Mommy's day

Spent the day with the whole family at the mall. Mom wanted to try North Park so we had lunch there. She also sent me and Joop to the salon to get a trim. That's where we heard the hilarious conversation I tweeted. hihi

Dinner at Bonchon. :)

HAPPY! Part 2

Dinner with my sibs, Julian, Sarah, cousins and Tito Gerry.

Me, Julian, Jom

All is well. :)

We find reasons to be happy with what we have.

Today was my brother's graduation. It was also our scholar's graduation.

Some days ago, my brother Joop's batch went out of town to some monastery for a retreat before their high school graduation. When he came home, he told my mom (who told me) about the highlights of the retreat. In the retreat, each of them were given the chance to speak. One classmate, a girl, cried while saying 'Buti pa kayo, makakapag aral sa Diliman, sa Ateneo, sa Maynila, kami walang pangpa-aral sa college...chuchuchu" I didn't get the whole story but the bottom line was she had to settle for some pipitchugin provincial college and will need to work to send herself to school.

There was also one time when her mother came to the school one random day and begged (even the security guards) to help them coz they didn't have money. Since she wasn't a familiar face, the security guards asked her who she knew in the school. The daughter confirmed that the woman was her mom. They had nothing at all. One teacher even said to the girl 'Kuha ka lang ng food mo sa canteen, ipalista mo lang (lagi) sa akin.'

It tugged my mom's heart (and mine too). Since last year, Mom and Dad have been bugging Joop on who among his batch mates need assistance in college. Their choices never passed Joop's standards. There were a handful of students who we think might need help. But with further research, we found out most of them have a parent working as domestic helpers or relatives who already offered to send them to school. Finally, when Joop heard and told us about this girl's dilemma, we knew she'd be our scholar.

It wasn't easy to find her though! The next days after their retreat, she never showed up in school! Not even their grad ball. Friends said she just stayed at the dorm. I bugged my mom (because Joop hates it when I nag him) to look and look and look for the girl. (See, I'm a nagger, sheeesh.)

Today wasn't any different. In the car on our way to school for Joop's graduation, I reminded mom again 'Ma, hanapin mo yung girl ha!' And we did find her. It took my mom and dad the whooole graduation ceremony. They waited for her name to be called and then remembered her face. While the students and 'stage parents' were busy taking photos, mom approached the father of the girl.

Here's their story. They hail from Silay in Negros, she has four other siblings, only the dad and two sibs made it to graduation (yun lang pera nila). They arrived from Silay this morning, will be staying at the school dorm for the night and then going back to Silay. I met the father too. Very polite. And very thankful. I actually wanted to thank him for working so hard to send his eldest daughter to school- even if it's far from their province and despite the difficult life they have.

My dad's theory is that the father is a sakada or a sugarcane farm worker. Silay is an azukarera (sugarcane farm) town so that's pretty logical.

My mom, so funny. She didn't want to talk to the girl coz she might end up in tears! Oh, we also found out she's an UPCAT passer so yes, we're sending her to UP. I don't remember the course but her campus is the one here in Miag-ao. She just needs to fix things because I believe confirmation of slots ended last March 18. UP is pretty considerate when it comes to these cases though.

That's about it. She may not be MY scholar but I'm glad my family has a scholar. She prolly thinks we're a blessing to her but she is, as much, a blessing to us. Today, I am reminded to be appreciative of where I am and what I have. I am reminded that I have no reason to complain. Whatever reasons I have, they are reasons to be thankful, and reasons to keep dreaming, and keep working hard so I can share my blessings.

I have faith in this girl. She is her family's hope. I know she'll do great.

I just finished watching a video of my nephew Julian. He was laughing and giggling and clapping. I find myself crying after.

I miss Julian so much. He rarely spends time with me- not that he has to. He's visited only once in each of dad's last two visits here in Manila.

I feel so much injustice not being able to spend time with him. And I say this without (hopefully) sounding like his mother. I dunno. I guess kids just have this effect on you. You become kinder, and more hopeful of the future. And you become 'meaner' to bad people because it is sort of your contribution in making the world a better place for the kids.

Okay, I'm stopping now. I just had to write this down.

