♥ In Travelicious: Good Times in Ilocos ♥

Have you ever been in the Ilocos Region, the Northern part of our country? If you haven’t been there yet, oh boy, you are missing a lot when it comes to local tourism.

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As part of my birthday presents to my parents, especially to my mom who just turned big 6-0 at the beginning of the year, I booked us a flight (them, my hubby and my other sis) to Laoag, the jump-point for Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur when you’re planning to save time & your butts from a 10-12-hours bus ride.

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I thought of Ilocos because one, I’ve been there already so I’ll be familiar with the place and let’s say I’ll be in-charge with the itinerary and in most aspects of the trip. Second, none of them have been there yet. Third, mom and dad would like to see Marcos’ preserved remains in Batac, the Malacañang of the North facing Paoay lake, huge windmills of Bangui and of course the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vigan.

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Since our tickets were bought on sale, I wasn’t able to choose a very good or ideal dates and time. I usually plan for 4 days, 3 nights trip but in our Ilocos getaway, I would have to make do with our 3 days and 2 nights stay.
Thursday night was our flight from Manila to Laoag via Cebu Pacific Airlines. ETD: 8PM / ETA: 9PM. Because I knew that Laoag Airport is far from the centro or town proper and there was no much available public transportation, probably much more at night, I have reserved a hotel which offered a free airport pick-up. Plus, I thought that an airport pick-up would make my parents feel not only comfortable but special.

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Arrival at the Laoag Airport

The hotel, The Palacio de Laoag was not a disappointment. My parents loved the hotel’s ambiance of classic Fil-Spanish Architecture and their bulalo. The rooms were standard for me and not the nicest I had with the price I paid for however, the staff were very friendly and helpful. That’s very important. They even lend us an electric pot. Their swimming pool is okay though we did not brave to dip during cold nights. The place is actually huge, used for conventions, banquets and seminars. I did not like much where they placed us (near parking lot) reasoning there were no rooms available but as I saw it, there ain’t much of guests during our stay. They are also quite far from the Centro. For price quotations both for accommodations and Ilocos tours (which is pricey compared to the deal we got!), you may visit their website by clicking here.

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The Palacio de Laoag Banquet Area

The Corridor facing the Parking Lot

The Reception Area

The Room with Extra Bed

The Lobby/Waiting Area infront of the Reception

The fact that we’re travelling with seniors, my parents mean we could not meet any hassle, especially physical hassles. Things have to be carefully planned ahead. Days before our travel I looked for the most economical offer to service us during day trips specifying, Vigan, Bantay, Batac and Paoay. I initially did not plan on wandering far on North (Windmills, Bangui, Pagudpod and Patapat). I chanced upon a blog {sorry forgot the travel-blog already} which recommended and posted the mobe number of their van service driver. I contacted him at once and too bad he already had a schedule. Wait, that’s not too bad at all because he referred me to his friend, Mr. Emersson. We closed the deal for a whole day tour to Vigan, Paoay and Batac among others at Php 3,500.00 with no time pressure and gas included. That’s a steal, is it not? I knew how far Vigan is.

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Mang Emerson was ever on time and his van was huge and suited for big groups. (Probably, he’ll charge more for big groups, for the gas at least). During our first day trip, at the “Sand Dunes”, they negotiated another deal with Mang Emersom for the next day’s trip, emphasizing that we had to be at the airport at exactly 1 PM. Another Php 3,500.00 for Ilocos Norte Tour (Windmills, Cape Bojeador, Kapurpurawan White Rock Formation, Patapat Bridge, Lunch at Pagudpud Beach and Paraiso ni Anton). He said it can be done 100% as long as we leave the hotel at exactly 6 AM. Everybody was game for more! BTW, Mang Emerson can be contacted at +639266372725. He’s a good and reliable driver and his asking price was well worth it.

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Everything went as planned. Everybody was happy. It’s a beautiful sight to see how happy your parents are for trying or experiencing something new in their lives at their age for they were too busy taking care and providing for us, their most beloved children. I’m certain this ain’t going to be the last.

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Some important reminders:

 1) There’s now a free shuttle bus service from Laoag Airport to Laoag Centro care of the local government.

 2) Do not forget to register and ask for free maps of Ilocos/Ilocos Norte at the Information Desk of the Airport Arrival Area.

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 3) Drop by at the one and only store in Pasuquin which sells superb Biscocho, both hard and soft. I love better the soft ones!

 4) Buy the original Ilocos Blanket at Php 350.00 per king size.

 5) Laoag Renzo Hotel has good reviews and friendly staff too (at least in email conversations).

 6) I will soon post our total expenses for this trip including itineraries or must-visit places.

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My second chance to roam around the ILocos Region, The bell-Tower Capital of the North was indeed an enriching experience. It’s full of character, stories, history and kind-hearted Ilocanos. I will always love Ilocos. I hope that it blooms more as it should be. They have everything from heritage trails, structural treasures, and natural wonders to pristine and virgin beaches. Lucky region, truly blessed. Please preserve and nurture it!

