Looking for Mother Becky

I'm excited to get this:

I just followed her on twitter last year and got curious about her because she seems nice. I love it when I discover something/someone great on my own.  I stumbled upon her blog and I've been hooked ever since that I strongly endorse her blog to my becky friends! 

I've been  looking for back issues of these magazines because I loooove Divine Lee!

Looking for Love, Fierceness, Equality and Positivity?

Follow Divine Lee on Twitter: @divinemlee

Bookmark/Follow her blog: DIVINE LEE

Does anyone know where I can get back issues of these? I've been looking for it in Book Sales and couldn't find one. 

Weekday Stay-cation

I owe my friends a proper visit and I badly need to have my own R&R ( spell: Recharge and Reset) , so I went to see my friends based in the city. And because the best memories that I have remains private and not documented, here are the highlights of my quick "Stay-cation"

We went to a open grill house just to chill. This happens when you've been partying in the city since 16, you now retire early from the club scene and opt to go to beer garden types because you're just interested in life stories and booze. We went to a "middle-aged hang out" and ordered beers because our ultimate agenda has always been a "no holds barred" catch up.

Oldies band after singing a string of classics played "nobody but you" and dedicated the song to the youngest customers in the house then pointed to our table and the entire bar/resto applauded.

Amigo

Amigo is a 2010 American drama film written and directed by John Sayles. The film takes place in the Philippines in 1900 during the Philippine–American War. It is one of only a small handful of films directed by an American to address the war, the only other notable example being The Real Glory.

Amigo centers on Rafael Dacanay, cabeza of the barrio of San Isidro in a rice-growing area of Luzon. His brother Simón, head of the local guerrilla band, has forced the surrender of the Spanish guardia civil outpost and charged Rafael with the task of imprisoning the guardia Captain and the barrio’s Spanish friar, Padre Hidalgo, in the name of the revolutionary government. But when the American troops chasing General Emilio Aguinaldo arrive, the Spanish officer and Padre Hidalgo are freed, and a garrison under the command of Lieutenant Ike Compton is left to ‘protect’ the barrio. The American occupation policy now changes from ‘hearts and minds’ to ‘concentration’ (what was called ‘hamletting’ during the Vietnam war) and Rafael has to answer to both the Americans and the Filipino patriots, with deadly consequences.

-Source:  Wikipedia

Pimping up Pancakes

My sister, Aprille,  is a licensed freelance Interior Designer by profession, a full-time Industrial Designer, a part-time businesswoman, a freelance wedding and events florist and a by-special-request-and-occasion-only baker.

For our Ate Helen's birthday, my sister baked green cupcakes because green is her favorite color:

Cupcake + Boiled Icing

For Ate Helen's 27th year being with us, Aprille made pancakes... FOR DINNER! And if that isn't weird enough, she got bored with the usual pancakes and pimped it up with Ate Helen's favorite color:

Green Coloured Pancakes!

She did attempt to try different shades of green though

But got bored with just the color so Apy pimped it up!

Rolling it...

Tada!

Tastes just like regular pancakes!

Scenes from Twilight Saga's Breaking Dawn

I'm making a list of things to look forward to this year... and of course it includes Twilight Saga's Breaking Dawn!

Here are the photos that I got from USMagazine.com:

Sneak Peek: Check Out Scenes from Breaking Dawn!

*** Photo Credits: Andrew Cooper of Summit Entertainment

The honeymoon

I heart Notebooks!

I was feeling under the weather this Friday when a friend of mine delivered a gift this evening from another friend and hoped that we like notebooks.

Thank you FRIEND! Here's my VIRTUAL HUG for YOU!!! *big, big hugs*

Are you kidding me? I am such a huge sucker for notebooks!

My sister got me this really cute notebook with pretty drawings on each page and the paper feels sooo... soo... nice. I was supposed  to use it for taking down notes during grad school classes but it was too pretty that I couldn't bare write boring notes in it so I went ahead and bought myself a boring one.

Thank you, Thank you friend!

I super love the notebook that you got me and I was like a kid opening a huge present from Santa on a Christmas Eve. ( Really, I have a witness! haha! )


Keep safe and dry this Friday Night, everyone! :)

Skeletons

If you can't get rid of the skeleton in your closet, you'd best teach it to dance.

- George Bernard Shaw

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Let's get moving, bony guys! :)

Manny Pacquiao HP TouchPad - Official Commercial

When they say you CAN'T, that's when YOU CAN! :) Go Manny!

