Day 3 – PMA / Tam-awan Village / Lourdes Grotto

We left early to get a chance to see the cadets doing the drills in Philippine Military Academy but later found out that it’s Christmas break. First stop is the Cadet Hat – after the entrance of PMA, you will see the big mock up of a cadet’s gear where we posed. We also had good photo opportunities at the Relics Place where the old canyons and military tanks were displayed.



Aloysius enjoyed this site as he sometimes play soldier. We proceeded to the Museum but it’s still close by the time we arrived, so we just finish the tour of the PMA in the carefully manicured and full of flower gardens, the sun dial clock, the tree house and the display of military aircrafts which the kids enjoyed. We had lunch at The Grove inside PMA before we proceeded to Tam-awan Village.



Tam-awan Village is one of the search results I found on the internet when I googled Baguio City attractions, it’s also the reason why we were looking for a map because it’s not along the way going around the city. Tam-awan Village is a cultural preserve & living museum showcasing authentic traditional Ifugao huts in a replication of their original setting in the Cordilleras. We were intrigued by the Garden in the sky description of the place and we also wanted to check out how high the site is because according to the internet it has incredible views of the mountains and even the South China Sea. When we got there, all of us, including my mom and dad (seniors) decided to try the Eco-trail (hiking for non-hikers like us). It was a nice but exhausting experience. Before you reach the peak and experience the view, you have to go by narrow and sloping trails. It was challenging because we are not used to trekking and we have kids with us. Imagine, Kyle and Miggy hiking and me wandering with Alexus in a baby sling.

“FOG YOU”

We also had an odd incident, after reaching view deck 1, we followed another trail leading to view deck 2 which was higher and more challenging. True enough, we braved narrower, stiff trails and sometimes we used branches to hold on when the path is slippery. On our way to reaching the peak, I heard Miggy shouting, “mommy, mommy” because he was so excited to see the fogs or maybe it was clouds. But the seniors including me couldn’t make another step because it was slippery. All we could do is shout “Lucky Me, Sweet and Spicy” to hear the echo. We were surprised to see the sign – No Trespassing, Private Property when we look up – it was a wrong trail after all…We were so tired following the wrong trail, we didn’t bother look for the way to view deck 2. We were laughing on our way down, commenting on lack of signage and cursing “FOG YOU” for this experience. My kids first hiking experience including my one-month old baby.

We had a minute browsing the Arko ni Apo (artists nook) and saw an artist while doing a tin craft – amazing! After that, we proceeded to Lourdes Grotto then headed to our place along Loakan to rest. What a day!

Day 2 – Burnham Park / Camp John Hay

While Wendy and Carter attended the wedding in Baguio Cathedral, we stayed in Burnham Park and let the kids play on the park. It was not as grassy as before but the place by the lake with colorful flowers is relaxing and the air is cool, we enjoyed lying down in the picnic mat. The rest went to check out the Wagwagan / ukay-ukay places and some of them got good finds.





Bell House




In Camp John Hay (my favorite destination in Baguio), we find it hard to find a parking spot, most of the people also flocked here. We finally found a spot in Scout Hill and took the opportunity to visit and check out the other attractions there like the Bell Amphitheater, Bell House, Historical Core, Cemetery of Negativism and trail leading to The Manor which we didn’t took because it’s tiring to go uphill. The kids enjoyed the swing and slides while we wait for our hot chocolate in Choco-late de Batirol. The name speaks for itself because it took us over 30 minutes to get our cups. I would say it was worth the wait because the different flavored-hot chocolate (I liked the Almond and Strawberry) not only provided warmth but also good and authentic taste of chocolate tablea prepared in batirol. I recommend this to be a must-try when you go to Camp John Hay.

Holiday in Baguio City

We had a 5-day holiday in the summer capital of the Philippines after Christmas. Wendy will sing for her officemate’s wedding in Baguio and so we joined them, besides they already have a house to stay and 18-seater van to ride. It’s also an opportunity to get rid of the pollution come new year’s eve. On our first day, after checking in at Tulip Apartelle, we proceeded to the Baguio Market / Session Road to shop and find a map but to no avail. The city is crowded, it seemed we never left Manila.

Pictures are posted here

Candy turns 1

It’s Candace Ysabelle Idpan-Ordaz first birthday today and we celebrated it in Pixie Forest, Festival Mall. Wendy’s old friends attended and mine too. I invited Carlyn and Cherry’s family and it was like a small reunion for us with our kids. It’s also Alexus first social event. Kyle and Miggy enjoyed the rides after the party. It’s indeed a great day for Candy who is so cute in her tinkerbell costume.

Christmas and toys for my boys

Thank you Jesus for this day, Happy Birthday! The day started with opening of gifts and the kids enjoyed the toys they received most of them their request. Last night, they opened their Megabloks toys (Tiny Tuff and Lightning and Mack). Today, Aloy got his farm and Kyle got his Elmo guitar. Both of them also received a Fire Fighter and Construction/ Engineer gear. Aloy also received a real binocular which we can use when we go to Baguio later this week. It was a busy day for my boys, playing and enjoying their latest toys.

Aloysius celebrates his 7th birthday

I can’t believe my firstborn is now 7 years old. We didn’t have a party because Lito is not here and I just gave birth to my 3rd baby. Since his birthday falls on Christmas Eve and there’s plenty of food, I just bought him a birthday cake and cooked his favorite Spaghetti. We also have a reunion today so Aloysius and Achilles had a fun time with their cousins. Before we went to my in-laws house in Pilar, they enjoyed opening the gifts. When we arrived in Pilar, Aloysius had another cake to blow and more food to feast on. It was a double celebration.

Dneero Survey: Cheer or Fear

My little photographer and his first subjects

I am so proud to present my Kyle's first shots using a digital camera. He is only 2 years old (turning 3 in January 8) but has shown interest in photography as early as now. I hope he will become a very good photographer when he grows up.