Brother

It's my kuya's birthday! I love him more than he thinks I do. I just never tell him because we didn't grow up like that. We grew up having wrestling matches everyday. In some days I win, in some days he does. But I guess we've consumed all our fight cards when we were kids that we ran out of fight cards for latter use. (I clearly remember we wrestled on the bed because 'nagkapikunan', I had this silver ring with a silver playboy-ish bunny design and during the fight, it hit his forehead. He was so mad at me coz it bled a bit. Then we stopped the wrestling match. Believe me it was a daily thing for us to fight.)

Like I tweeted a few days ago, "You can never abandon your brother. Your heart won't let you."

When my brother needs something from me, I scramble to help him in the best way I can think of. Because to me, it's a chance to let him feel I love him. After all, action speaks louder than words.

Sometimes I cry at the thought of things that might have been if he stayed with me here at home back in college. Would we be closer? Could we have gone to spur of the moment roadtrips to the beach when we don't have classes? Would we have watched UAAP matches together? After graduation, would we have gone to the States for a vacation as a graduation gift?

I have two vivid memories of time well spent with my brother. One was over dinner back in second sem of my sophomore year- I think we had yellow cab chicken and pizza. We talked all night. Until 10 pm if I remember it right. He told me about his 'then' love life, I told him about my (imaginary) love life. HAHAHA It was one of those 'I don't know why we're telling each other these things but I like it anyway' moments. The second one, he got so hungry at midnight and he asked me if I wanted to have McDo delivered. I declined because I didn't have money and he agreed to pay for whatever I want to order. So I got sundae and fries. He made the call. Our eyes have rolled and gone white and the food never arrived. I went to sleep. He stayed up. In the morning I asked 'dumating yung pagkain?' HINDI. hahahaha The only time he offered to pay for a food delivery and it never arrived. Hilarious! I wonder if he remembers that time.

Maybe one day, one way my family will find my blog and read each and every entry here. I guess that's the only way my siblings will know that I've declared my love for them countless of times in this vast cyberspace.

I tell my friends I love them but with sibs...I guess they just know.

Anyway, Happy birthday Jom! I love you.

Ohana

My Lola Ampy is sick. She's my Dad's stepmom but she's the lola I grew to know because my Lola Adeliza passed away when Dad was just a kid.

Lat week, Lola Ampy had a stroke that affected her left brain. Now, she couldn't not recognize anyone in the family. At one point my Tita Mel said she was talking to our dead relatives and was telling them she still has to do something. It's freaky. But the fact that she isn't willing to go gives us hope. She is in San Diego which is a good thing because they have better healthcare programs in the States. They can take better care of there there.

I worry for Lolo. It's his birthday on the 12th. It's definitely not the best birthday but I still wish they celebrate it.

We're planning this grand reunion of the Garcias in June. With lola falling ill, I'm not quite sure if it's pushing through. I haven't tried asking because it's really not the best time to discuss the reunion. But if it doesn't push through, maybe I'll arrange a visit to the States. That's if I can convince my dad to let me off from work for at least six weeks. (Sayang naman if I go for a quick visit lang hahaha) Then maybe I'll visit my relatives in Florida too (Mom's side).

Right now I just pray that Lola gets well. I'm not that close to her unlike my cousin Dawn who practically grew up with Lola as her mom. My siblings and I are grew up independent from our cousins so we tend to stick together unlike my cousins who are super close- almost like siblings. She's still my lola. Lolo loves her.

I miss

I miss just having us three. It's rare, I tell you.

Joop, Lee, Jom

National Bookstore, 2005. We were buying college school stuff for me and Jom.

Photo taken by my mom.

Jom lived in a dorm in Taft when he entered college. He's used to living in the dorm. I on the other hand, dislike dorms. I hate forcing myself to get to know people. So my epic story goes like this... "Yeah I stayed in Kalayaan (It's the freshman dorm in UP) for two weeks then I begged my mom to allow me to stay at home." hahaha I find that I have this need for a wide personal space and I just can't have that in a dorm. Plus, there's a certain stereotype of dormers. OKAY I'M STOPPING THERE. Don't wanna offend dormer friends. :)

I have reasons for posting this and maybe Raish will understand. Now all I pray for is that Joop makes it to UP or Ateneo so he can stay here at home. Truth is, he doesn't want to stay here because of my uncle. HAHA Then again my uncle rarely comes home so it's almost always just me. But if Joop prefers to live with his friends, that's totally fine. As long as they sleep over and hang out here during weekends. I'm gonna give Joop that T.G.I.S.- GMIK-GrowingUp, 90's kinda lifestyle. You know- they days when it's cool to hangout at home instead of sitting in coffee shops or strolling at the mall.