My Kuya Stew would love this commercial! :)

Kuya Stew,
Since you are a die hard Pacman fan, are you going to buy his album too?

Dreaming of Plueys

It's feels like Forks in the suburbs at this time with all the rain going on and there's a reason why this post is named: Dreaming of Plueys.

I first learned about Plueys years ago and it was my sister Aprille who asked me if I wanted one. Back then I was donning heels most of the time and I hardly have any rubber shoes not even sneakers so getting "plueys" wasn't even taken into consideration. Plus, years ago you can only purchase Plueys online or if you're in the United States.

Plus, even if it rains in the city, I can always hail a cab (and with cheaper rate) because I live 8 mins away from my office building, that sometimes include traffic).

What exactly are Plueys? Plueys, according to their official website:

Plueys is an independent label which reinvents the humble rubber boots of our childhood with brave, bright, fun designs that recall simple joys, like playing in the rain. Made in limited quantities, Plueys designs are unique, practical, and always attract lots of admiring attention.
 Plueys was created by a young lady who was tired of squelching around in wet, ruined shoes. She set out to create a line of functional rubber boots that also bucked convention, with eye-catching colors and unique graphic prints. Plueys designs are fun and whimsical - you'll see cranes, which symbolize hope, and goldfish, which are happily in their element on a rainy day!
 The name Plueys is a playful take on the French 'pluie' for 'rain', because these are the humble rubber boots of our childhood reinvented with brave, bright and fun designs which recall the simple joys in life - like playing in the rain.
 Plueys are made from durable natural rubber, are softly lined for your comfort, and feature sturdy treaded soles. Plueys are perfect for dressing up or dressing down, for the backyard, at the beach, walking the dog and (of course) stomping in puddles - whether at the playground or on 5th Avenue! Get a pair to go with every outfit. We hope you love them as much as we do!

Here are my top 3 picks from their most recent collection:
This one is called Oh La Lace
Price:  US$60.00

Someday I want to meet Ketut Liyer

Someday, I want to meet Ketut Liyer. I want my own magic drawing from him like what he gave Liz Gilbert as mentioned in the book "Eat Pray Love".

As explained in the movie and book, eyes were made to be at the location where the heart is so Liz can see through her heart; and the figure had four legs instead of two to keep her grounded.

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Adventure Kamp (Grand Villa Resort and Butterfly Centre)

And just when I thought I have seen enough of Grand Villa...

It turned out that we have not been to the real site of  Grand Villa's Adventure Kamp! In addition to the stuff that I've shown you in my last Grand Villa post, there's more! This is good news because as a wedding/events coordinator, I may recommend this to future clients looking for more than just resort accommodation.

We were not able to see the entire thing, due to the rain plus the fact that we wanted to swim after our self-tour, we didn't get to see that:

A) There are four tree houses in Grand Villa.

Quarter Life Crisis

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I wish there was someone who guided me on this one. I did not know what the hell quarter life crisis was until I woke up one day swimming in one.

A friend sent me this text message last March 2010.

Quarter Life Crisis is a medical term for the phase after adolescence, usually for ages 21-30. 

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Some symptoms:

1. Feeling not good about your job. - check!

2. Frustration with relationships. - check!

3. Insecurity about life goals. - check!

4. Nostalgia for school. - check!

5. A sense that everyone is better than you. - check!

Furthermore, this is stage occurs shortly after young educated professionals enter the "real world", and then they realize that it is tougher, meaner and very much unforgiving...

Picking up from People

I know I've been complaining to my mom and sis about not having some alone time for the past few weeks... or maybe for the past couple of months.I've been itching to have some ME time for quite sometime now but it appears that it's no longer possible anytime soon, now I can feel that my readings from gradschool are just quickly piling up.

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But the real thing is, I really am grateful. Grateful that I have friends who somehow "kidnap" me from a certain situation, who drops by for a cup of coffee to catch up, friends to have dinner and drinks with, in the midst of my surrender and attempt to be an adult and face all these responsibilities. I'm still not doing a very good job because I still keep on getting caught up in between of wanting to stay and flee, and I am concerned that my grace period will be over. But hey, I am trying.

I am grateful that despite of this so called"busy-ness" I get to do things that I love and have been meaning to do for quite sometime now, and I get to have more pleasant face-to-face catch up and quality time with people in the suburban afternoons.

I've given up of constantly boggling my mind of the things that I don't have and don't do and wanting to do this certain something but I can't. For the past several months, I have concentrated on things that I am thankful of, even as simple as lying in a very comfortable bed and having my ME time only at night in the privacy of my childhood bedroom.