I've uploaded his other works in webshots.

My Christmas wish list - IPOD

When I visited the Apple Store in New York last April, I never wanted to leave the place. I wish to live there. I’ve seen the Macs but my heart longs for an IPOD. The iPod is one of the world’s most popular music and video players. Until now, I haven’t had the opportunity to own one because ipods now offer varied styles, great features and storage memory to choose from, my heart becomes finicky about these gadgets. I am choosing between IPOD Touch and IPOD Nano. Whenever I have time, I browse these sites to help me review and compare these IPOD gadgets.

I thought I forgotten about it until I gave birth and the Christmas now fast approaching. I thought I’d like to give it another try and wish for an IPOD as a Christmas gift. Ipods make excellent gifts to your loved ones of any age. I use this site to compare prices of these gadgets and it will be easier for my gift giver to have a wide selection of stores to buy my IPOD online.

I just hope I will receive my IPOD gift soon.

Our new bundle of joy – Alexus Mitchel

I finally gave birth to Alexus last Sunday, November 23 at 1:45 pm thru normal spontaneous delivery. He weighed 7.5 lbs -the heaviest among the three boys. I was so happy to see my 3rd son when I heard him cry after 6 hours of labor. Since this is my 3rd pregnancy, I already knew the signs of labor (see below) but I didn’t expect that it will be that short. For Aloysius and Achilles, it took me 10 to 12 hours of bearing labor pains. I guess the Star City visit helped and maybe I already started feeling the contractions but didn’t mind at all because of excitement of going to Snow World.

By the way, here’s my guide in determining true labor contractions:

10 – 30 – 3
Time between contractions: 10 minutes
Duration of contractions: about 30 seconds
Cervix dilation: up to 3 cm.
Description: Until the cervix has dilated to 3 cm, the contractions will feel similar to strong period cramps. At this point, the water might break or there is a strong discharge.
5 - 60 - 8
Time between contractions: About 5 minutes
Duration of contractions: About 60 seconds
Cervix dilation: 3 to 8 cm
Description: Most of the pain will be centered in the abdomen and lower back. The lower back pain will begin moving a little lower. Some women at this point feel cold or nausea.
1 – 90 – 10
Time between contractions: About 1 minute
Duration of contractions: About 90 seconds
Cervix dilation: 8 to 10 cm
Description: This is the peak of the pain. You may want to push when the physician tells you so. Save your breathing for the final push. You may have peace of mind in knowing that your contractions will disappear as soon as the baby is born.

Anyway, my Alexus Mitchel is a healthy and cute baby. His features are a combination of his 2 brothers and more of his dad’s. (Buti na lang nagmana sa ama, etchetera, etchetera hahaha). I vowed to fully breastfeed him so that he will be healthier and hopefully my breast milk supply won’t fail like the cases of the first 2 babies.

Here are some of the first photos of our latest bundle of joy:

Our (or my kids) Snow World Experience and ranting about Star City

It’s been a week and I haven’t given birth yet. My family decided to go to Snow World this afternoon to experience the Winter Christmas in the Philippines. Aloysius didn’t join the Field Trip in their school yesterday because they will just go to a farm where Aloy already experience while we were in Bohol last year. So instead, I just told him we will go to Snow World in Star City. We arrived in Star City around 5 pm and there’s already a long queue at the ticket booth. Since it’s a Saturday, we expected many people but I didn’t expect that the parking is already filled up with Field Trip buses. I was frustrated at how we lost time in getting to the Snow World area because it is located in the farthest end and we had to pass thru a maze (Star City is poorly organized, the rides are scattered every where unlike Enchanted Kingdom where there is a theme in every area and the signs are visible enough not to let you get lost). Star City management should have a separate entrance to save time and energy for those who decided to purchase the Snow World ticket.

Anyway, when we got near, the line is too long. Unfortunately, I was not allowed to go inside because I’m pregnant so Wendy, Candy and I waited for Daddylo, Mama, Carter, Ces, Aloysius and Achilles while they enjoy the so-called Snow World. This account is according to my 6 year-old son and my siblings. By the way, we came in prepared, we brought winter clothes with us, with matching gloves, bonnet and scarves to protect us. The kids had 3 layers of jackets including the one provided by the Star City, they were able to last for over 30 minutes unlike the others who didn’t and just passed by (sayang ang P160 pesos). Aloy said he was so excited he tried to get the snow and form a snow ball but the ice is too hard (parang galing sa freezer). Then he was jumping up and down the ice which was hard daw. He had to pee good thing they brought an empty bottle, I asked if he felt his batotoy getting off hehehe. They went to ride the slide and checked out the different sculptures. This year’s theme was Christmas so last year’s sculptures were better and that’s according to my son when I showed him the photos taken by Anton of Our Awesome Planet. He was looking for the world’s famous landmarks like Eiffel Tower and Statue of Liberty but didn’t find in this year’s Snow World. In fairness, my sons enjoyed the different kind of experience they had at the ICE world, that’s what it’s more appropriately called per Aloysius, he just can’t believe that he didn’t see any snow flakes falling. Hahaha.

Here are the 2 pictures we bought from Star City, they won’t allow you to bring any kind of camera because of the moist so we paid for P 100 each to have a souvenir.





My kids looked good in cold weather, rosy cheeks and red lips. And my family too, they had a blast if it weren’t for my dad’s aching feet–frost bite they could have lasted longer than 30 minutes -average of only 10 minutes for those without proper clothing gear so be prepared if you plan to go there. BTW, the temperature inside is zero degrees Celsius.

