My Girl - Pinay Version

ABS-CBN has just launched its newest primetime soap last Monday, titled My Girl. I have been an avid viewer of the original My Girl, where I even explored the site of SBS (Korean TV Network) for some juicy updates of the said Koreanovela. Lee Dong Wok (who plays Julian) was just so handsome while Lee Da Hae (Jasmin) was so hilarious and lovable. I even watched it on DVD, thanks to my brother's girlfriend who lent it to me.

Now, on Philippine version, My Girl is already being aired after Lobo (my fave too!). Kim Chiu portrays Jasmin and I should say that she did a good job this time. She have captured the character of Jasmin in her own way, and with that she emerged stellar. Her Mandarin is also very smooth and it's like watching a Taiwanese soap every time she speaks the language. Gerald Anderson plays Julian, but I will not comment about his acting skills anymore. Sorry, he looked young for the role and mono-faced, but I can tolerate it anyway.

The show has become another favorite of mine. It's a good thing its slot is right after Lobo, so I wouldn't have to wait and my viewing pleasure is continuous.

Tags About Me and Friendship

Here's a tag from Dette and Joy, asking for some random facts about myself. Well, here they are (this got me thinking hard gurls...) :

1. I am super afraid of cockroaches. When I see one, I wouldn't feel at ease until I see them killed.
2. I love dancing. Those who knew me well, no further explanations for this.
3. I love ampalaya (bitter gourd). Every dish with ampalaya is really a favorite of mine.
4. I am overweight and at the moment I am making an effort to lose those pounds. Somehow, my efforts paid off but hardly evident (so better exert more!).
5. I tend to be a negative thinker, which I am trying to overcome. That is why I have many fears in life (bad!).
6. I love accounting...and if ever I will be asked to go back to college, I would still take up the same course.
7. I am not crazy with beef dishes, but I love corned beef!
8. I am so into fashion updates...although I may not be able to apply it to myself since I am fat (poor me!).
9. I am a regular forumer at Pinoy Exchange.
10. I am a mother of three and happily married.

Now, I'm tagging Janah, Eda, Louraine and Maureen.



Next tag...FRIENDSHIP! Thanks to Tess.

Rule:
1. Copy from ::Start Copy here:: through ::End Copy Here::.
2. Add your blog to the list. Feel free to add all your other blogs. Just make sure to post this to each of the blog you added in the list.
3. Tag other online friends you know.You don’t need to be tag in order to join. If you want to join just post this one in your blog.
4. Let me know your blog’s name and url by leaving me a comment.
5. DO NOT REMOVE THIS: scrap page made by Yen. Using alphas and tapes from Kate H., flowers from Ida,paper by Catrine.

1. Me and Mine 2. Creative In Me 3.Little Peanut 4. Pea in a Pod 5. Sugar Magnolias 6. Chez Francine 7. Le bric à brac de Cherie 8. La Place de Cherie 9.Super Nova and Sweet Pain 10. Avee's Adventures 11. Fil-Am Stories 12. Air Sick 13. Essay of Life 14. All About Reviews 15. From PI With Love 16. A Mom's Note 17. Tasteful Voyage 18. Beauty Kikay 19. Everyday Life 20. Fil-Oz Blog 21. More on Health 22. Ozlife Begins 23. Rants and Ramblings 24.Taurian’s Bible 25. What A World 26. Jcelyn's Journal
27. Pinay Mom in Czech Republic 28. Irresistible Fascinations 29. The Treasure Chest 30. You're Next

Pass the friendship along girls - - Utah Mommy, Tanya, Florence and Edz.

Kalui Dinner

Since Palawan is surrounded by various bodies of water, it is a common thought that seafoods are abundant in the area. One thing that we looked forward of going to Palawan is the fresh produce from the sea, which are undeniably yummier and healthier than meat.

And so, on our last night at Puerto Princesa, we indulged ourselves with special seafoods at their most sought-after diner, called Kalui. Kalui is such a nice place, very tidy and peaceful. The structure was so natural, with all those wooden floors even at their toilets. And talking about the CR, they have spacious and clean rest rooms, and we couldn't resist taking pictures in there! Each guest is required to take off his or her footwear and should only proceed to the premises barefoot. I myself am amazed with the ambiance, such a cool scenery indeed, from the lights all the way down to the bottom. They also had a waiting area for the guests. By the way, never mind those feet found on the right. I guess they just blended well with the floor, being natural as they are(haha!).