Before this post becomes even more cluttered than it already is, I'm gonna stop. Happy weekend everyone!

Wasakan na ng wallet- charing!

Ika nga ni Lola Chuvs...MANILA, WE'RE GETTING SPOILED!

The best thing about Manila is that it feeds the shoppingera in me! We've got so much malls, best stocks in town (Bench and Bayo in the provinces suck), and if you looove shopping online, shipping is cheap- anywhere from 50-80 pesos and some shoppers offer free shipping. Isn't that great? I must admit, I spend most of my free time and salary shopping. So yeah I shouldn't wonder where my 'savings' are now. They're either bags or shoes or some expensive piece of makeup. WHUUT?!

As if we don't have enough, here comes Muji marching in to wipe out our salaries this October. Oh God. I am officially dreading the day I step foot into that shop. No, I've never been to Muji. I planned to visit when I was in Singapore last summer but Ana and I never got the chance to go. But I've heard enough stories to convince me I'm gonna love it there. I'm in the process of simplifying my life and although I can say I'm sooo far from achieving that goal, at least I'm starting somewhere a.k.a. my closet.

No, I'm not limiting myself to only 20 pieces of clothing. That's insane. Instead I'm limiting myself to a few colors. I only remember one person noticing and saying it aloud- Cheska. When I attended her birthday party she said 'black again?' In my mind "hey, you noticed!" hahaha Back in college I remember my closet having lotsa whites, pinks, some reds, and lots of blue jeans. Really- anything goes. Now those pinks have been donated to my college org's rummage sale, some of the whites are still with me but my closet is filled with blues, blacks, charcoals and grays. They're just easier to wear and yes, yes, it camouflages flabs which comes handy when I'm out with the girls and at least one of us brings a camera. haha

Back to Muji. It's known for basics- from house basics to wardrobe basics so yes, I'm gonna love it there. I'm still not visiting Forever21. I'd pick Muji over F21 any day. So I'm saving my salary for October and November and definitely drop by Muji before I go home to Iloilo for the holidays.

Oh, I wish my mom could tag along in my shopping escapades. But that won't be long because my (baby) brother is going to college next year. I'm really excited. Like out of this world kind of excited. I prays he makes it to his dream school- whichever that is. :)

I love my boss!

Today my dad and I went to the printing office to work on some product labels. Amazing how these graphic artists do magic on the computer. I originally planned to be dropped off at the mall before dad drives to the printing office but he said I should tag along since we're having dinner at the mall anyway. Of course, I tagged along, unwillingly. haha It was all good though. My inputs were executed on the labels so my ears are flapping in delight. Not much of an achievement compared to others but at least my mall time turned label making was productive.

A little past three, I was sleepy and hungry. Glad we were wrapping up. Dad and I drove to Trinoma, paid some bills, checked some stores and eventually he gave up walking around and we had coffee. I asked permission to leave for a quick window shopping. Twenty minutes later he was not in the coffee shop and I called him and found him sitting at the food court. You know dads. They may seem stern but they know their kids. My dad knows his daughter.

I was fidgety sitting in front of him and then he said 'Puntahan mo na yung gusto mong puntahan. Text mo nalang ako kung nasaan ka mamaya.' UGH. I LOVE MY DAD. So I left and found myself in my favorite stores but ended up buying a shirt from Gap. After that purchase, I stashed the paper bag in my tote to meet up with dad for dinner.

When I sat at the table, the first thing he asked was 'Oh, wala kang nabili?' hahahaha I hesitantly answered 'Meroooon.' I was kinda shy to let my dad know I spent money again today. Not because he's against it. He never was. It's just funny that he's concerned if I spent my shopping time wisely.

On our way home, we talked about cars and motors and traffic. He gives me tips about driving (as if I drive!) haha Like I should be careful of cars without break lights But I've been thinking a lot lately. Maybe I should start practicing driving so I can drive my folks around. And my brother too (up until he learns how to drive) coz he's going to college next year. Much like Fa who sometimes takes Ernan to school or pick him up in whichever mall. And Raish who drives herself and Mico to school until Mico learned to drive. Sooo cute. I hope my brother is enthusiastic too.

