Breakfast at Ortigas Ave

Come the 30th of this month, Sweetie and I will be celebrating the first year that we've been together as a couple.  Unfortunately, the 30th is a holiday for most of us, but not for him since his sched follows the American calendar.  So we did the next best thing: celebrate it in advance.

Since I've been mentioning for the past year or so that we both love to eat, the logical place to find us on this day is...yes, at a food joint!  Hahaha but wait, it's not just a food joint.  It's a big big bazaar of foodies galore!

So yesterday morning, Sweetie and I hied off to Ortigas avenue to try out the breakfast being sold there...and our verdict?  We'll definitely be back for more!

There are so many food stall along this road in Ortigas center.  And you can find the best deals.  Php 60 for a biggie size rice meal?  I'd say it's a good buy.

There's a variety of choices for every craving and palate.  There's even an Sbarro store somewhere.

We tried this:  Monster Burger.  The burger is just soooo good and juicy, it's even way more delicious than Brother's Burger.  Promise.

Yes, we dined in front of these buildings.

It's right in front of Oakwood, along the street where you'll find....

Strata 1000 and 2000.  But these booths are there only on Saturdays, 6:00am-11:00am.  Tuesdays to Fridays they're at Robinson's Cybergate, Pioneer.

Wanna dine here?  The place is open air, but don't worry.  The street has been blocked off for ultimate dining pleasure.

See the many people going to this place just to try out the food?  Sweetie even saw some Makati officemates who went there from work just to partake of the morning's gastronomic delights.

Ah, foodie galore!

Take your pick.

A customer thinks about what to choose.

Call center agents waiting for their food to be cooked....

Tempting dishes!

Happy customers!

Happy anniversary, Sweetie!  Thank you for the wonderful breakfast!

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My Take: It's More Fun in the Philippines

Okay, I admit.  This one's not an original idea.  This blog post was inspired by the latest ad campaign from the Department of Tourism.  Thanks to the internet, people from all over our 7,107 islands are coming up with all sorts of their versions of It's More Fun in the Philippines.  And yes, I too, have been bitten by the bug.

I'm far from being a professional photographer, but I just want to share with you, my dear readers, some pictures I've taken in my travels and some photos my big bro took using my camera (point and shoot type ha, not DSLR!).  So I searched through my hard drive and here are what I found.  All pics, by the way, were not photoshopped or edited by any means.  I took all pics, except for Pictures #1 and #11 which were taken by my brother.

Can't get enough?  Let me give you some more.

And for my finale....

You may repost these images but please remember to trace back the link to this blog.


How about you?  Can you share some photos that show how it really is more fun in this country?


Use the Harbara Font and learn how to make your own It's More Fun in the Philippines photo. 
Once you're done, you can generate your meme here.
To see others' works, you can click here.  Chuvaness already did a banner too.


*****************
Pictures 1 and 2 were taken on our family vacation to Boracay last April 2010.   
Picture 3 was on a recent DepEd Pasig outreach program to the Bicol region.
Pictures 4, 5, 6 and 7 were on our church's small group's 2009 Holy Week escapade in Occidental Mindoro.  
Pictures 8 and 9 were from our family's Ilocos Christmas vacation for 2010.
And finally, Pictures 10 and 11 were taken in Sun Valley Estates in Antipolo City. 

How I spent my Valentine's Day

Nothing that will make your heart jump.

There were no phone calls. No text messages. No stuffed toys. No letters. No cards. No flowers. No chocolates. No surprise dinners. No anything.

It's as ordinary as can be. Just as it had been for quite some time.

So I decided to make this night special for someone. I decided to spend this night with the one who loves me the most... my mom.

I bought her tickets to Richard Poon's concert at the Tanghalang Pasigueno, and we enjoyed every bit of it. My mom's company + Richard Poon's music = a soothing and relaxing night.

At least I made someone feel loved on the day of hearts : )

What about you? How was your v-day?

The Thank You Post

Nine days?

I couldn't believe that it was only nine days ago when I bade 2008 farewell and said hola, 2009! 2008 had been a wonderful, wonderful year for me and here are just some of the reasons why I am thankful for the past 365 days (in no particular order):

