breast milk supply. Grabe the twins, naubos ang buffer ko sa fridge. As in sakto lang ang supply for the day. So ngayon naghahabol ako. As much as possible, I don't want to feed them formula kasi.

Second, sinabayan pa ako ng hubby ko ng bad news...Tama ba yun???? Super nagwoworry and namromroblema na nga ako sa breast milk supply ko tapos sabay banat ng bad news... Haaaayyyysssstttt.... Life talaga. The bad news is starting next month, he'll be the one to pay for the amortization of his hospital stocks... it was very unexpected. The initial plan kasi is that he'll be the one to start to pay for it once he is already established in that hospital. Eh, paano naman yun, e hindi nga nag-aaverage ng 2 paying patients per clinic siya doon tapos puro HMO pa.

So super budget na naman kami niyan...condominium monthly payment, hospital stocks monthly payment, monthly salary of 2 yayas and monthly utilities bill... at eto pa, lapit na ang first birthday ng twins, need to prepare for it also.

Well, well, that is life! Basta isa lang ang masasabi ko, "Huwag mangangako kapag alam mong mapapako!".

Sunday, August 07, 2011

Welcome Back Pawie!

Pawie was already disharged yesterday afternoon from the hospital. My hubby and I are very happy because the mass that was taken out from Pawie's neck is not a malignancy. It's just an enlarged lymph node. Buti na lang we saw it kaagad or else mahihirapan maalis yun dahil malapit na dumikit sa ugat na connected sa brain niya.

You won't believe how much we spent for Pawie's hospitalization. Grabe talaga...9k plus...imagine, talo pa ang tao!!! Paano if we don't have money? Eh di kawawa naman ang Pawie namin...

Kahit malaki ang gastos, ok lang. Pawie has been a part of our lives na. Love na love namin siya. He's a part of our family. He's our original baby.

Welcome back home Pawie Boy!!!

Dinner at King Bee Restaurant

My mom called me up this afternoon and informed me that we are going to eat out for dinner at King Bee Restaurant along Daang Hari. Siyempre, go kami dyan ni hubby. First time namin matritry ang King Bee. Nakakaintriga lang dahil lagi naming nadadaanan every time we pass by Daang Hari.

Dinner came...

We arrived at King Bee Restaurant a little bit passed 7pm...malawak ang place. Typical mid-ranged Chinese Restaurant...clean ang surroundings...neat tignan. What I don't like lang is their mascot. Weird kasi. Chinese na matandang bee. Ang baduy tignan. Hindi siya bagay sa atmosphere ng restaurant kasi yung mascot parang pang fastfood ang dating. Anyway, marami rin ang kumakain dito, puno halos ang seats.

My mom ordered steamed lapu lapu for my dad. Yun ang first na inorder para mailuto kaagad. Unfortunately, kinancel na namin ang order dahil tapos na kami kumain pero hindi naman dumating ang lapu lapu...mukhang nakatalon ulit ang isda sa dagat at kailangan huliin ulit. Hehehe.

We ordered pork siomai, hakaw, nido soup, beef haofan, beef steak, steamed Japanese tofu, Yangchow fried rice and salted fish fried rice for our main meal while bottomless iced tea, green mango shake and house tea for our drinks. Lastly for our dessert, we ordered buchi.

Their serving is generous enough...orders can be small, medium or large. Most of our orders are small pero each order can be shared by 3 to 4 persons. For the first time in history ha, we did not finish our food. May take out pa kami. Food is served hot and delicious naman. What I liked most is the beef haofan. Ang sarap sobra, firm ang noodles and tama lang ang timpla. I like also the nido soup, mainit and malasa. What I didn't like is the beef steak kasi maalat siya for me.

Overall, my rating for this restaurant is 8 out of 10. I will probably go back here pero quite some time pa...why? Medyo nahilo kasi ako after eating dinner eh...nasobrahan ata sa MSG ang mga food nila- what typical Chinese food is known for...

King Bee Reastaurant
Along Daang Hari Road beside Shell Station
Budget: 300-500 per head
Accepts functions

Friday, August 05, 2011

Pawie Got A Lump! :(

We went home early today. As my hubby parked the car, I noticed from afar that Pawie, our BEST dog buddy, has a lump at his right neck. My hubby checked him and found out that he has a dog bite at that area also. Initially, we thought that it is an abscess. Hubby tried if he could squeeze it out. Unfortunately, he can't do it.

I told him that we need to bring him to the hospital and seek for medical help. We brought Pawie to Cassandra Cares Hospital. It is the first animal hospital in the Philippines.

Hubby was amazed with the hospital. As in parang hospital ng tao. It has complete facilities.

Going back, the vet examined Pawie. Same lang din ang findings nya. He tried to extract the abscess using a syringe. May konting nakuha pero he discontinued it since mukhang matagal na raw based dun sa color ng pus na nakuha. Pawie needs to go a minor surgery daw. We consented kasi he might get sepsis. Hindi yata kami papayag ng hubby ko na may mangyaring masama kay Pawie namin. Si Pawie ata ang nagsilbing first baby namin.