Anyway, I'm deviating from my topic. I just wanna say I loved today! Plus it was Glee's premiere! Charice was soooo good but it seems like the botox didn't work. haha Hope the eps get better and the botox eventually shows its effects!

Today

Today was better.

Maybe because it's Friday tomorrow. I have plans with my GNO (Girls Night Out) group to watch Jon Santos' 101 Jonjemons show at Teatrino. I'm excited! I've always wanted to watch him. He is one of the finest, smartest actor/comedians in the country- along with Eugene Domingo and Malou de Guzman. All three are from UP by the way so that makes me extra proud! My aunt (mom's sister) who's now a doctor was classmates with Jon Santos back in Diliman. He even came to this house according to mom. Dunno though which subject/s they were classmates in. My aunt was also classmates with Jessica Soho. Makes me wonder, 10 or 20 years from now, who among my classmates will be the big names in their fields that I'll end up bragging about? haha!

Jon Santos

My favorite (even before she had her own movies), Ms. Eugene Domingo

Malou de Guzman

*all photos from Google

Earlier Dad and I went out for dinner. You see outside our village, we have Puregold which houses Mang Inasal and Jollibee. If you cross the street there's Mercury Drug, Andoks, Baliwag, KFC, Lydia's Lechon, Pan de Manila and other restaurants so you'll never go hungry even if you're lazy to cook. Anyway, we parked at Puregold and crossed the street to get to Mercury coz he had to buy his meds for asthma. Sooo funny, my dad and I were playing 'patintero' with so much cars, jeeps and buses. I'm used to it coz I commute around but Dad does not commute so it was a tense moment for him. It was really fun. Don't get me wrong. Of course it was dangerous! Drivers here generally do not give way to pedestrians. But it was fun because I was with dad and he kept saying 'ayan dali dali dali!'

I also told Dad about my schedule for Friday and Saturday. Some friends tell me I'm too old to be asking permission from my folks. I know I'm of legal age. But it's not like I have to ask permission. It's a gesture I voluntarily do because they're my parents, they worry about me and it's not like they're not gonna allow me. I just feel it's better that parents know our whereabouts rather than keeping it from them and they end up sneaking into your phone or computer or nagging you about your plans.

I better stop now because I find my writing incoherent. :)) Here's to an amazing weekend!

The inspiring Bacolod weekend

I spent the weekend in Bacolod with my family. The main purpose was to visit an account that we have there and the rest of the weekend was for going around and just spending time away from home.

Upon checking in our hotel, dad and I walked to the building next door to the office of our account. Dad introduced me to some of the employees. One thing about being in sales is you really really have to remember people. It helps you get to the priority lane when doing transactions or making appointments with the boss.

After a little chit chat, Lolo D* arrived. It was the first time we met but he and dad knew each other ever since my dad was a patpatin employee of Shell some decades ago. Dad calls him Mang D. Shortly after our quick introduction, Lolo D began asking me about UP and CBA. Thing is, his late wife which they call Inang, is also from CBA. A few minutes of exchanging UP stories later, Tita R*, Lolo D's daughter arrives and greets us.

Tita R is also from CBA. Upon graduation, she got shortlisted in SGV and P&G among others. She, however, opted to work in the family business. The Agro side of their business was left on her hands while her sister handles their hotels (including that where we're staying). She was COO (child of owner), yes. But she was not treated as such. She went with their field personnels everyday for training. She even joked 'mas mabilis pa nga ako maligo sa mga ahente namin!' And 20 years later, their company, under her leadership, would then be the 'Mercury Drug' of Agro products in Negros and Davao.

Here are a few things I got from no less than a CBA graduate who made it big. Some of it may sound like a cliche to you (to us, actually) but coming from her, I'm taking it!

You have to find what motivates you.

You have to love what you do or learn to love what you do. In her case, she learned to love it.

"I cannot work with an ill motive at the end of the line." - never let go of your principles

"Loyalty, respect and self-worth. Madali lang yan itapon ng iba" she says.

You have to want to learn.

Always be a step ahead. - VISION is very essential in any business.

You have to work with a heart.