1. delectable breakfasts, lunches and dinners (courtesy of Aning) and a hot cup of Kopiko or Nescafe 3-in-1
2. the privilege to drive a manual car (courtesy of my super bait Kuya Ron) and the hassle-free procedure of taking the licensure and practical examination at LTO San Juan (thank you, Lord!)
3. great disciplers who are honest enough to tell me when I am in bad (spiritual) shape, and who are my noisiest cheer leaders, too
4. great friends who think of the most heartwarming ways to express how they value and love me
5. an ever-supportive mom
6. an equally-supportive sister and thoughtful sister-in-law
7. protective brothers and brother-in-law
8. endless supply of hugs and kisses from my cuddly nephews and niece
9. that weird Balucanag/Sanchez/Viernes sense of humor I witness every reunion
10. my trusty two-year old laptop
11. the Internet ---- and how it bridges the gap between two continents and so much more
12. Christian music that always reminds me to behave the way a Christian should
13. the diary that Crystal gave me a few years back and which I currently use to write my thoughts and my prayers
14. my ever-reliable one and only black office bag which I am supposed to but wouldn't want to retire
15. a church that is committed to Christ
16. ministry partners from Campus Crusade from Christ who always uphold me in their prayers
17. the privilege to study God's Word through Bible Study Fellowship
18. my cellphone, and how it keeps me connected to everyone else
19. answered prayers that encourage me to keep on believing and praying to a God who delights in answering me in ways I couldn't have guessed
20. great Bible verses that are being texted just when I need my verse for the day
21. the exciting prospect of discipling ladies, beginning with a girl who walked into my office last Monday
22. iTunes, and how it makes listening to mp3's easier
23. Windows movie maker, and how easy it is to learn to use it
24. my current pairs of office shoes (cos it's so hard to find comfy pairs that are reasonably-priced)
25. the honor of introducing Christ to young people and sharing my life lessons (though it's sometimes embarrassing to confess and share about things I did before)
26. my eyes, which have been more cooperative this past year compared to the previous ones
27. my talkative and highly intelligent dermatologist, Dr. Jay Nunez, who not only manages my allergies very well but who also inspires me to be the woman that God designed me to be (and oh, how he challenges me with his Biblical insights every time I visit!)
28. a great team / department that understands my working style and standards
29. a boss who gives me his 101% trust
30. colleagues who appreciate my strengths and helps me in my areas of weaknesses
31. neighbors who constantly look after our house and who are always ready to help us in time of need
32. seemingly endless days and nights of trainings for competitions, and winning in them (hehehe)
33. the desire to learn how to cook, and being highly appreciated for whatever I whip up in the kitchen
34. cakes from Red Ribbon that satisfy my sugar cravings
35. KFC and how after all these years their chicken and gravy are still numero uno
36. the excitement of springing little suprises on family and friends
37. the gift of discernment and how it grows stronger and stronger as I become older
38. pedicures that make me feel squeaky clean every time
39. great-looking blouses that are being sold at affordable rates in tiangges
40. nature spots and how they remind me that God makes all things beautiful in His time
41. working at a job I've dreamed of since I was little
42. the possibility of shifting careers when I finally made up my mind to do so
43. MS Access and SQL, and how I quickly learned how to use them to make my tasks easier
44. my current special assignments that force me to be a little more creative
45. the God-given ability of knowing what to say at the right time
46. former students who still stay in touch
47. being mistaken for a colegiala when I am in jeans and when I was a bit thinner (hehehe)
48. great books given to me as presents
49. naturally straight hair that cooperate very well everyday especially since I do not know how to fix it
50. the ability to support missions and extra church projects
51. the feeling that I am ultra rich even though I am just a five-digit earner
52. a plan on how to save up money this year so I can spend them on some surprises I plan to give to some people
53. Dove Beauty Bars, and how they are taming and keeping my allergies at bay
54. the promise of greater and better things to come
55. free websites like this that make it possible for me to blog
56. my 7.2-megapixel camera, and how it's been capturing great moments
57. the beauty of being still, being alone and being quiet and just sharing this moment in communion with God, knowing that He honors this sacred time
58. the eureka moment of understanding a particular Bible principle or theological issue without the aid of commentaries or notes
59. testimonies of couples I heard from my church this year, and how they convince me that a great and lasting love story can only be made possible when two people are Christ-centered
60. God, who loves me unconditionally

2nd honors at 3 years old

Remember my cuddly little nephew Enrique who just turned three last November?

My mom excitedly texted me two Mondays ago that Enrique's school, Tots@Work, is going to hold their Moving Up ceremonies on a Friday...and that...Enrique will be awarded as the 2nd honors!!! I was literally dancing to my feet. Only three years old --- barely out of his toddler years --- and already on top of the class? This is great news!

Immediately, I filed for a leave and attended the school's jampacked event. Here are some pics and mementos of my little nephew's first time to go onstage on his first year. Enjoy : )

I can't believe that our 3-year old nephew first went to school last June, and now we're in his first moving up ceremony! How time flies!

Cute programme

Lola Boots, Mommy Charisse, Tita Isa, Lola Chit and Ella Monique excitedly wait for the program to start

Playful Enrique wouldn't stop smiling for the camera even as the kids were singing the National Anthem already : )

Seryoso masyado : )

WORD SMART Awardee. Yipee!!!! English-speaking kasi hahaha

The cute parrot ;-)

Daddy Eric pins the award on Mommy Charisse's mini me.