More comments on Star City:

While Wendy and I were waiting, I was thinking that the ride-all-you-can fee of P375 is too much for a maze of rides without an aircondition on enclosed areas. I didn’t even see a sign for Fire Exit if there’s one. I was looking for them in case there’s a stampede. Looks like it’s going to be another Ozone disco case if this is not addressed because I only remember the way going out using the way I entered in. With the influx of visitors like this afternoon, (I was thankful nothing happened) it could really happen again. I just hope the Elizaldes and Manila City Government should consider taking preventive measures soon.

Meaning of luggages in a dream

I dreamt of 3 big luggages brought by 3 older but single women. they were not carrying it nor handing it over to me. The luggages are just there in my dream. Here's what I found out about seeing luggages in your dreams:

"This dream indicates that you are juggling with a lot of responsibilities (luggage) and struggling against time constraints. But at the same time the dream reveals that, in general, you are a very well-organised person. The dream says that you need to plan ahead and tackle smaller pieces of a task at a time, don't take on more than is manageable."

Maybe I was just too anxious about giving birth and how will I take care of my two boys and eventually the baby all alone, the risk of losing my job and the immigration to Canada in the offing. I really hope I can do what the interpretation says, to plan and take smaller peices of task at a time.

May God help me.

My First Blurb Book

What is Blurb?

Blurb is a company and a community that believes passionately in the joy of books – reading them, making them, sharing them, and selling them.

Holding a finished book with your name on the cover is a truly amazing feeling; it’s one of those experiences everyone should have.

I started browsing and contemplating on using Blurb in the middle of the year but it's only now that I was able to finish a whole book. Well, it's taking me so long to conceptualize my kids album so I took a different approach and made my trip to the US my first Blurb project and would you believe I was able to finish it in 2 days. I realized that all the pictures in the Sony T7 camera were set in low-resolution (good for web use only) so I was disappointed that I was not able to use the full bleed/ full spread templates for my book. Good thing, Blurb has other options. I was able to use the collage and smaller squares templates and it only took 46 pages for all my pictures from the US trip.

Thanks for Noreen and Mylene from N@W who introduced me to Blurb and answered all my queries. I even got discount coupon codes from the site Mylene gave and took advantage of $10 off my whole book (10 x 8 landscape, hardbound with imagewrap) which costs $40.22 plus shipping within US. I'm so excited to receive the actual book.

Check this out - the preview of my Blurb Photobook

Photo Opps with Santa

While Aloysius and Achilles were attending a Birthday party at ATC with Tita Wendy, Ces and Candy, Mama and I had a chance to shop for Christmas gifts for the boys at Rustan’s because I might not have a chance when the baby is already here. I thought it was still early to shop but the store seemed to be a bit busy today. Christmas spirit is all over and it was so nice to shop, Christmas songs are being played and there was even a Santa Claus roaming around and goodies for the kids. After shopping, the kids arrived and we had photo opportunities with Santa Claus in his corner for free while in the other malls this is already P150.00. Kyle was so amazed he even sat in Santa’s lap. Kuya Aloysius enjoyed the cookies but Candy was in all fear and cries each time she sees Santa. Of course, I wouldn’t let this chance pass without me (and Alexus) in the photo with Santa. Here's our pics and the kids pics at the party. Oh BTW, Kyle won in one of the games, he was the smallest in the group.

Academic Achievement for Miggy

I’m so happy today after finding out that Miggy is Top 2 in his class and No. 5 in overall Grade 1 that I treated him for a day out in the mall. He had his favorite pizza, had a tour at Toy Kingdom to get the toy of his choice (glad he found a value for money one hehe) and enjoyed the party he attended with Kyle. I had the chance to talk to his teacher and she said that he only needs to participate more in recitation to get to the top. According to Teacher Joy, he was inhibited and only answers when called. Just the same, she congratulated me because Aloysius has improved a lot in his tests and exercises (he got 3 perfect scores out of 7 subjects). His awards for this quarter included Best in English and Best in MAPE.

I’m proud to post his report and achievement cards here:

Zoo Animals survey - please join

Movies survey...

Hi, let us know your preferences, join this survey:

Trick or Treat on the house

My kids Aloysius and Achilles plus their cousin Candy literally went trick or treat in the house. Wendy brought trick and treat goodies from her office last night and she gave them to the kids after they wore the Batman and Superman costumes. Everyone was delighted especially when Candy wore the bunny headband as her costume and joined the boys and when Tita Ces joined as the witch. Tita Ces also used her nail painting skills in painting the face of Kyle and the hands of Miggy.

Even if it rained and they were not allowed to go trick or treat in the mall and neighborhood, the kids enjoyed it in the house. Their pictures proved it.

What if Barack Obama wins?

I just wanna share my thoughts on what if Obama wins. I know I'm not part of the 200 electoral votes that Obama needs to be the next President. We, in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) business are somehow affected by the political and economical situation of the US. We are hopeful that after the elections, life would be better. Going back to the question -What if Barack Obama wins? In speeches, Obama has expressed his take on outsourcing. He was already tagged as Anti-outsourcing. Here's one of his speeches I got from CIO.com related to that subject: Obama said that as president, he "will stop giving tax breaks to companies that ship jobs overseas, and I will start giving them to companies that create good jobs right here in America."

Here's another one from Virginia Tech Massacre (Thanks to Texas Rainmaker) when Obama considers outsourcing as violence:“There’s also another kind of violence that we’re going to have to think about. It’s not necessarily the physical violence, but the violence that we perpetrate on each other in other ways,” he said, and goes on to catalogue other forms of “violence.”

There’s the “verbal violence” of Imus.

There’s “the violence of men and women who have worked all their lives and suddenly have the rug pulled out from under them because their job is moved to another country.”

Will these statements still be true when he sits on White House? What happens to developing countries like ours, India and China who continually rely on offshore outsourcing jobs like programming, help desks, call centers, data processing etc?