However, due to the numerous guests they have each day, Kalui only accepts customers through booking or reservation. And on our last night, we have eaten our dinner at 8pm already, since we have decided to book around 5pm. But the wait is worth it, and we were able to explore more of the place while our eating spot is being readied.

We ordered for their special of the day and I should say it was a very sumptuous dinner. I had a blast with their Fish in Coco Cream and Sizzling Spicy Seafoods. But what surprised me that moment was their Crunchy Eggplant in Taco Sauce, which was way too yummy! I have never been a fan of eggplants until I tasted their special. It was such a very nice experience. Even their Coco-Banana Shake is a must.

Kalui surely is a paradise for seafood lovers, me included. Although I could not say that their prices are very affordable, but it's worth everything.

*credits to Sally (in dark pink) for the photos...thank you girl!

Place To Stay In Palawan

On our week-long stay at Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, we were lucky to have booked a pension house beforehand, since it is inevitable that inns, hotels and pension houses are full due to the large number of participants of the convention.

Our group stayed at Lola Itang Pension and Restaurant. I have already booked for our stay through telephone (048-4332990) a month before we are supposed to go, and I am glad that I did. Some of my friends stayed at another place and one of them told me that Lola Itang was way better than their rooms.

I have booked for the double accommodation room, having two single beds at a rate of Php700 per day. Since I am very particular at cleanliness, I was impressed how tidy the rooms are, especially their toilet. They clean the room daily and the blankets and towels were also changed regularly. The towel I brought with me have never been used. . promise! The whole place has a great ambiance, it's like I'm just in my own house.

The people behind the pension house has also been very accommodating and friendly to us. As soon as we landed our feet at the Palawan Airport, my name written on a board paper was already in sight, as a sign of welcome. Although their location is not near from the port (but I'm not saying it's far, duh! say, 12-15 minute ride..., the trip was very pleasant through their hotel bus/van. Every query we had at their reception area, each personnel attended to us with the effort to satisfy us down to the detail.

This is not an advertisement post, but if ever it comes across your mind to visit Palawan, then Lola Itang Pension House is the place to stay for the night. They have affordable rates at quality services and if ever I will be going back, I will still choose to stay there. (wink!)

Oh, by the way, get some further glimpse of Lola Itang through their website, and that is www.lolaitang.com

Traffic For Your Blog.

It is an obvious fact that we have to gain traffic in order to get our blogs noticed and be read by others, otherwise, the rankings would be consistent at the lowest position. There are lots of ways on getting the much desired traffic and so far, some have been proven effective while others have been doomed.

Well, I have come across a site that helps bloggers gain traffic for their blogs - - and its called BlogMad. I have just signed up and hope you too could check it out and savor the fruits of countless hits. Click HERE.

Arte Y Pico Award

I have been awarded by Shimumsy and it's called Arte Y Pico (super thanks sis!).

The rules:

1) You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserve this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also for contributing to the blogging community, no matter what language.2) Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.3) Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself.4) Award-winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of "Arte y Pico" blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award. http://arteypico.blogspot.com/Make sure you visit the link above.

Fellow bloggers - - Honey, Joy, Dette, Claire and Crissy - - I'm passing on this award.

Terminal Fee

Palawan is such a beautiful place. It is indeed a great place to relax, with all its natural scenery where one can find peaceful disposition, fresh air and exciting adventures.

But then, I guess, beauty is not handed over with all its perfect entirety. There seems to exist minor flaws that needed some room for improvement.

I got pissed with the lady who collected the terminal fee at the Puerto Princesa Airport. After I got my boarding pass, I immediately went to pay for my terminal fee, which is Php40. I gave her Php50, and she told me to give her the exact amount because she have no coins for the change. I said I have none, and so she asked if I have a Php100 bill so that she could give me Php60. Upon checking unto the contents of my wallet, I got a 100 bill and gave it to her, to which she gave me the 60 change in turn. I asked for the Php50 I gave her earlier but she just replied that I didn't gave her any...(what?!) I swear I gave it to her and as I checked through my wallet, there was no 50 bill in it. I was not able to argue with her anymore because there are other people who were also busy getting their terminal passes.

