Year End Post (2013)

Whoa! It's been more than a year since my last post?! I didn't even realize that it was that long! I rarely remember blogging..masyadong busy! hahaha! Nah..every day is like waking up, taking a bath, going to work, then going home. That alone will took more than half of my day, so I don't even have time to do extra stuff. This is why I've realized that it is so much better to have a permanent home based job than traveling everyday to work. So anyway, I will try to think of the highlights of my 2013. Hopefully, I can still remember it.

January - I think this is the month when we got our own car. My mother and sister in law were too kind to lend us money and offer help to pay for the monthly payment. It was not a brand new car but we totally love it! We name him Lance.

April - We had our Contreras Family swimming party to remember my father-in-law's birthday. It was held in Blue Oyster Resort in Bilog, Valenzuela. It was so much fun! The kids are of course the happiest.

May - It was my Lapus family's turn. My cousins planned our outing in Nasugbu, Batangas. It was a very long drive! My husband and I were proud that our Lancer '95 was able to travel that far! We celebrated Mother's Day here. We also went to Paseo de Sta Rosa and have lunch there before we go home. It was tiring and ubusan ng money but it was so much fun! :)

July - I surprised my hubby and celebrated his birthday in Vikings, SM North EDSA. It was our first time to eat there that time and it was all worth it kahit medyo mahal. Kaya nga I always believe that when it comes to food, you eat what you pay for. Although, sometimes there are some restaurants that have expensive foods but hindi masarap or the servings are really bitin but most of the time, it is really worth it to pay extra. We also had a buffet dinner at Yakimix, Trinoma before his birthday with my cousins Kuya Jon, Ate Len, and Ate Jophe. It was food coma for 2 days! Lol. But of course, who will not love eating? :)

August - This is definitely the biggest surprise and the highlight of my 2013. I've got pregnant with my second kid! :) The husband and I never planned it but it was a blessing that we can never refuse. I have mixed emotions when I've found out about it but of course the important thing is I was happy :)

It was also in August that an Intertropical Convergence Zone hit the Philippines. It was named "Habagat", it wasn't really a storm but since the amount of rain was too much, it was considered as a tropical depression. Good thing this happened before I got pregnant. My husband and I were absent for 4 days during the week. It really amazed me that this "typhoon" caused the knee deep flood in front of our building! And when I was able to come to work, my manager greeted me "Oh, bakit ka pa pumasok?" Lol. It was unexpected but thank God I have an understanding boss!

October - My Hayley's third birthday (October 8). We had a simple celebration at home, invited her cousins Hanz and Reese. Few guests came that night, Tito Joni, Tita Hope, and Tito Fruity. My little princess is growing up fast! Oh please, don't grow up too soon! =(

November - My birth month. I had a simple lunch out with my husband, my Hayley, my mom and mom-in-law, and my sister from another mother Erin. It was again in Vikings, SM North EDSA. Weekday buffet is quite different from weekend, but nevertheless it was still beyond my satisfaction. I just love buffets! Lol. I know that my husband love it too..he actually prefers to eat now at buffets when we go out. Anyway, we went to grocery after lunch then go home. It was a simple celebration but I had a blast! :)

December - There are a lot of things to be happy about on this month. First, is of course the 13th month pay. It was given earlier than usual so it was really nice. Second is the Christmas Parties from Subs, LP, and Datacom/Convergys. I had an extra happiness when I've won a 22" LED TV from our raffle. Third is the Christmas shopping and the Christmas rush. But, nothing beats the happiness I had during my ultrasound last December 6th. I've found out that I'm having a baby BOY! Yay! Lucky lucky lucky! Hahaha! Well, I was happy because of course, I am determined that this will be my last pregnancy and I think I'll have second thoughts if I will not have a baby boy. Luckily, I will soon have 1 girl and 1 boy! =) Yay! Thank you God! :)

 
Just to add up, our Christmas is always great. Hayley is definitely the happiest during these times because of her gifts and aginaldos. Well, I think most of the kiddos too.