I hope not. Recently, articles in the internet says that Senator Obama in his speeches had his standard refrain on outsourcing, a theme that he and his campaign have been hammering away in a states that has taken a hard hit economically, especially in the manufacturing sector.

I hope if Obama wins, he will still see the benefits of outsourcing as cited by Virendra Singh, a senior economist at Moody's Economy.com (Computerworld.com) who said the cost savings overseas is too great. "In case of labor-intensive industries ... the labor cost differential between the U.S. and countries like China, India, Philippines and other developing countries is too large to make any difference."

We'll see. I hope my guess that Obama is just putting a front on this issue to get more votes is true and when he seats on White House, everything will just be back to normal or BPO business as usual.

But what if McCain wins?

I hope my PR increases too :)

Cheers to 30 years of Jollibee and beyond

Jollibee has been a big part of my life. My sister was born in the same year as Jollibee. It was then called Jollibee Yumburger. I remember when I was young, we were always been treated to a Jollibee meal. Shopping Malls were not yet born that time but we always frequent Cubao where the first stores of Jollibee were located. One time, we just passed by a Jollibee store and didnt buy anything when my sister suddenly blurted out "JOBIBEE" - her very first words upon seeing the then Jollibee Yumburger logo.

Ten years after, I was already a teenager and I had to work part-time because of my erratic schedule in college. I got the opportuntiy to work in Jollibee as a part-time Service Crew. I enjoyed the mornings and late-evenings serving my favorite fastfood between my calculus, computer and automata classes.

Twenty years after, I got married and eventually had children who also became addicted to Jollibee. Their favorite food is Jollibee. Their birthday parties included Jollibee. Their first words = JABEE" or "BEE". Until now, we wouldn't let an opportunity pass without going to Jollibee whenever we are in a mall.

Now that Jollibee has turned 30 years, I want to congratulate the Filipino ingenuity of the first ever fastfood chain to level with or even surpass American brands. I'm proud to say that I was a part of the Jollibee workforce where Good Customer Service, Time Management and Quality Consciousness are just some of the traits a crew learns by heart and develop as one matures. I'm still taking advantage of these traits in my present career.

Here, I am sharing pictures of the 2 Jollibee dolls from different generation (notice the big change) as a symbol of my loyalty to Jollibee - always part of the milestones of my life.

Yaya Diaries - again

Had to go to my mom's again because my yaya has not returned from her rest day. Looks like she will be gone for good. I was not able to report for work today to take care of my kids, it was so tiring, I had to take a nap and while I was sleeping both the kids were so kulit, Nanay and Tatay could not control them. SO i decided to pack up and go. Good thing, public transpo (FX) is already available from SM. I just wished I could control myself when I see my yaya - GRRR! Now I'm on my quest for a replacement, wish me luck!

Mall day at Pixie's

My kids had a great time at Festival mall. We witnessed a birthday party at Pixie Forest where Candy will celebrate her First Birthday in December. Aloysius and Achilles had fun with the 50 pesos worth of tokens I gave for the different games at Pixie's. After the party and reservation, we had dinner at Wendy's which had a good deal for P49ers. imagine, a Bacon Mushroom Melt Sandwich with a Coke for only 49 pesos..I was not surprised when the sandwich turned out to be worth 49 pesos in size, I had to buy another one - hahaha.

3 more weeks and counting...

I had a Pre-natal check up today, I found out that I am on my 35.5th week. My OB did the usual checking and I was excited when she let me touch the portion of my tummy where I could feel the cephalic or the head of my baby. Babycenter reports that in 36th week my baby is gaining about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy hair that covered her body, as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Next week, my baby will be considered full-term. Most likely she's in a head-down position, but if she isn't (which I hope not), my OB may suggest scheduling an external cephalic version, where she'll try to turn your baby by manipulating her from the outside of your belly.

My real Chinese Boy

Aloysius wore a Chinese costume in their United Nations Program today. I was glad to see other kids in the national costume of their choice (oops, teacher's choice pala). Aloy's class was assigned China and they were also asked to bring Chinese food. Since Pancit canton is Aloys favorite, that's what we prepared for him, yes the Lucky Me Pancit Canton original flavor but later I found out that he ate the Pancit Bihon that his classmate brought.

Answer to our WHY's

I hope you'll find the answers...


Me: Why are we constantly unhappy?
God: Your today is the tomorrow that you worried about yesterday. You are worrying because you are analyzing. Worrying has become your habit. That's why you are not happy.

Me: But how can we not worry when there is so much uncertainty?
God: Uncertainty is inevitable, but worrying is optional.

Me: But then, there is so much pain due to uncertainty. ..
God: Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.

Me: If suffering is optional, why do good people always suffer?
God: Diamond cannot be polished without friction. Gold cannot be
purified without fire.Good people go through trials, but don't suffer. With that experience their life becomes better, not bitter.

Me: You mean to say such experience is useful?
God: Yes. In every term, Experience is a hard teacher. She gives the test
first and the lessons afterwards.

Me: But still, why should we go through such tests? Why can't we be free
from problems?
God: Problems are Purposeful Roadblocks Offering Beneficial Lessons to
Enhance Mental Strength. Inner strength comes from struggle and endurance, not when you are free from problems.

Me: Frankly in the midst of so many problems, we don't know where we are heading...
God: If you look outside you will not know where you are heading. Look
inside. Looking outside, you dream. Looking inside, you awaken. Eyes
provide sight. Heart provides insight.

Me: Sometimes not succeeding fast seems to hurt more than moving in the right direction. What should I do?
God: Success is a measure as decided by others. Satisfaction is a measure as decided by you. Knowing the road ahead is more satisfying than knowing you rode ahead. You work with the compass. Let others work with the clock.