Daddy Eric and Enrique

with Mommy

Hahahaha awed by his medal...enjoying the moment :oP

after giving mommy a rose

antok na hehe

What Really Matters

Since the onslaught of Ondoy, my work life has never been the same.  We suspended classes for three weeks, and consequently, we now have to make up for all the lost class hours before March.  So Saturdays suddenly became working days.  Good bye to wet market moments with mama.  Adios to extra hours of sleep on a Saturday afternoon.  Sayonara to rest and more importantly, to date days with Mr. M because of the remedial classes.  It has become so insanely tiresome and stressful that I would often cry out and complain over my exhaustion.  Enough of this, oh please!

What aggravated the matter was that with the nerve-wracking and hectic six-day work week, I barely have quality time with Mr. M.  My Sundays are for church, me + mama bonding, and preparation time for the incoming work week, and sometimes he also has his own commitments, making togetherness a really sacred and treasured time for the two of us. 

One particular Saturday this month, problems piled up and stress level was at its most unbelievable high.  I had a meeting that lasted til 2pm, and with barely a bite for lunch, hopped to the next meeting til 3:30pm.  Then I received this text:

"Andito na ako sa labas.  Tapos ka na?  Halika na!!"

I get a tight hug, a loving squeeze in the arm, some comforting words of assurance, and the promise of another great, albeit short, bonding time together.  And suddenly I forget about the office and its problems and concerns.

I'm being mushy, but hey, this is my blog.  Allow me some form of cheesiness.  Hehehe  :-)

I am loved.  And that's all that matters. 

The Day She Said "I Do"

About four years ago, I was sitting in a whole-day CCF-sponsored Singles' Conference on Love, Courtship and Marriage. One of the speakers (and one of my favorites in that event, too), Pastor Clem Guillermo, remarked: "A woman's got two greatest dreams: to be married to the man of her dreams, and to be the mother of his children."

That quotable quote pretty much summarizes what happened earlier this afternoon. Today is the day she said "I do". At long last.

Our high school buddies, and inarguably the love team of all time for our batch, Rolyn and Dhabong, just got married today in a beautiful and solemn mid-afternoon ceremony at the historic San Agustin Church, capping a beautiful fifteen-year friendship, seven-year rollercoaster of a courtship and a six-year smooth-sailing romance as a couple. It's just totally awesome and I can't believe that only two weeks ago, we threw Len a bridal shower at the Astoria Plaza Hotel. Now, she is officially Mrs. Rolyn D. Sac-Fernandez. They even had a website constructed to say so!

Here are some pics and highlights of the affair:

1. Our own stylists. Is it the economy or the sheer lack of time? Hehe (methinks it's both). We did our own hair and make-up. I personally know nothing about fixing my long tresses, so as usual I just let it dry. Kudos to Sheila and Katie who know a thing or two about eye shadow.

2. The long drive to San Agustin Church. We almost didn't make it to the ceremony. By the time we got to the church, Rolyn was about to walk down the aisle! This is what you get when you don't have a map of the church. Hay! It's a good thing we brought a driver along with us. Can you imagine if it's me in my dress driving all the way to that congested Manila area? Whew! Oh, and did I mention the circuitous ride from the church to the Coconut Palace? Arrgghh!!!!!!

3. Photos, photos, and more photos. What do you expect? We see one another once in a blue moon. Say cheese! Thanks to Katie's husband, Nelson, and Aye's to-be, Raymond, for gamely clicking throughout the night.

4. Great food. Forget the diet once in a while. Josiah's catering did a great job. I loved their Mongolian bar. And yes, I didn't pass up the opportunity to try their special chicken dish. It was superb!

5. Katie's song surprise number. Hey, I didn't know about that! (Doink! Kaya nga surprise, eh!)

6. The Jaguar. Len and Dhabong got the much-talked about 1947 Jaguar as their bridal car. Check out the photo :-P (Can I test drive that one, pretty please???)

7. Tito Robert's (father of the bride) speech. It was truly touching. After all, we don't hear the men say stuff like that often enough.

8. Great AVP and photos from Wally Gonzales. What can I say? Nobody beats a pro.

9. And yes, before I forget, I loved being in the company of Kate, Nelson, Sheila, Raymond and Aye. Too bad, Ria missed the affair again. (Hmp!)

[Click on an image to view it in larger format.]

Sealed with a kiss: The couple at the lobby of The Coconut Palace for the reception

Can I drive the car? :-)

Husband and wife: Mr. and Mrs. Henri Fernandez moments after the ceremony

Vroom, vroom: The 1947 Jaguar bridal car

The simple but elegant ribbons for the chairs

The cake

The elegant centerpiece table decor/flower arrangement

Hey, we did our own hair and make-up :-P

Buddies since our pre-adolescent days: The bride and the groom with some high school buddies

Kulet pose

We knew all along that it'll all end with the two of them walking down the aisle. It was only a matter of time before things fell into place :-)
To the newlyweds, we pray that you'll grow old together and stay faithful to each other. God bless you and your future family.

And to the next ones in line (paging ahem, Ayesha and Raymond!).....just give us a ring anytime you need help organizing for your big day, alright? :-P

*****

Our friend Katie has a great blog entry for the wedding of the year. You can check out her write-up and her and her hubby's photos here.