On top of the Christmas season, I am also thankful to celebrate our 4th wedding anniversary last December 24th. :) It was a total of 7 years being together. It was really hard to celebrate it because may pasok pa kami sa work, so we have to request for a half day to find extra time kahit kumain lang. So that's what we did, we took a half day off from work and then went to Banapple, SM North to eat. Daddy also surprised me with a note saying "Mami, Happy anniversary! Ailabyu!" with matching roses :) It really made me smile like this ^___________________^. Lol. Thank you Daddy! I love you too! :)

So there, that's at least what I can remember as my highlights in 2013. I am hoping to have more blessings in 2014 and good vibes all year! Thank you God for all the blessings! :)

An Update! Yay!

Ohhh Blogger! *hugs* It's been a while since I visited you. I even have a drafted post that I haven't publish yet but I'm not in the mood to update that right now. I was so busy lately that I didn't even remember you. I'm really sorry..I know I have promised to update this blog frequently but I just don't have time to sit down and think of what I can share here. I have a chance to open it today because the husband is drinking outside and the daughter is with my ever dearest mom upstairs. But hey, let me make it up to you. Let me try to update you today and let me see if I can think of something interesting =)

Ummm...well...I don't think I have something really interesting...but yeah, I can share something...

So, the second part of Breaking Dawn was shown yesterday. I didn't watch it on advance screening or the first day because my beckie friends already decided to watch it tomorrow (Sunday, November 18). It kills me reading the reviews on Facebook because of the "unexpected" ending. Gosh it kills me really! But yeah, the waiting will finally be over tomorrow and if I'm lucky to have an alone time like this again, I might write a post for it! Yay! Edward Anthony Masen Cullen, we'll see each other again tomorrow :)

What else? hmmm..interesting...well, Lee Min Ho finally visited here in the Philippines! It could be the greatest news if this happened like 3 years ago when I wasn't married yet! Gosh! How can I tell the husband to let me watch and spend money just to see a guy that I like?! I mean, if I was on his shoes I would probably felt..well...mad? jealous? I don't know...but yeah, despite of that thoughts I still did try to ask permission (hoping that there's a miracle that he would agree) but of course, that's so wishful thinking! It was funny on how he answer it, though..it was like..

Me: Daddy, nood akong Lee Min Ho
Hubby: Sino yun?
Me: Yung Korean, bibisita dito kase model ng Bench. Sa Araneta yata yung autograph signing.
Hubby: Pupunta ka pa sa Araneta para makakita ng Korean? eh ang dami naman dun sa McKinley (referring to Korean Embassy and Enderun College)
Me: You are totally missing the point!

It was annoying but funny at the same time. But with that answer, I knew that it was already the end of the conversation. So I didn't even bother asking him again. It was alright though, I mean, like what I've mentioned earlier, I will probably feel the same way when he ask me that he's going to watch a beautiful sexy girl that he likes, right? ANYWAY, this is really Lee Min Ho's fault. Why visit here now that I was already married?! Why not 3 years ago? Hahahaha! char! =)

The husband was really annoyed with Koreans because I got attached watching Koreanovelas again lately. It started with Lie to Me, then someone recommended You're Beautiful. After that, I've also watched Heartstrings. My latest addiction is We Got Married featuring Jung Yong Hwa and Seohyun. I've become a fan of this couple that it was really sad for me that they have to end the show. So, the husband always saw me watching Koreans and there's one time, when we are at the LRT, he saw some Koreans talking inside the train and he was like "Sa bahay, sa office, Korean! pati ba naman dito sa LRT may mga koryeano pa din?!" hahahahaha! So funny! I was laughing so hard when he said that! Anyway, I don't have anything to watch now so I guess he can forget about it.

What else?! I can't really think of something else. I might not be able to open it soon but I'll do my best. That's it for now. I will need to sleep now and tomorrow, finally I'll be watching the last part of Breaking Dawn! Yay! So excited! =)

A Tribute

I was already asleep last Wednesday night when suddenly my mobile rang. It wasn't an expected call, and it was like 9:30pm so I already felt that it is something urgent. I was too sleepy but I managed to get up and look who's calling..it was Junville. He was one of my closest friends but he don't call me for no reason so before I could answer it, I knew there was something wrong. I answered immediately and Junville was already crying before he asked me "Did you know what happened to Aileen?" I answered "No, why? what happened?" "She passed away this morning". After hearing those words, I got shocked. I am able to reply back but my mind isn't working. I looked at my phone for quite a long time, trying to absorb the news that I got. I wasn't talking until my husband asked me, "What's wrong? What happened?" I told him what happened and he was shocked too. We have the same questions on our mind that time, "Why? Why so fast? What happened?" With that questions unanswered, I got up and called Maisie and Gilidun. They have the same reaction of course, since I guess this is the first time that we lose a friend and we didn't expect that this will happen. Not to her, and supposedly not this time.

mami jan, me, aileen, maisie

I love them so much!