It's the little things that I thank God each night that makes me appreciate life even more... I have sort of weeded out negative influences that from time to time catches up on me, and as my good ol' pal, Paolo, would often say:

"Do not ask a beggar how to get rich because they will only tell you to put a bet in the lottery."

I still remember him helping me figure out by pointing examples of beggars, or "negative force" ( Oh how Tito Boy, my former co-supervisor, loves hearing the ol' bitchy me say that ) to avoid. Hey, Paolo, I think I'm doing a pretty good job taking your advice.

And also, on certain difficult and inevitable situations (that believe me, I did not ask for but somehow manges to land on my hands) I have started constantly reminding myself of a tweet from Victoria Beckham:

"Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down and beat you with experience."

And very recently I have acquired a "hand-me-down" advice from a friend:

"Your problem are the things that you can control, If it's something that you cannot control, then it is not your problem."

I like picking up pieces of advice from people, people that I respect and look up to, especially when the going gets tough but I learned to filter things  about what and what not to take. Because when you come to think of it, there are so many people who offer unsolicited advice and if you don't trust your good judgment and just follow what everyone says (as a people pleaser) you just end up regretting and beating yourself up for it.

Because at the end of the day, it's your own battle and not theirs. They can only do so much.

Rainspiration

My art skills are a little rusty, because I've spent too much time writing/blogging than actually drawing and painting. I used to go to an Art School when I was younger and the best output that I've put out so far was an exhibit as part of my Art School Graduation. Still I'd like to doodle from time to time. 

Being an Artist runs in the family because my dad is a photographer and my sister is a licensed freelance interior designer/ full-time Industrial Designer/ part-time wedding and events florist. She gets to do most drawings majority of her time (mostly on Autocad though) while, I on the other hand... where here goes my fingers... typing on my laptop and as if it isn't obvious yet, blogging.

But if only I am in the mood to doodle and sketch... my drawings (I used to be really fascinated with islands) would be something in line with the influence of rain... and underneath an umbrella...a kiss.

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Tags and Labels

I was not expecting that one of the first day requirement (besides the usual self-introduction) is: Labeling.

I thought last year, it was just our batch, because we're all fun and crazy during the first day. There's something really nice and warm about belonging to a certain batch and knowing that you're all newbies.

But this time, I got really surprised why in grad school, almost all (if not everyone) is very much concerned about your label a.k.a. your relationship status:

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Last year, a classmate of ours dropped the subject. I remember on his first day upon introduction, somebody from the audience/class blurted out: Are you single or married?

He was obviously irritated and if I remember it correctly, he asked why it was even relevant. He didn't show up the next meeting... and the following meetings until one day we just found out that he already dropped the subject.

Anyway, why is everyone asking about someone else's relationship status nowadays?And why do (some) people allow themselves to be defined by mere tags and labels?

Sssshhh....

Last year, some friends and I talked about how some (if not majority of people) are afraid of silence. I may not look like it, in person, but I kind of enjoy peace and silence. I developed a joy for listening though I tend to be really a talker most of the time.

I read once from a book ( I think it's Eat, Pray, Love) that Praying is the art of saying, telling things to God, while Meditation is the art of listening to God and what he has to say.

You sit there in silence and meditate... I miss meditation. I used to do yoga back in the city and I can't seem to find a proper shala (and improvise one) where I can meditate.

Lately, I've been craving for my inner silence and peace ( because yes, I get so badly interrupted every time I plan it!) 

And this whole lifestyle change thing for me has been a liberating experience, because it really did teach me to be patient, to wait and surrender and accept the fact the there are things in life that I just cannot control.

I imagine how hard it must be for someone who's organized-freak and schedule obsessed like me.

I believe God sends people and events to smack us up and hit us hard, for we will never learn if it was done gently. And silence is a good thing, because if used properly... you can and you get to transport yourself to someplace else and do all the proper thinking to make wise decisions, not brought by impulse or spur of whatever moment.

However, swimming in melodrama is optional. And that's a different story saved for next time.

Looking back at a non-date

I think I was 18 or 19 when my college girl friends and I were having dinner at some grill in Malate when this group of guys seated at the other table came over and joined us.

Like the usual, there was the getting to know you starters like where you're from, what do you do and I don't know how we ended up being spontaneous and went to then baywalk. I remember our group splitting up and paired with these guys and there's this one guy who happened to be my companion for that night while strolling along Manila Bay.