Me: In tough times, how do you stay motivated?
God: Always look at how far you have come rather than how far you have to go. Always count your blessing, not what you are missing.

Me: What surprises you about people?
God: When they suffer they ask, "why me?" When they prosper, they never ask "Why me?" Everyone wishes to have truth on their side, but few want to be on the side of the truth.

Me: Sometimes I ask, "Who am I, why am I here?" I can't get the answer.
God: Seek not to find who you are, but to determine who you want to be.
Stop looking for a purpose as to why you are here. Create it. Life is not a
process of discovery, but a process of creation.

Me: How can I get the best out of life?
God: Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear.

Guess Alexus' Arrival

I always ask friends and relatives to guess my baby's arrival date, time and gender. In the tradition of guess the stork game, we're doing it again, this time for Alexus' Arrival and with the online version. I hope you join and have fun...click on the link below and register. Who knows, I might have something for the winner :)



Tips: Gender is Male and my expected due date is between November 5 to 26, 2008 (38th to 41st week)...Come on and join the guessing game.

Kitchen Gadgets and Appliances

My favorite part of the house is the kitchen because that's the only one I can call my own domain. So in looking for our own/or renting a house when we arrive in Canada, I'll make sure that the kitchen will be one of the things to be considered. Planning what to put in your own kitchen is not a problem with the internet and online shopping. I recently found an online kitchen shopping site where it doesn't only give you choices of appliances and gadgets to buy for your kitchen but guide you as well.

I enjoy preparing meals for my family. It helps if you have kitchen gadgets to make your preparation easier and faster. With numerous brands and types to choose from, it's hard to be going thru the search engine each time. A online shopper like me would prefer a complete kitchen shopping portal where recommended brands of a particular product, the online stores where it is available, price range and the links are displayed. I liked smoothies a lot, I tried searching for a blender and this online kitchen shopping site showed me Blender Quick Picks and Blender Types. When I chose a Oster Beehive Blender , it showed me a list of all stores where it is available, the cheapest on top of the list and the reviews of each kind. It's really a one-stop-shop for kitchen appliances.

Survey on Cyber Relationships

I didn't believe in this but after seeing 2 marriages out of chat, I wonder how many are still hooked on Cyber relationships and how far have they gone? I hope you also take the survey...

My Disclosure Policy

This policy is valid from 17 October 2008


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Patani - the Yaya turned Survivor star

I was not religiously following the Survivor Philippines version but one time I got the chance to watch an eviction night and I saw her. She was the one being voted out. I was not attracted to her or anything but she was a stand out among the other girl castaways. She has an exotic beauty and her body is just right for her frame, looks natural too. I heard she was the only one acting naturally, the rest always conscious of their actions and looks while in Survivor.

After she was voted out, she has several TV appearances already, she guested in Lucy Torres' show at QTV - The Sweet Life. Last Saturday, I had fun watching her in Eat Bulaga in her carefree frolics with Joey De Leon. Looks like this once yaya is going to be a hit in the local boob tube. Watch out for her.

Irmee joined the Plurk bandwagon

I recently discovered Plurk, thanks to my online buddies esp. Cheryll who invited me to join them in plurkville. Everyday, I have something to look forward to and be busy with. It's like having a mini blog and I can easily keep track of my friends responses and their updates too. The good thing is, you have a reward each time you reach a milestone or no. of Karma points - either after responding a certain number of times or invited a friend to join. However, being declined in an invitation or not being able to update will decrease your Karma points.

I got excited when more emoticons were added to the basics that a new plurker gets and now that I'm nearing 40 Karma points, I'll be able to change my layout. That inspires me to plurk and plurk more. I even added the plurk sidebar in my blog for updates.



Wikipedia defines Plurk as a free social networking and micro-blogging service that allows users to send updates (otherwise known as plurks) through short messages or links, which can be up to 140 text characters in length.

Updates are then shown on the user's home page using a timeline which lists all the updates received in chronological order, and delivered to other users who have signed up to receive them. Users can respond to other users' updates from their timeline through the Plurk.com website, by instant messaging, or by text messaging.

Aloysius' Intrams

I attended the school event of my firstborn today and I was happy to see that he has grown, not that much but he's really a kuya now. I was not able to get a good view but I recorded the dance for his daddy's sake. since I haven't uploaded it in youtube, I'd like to share last year's dance number ( I like this better that this year's) with Achilles on the background imitating his brother. We were all surprised to see him dance.

Promises

My day is bright and I felt like sharing this with you. I hope it will inspire you too:

1. To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.
2. When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better.
3. The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.

Something good will happen to you today; something that you have been waiting to hear. Hold on to God's promises...

Are you a TV Addict?

I’ve been a TV addict before (from Dallas, Remington Steele, to Friends, Beverly Hills 90210, Melrose Place, X-files, to Dawson’s Creek, Alias, Charmed, Will and Grace to the current CSI (Las Vegas, Miami, New York) – the only series I look forward to every Sunday @ AXN but since I gave birth to my 2 boys, I lost track of the other shows. Sometimes, I get a chance to watch some of the shows. My preference to watching these shows has somehow matured and I’m now into more mind-stimulating shows. I still watch entertaining Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, Gossip Girl but action packed 24, Heroes, Prison Break and mind-stimulating CSI keep my eyes glued to the tube.

Here’s the survey I’ve just completed and I hope you also share your favorite TV Shows below. Thanks for completing the survey:

Starting - The First Step Toward Success

I want to share this article by John C. Maxwell, something positive to ponder over the weekend.

Starting - The First Step toward Success - By John C. Maxwell

Salespersons are coached in the power of a first impression. Orators devote hours to opening statements. Journalists are admonished never to bury the lead. Sprinters practice racing out of the starting blocks. Interviewees are taught the importance of their initial handshake with a potential employer.