The time that I was able to go back to bed, I began to reminisce about Aileen. The first thing that I remember is the last text that I got from her. She said that she has "bukol" on her stomach that already affects her liver so she needed some operation. She said, we don't need to worry because she will undergo chemotherapy that can help her cure it. She also asked for prayers and she said she is doing her best to fight for it. I'm not sure if she hide it from us, but she did it really good. I don't give much attention to the bad vibes that she won't recover from it..not until Junville told me that we need to visit her. He told me that the last time that he saw Aileen at the office, she lose a lot of weight and basing on the "chemotherapy" word that she said he already thought that she has cancer. I realized his words..and I was so stupid not to give her much attention back then. But I was glad that I made the effort to send a message to our friends, asking for their free time so that we can visit Aileen. They did reply to my message but unfortunately, before we can even "plan" the exact date that we will visit her, she already passed away. Junville's words really hit me when he said "We're too late". =( Yes, we're indeed too late..and we are now planning to visit her not because she is sick, but because she already passed away. =( I can't go back to sleep with these thoughts, so I've tried my best to think of our happy moments together - way back in PeopleSupport.

Starbucks night

one of our movie nights

I don't really remember when is the first time that we are introduced, but I remember the first time that we go out together. It was when our former Braso Team has a reunion and I told them to come with us. Aileen and Maisie are really too shy to come, but I was able to convince them. That is the start of us being close and the start of our never ending gimiks when we were still in PeopleSupport. We have a lot of Starbucks, movie, karaoke, and lasingan nights together. She's always the bubbly one. She loves to makes us laugh, loves to sing, loves to make fun of other people (in short, laitera! haha!), and most of all, loves gossiping! hahaha! She was so fun to be with. I remember the last time that we had a get together, it was when Belle and Jermo visited here in the Philippines. (I blogged about it here, it was the get together post) We were teasing her a lot not only because she lose a lot of weight but because she has a boyfriend. She was actually our "star of the day". She was so happy that time that we barely saw that she was sick. I mean, we knew about her "stomach problem" but not the cancer thing. There are indeed a lot of good memories that we've shared, and those memories hurt me more of the fact that she's gone. =(

dinner with PS peeps

us back then

Sunday, May 20, 2012. Me, hubby, Francine, and Gilidun visited her wake at Binan, Laguna. It was also her last day, the burial will be at 1pm. We were able to talk to her tito's, tita's, and her mom. She showed us Aileen's mobile with her recent pictures. We can saw that in her pictures, she still managed to smile and make fun of herself even though she's in the hospital and she already knew she has cancer. One of his tito shared with us what happened with her last two months. He said that they accompanied her to consult other doctors about her health. With a lot of tests, that is when the doctors find out that Aileen has cancer. Apparently, the abscess on her stomach (or liver..not sure..sorry) was already cancerous and she was already in stage four (of cancer). She can't have an operation anymore because the anesthesia will cause death due to her weak immune system. He didn't mention anything about chemotherapy, I guess it's also too late for that treatment. It wasn't easy for us hearing about it, especially when we realize that she knew all along since April that she had cancer and didn't tell us about it. Thinking of her last texts, messages, tweets..every word that she said before make sense now. My heart is aching and I really felt guilty not being able to see her before she died. Her mom also told us how she closed her eyes, and this part really made me cry. I look at her coffin, and I  still can't believe that it's her. Before we go home, we talked to her while looking at her for the last time. We joke around and told her that we'll miss her..and we love her..and somehow we saw her face like she was smiling back..like she was happy where she was right now. And she's happy that we're there for her. It was really a good feeling and we left her there smiling too, with our hopes that what we assumed was right.