As expected, when we got home we girls were sort of reporting about the things that we talked about with our respective "individual instant dates". Of course the most obvious topic ( or should I say the almost unanimous answer) was about Love life.

But not my "date".

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We talked about everything...everything except love life. We were talking about what we both want to do, ideas, travel, food, experiences, the city and I could go on. 

Funny thing is, I did get his name (which I forgot by the time I got home) and we both did not attempt to get each others' numbers. Friendster ( A Social Networking Site that the Philippines first got hooked on)  was totally non-existent during that time so is Google, so the chances of looking for him to catch up would be totally up to fate.

He left me with one thing though, before we said our goodbyes:

You cannot afford to choose a guy who is not at par with you as a conversationalist, or else you're just going to swallow him alive.

Up until today, I can still remember those words whenever the topic of "Meeting of the Minds" comes up. I was told before to marry someone that I love to talk to because as we grow older, the conversation gets better and better.

I really wish to find someone that I will and can stay up until wee hours in the morning talking just about anything and being no one but ourselves. He doesn't necessarily have to agree with everything that I say, but I really wish he is intellectually stimulating and I could learn a thing or two from him, because if not, I'd really die of boredom.

So Universe, I lift up to you my first petition... the rest I'll just whisper to you in private. haha :)

Katy Perry - Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)

 I actually loved the Last Friday Night song when I first listened to the entire list of songs in Katy Perry's Teenage Dream album. I was not expecting that the creative team behind this (Music video by Katy Perry performing Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.). Producer: John Winter. Production Company: Rockhard Films. Director: Marc Klasfeld & Danny Lock) would come up with this funny video!

I love it that it's sooo funny and like this Yahoo Article said:

Set in the 1980s (Wii and laptop aside), Katy Perry's brace-faced, terminally geeky 13-year-old alter-ego Kathy Beth Terry undergoes a classic teen-movie makeover for the party of the year in "Last Friday Night." With the help of her BFF, the appropriately cast "Friday" singer Rebecca Black, Kathy Beth loses her headgear, mustache, and denim jumpsuit for skintight neons and teased-to-the-heavens big hair. Like something out of a teen version of The Hangover (and pretty inappropriate for a teen!), the next morning finds Kathy Beth waking up to a trashed house, a football player in her bed, and a struggle to piece together the details of her epic Friday night.

 Check out what's in store for you in this video: (Original Source of pictures are here)

Katy Perry as Kathy Beth Terry. She even got her own Twitter Account now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Experience Self-Dating

My cousin Chimayne gave me strict instructions to take her mum (together with my mom, aunt and uncle) to Ace Water Spa (where we went to) because they'll enjoy it. So yesterday, the day before the Buy One Take One promo ends, I accompanied them to the city to have their urban R&R. Translation: My Time Off on the sides as well! 

So while waiting for them to finish ( Ace Water Spa's Hyrdrotherapy is for 4 hours) I decided to kill time at Edsa Shangri-La Mall and watch... *drum roll please*

Ace Water Spa (Ortigas Branch)

Ace Water Spa's first branch is in Banawe, Quezon City and I first went there with my friend Mina. We went there on a weekday so that there'll be no one we know that we can bump into.

As part of my urban backpacking trip with my cousins, we went to Ace Water Spa's new branch which is in Ortigas (which is a good thing because it's nearer to the hotel where we're staying in for the weekend).

We got really lucky with Ace Water Spa! We were able to get their grand opening Buy 1-Take 1 promo of the 4 hours hydrotherapy massage for only Php275 each. (Php550 regular price)

Ace Water Spa Ortigas Branch

Grand Villa Resort and Butterfly Centre

It's my second time to be in Grand Villa Resort. The first time I was with my cousins again and have no intention of posting pictures but this time I am armed with my camera for blogging purposes.


WARNING: Prepare yourself for lots of pictures of the resort. Rates and other details at the end of the post.


Resort Feature and Services:

• Butterfly Garden
• Spa
• Chapel
• Souvenir Shop
• Gym/Game Room
• Restaurant/ Sunken Bar
• Videoke/Mobile Sound System
• Karaoke Rooms
• Driver's Quarters/Lounge

Function Areas:

• Mini-Con - 40 pax capacity (Fully air conditioned) 
• Mariposa Hall - 80 pax capacity (Fully air conditioned)
• Forest Hall - 600 pax capacity (Fully air conditioned)
• Function A - 180 pax capacity (Open Air)
• Grand Pavilion (Open Air Gazebo) (Open Air)
• Pool side Area with elevated stage (Open Air)

Frachise One Inn (Cheap Makati Accomodations)

Last weekend my cousins and I had an urban backpacking and since we only need a decent and comfortable place to sleep in, we decided to check in at Franchise1 in Makati.