The amount may be minimal... but what really disappointed me was the act of the lady. God bless her.

Welcome to Me!

I am very happy to be back from being away for more than a week.

My trip to Palawan is a series of mixed circumstances, with sprinkles of fun, adventures, misfortunes and etc. But the place is a paradise, although I haven't got the time to really visit the major portions noteworthy to take a glimpse of (next time, I will really go to El Nido and Coron na...).

Well, I guess I have to stop here for a while. Have to spend more quality time with my kids. I appreciate your time and effort in paying a visit to my abode. God bless!

Blog Marketing

Blogging is our way of expressing our thoughts and opinions about things. We make our rants about certain issues on our blog, our views about controversies, and so on.

Aside from the privilege to let out our insights, blogging is also an avenue to make money. Bloggers get paid for writing about worthy items, and Bloggerwave just does that. They have the writing opportunities that could be so hard to resist.

Fellow bloggers, it is now time to monetize our blog. Register with Bloggerwave now.

Away. . .

Again, I will be away from the blogosphere for more than a week, more or less 9 nine days.

The Government Association of Certified Public Accountants (GACPA) will be having its annual national convention and this year, it'll gonna be at Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. It has been very fortunate for me to be granted the authority to attend and it will be my first time to go to the said place.

Yeah, that's it. I will take a break from the internet world and unwind on the beautiful place called Palawan.

Gonna miss you all guys!

Castor Oil for Shiny Hair

Have you ever come across castor oil? Well, I came to know such liquid when I was hospitalized about two years ago for the removal of my gall bladder. I was made to drink it (and take note, at a very considerable amount) in order to cleanse the insides of my stomach so that by the time of surgery, everything is cleaned up. Taking it was one of the most difficult points in my life, having to muster its unpleasant smell, not to mention its unpleasant taste. I remembered so well the trips I have made from my bed to the comfort room just to give in to 'natural needs', but I don't remember anymore how many those trips were (coz I lost count then).

Castor oil indeed can cleanse away toxins. That is already proven as far as I am concerned. But castor oils can also be used to add shine and moisture to lifeless hair. Catherine Zeta-Jones gave credits to castor oil for her shiny and healthy crowning glory. They could be added to conditioners during shower or could be directly brushed through wet hair.

5 Things I Do The Most

I got this tag from Tess and Joy (thanks gurlz!) asking me to list down the 5 things I do most of the time. Well, that even got me thinking.

Here's my top 5:

1. Surfing the internet / blogging / forum posting

2. Playing with kids

3. Dancing

4. Watching movies

5. Window shopping

BUSY PEOPLE: 1.) my chopsuey 2.) mind bubbles 3.) vanity kit 4.) somethingpurple 5.) a detour 6.) Confessions of a Supermodel Wannabe 7.) Mitch of When Silence Speaks 8.) Hailey's Domain 9.) Hailey's Beats and Bits 10.) Air Sick 11.) Avee's Adventures 12.) Never Ending Stories 13.) Essay of Life 14.) Tasteful Voyage 15.) A mom's note 16.) AnnelovesWill 17.) Joyball 18.) Naomi- Irresistible Fascinations 19.) The Treasure Chest 20.) you're next


Now, I am tagging Guia, Liza, Lazy Goy, Eli, Juliet, and Ester. Show off your favorite activities!

Our Weekend Escapade

During the weekend, we went to Cagayan de Oro City, just a four hour drive from our hometown, Butuan City.

Since hubby is already in CDO (because he works there!), he met us up at the hotel we were staying. It was also the last day of my brother's board exams - - Civil Engineering - - and so the trip was really multi-purposed.