In leadership, as in many other areas of life, the beginning often determines the end. False starts and weak foundations can be ruinous. Here are five insights to help you start successfully.

HOW TO START SUCCESSFULLY

1. Start With Yourself

As Gandhi famously said, "Be the change you want to be in the world." By starting with yourself, you build the self-confidence needed to attract and inspire others. Leading yourself well is a precursor to accomplishment, and accomplishment earns respect. In order to make deposits in the lives of followers, you have to have a beginning balance in your leadership account. Start leading by proving your mettle - to yourself and to prospective followers.

2. Start early

Sadly, many leaders squander their early years and spend the rest of their careers trying to make up for lost time. In leadership, as with finances, decisions made early in life accrue the most interest. When we choose poorly or establish bad habits, we put ourselves in debt. Then, we must not only repay our loans, but the interest on them as well. On the flip side, when we invest our time and talent wisely from a young age, we reap the benefits of compounding interest on our leadership.

Specifically, where should leaders start? What areas should take precedence at the beginning? From my experience there are 10 things you should do as a leader prior to reaching age 40:

Know yourself

Settle your family life
Determine your priorities
Develop your philosophy of life
Get physically fit
Learn your trade
Pay the price
Develop solid relationships
Prepare for the future
Find purpose for your life

If you're over 40, it's never to late to make improvements. Unfortunately, an old dog doesn't easily learn new tricks. Undoing years of misplaced priorities and poor self-management will take extra effort.

3. Start Small

Don't expect to understand what it takes to get to the top, just take the next step.
Think big, but start small. Doing so encourages you to get started, and keeps you from being frozen by the magnitude of the vision in front of you. When you accomplish a small step, you gain confidence that you can accomplish the next step.

The success found in starting small comes when you diligently apply the lessons you learn. As my friend, Dick Biggs, has said, "The greatest gap is between knowing and doing." Commit to mastering the details under your control, and follow through when experience has given you instruction.

4. Start with the end in view

"Most people spend more time planning their grocery shopping than designing their future."
~ Tom James, Personal Development Coach

To start with the end in view, you need energy and direction. Let your passion pull you forward, and let your planning give you guidance. In order for passion to be a driving force in your life, you must identify a purpose for you life. To locate your purpose, consider your strengths, interests, and past successes. What roles do you find most enjoyable? What brings you the greatest sense of satisfaction? Examine the areas that make you feel strong and angle your career toward them. Also, find people who have been successful in the area of your interest. Listen to them and watch their lives.

For planning to give you direction, you need to write down goals. Goals lend structure to your purpose, and they keep you leading "within the lines." They focus your action and move you toward your overall vision.

5. Start Now

We exaggerate yesterday, overestimate tomorrow, and underestimate today. Embrace action daily. Don't wait until it's too late before you begin to pursue the visions implanted in your heart. Make each day your masterpiece; you'll be surprised where you end up after stringing together a few months of superb days.

I'll leave you with one final thought:

"How wonderful it is that we need not wait a single minute before starting to improve ourselves and our world." ~ Anne Frank

Review - Five Steps to Starting Successfully

Start Early
Start with Yourself
Start Small
Start with the End in View
Start Now

Dreams - Station, Road and Rice

Looks like what one nawie told me is true after all, that being pregnant with the hormones that comes with it makes you dream frequently and remember them vividly.

In the last two nights, I was able to see and remember these scenes in my dreams: I was buying a ticket in a Train station and met my family while waiting for the train; next is, I was with a boy and a girl and we were in the middle of a road and I was looking at the long road where the far end is still being constructed and lastly, I saw rice on the floor.

And here are the meanings I found and I hope they all come true:

Station

Psychological Meaning: A station is a point of departure. It indicates that new opportunities await you and that you are preparing for a new and perhaps exciting venture. A station is also a public place so it may represent your role in society.

Mystical Meaning: It is fortunate to dream of meeting someone at the station for this means that your career will be helped forward by someone with great influence. It can also signify news coming.
Road

Traveling over a rough, unknown road in a dream, signifies new undertakings, which will bring little else than grief and loss of time. If the road is bordered with trees and flowers, there will be some pleasant and unexpected fortune for you. If friends accompany you, you will be successful in building an ideal home, with happy children and faithful wife, or husband.
Rice

Rice is good to see in dreams, as it foretells success and warm friendships. Prosperity to all trades is promised, and the farmer will be blessed with a bounteous harvest. To eat it, signifies happiness and domestic comfort. To see it mixed with dirt or otherwise impure, denotes sickness and separation from friends. For a young woman to dream of cooking it, shows she will soon assume new duties, which will make her happier, and she will enjoy wealth.

E-CAS Status

Every Tuesday is the schedule of update in the E-Cas or Electronic Client Application Status feature of the Canadian Immigration Center - Manila website. But after the threatened pre-term labor I experienced caused by the stress and anxiety in waiting for the visa, I ceased checking on E-CAS. I'll only learn who among my batchmates got their visas thru the forum I've joined for the immigration questions and how-tos. Today, I found out that 2 of my batchmates have been granted their visa and 2 others whose processing started weeks after mine, also got their visa. I tried checking on E-cas but it still says "In Process". Haay.

Looks like it'll be after I give birth and submit my baby's papers until I get to hear from them. I've been looking forward to the day I'll get pur passports back with the visa stamped on it but as the days passed, my excitement fades. Oh well, let it be. I'll wait patiently. Our time will come.

It's Alexus and not Athena

I went for an OB-check up today and I had mixed emotions after finding out that the baby inside me is another boy. I'm going to have 3 boys and I can't believe it. I wonder what kind of sports God wanted my family to get into to make into one team? hehehe. Seriously, It's only now its starting to sink in me. I almost forgot that I don't have a name for a baby boy because I'm looking forward to a baby girl. My firstborn Aloysius had a good suggestion and after telling Lito, we decided that we will name him Alexus - in the tradition of naming my children Greek. By the way, the meaning of the name Alexus is defender.