Speaking of heart...she's not all about making money. She tells me she never puts money in her head. It was never something they were greedy about. "Lumaki ako na ang pera ay pang kain lang namin, pambili ng kailangan. Nothing more." And the biggest proof of their heart is the foundation of their late mom. Around 10% of the company's profit goes to the foundation. They've already built a school (which is very nice ha!) on a portion of one of their rice fields. It was the last project of their mom before she passed away in December 2009. The school is open and free to preschool kids but will eventually expand to higher levels as the kids 'graduate'. Along with enrolling is a feeding program to ensure that the kids get to focus on school and not be distracted by a hungry tummy. Tita R tells us the vision of their mom was a university. And she mentioned it with much certainty that it will happen.

We also visited their farm/resort. It was Lolo D's birthday and he invited to his party. It wasn't just any farm. It's a resort- rooms, pool, function halls. And THEY HAVE RICE TERRACES OKAY?

Photo taken by my brother Joop.

As if Tita R wasn't busy enough, she also handles another business- this time it was something she and her husband Tito P put up. Tito P is the scientist and Tita R is the marketeer in their business. They took us to a tour of the laboratory. I WAS AT A LOST FOR WORDS. Photos not allowed so I can't prove I was there but I swear, it was wild. State of the art equipment, GMP standards - the works.

The trip was inspiring- career wise and life in general. Now I have a new found 'struggle' to live simple. I guess not super simple but it wouldn't hurt to lessen material wants. Pretty ironic though that I had to see it through the eyes the rich. Can't wait to work with Tita R in the near future!

*initials only. baka i-Google niyo! hahaha

Short posts but not for Twitter

Because it's hard (and sometimes embarrassing) to tweet everything that's going through my mind all the friggin time, I'm posting them here. haha

* I am currently watching Sports Unlimited and I can't help but get kilig as Marc Nelson kept cheering for Diane as she ran in the triathlon. I KNOW SHE'S MARRIED with a kid and her husband is the director of the show but imagine it's you, single, and then running. Hearing someone like Marc cheer for you in every pitstop AND running with you on the last stretch IS LIKE MAJOR EPILEPSY WORTHY!

* I cannot stress enough how I'm getting addicted to anti-aging regimens. For the past three nights, I've been applying my eye cream thrice each time. As in apply-absorb-apply-absorb-apply-absorb. I just want to make sure I've done everything I can to take care of it. I've had under-eye lines ever since I can remember. I can blame genetics for this. Even my brother Joop has lines- he's 16! AND PLEASE Don't even try calling it wrinkles. HAHA

*I need to lighten my skin again. I got toasted for swimming three days in a row this week! It was good- especially for cardio but when I look at my arms and back- ack, sunburn! On the night of the first swim, I couldn't sleep on my back coz my shirt would rub against my burned skin.

AND OH!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO MY DAD AND BOSS!

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH DADDY!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY ALSO TO MY BROTHER JOM!

For being a great dad to Julian.

My surprisingly kalog dad

Jom and Julian cuddling.

Bicolandia

Tomorrow morning I'm off to Bicol to spend the week there. My Tito Gerry, dad's brother who's based in Australia arrived last Wednesday and immediately flew to Bicol the next day. I was too happy (he's my favorite uncle because he's so kalog) so I said if I find cheap tickets I'd book and fly to Bicol. Thanks to my favorite airline PAL, I got a roundtrip ticket to Legaspi for 3600+. Not bad for a 'spur of the moment' trip.

Anyway, I'm excited. But because it'll be me and my two little girl cousins most of the time, I decided to bring them pasalubong. I got them Disney Princesses and Barbie coloring books with matching Crayola 64-color set. I find myself laughing because I never bought myself a 64-color crayon box. I remember having a huge box of crayons but I can't remember if it was 64 or the bigger one. And I remember refusing to use a broken crayon when I was a kid. HAHAHA I also remember being inggit of the pages my mom colored. They were too pretty and then I try to copy it but I fail miserably all the time.

I'm excited to spend afternoons coloring the books with the girls! They're like the little sisters I never had.

Time

A year and seven months ago, Julian came to our lives. It's true when they say kids are blessings from God. True too, there are kids who are irritating and could make you go ballistic but we cannot deny the joy that kids bring to the people surrounding them.

Whenever Julian comes over to visit, I never fail to say 'Big boy ka na. Di ka na baby!' Kids grow up so fast! I remember cuddling him with utmost care because he was so small. I could babysit him all day because all he does is sleep and drink milk. But now, his mommy and daddy can't leave him at with us without one of them staying.