Tips:

• You can book online and it is advisable to check the availability of the rooms first.
• They have standard (good for two)  and family rooms (good for three). 
• Pay additional Php450 for additional head.
• Visitors are allowed from 9am to 9pm only.
• They have strict policies, visitors cannot stay overnight and you have to surrender your key when you leave even for a few hours.
• Walls are thin, and you can easily hear people when they make noise.
• Family Rooms are provided with: TV, couch, DVD player, Refrigerator (as shown in the pictures).

Now for the photos:

Mini Restaurant 

Sanctuario de San Pablo (Round Two!)

For the second time around, we went to Sanctuario de San Pablo with my cousins. This time I got more pictures for this blog compared to my previous entry. As wedding suppliers (me as a wedding/event coordinator while my sister is a wedding/events florist), we are always eager to find something new in familiar places.

EARLY WARNING: A photo loaded entry.

Sanctuario de San Pablo's Operating Hours:
10am - 8pm daily
Rates: Php 550 for adults; Php350 for kids (4ft and below)
For massage packages, you will have to check availability of therapists because they only have 4 therapists in the house.

We decided to avail of the weekday rate. Php550.00 will get you:

• 5 hours of swimming/stay.
• 1 meal from the Buffet Menu
• Free use of the Cabanas

Additional information:

• On weekends, they have buffet for meals.
• No foods and drinks allowed in the resort.
• No pets allowed.
• Rate is inclusive of 5% Service Charge and 12% Vat. 
• It's better to call in advance because some companies reserve the whole place for a private function.
• Responsible smoking rule is implemented.

For Reservations and other offered packages as well as updated contact information, please scroll down til the end of the post.

Entrance going to the Pavillon aka official entrance

Anti-Idle Mind Movement

I am making a move to preoccupy my mind with reading books to prevent my mind from thinking about... things that I should no longer be thinking about. (so to speak)

So with gradschool stuff coming up ( a breather, actually) I intend to have a Plan B to relax my mind through Chick Literature books.

I'm excited for October because I'll be getting new books from my cousin Stew that I requested, but I am now more ecstatic that Kuya Stew sent me Chick Lit books in advance! ( Thanks Kuya! I'm looking forward to the other batch when you arrive! )

Kuya Stew said that he got me tons of books (with a testimonial from his sister Chimayne as well) and said that I will be reading them for the next five years. I've got five words for you, Kuya:

Super. Looking. Forward. To. It.

Books by Meg Cabot

 I was really ecstatic when he got me the UK version of the hard to find Jane Green Books!

The UK version of Jane Green Books ( To have and To Hold and Dune Road) 

So happy that I strongly feel that this deserves a post of  its own. I keep on going through the pages one by one with a wide smile on my face.

Thank you so much Kuya! See you in a few months! :)

Much love,
Your excited cousin

Deja vu

Means:
is a French phrase meaning "already seen", and it refers to the experience of feeling sure that one has witnessed or experienced a new situation previously.


And I feel like going through some sort of deja vu for the past three weekends. My mind is begging for hibernation, just one day, some place quiet with no connection to the real world because I really just want to be alone with my thoughts.


I gotta recharge.


Today I just got back from an Urban backpacking and have passed out while riding the bus after days of non-stop activities. I kinda missed just falling asleep without effort, dreamless and not bothered by pre-sleep last minute thoughts because when the mind is restless, well... hello insomnia.

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I am having some sort of deja vu, or shall I call it my emotional backslide?

I've been lost in my thoughts lately, bored perhaps, or whatever. Before, retail therapy is an instant pick-me-upper, but now, I don't even have the energy to shop. In fact, I have no energy for some other, well, stuff that I seriously feel like ditching the commitments I've made.

Maybe I'll just set a time limit for things... instead of ditching them. I am in no mood to put up a... whatever you might call it.

I'm fucking rambling again.

This is the problem with having an active mind. Sometimes, the thoughts are so loud, so many things flashing all at once like there's a commotion in my head that I no longer need to speak, because internally, there is something going on.

Oh well. It's been a while since I posted something quite personal, I'll post some review stuff in a few days.

Meanwhile... hello bed. Let me start a prayer by saying:

"Please please please, bring back my acquired selective memory loss..."