The most who had fun during the travel are my kids. They have been very excited about it, and voila! they really did enjoy everything, even their stay at the hotel just jumping along the mattresses and running around the hallways. They also had a blast on Wonderland and Kiddie Park, where they spent hours playing with various toys and with other kids as well while hubby and me were busy looking for great finds. We bought them their school bags, which happens to be costly nowadays, and some other stuff to get them ready for school.

We also made a stop to a town called Talisayan for lunch. This place is located just halfway from Butuan to Cagayan. We always stop over the place for a great dining on seafoods, and last weekend, we had a sumptuous sutukil (sugba,tuwa and kilaw). The kids also hang around the area for a bit and they are amazed at the sight of the monkey, a small snake and a giant lizard. Because the we ate at a "by the sea" diner, my kids wanted to join the other kids who had a dip on the beach. Unfortunately, they cannot because we are on travel.

Hoping we could find time to do this again. Although it is very tiring (with three kids in tow and very hyperactive at that), but then the fun and bond is there and made us closer as a family.

Virtual Gifts and eCard...

After being away for three days, I am now faced with mother's day greetings. Thank you very much friends for including me in your wishes and greetings.

Virtual Gift

Got this gift from Cinderella. I am grateful that you have included me in your list of mommy friends. Here it goes...

A mother's love begins
Before the child is born
And lasts through time
And difficulties
And differences
And many wounds
And days of joy
And days of sorrow
Winding, wearing
Weeping, sharing
Changing
Until, at the end
What remains
Is that solid core
That began as love
Before the child was born

eCard

Got this nice ecard from Ate Lena:

To all Great Mommies

"God could not be everywhere and therefore
He made mothers."

Jewish proverb

(note: this is only a screencap)

Lose Weight Fast.

For a month now, I have always wanted to lose weight. I told myself to trim those excess fats off, as part of our deal with hubby.

As much as I wanted to see the loss of excess fats fast, it is really a hard endeavor for me. Food is just so difficult to resist, especially for me who is so much a lover of sweets! Oh well, guess I just have to strive harder in order to realize my goal, with its finish line on December 31, 2008.

They say losing weight is not about being picky with the food you eat, but about having a new lifestyle. Whatever that new way of life to take, a person wanting of fast weight loss should undergo it. There are a lot of diet plans being formulated, including the liquid diet which I have also used.

There is this one site that would definitely cater to people seeking for a healthier and sexier figure, called the New Lifestyle Diet. The have diet programs for both men and women and have various diet products from cereals to bars.

A Beautiful Rose Award

Got this beautiful award from Shimumsy...thanks to you my friend.

A rose is a flowering shrub of the genus rosa. It is an ideal gift for someone dear to us like friends, partners in lives and evev parents. It’s the classic expression of love because a rose flower pours forth your innermost feelings to your beloved in the most beautiful way. So give a rose to your loved ones and friends and make anyone’s heart bloom with joy!

And now I am sharing this award to Chinny, Daystar, Guia, and Gigi.

10 To Do List

Kimchiland tagged me to put into writing the top 10 things that I would be doing in the next days to come. Well, here they are:

1. Attend the anniversary celebration of our office.
2. Join the dance exercise session.
3. Go to Cagayan de Oro city with family.
4. Buy school goodies for the kids.
5. Have a foot spa.
6. Watch Forbidden Kingdom.
7. Enroll the kids to school.
8. Have a body scrub.
9. Go on with my diet.
10. Get some sleep and rest.

Now it's your time to share the things you need to do: Jana, Cherryl, Honey, and Joy.

Spank or Not?

My 3 year old son was having his tantrum last night. As much as I wanted to understand him, I was really upset to figure out what he really wanted. And after a series of wooing him to calm down, nothing happened.

As I was watching him whining and kicking his feet under the blanket, I felt the urge to spank him until he would stop.

Discipline is very important among kids, no point of argument with that. But we may confuse some actions as discipline tools, which we deem to be right, but in reality it is otherwise. Determining the right disciplinary actions are difficult.

Personally, I don't believe in physical infliction as a form of discipline. As much as possible, everything could be done through talking. Well, I would not say that I have never spanked my kids even once, but I did. And I really felt sorry for those instances. I know those were not due to discipline but because of my burst of temper! And when we are angry, we no longer focus on the real issue of taming the child but already on our emotions during the moment.