After all the stress and negative feelings that my baby felt while inside me, I felt like making it up to him. He deserves better and so I'm dedicating this song I've been singing in my mind for sometime now. It's a love song for lovers but the lyrics give a different meaning in our mother and son relationship.

How did you know I needed someone like you in my life?
To fill up the empty space in my heart
the day that you came here in my life
I wouldnt forget how you brought the sun to shine in my life
and forget all the worries and fears that I have
I guess what I'm really trying to say
It's not everyday that someone like you comes my way
No words can express how much I love you.

New Look and Feel - I hope you like it

Finally, I was able to make a facelift of this blog. Thanks to ourblogtemplates.com for the sunset template I got for this. At first, I got frustrated because when I changed the template, it prompted me that all other widget will be removed. I saved the template first just in case, I was unhappy with the outcome, I can revert it back to the old layout. I was surprised to find out that after the new template was effected, my other widgets and html/javascripts were all gone. I was still hopeful but after I reload the old template the widgets were not restored. I had to consult with the other nawies and some of them confirmed that it’s really crazy to be changing templates because they also experienced it. I had no choice but to get the codes again from the different sites. Although some of my favorite links are included in the blogroll that Janis provided, I didn’t have the others. I had to search again for their blogs. Then I had to fit in the widget with the sidebar’s standard size and adjust the colors to match the theme. Yellow and Orange are two of my favorite colors because they reflect my personality and denotes a happy, positive tone.



After 2 days of tweaking, I finally was able to get the look that I like and I was happy with the results. I wish I could still squeeze in a slideshow of favorite photos of my family (that would be the next project). At last, I’m relieved that before the new month starts, my blog has a new look and feel - hopefully, with an appeal to get and earn more $$ opportunities.

Dream interpretation – scissors

Last night, I dreamt I was looking for something and when I opened a storage box, I saw a pair of scissors, it is not clear if it sharp, but I can see it is still new. I don’t remember touching the scissors. In another scene, I saw myself getting a new haircut using scissors by a hairdresser.

I searched on the meaning of scissors and here’s what I found:

To dream that you are using scissors, denotes decisiveness and control in your waking life. Alternatively, it may suggests that you need to get rid of something in your life. It also represents your ability to cut things or people out of your life.

Cutting away what no longer benefits you; a fear of being cut off. Might be representative of the desire to break away from something or someone. Could also symbolize cutting remarks.

Looking at a pair of scissors could suggest that you may get hurt, if you get involved in a conflict between others.

I like the warning of the last interpretation as I’m more likely to be in a mood for quarrel now and would not want to get hurt in the process. Thanks for this dream.

Gentle Breeze amidst a storm

I promised myself not to feel any negative emotions as this may affect my baby but I can’t help but pour some musings to this blog. I just don’t understand why some people do not consider your condition and just go on with their carelessness to disturb you. I don’t know if this is done intentionally to annoy me or they are just basically wicked. I thank God that I’m pregnant now because if I was not, I’m sure I’d return the favor. I think I’ve come to a certain point in my life where I’ve come to accept the situation and let it flow without doing something about it. Is this what they called “Maturity”? Haay, being 40 is not that easy, have to do a lot of thinking and analyzing why things happen before I can accept the outcome. Talk about root cause analysis in NCAPAC, it’s not that easy applying in real life (well, in my life)…Good thing, I still have sanity to continue through the day and my friends who keep me sane as well. Be cool Irmee…your baby is smiling…

It is Enough

With what I'm going through right now, I feel blessed to have someone sent me this. Very inspiring.

It is enough
It is enough that you are alive and able to experience this beautiful day.
It is enough that you can choose to live with joy and thankfulness in your heart.
Much of life's anguish comes from the empty pursuit of more, more and more.
The way to truly grow is to let go of your needs.
Much of what you think you need, you don't. Much of what you cling to holds you back.
When your thoughts are filled with envy, resentment, want and desperation,
it becomes nearly impossible to get anything done. By contrast, when you know you have enough, you become amazingly creative, effective and productive.

To experience abundance is simply a matter of knowing that it is yours.
Remind yourself that what you are is enough, that what you have is enough for this moment, and you'll find yourself immersed in abundance. It is enough that you are here now and able to move forward with positive intention. With a joyful heart, live fully the real treasure that is
already yours.
-Ralph Marston

Worth reading over and over and over again… It helps me stay grounded.
Hope this helps you too…

Dream interpretation Part 2

I have noted down the dreams I had for the past week and here’s what I’ve found out about them:

I dreamt I have long, wavy and styled like a model’s hair.
Dreaming that you have long hair indicates that you are thinking long and carefully before making some decision. You are concentrating on some plan or situation.

I also remember dreaming about a spiral staircase.
Dreaming about a SPIRAL STAIRCASE means trying to come to some conclusion on some very difficult subject.

The last one I remember for this week is a scene where I am in one of a house being built. And the internet says, Building a house or seeing one under construction forecasts unexpected gain, possibly through a legacy.

The meanings reveal more of what I have been doing (planning and concluding). I wonder what would be the outcome of the last interpretation. I hope that one will be realized….hmmm, unexpected gain.?? From whom or from where…let’s see…

Episodic Asthma

My firstborn Aloysius was diagnosed with Episodic Asthma. He was coughing on and off for 2 months now and usually the dry cough attacks after he plays hard or have been jumping or running around which is part of their daily activities at home. He and Kyle was diagnosed with Upper Respiratory Tract Inspection (URTI) two weeks ago, Kyle got well but Miggy’s coughing doesn’t improve despite the medication he took. It was Wendy’s suggestion to bring him to a Pedia-Pulmonologist and so we went to see one last Saturday.