Here's snippets of Julian.

Clockwise: Barely a month old- probably three months-

10 months and then the last photo was taken two weeks ago.

My dad's a little different now. I guess that's how all grandparents are. Plus the fact that Julian was born in the Year of the Rat like my dad- mas natuwa yung dad ko. (He's practices Feng Shui.hehe)

We're all spoilers here at home. When my brother and Julian comes over and then Sarah goes to work, we allow Julian to walk barefoot (even on soil! haha), drink Coke or iced tea, and walk around without diapers. That's how kids are eh. They should get dirty once in a while. Then when Sarah's on her way to pick them up, we'd clean him up like nothing happened. hahaha After all, it's not part of our jobs to discipline him. Such difficult task is exclusively for parents. HAHA

Oh, the joys of having kids at home. Nakakabata na nakakatanda- you feel youthful coz you're surrounded with positivity but then you realize they grow up so fast meaning you're old. aaack! I guess that's why I'm semi-obsessing about sunscreen and eye creams. I need all the help I can afford. hahaha

BECAUSE YOU ARE THE BEST!

WE LOVE YOU MORE THAN YOU THINK WE DO.

BUT WE KNOW YOU LOVE US MORE THAN WE LOVE YOU

COZ NOTHING COMPARES TO A MOTHER'S LOVE.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

YOU'RE THE BEST, MA!

When I grow up, I wanna be just like you.

Viva Vintage

Here's another bag story. I was surfing Multiply shops in search for a leather laptop bag and I ended up seeing a vintage YSL sling. It was authentic and selling super low. I tried to rub off the thought of purchasing because I'm saving up for Singapore. But yesterday I saw that two different people inquired about the bag. So shempre epal ako, I inquired also because it was so beautiful. I texted the seller and she sent the the bad news- it was sold that morning. I wanna die.

Until today I still want the bag. To the extent that I messaged the seller to ask for the photo. You know, for reference coz I might end up seeing a similar bag

one day. I hope she agrees and emails me the photo.

Anyway, I was so sad to learn that the bag was sold so I ended up scouring the cabinets of mom and her sister in their old room upstairs. I didn't find any bag. The only vintage bag I got from them was a sling too! Got it December 2009, I remember it clearly coz the f

irst time I used it was during the lantern parade of our senior year. I love it so much! I would never sell it.

Having relayed that experience, I think what I want to do now is live by the shopping mantra 'quality over quantity' when it comes to bags. With shoes and clothes I don't mind getting affordable ones but with bags, I feel it'd be amazing if my niece or daughter in the future unearth my 'vintage' bags and scream with delight. They'll love me more! hahaha

Right now I still can't afford designer bags. My current personal savings and lifestyle does not allow me to purchase bags that exceed 7k. Bought bags worth 7k twice already. And I'm not planning to buy another one anytime soon. Hindi lang tubig ang kulang noh. May kakulangan rin ng pera ngayon. My conscience and pocket cannot stand spending too much on a bag. See my price limit here.

Anyway, back to my mom and her sister's cabinet. I didn't find any bag but I got vintage shades and a 5-peso coin with Pres. Marcos' face.

Isn't it lovely to have a piece of history?

Moms and Memories

Did you ever want to do something so bad your mom couldn't stand watching you yearn for it so she finds a way for you to get it? Yes yes, many times right?

Now I'd like to do that for my mom. There's a lot of things she mentally lists in her to-do's like get a carboxy treatment for her arms, or get into a certain businesses, or build a library for poor kids. Stuff like that. But her kids always get in the way. Like she'd forego these things because my brother lost his phone (so she buys him a new one), or I'd like us to visit the derma and get diamond peels (her treat of course), or because it's so hot I use the aircon every night so my electric bill shoots up and she has to pay for it, or because she's busy taking care of us so she doesn't have time for her hobbies. The reason always boils down to family.

So now my mission is to allow her to do all these things. Sometimes I wash the dishes for her. She never asks me to do it when she's here. Maybe she's trying to make up for the four years in college that I lived alone most of the time. But I'm a big girl now. She doesn't have to make up for anything. Anyway back to my mission. I am gonna swallow every molecule of 'hiya' I have to make all these possible. Won't post it here until it's done. hahaha baka fail tapos pabida pa ako. hahaha I love my mom so much, I want her to be super happy!