Aileen, I hope that you know how much we love you. We'll surely miss you, and we will forever cherished every moment that you shared with us. Thank you for being such a good friend. Rest in peace, our dearest friend.

Moms Day 2012

Family :)

Yesterday, my Contreras family chose to celebrate Mother's day at Eastwood. We have our lunch at Cravings inside the Eastwood Mall. The food was great and the servings are good for two. The additional Php99 for unlimited salad and soup is worth it too (although honestly I'm not interested to it at all..hehe..). Oh, and they have freebies too! Every mom who will order Chicken Gordon Bleu Meal will have a free tote bag! The tote bag contains Good Housekeeping magazine, liquid detergents and dishwashers, toothpaste, iced tea, toothbrush, and fabric conditioners. It was quite a lot of freebies so I guess the worth 300 meal is worth it. Oh, and I forgot to mention that there's also a free one serve of iced tea and a dessert (kinda like brownies). So yeah, the food is quite expensive without the freebies but since the serving is good for two I guess it's okay.

Cravings aka CCA Kitchen

Anyway, after eating, the kiddos (Stefi and Hayley) rode the carousel with their daddies (Dad Harvey and Dad Butchoy) while the moms (Mom Cheol and Mom Cindy) took our phones and cameras to take photos and videos of them. The rest of the family waited outside Cravings since it was quite crowded on the carousel area and they don't want to stroll around the mall. My little kiddo enjoyed the carousel so much that she doesn't want to get off of it. Lol. It was so funny seeing her shouting "No Daddy! No Daddy!" because she don't want to let go of the carousel (while the new set of kids were waiting for the next round). She was crying so hard but we really can't give her another round because we have to go.

my babies in carousel

The next destination (destination talaga? hehe..) was in Shopwise Libis. We went there because my mother-in-law needs to buy some groceries for her upcoming birthday and Obando fiesta on May 18. We also went to SM Hypermarket in Pasig to check some TVs because the husband and I were planning to buy one. The old TV at our living room was already broken and we have to put the TV in our room to replace it. We actually found a perfect TV for us, but it needs to wait until Friday night before Kuya Harvey pays for it and bring it in Obando. =( So...anyway, after all that we were all so tired so we decided to go back home. Ate Rean's family also went home with us and will spend the whole week in Obando. Stefi and Ate Len (her yaya) will be coming on Tuesday until the end of the week. Yay! =) It's always fun to have them at home in Obando. The husband and I were so excited to end this work week and start enjoying Mama Lita's birthday celebration and the Obando Fiesta 2012. We were on leave on Friday and Monday, so it's gonna be a 4-day vacay for us! Yay! (again!) Fun fun fun! =)

Some other pictures to share =)

the daddies with the kiddos

my two babies

the mommies :)

i love her so much!

The Manila Bay Cruise Experience

We have a Picture Perfect Contest at Datacom this love month. So couples can send their sweetest picture and it will be posted on the wall besides the reception area for the employees to see and then vote for their own pick. The prizes are Manila Bay Cruise dinner with live band for two for the Grand Prize, 1000 worth of Gift Certificate from North Park for the runner up, and 500 worth of Starbucks Gift Certificate for the third prize. My hubby and I never imagine that we will join this contest because it was really not our "thing".  We don't usually show too much affection in public, much more in pictures..that's why if ever I'll get married again (in church) and have the pre-nuptial shoot, I don't think I can do it without laughing too much!

the picture..it isn't even sweet!

So anyway, the day of posting of pictures came and hubby and I were shocked to see our pictures displayed. I thought someone was playing with us, until my becky friend Kim chatted me and informed me that she did submitted our pictures without our consent! (she can eh! hehe!) At first, I really don't know what to do..I felt shy to the people who would see it (although the picture doesn't really show my face..haha!). Hubby was annoyed and told Kim to cancel it, but unfortunately it's too late. So the announcement to take a vote came, the  minimum voting price is 1 peso..and since we're already there I wanted people to vote for us but not because I wanted to win, but I just don't want to be at the bottom of the list. I asked my colleagues here at MSLP to vote for us, para lang di kami kulelat. Luckily, I have really nice colleagues here and they actually voted for us (thank you guys! so sweet of you!). Even my boss e-mailed me and asked which picture to vote (aawwww!!). The voting took about 3 or 5 days (I think) and we are consistent to be on the top three. I honestly just want the third prize because I think this is what I will enjoy but I didn't know that Kim was also persistent in telling her team (and the rest of the Netgear peeps in Eastwood site) to vote for us so that we can win the grand prize! It was unbelievable and we don't really expect that we will actually won! It was crazy and funny at the same time! I just want to thank everyone who voted for us, pilit man or hindi (hahaha!), I really appreciate it! =)