Pawie was brought to the operating room...sedated...shaved...then when the vet checked the boundaries of the lump, it is not possible to do it with minor surgery since there is a feeder vessel. In layman's term, UGAT. We have no choice but to confine Pawie at the hospital. He needs a general anesthesia since he has to explore the lump and check if there are signs of malignancy.

Hopefully, Pawie will be well by tomorrow. We love you Pawie Boy our friend!

The Flying House

During my childhood days, one of my favorite cartoon shows is The Flying House. Enjoy na enjoy ako every time nananood ako nito. I got to know different Bible Stories and learn good values.

I came across mom center website and learned about the promo of Philippine Christian Book Store or PCBS. They are selling The Flying House and Superbook DVDs 50% off their regular price.


Ok di ba? I'll buy the complete set for my twins. I bet magugustuhan din nila ito like their mommy.

Until August 31 na lang ang promo nila. If you want to buy also, go na!

You can order thru email order@csm-publishing.com or call 851-0521 and 25 or can buy directly at all PCBS branches, other Christian bookstores, and at CSM Bookcorner.
Wednesday at 11:19pm · Like

Thursday, August 04, 2011

Dahil sa Siomai...

Every lunch time, my dad and I (sometimes with my hubby and brother) eat together here in the office. We bring baon. Hindi naman sa pagiging kuripot, practical lang kami. Mas masarap ata ang baon, solve na solve ka compared naman kapag bumili ka sa fastfood - mahal na, bitin pa at very unhealthy.

Today, my brother unexpectedly joined us for lunch. I checked out our baon, kasya naman. We have PI Adobo (mapapamura ka sa anghang) and Salmon Steak. Then suddenly, my dad's yaya, Manang Susan, (well, we call her his yaya since she is attending to all my dad's needs in the office) went inside the room with a plateful of siomai. Nagulat ako kasi I didn't instruct her to cook it for us. So I told her "Oh, bakit nagluto ng siomai???" My dad answered back, "Ako nag-utos!" Then being so maloko with Manang Susan, I jokingly told her "Si Manang Susan kasi eh, pakialamera!"

My dad took it seriously, as in super! He got mad at me...He raised his voice... and made some bad decisions based on emotions....I really got hurt...Being an emotional person too, I also said something back to my dad that made him more mad at me. Haaayyysttt...in short, nag-away na naman kami...at dahil yun sa SIOMAI!!!

Anyway, naglabas ako ng sama ng loob by crying. Kaya ngayon maga na naman ang mga mata ko. Nang mahimasmasan ako, I did the right thing. I went back to my dad's room and said sorry to him. He said sorry rin sa akin. After hearing a short sermon from him, bati na ulit kami.

BTW, I heard, mainit na talaga ang ulo ng dad ko nung morning, sa akin lang sumabog....haaaysssttt....ang buhay nga naman, parang life...

Tuesday, August 02, 2011

Free Diapers

It was the last day of Diaper Sale last July 31 at the Baby Company section of SM Southmall department store. Tamang tama, I need to buy diapers for the twins. While checking on the diapers, the saleslady told me that if I purchase a diaper, she's going to give me 2 pcs Mamy Poko Pull Up diapers.

I checked on the price of EQ Diaper and ang laki naman ng discount. From P190+ to P183 na lang. So I bought a thousand worth of diapers.

While looking for other items to buy, naging instant stars ang mga twins ko. Pinagkaguluhan ng mga salesladies. Aba naman kasi, pacute ang mga chikiting sa mga girls. Ang dadaldal! At ang mga ladies tuloy, tuwang tuwa. Ayun, yung saleslady na nagsabi sa akin na 2 pcs lang ng Mamy Poko Pull Up diapers ang ibibigay niya sa akin, ay sobrang natuwa at naging maya't maya ang bigay sa akin..."O Ma'am para po sa kambal!"...And guess how many ang total free diapers na nakuha ng twins? 16 PIECES! Ang dami no? Almost 1 pack din ang free nila. Grabe, napapakinabangan din naman pala ang charms ng twins ko.

So next time, lagi dapat kasama ang kambalistik kapag nagshoshopping...

First Time in Walker

Our twins are growing really fast. They are already six months. They can already stand with support and are trying to walk. So we thought of buying them a walker...

Last Sunday, we went to SM Southmall to check out on walkers... OMG, they are not cheap!!! and we have TWINS!!! The cheapest that we could see is P2,999.00.

And of course, our twins tried them...and here are their pictures...

Ian

Chris

 Aren't they so cute? You can see the excitement on their faces. My hubby wants to buy them this walker. Pero ako na...ako na ang KURIPOT...I told him that it's not practical since the twins will only use it for about six months or so.

So calling mga lolo't lola...baka puwede pasponsor??? Hahaha...