Some would say that kids could not be disciplined without spanking them. But then again, if we spank our children, would they become the person we hope them to be?

Cheers To All Mothers!

"All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother." - Abraham Lincoln

It is indeed great to be a mother. Motherhood is such a great blessing. In a child's eye, the mother is the most beautiful woman in his life, for it is from her that he was loved and cherished unconditionally.

Share your favorite Mother's Day quotes and place your blog/name right after the piece of artwork.

1. Irresistible Fascinations / Naomi 2.

I am tagging Claire, Tess, Lena, Cathy, Vhiel and Dette. Come on smart mothers...pass on the blessing to other mothers.

Thank You Bisdak!

I am so glad to have won for this week's poll on the Filipino Blog of the Week. My happiness got even more intense when this blog was elevated to the Hall of Fame. I could not thank everyone enough for the support.

Anyway, got this lovely digital scrapping from my Bisdak Planet family. And I should say that they are instrumental to the success this blog has attained. Thank you Titah Loloy for the wonderful piece of art and thank you also to the gorgeous and hunky co-members of the planet for your greetings.

Have a blessed week ahead!

Movie: When Love Begins

I was having my usual dance exercise session yesterday afternoon and I was bringing along my two kids with me. But on our way to the studio, we happen to pass by our one and only mall in Butuan City and an ad billboard had said that the movie When Love Begins is already showing. The ad did not escaped my daughter's eyes, and upon reading it, immediately asked me that we watched it afterwards. Oh well...

After the dance, I decided to go to the mall to buy diapers. But then again, my daughter insisted on the movie and so I gave in, tagging also my son of three years old (i really wondered if he has understood what he was watching). Off we went to theater to buy the tickets, got some snacks and drinks. Fortunately, we got a seat upon entry, amidst the numerous viewers within.

The movie was great. It was a feel good flick, tackling with certain issues that are inevitably existing in the real world. Aga Muhlach has delivered his usual superb acting skills at the most. He plays an attorney, who left his practice and joined an organization that is geared towards environmental preservation. He had a problem with his mother though, because he has been very busy with his life that he seldom visits them. He is a regular dweller in Boracay, having found a friend who owns a restaurant. On one of his visit to Bora, he met Anne Curtis and instantly was charmed with the girl. Anne is surprisingly great in the movie. Her acting skills has improved a lot and I must admit that she really looked magnificent in all her scenes. She has bloomed into a beautiful lady and what a sexy body she got! Most of her Bora scenes, she was wearing two-piece swimsuits and she really looked amazing.

They had romantic scenes as well, which I find cute but not spine-tingling (sorry...). Theirs was a no-commitment relationship, no exclusivity whatsoever. The drama scenes are also executed very well, but what really made a tear fall from my eyes is the scene between Aga and his mother Boots Anson-Roa, in the hospital. It was so touchy. By the way, Christopher de Leon did a wonderful job in the movie as Anne's father. His special participation really served its purpose.

Over-all, the movie is not bad. It made me remember very well the party life I had way back. And to make it worse, after watching it, I completely forgot about the diapers!

Holding Hands

I personally find it sweet to hold hands with someone you love. It gives a feeling of security, where I felt there is nothing to be afraid of because there was someone who would bravely stand by me. Especially when in public, it gave me the secured thought that my loved one is also proud of me and wants the world to know that we are together. Holding hands also gave me the sense of affection, and I could very well see that I am being loved by the way my hands are held.

Likewise, holding hands also connotes harmonious and smooth relationship with friends. Such act only reflects that a person is comfortable and at ease with the friend and the touch reaffirms the strength of their friendship.

Moreover, I am also amazed how my kids want me to hold their hands. I felt their trust unto me and the feeling to protect and comfort them is overwhelming. I could see the difference how they walked alone and with me holding them. There is this sense of assurance within themselves as well as direction. it is also important as the kids are guided through.

But whoever you held hands with, different emotions are felt. Hand holding surely is a heart-connected activity. We experience varied sensations every time we hold hands with our parents, siblings, and kids - - to friends - - and to loved ones.

Share your love to those close to you. Hold their hands.