the announcement

the stubs

And so...we scheduled our "date" last February 24, Friday at 6:15-7:30pm. Luckily, I didn't have much effort to dress and make up because when we get there, it doesn't feel like it's for lovers. It was actually more of a family thing. We were able to get there at around 5pm, and since it was too early we waited at Starbucks Harbour Square until 5:30pm and then walk from there to the Sun Cruise dock area. The view was really nice, I actually regret not bringing a camera. Our phone cameras doesn't have flash, so taking pictures after the sunset was not really a good idea. We took a few shots though, pictures are from my mobile phone. My ratings for Sun Cruise? Well, okay I'll try to be specific..

the yacht/boat/ship whatever!

view from the top

1. the yacht/boat (whatever) - it was perfectly fine. Not like those boats that will make you dizzy or scared to continue. The ticket costs Php550 each, these includes the dinner and "live band". It wasn't really a band, there's just 2 people: 1 singer and 1 guitarist but I guess it's okay since the yacht wasn't really that big. The tickets that we have entitled us to be at the top of the yacht..I don't know what's the difference with the prize but those people who don't have the "sticker" can't be at the top and they are just allowed to be at the main floor/lobby (? I don't really know how you should call it! haha!). It was a good thing because I think we would not be able to appreciate the view if we were not at the top. My rating from 1-5 is 4.

the food

2. the food - eerrr..okay..for Php550 I expected something better. The food serve was pork asado, fish fillet with white sauce, rice, coffee jelly for dessert and a glass of water. Yes, the drink is not for free. The drink was too expensive but I don't really like drinking water so I've ordered an iced tea. I was disappointed because they only give me a Nestea iced tea in a bottle! Yung mga nabibili sa 711 na worth 25 pesos lang! My gosh! I totally, totally regretted it! The food wasn't even that good, this is I think the disappointing part of the cruise. If I have to pay Php550 for this kind of food, I think I'll just choose having dinner at my favorite restaurant. I hope they can change this, para naman people will go back there because everything was almost perfect. Not yung madidisappoint sila sa isang bagay. My rating is 2 (1 point is for the effort of the nice service we get from the waiters).

the drink menu..so expensive!

3. the waiters/crew of the yacht - in fairness, they were really nice and accommodating. They were also courteous and those guys who were assisting guests from the yacht were extending their hands for all the girls para alalayan sila.  For me, it was a big thing to see guys like that because you can hardly see it in your everyday life. Di na uso gentleman ngayon! So when you see one, it will make you smile because it will make you think, "ahh, meron pa pala kahit papaano". Although they do it because it was their job, still it was a good thing that the management has this kind of way of assisting their customer. My rating is 5.

I super love this view!

you can see MOA from not so far

Overall, I think it was only the food that disappoints me. I am speaking for myself though, but hubby said that if this is not for free, he wouldn't spent 550 bucks for this cruise. Maybe, they can lessen the price so that it will be worth it. We wouldn't expect too much naman if it only costs like 300 bucks. So anyway, overall rating is 3. Sakto lang, not that good but not that bad. Would I recommend it? umm...why not? hehe! I mean the cruising is the highlight and that part is actually very good. Just don't expect too much on the food and for sure you'll like it. Got some other pictures to share below.

the sunset view at the top

before the cruise

at the yacht before sunset

sunset

Get Together Part 2 and 3

Been really in a lot of get together lately. First is last January 28 with my West peeps Luanne and Dada. I was supposed to meet them last month (I think..) because Racquel visited here in the Philippines (she's working in Singapore) but for some money reasons I wasn't able to. So Luanne and I decided to meet because I need to get her gift for Hayley. Good thing that Dada was okay with it too so we planned to meet at around 2pm at Trinoma. Hubby and I were late because he came home late from his "bike activity" with my cousins! They were already finished eating lunch and dessert when we came so we don't have a choice but to find a place to hang out. We were able to find the place near Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf to sit down and talk a little. It's nice to catch up with friends that I rarely see. I would love to spend more time with them if only I have a lot of free time.