Hay grabe, I'm so excited for next year. Joop will be in college meaning they'll be spending a lot of time here in Manila. They're not moving here for good coz Dad likes living in Iloilo. hehe I'm just happy to spend every possible moment with my family. We're growing old so fast. I wanna create memories. I guess that's what I'll be spending for.

BIRTHDAY!

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SUPER MOM!

Love you to bits Mommy!

Guess how 'young' my mom is! :)

Watch up?

Do you remember your first watch? What's the story behind it?

I still remember my first watch. If I remember it correctly, my parents got it for me while we were on a vacation in Cebu when I was a kid. I got to pick the design. Because I was a kid back then, I picked Mickey Mouse. It had a round gold case with Mickey on the dial and a thin tan leather stap. I remember wearing it even at home because it I love it so much! hahaha

something like this

I got another watch from my Ninang. Also Mickey. It was silver rectangular dial with dark plum leather strap.

something like this

Then my parents got me another watch. This time it's digital. It was a Winnie the Pooh necklace watch where you swing the pot of 'hunny' to show the digital screen. It was a reward for being a good student.

They discouraged me to get digital watches because they wanted me to learn reading the analog properly. Glad I obeyed! Ever since then I looove analog watches. So classic and 'intelligent'. haha

After that I had a yellow Swatch watch which can double as a stopwatch too! Looove it! It's from Auntie Beng, my mom's sister. Then Lola also gave me my first metal watch. I think it was Citizen but I lost it in school some years later.

Dad's brother Tito Gerry made me love watches even more. He always brings us (my cousins and I) Swatch watches! I really get excited when he tells me he's coming home for a visit because I know I'll be getting a new watch.

Because my brother Jom is picky with watches, he didn't like the leather Fossil watch Tito Gerry gave him. It was oversized and not bagay so my brother gave it to me. What he wants is an average sized metal watch. So Two Christmases ago I bought him a watch because Timex had a promo. I got the same watch too, only mine had a white dial, his was black. It's our default watch now.

And then my brother Joop was given a Lego watch by Auntie Beng and didn't like it also. (He was young that time. Wala pa siyang taste haha) So I 'borrowed' it indefinitely. Now he claims it's his but never really took it from me. It's one of my favorite watches!!! Lots of people said 'Cute, mukhang Lego' and then I'd surprise them by saying "It's Lego!" Then I start disintegrating the pieces. hahaha

My actual Lego Traveler Watch

My latest watch was a graduation gift from Lola. I love it but haven't really worn it much. Once palang yata, during Chloe's debut.

I guess I'll never get tired of watches. It reminds me of how valuable time is. Ika nga ni Kris Allen 'live like we're dying'.

Mental note to self: find all watches (incuding Mickey mouse!) when I go home next month. And replace straps of all old Swatch watches. Will start my serious collecting of watches. :) Not bags and shoes because they wear out easily. Watches. :)

Bad Dream

I tweeted about what happened to me last night. I had a really bad dream which involved a death of a family member. I cried in the dream. I cried so hard. It was something like we could have prevented the death but that family member opted to die. So I cried and cried soooo haaard. I was half conscious but the dream kept playing in my head. I knew I had to wake up but I also wanted to shut my eyes a little longer to find out what will happen. But I just kept crying.

I forced my eyes to open, then I prayed. This time I really cried sooo hard. I begged God to not let that dream happen. I wanted him to convince me it was only a dream. That we shouldn't take dreams literally. I stopped crying but I couldn't sleep. I was afraid that the dream would continue. So I prayed again. I asked God to put me to sleep.

He did. This time my dream was something I am too shy to divulge here. But it did involve two men. NO, IT WASN'T A THREESOME. hahaha It wasn't a steamy dream okay? Bastaaa.

When i got up around 9:30 am, I immediately opened my laptop to research on the meaning of my dream. Apparently, a death in your dream means an end of a cycle- meaning something is finally over.

And my second dream...the translation is "Joyous participation in life. Movement as transcendence. Success in love. Big prosperity. Change for the better." AND "Exposed. Vulnerable. Loss of ambitions."

I'm not so sure but I am looking forward to whatever that second dream is telling me, except the last part.