After finding out about Aloysius having asthma, I searched the internet and here are some information worth reading: Asthma is common in childhood—approximately 1 in 5 children will suffer from symptoms of asthma at some time. About 50% of children with asthma have onset of their symptoms in the first 3years, and about 80% will have developed their asthma by 7 years of age. Asthma in the pre-school age occurs most
commonly with viral respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold, and in
many children symptoms occur only with these viral infections.

DIAGNOSIS
Symptoms which should suggest the possibility of asthma include:
• episodes of cough and/or wheeze (whistling sound) associated with colds
• persistent night-time cough during and/or between colds
• breathlessness, cough and/or wheeze with exercise or excitement

WHAT IS ASTHMA?
Asthma can best be described as a condition in which the airways (breathing tubes) are more sensitive than normal and tend to narrow in response to certain triggers.
This narrowing is due to:
• swelling of the lining of the airway
• increased mucus in the airway
• “bronchospasm” (contraction of the muscle layer surrounding the airway)
This narrowing leads to the symptoms of asthma, cough if the narrowing is mild, wheeze if the narrowing is moderate and breathlessness and breathing difficulty if the narrowing is severe. Triggers which can produce this narrowing include viral infections, exercise allergens (e.g. house dust
mite) weather change and various irritants (e.g.
cigarette smoke). This also meant removal of all our carpets and hairy stuffed toys.. Bye Pampa….Kyle was crying hard and got angry with me as I keep his toys in the cabinet.

ASTHMA SEVERITY
Although asthma is common in the pre-school age group, the majority of children have a mild form of the disease. Asthma may be divided into the following forms:
1. Mild episodic asthma—this form occurs in about 75% of children, with episodes occurring only with colds and less than every 2 months. Some children may only have 2-3 episodes in their lifetime.
2. Frequent episodic asthma—this form occurs in about 20% of children. The episodes occur every 6-8 weeks or even more frequently and sometimes there are some mild symptoms such as night-time cough or exercise cough/wheeze between episodes.
3. Chronic asthma—this form occurs in less than 5% of children. These children have daily symptoms of cough and/or wheeze, often at night or on wakening and also with exercise. They also may have acute episodes of wheezing with other triggers.

Children with mild episodic asthma may only require relieving medications during the acute episodes of cough/wheeze. Children with frequent episodic asthma and chronic asthma should have regular preventive therapy as well as using relieving medications for treatment of symptoms.

I’m not sure if Aloysius’ asthma belong to the Mild or Frequent episodic type. He is still under the 10-day treatment/observation stage.

Kyle's Speech Dictionary

Kyle is turning 3 in January but he has not developed his fluency in speaking unlike his kuya who learned everything in advance. Well, developments in children vary and it’s inevitable. As mush as possible, we do not speak baby talk for him to learn faster, but to no avail. One needs to be patient in waiting and supportive while at it. I find it cute when Kyle speaks these words and can’t help but put it here for reference in my scrapbooking journals:

Gamgam – langgam (ants)
Mall – small
Hudas – hugas (wash) “Yaya hudas na, nag uu ako.” (Yaya please wash me I made poop)
Tadat – kagat (insect bite) “Mommy please put vicks, me tadat ako.” (I have insect bite)
Cool – School “Mommy, did kuya go to cool?”
White Car – taxi cab “I don’t like to ride here (fx), gusto ko sa white car.”
(I like to ride taxi instead of fx)
Nudets – chicken nuggets
And the list doesn’t end here, I just don’t’ remember the rest….will update this post as soon as I recall.

He replaces “g” with “d” and removes the “s” as the start of the word. Sometimes, he murmurs words that only he can understand. How I wish I can always be there to interpret what he is saying.

Finally, Anna got hitched!

My former officemate Anna Alvarez whom I shared common friends like Nini and Jessica. (Yes, we’re of the same age hehehe, sorry A, I need to brag our life just beginning) finally got married today in civil rites at Windmills and Forest, QC. I guess many (including mine) eyebrows raised upon hearing that their “online” relationship ended in marriage. Yeah, it’s true. I would say, it’s one for the books. Who would have thought that Anna would say yes to a guy he has not seen personally? Their online thingy started 2 years ago and since then their day to day activities included chatting and viewing each other’s webcam. When I went to the US last March, I thought Anna has already forgotten about this guy and found an “American” whom she fancies too much before. But I realized she was already hooked. Our other managers tried “convincing” her to think it (the marriage) over very well because she doesn’t know the guy that much to move on to the next level. Since Anna and Archie Cuadron, have proven us all wrong (I hope), they proceeded with their plans. Today, I saw, much to my surprise, a couple in love and excitingly enjoying the marriage rites as if they have been waiting for this moment all their lives (I know Anna does). Their love story was briefly told in the program and we enjoyed the food and entertainment. I’d like to repeat my message /speech here, “I’ve known Anna and she has an eye for quality. She has waited all her life to find her man and I hope she found that quality man in you, Archie. She is special to us (that special to cancel a MANCOM Meeting on a Monday and our CEO Mr. James Donovan to join us in this special event) so please take care of my friend. I hope and pray for a fruitful and lasting relationship for the two of you.”

Here are some pictures from the wedding:

EK adventure of my kids

I was supposed to go with my kids at the Convergys Family day at Enchanted Kingdom but since I was not feeling well and Cecille has not gone there yet, I let her join the kids. I guess they enjoyed every ride they took as seen in the pictures. I realized that my kids are all grown up now especially Kyle that he was able to ride those for pre-schoolers like Up, up and away and Wheel of Fate when he was only 2 and a half years old. Thanks to my sis-in-law Sha and Mike for making this happen.





More pics in my multiply account.