with dada and luanne

This is a memorable picture for us. This day was like a telenobela because..well..there's a lot of revelations for Dada at that time. I wouldn't get into details because I'm sure neither of us wanted to reminisce that time. That picture was taken at Old Spaghetti House in Market Market. Dada is still pregnant with Blythe (she's now 2 years old), I was still single that time (and thinner!), and Luanne isn't together with Ryan yet. Changes are inevitable but the closeness is still there.

Anyway, after catching up with each other, Dada, Barry, and Blythe went home earlier than Lu and Rye because Dada's shift the day after is 3am. The rest of us stayed at Gong Cha SM North until 5pm before we all decided to go home. It was a short time but I had a lot of fun. Sa uulitin guys! =)

The next get together happened last Saturday (February 4). This time, it was from the second batch of my PS Peeps. Belle and Jerome who also worked from Singapore just had their vacation here in the Philippines since January 28. Belle planned a mini get together with the rest of our barkada at Giligans Trinoma. Funny thing is, those who I wasn't expected that will come actually came that day.

UL-UR: JV, Belle, France - LL-LR: Me, Aileen, Maisie

So it was me, Butchoy, Belle, Jerome, France, Aileen, Maisie, and Ned. Hayley and my mom were there too, wala nga lang sa picture. Aileen was so thin already! Kainggit! Although syempre the reason why she lose weight is not good, I still envy her! Haha! She was in the "hot seat" because we were talking about her and the rumored boyfriend for the whole time. I am hoping that there will be wedding bells soon! =) Looking forward to attend a friend's wedding! =)

So...after having an early dinner and chikahan at Giligans, I convince them to walk from Trinoma to Sky Garden SM North and try my latest addiction

the "after" version..lol

Gong Cha instead of Starbucks. Of course, nothing beats Starbucks when it comes to coffee but hey, been drinking it for the last 7 years of my life..so I guess trying out something new (and healthier) like milk tea is good. Good thing that they like it so I'm sure that its not gonna be hard for me to convince them again next time. We stayed there for an hour and a half (I think) before we decided to go home. Belle was really happy because Hayley wasn't masungit na when we were in Gong Cha so she was able to play with her and do all the "tricks" that she knew. I was also glad that she was able to bond with her godparents because these precious peeps never forget to give her gifts even without me asking them. Hayley was really lucky to have these godparents! =)

And so..just to end this entry (since I've been composing this for more than a week now..lol), I was glad to know that after all these years, I still have these true friends who I knew that will always be there for me..or for us (and vice versa) even if we don't see each other everyday. Hoping for more get together soon from my wave mates from West and NCO soon! =)

Feelingero Family Get Together

Just a quick overview, just before my "Becky" friends came, I have my first set of friends in PS who we call ourselves "The Feelingero Family". For complete details, I blogged it here. So anyway, Jasmine went to the US 3 or 4 years ago, and since she came home this year, we planned a get together before she comes back on the 18th of this month. The original plan was Saturday, but Jasmine's family has another plan so she requested to change it to Friday. Good thing that I was on leave and everybody else is okay that day. The plan was to meet at Starbucks Trinoma at 2pm, but as always we are so punctual so we came at around 3pm (lol). It was Gilidun who came last so he was punished to pay for our dinner! haha! From Starbucks, we went to Gerry's Grill for our dinner. We have an endless chikahan, tawanan, and of course picture picture! hahaha! I haven't seen the pictures though, because Neil and Alvin who brought cameras were still not uploading it til today. I understand that Alvin just lost his dad last Sunday so he will not be able to upload it sooner. Anyway, so after dinner we went back to Starbucks to have another coffee. We stayed there until 8pm then we all decided to call it a day since Gilidun and Alvin have their shift that night. It was bitin but I really had a great time. Hopefully, Jasmine will be able to go back here in the Philippines every year so that we can have this get together often ☺

Sharing few pictures from the past..how I wish I can go back to this body! lol ☺

our family picture..lol

 

 

at daddy kel's place

the pretty girls :)