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Right now, despite the bliss Ilocos has brought my heart, I could not stop thinking where would be our next destination. I want to give my parents at least a twice a year mini out-of-town vacation. I’m thinking Boracay! I found just another reason to support local tourism. I’m done travelling just for the heck of being there and having pictures. I’ve got new purposes to travel: for my parents, for food tripping, for relaxation and just breathing out, for a once a year luxurious vacation or for the simple joy of it.

IN-Love with the Philippines, if only for the LAND itself,

Miss K

♥ Looking for inspiration? Be Visual, Use Pinsspire! ♥

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Just a quick post before we send-off the 2nd day of February, since I promise to post stuff which would bring readers to Inspiration, here’s a cool site for all who’s into Visual Inspiration – www.pinspire.com. Pretty much like www.tumblr.com however this one shows your coolection in a seemingly Pin Board. I have pin boards in the office in the house & I pin anything that I find useful, interesting, funny or beautiful like, pictures of my loved ones, dresses/shoes I’m hoping to buy, recipes I’d like to cook or a simple funny picture cut from a magazine. I also love to use colorful and creative Post-It notes. So there, enjoy pinning, get inspired and spread the same!

xoxo

Miss K

♥ The Beginning of The Metamorphosis ♥

I would rather not reminisce and be emotional at this point in time because by doing so I might change my mind again as provoked by my heart. Instead, I’d like to focus my energy to the new path I’m taking. It’s going to be a new and exciting endeavor.

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Aside from practical reasons, it’s really about growth, maturity and a new perspective. After years of being slave of the administrative jobs of a National Gov. Agency, now I’m ready to join a smaller organization with a Mission and Vision I truly believe in. I’ll now be working for an organization committed to both Public Service and Marketing, two area which I really love. My new company is responsible for the promotion of many Proudly Pinoy-Made Export-Quality Products through various Trades, Expositions and Missions. I have faith in Filipino products and I grab every chance to support Pinoy manufacturers. So, I fit in perfectly!

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These days I realize the value of the difficulties I experienced in my present job and let’s include my previous failings too. It helps me in pushing through my plans, jump to other window of opportunities and just move forward with a wonderful life. Things will start changing and I must evolve as well. I must look at the brighter and bigger side of the globe. I should stand for myself now and stand means not just to speak out my mind but also to take the necessary action, getting out of the comfort zone and accepting risks included. After all, what is right and what is not depends only on where you stand.

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Simply put, I had a rough time when it comes to non-personal aspects of my life and looking back I just wanna share my learning from all the years that passed, all the tears shed and all the tides that I survived.

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1.) Time will come that we will REALIZE something is TRULY wrong or missing and that we cannot ignore and deny it anymore nor we can do anything about it.

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2.) When you realize something as significant as uncontrollable damage to your being, time for ACCEPTANCE of the matter is what you need. Accept that the problem can no longer be brushed aside and accept that its out of your control. How long or how quick you would accept an uncontrollable bad-as* situation depends solely upon you. Do not be pressured because it will be harder to take the next step if you have not fully accepted the problem or circumstance.

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3.) You’ve realized and you’ve accepted. Next is to ask yourself. What does your acceptance means? Does it mean you’ll just embrace everything and anything thereafter or does it mean you have to do take some action on thing you can control? Again, it’s entirely your choice and use all the time you need to decide.

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4.) If you decide to stick with the status quo, then deal with it, be happy about it and still do your best. If it happens that you opt the otherwise, then we’ll have few more steps. You first have to FORGIVE. Forgive yourself. If it helps that you punish yourself from something you did wrong or bad, then do so but please be considerate in choosing punishments and you have to REALLY forgive yourself after the penance. Forgive everyone who had done you wrong. Don’t hold reservations. Justice may not be served on earth but it will be in heaven, for sure.

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5.) HEALING is the next step after forgiveness. Healing process is my favorite part. I know that many best-selling books about healing has already been published and perhaps you own one and if you think it can help then read it. Remember, you’ll need all the help you can get. For me, healing is a recap of all. It brings you back to the very beginning up to the turning point. It will transport you to all the good and bad times during that certain period of your life. It’s like going through an old video or a photo album in which you’ll have a concrete summary of all the learning, the mistakes, blessings and factors good and bad. You know you’re healed when you’re ready to move forward. That’s my personal sign.

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6.) MOVE FORWARD. Keep in mind that right after acceptance stage you also decided that it meant you have to take matters in your hands, at least for the things you can control. Now, you’re ready to take the necessary action and that means you are finally moving forward with your life once more. Leave all the pains of yesterdays, yesterday. It’s time to meet a brand new you in a brand new day. Start to do your action plan, no matter how small that start may be. Congratulations!

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These are what I gone through the past months, years even. I’m glad I finished the whole process and I’m now ready to move forward! I am usually left hanging in either stage 5 or 7. As I said, the time for the process to be completed is a case to case basis. Mine was a long one but definitely worth it. There were lots of delays, detours and starts all over again. During those stops or slow drives I held on to some trusted weapons such as FAITH and PRAYERS. I also amazingly became an instant optimist! Blessing indeed. Due to my newfound positive attitude, I now nourish an ATTITUDE FOR GRATITUDE. I try to find happy thoughts in my everyday journey. Soon enough, I hope that finding daily happiness even in trivial things will be an effortless habit for me.

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POSITIVE ATTITUDE: Perhaps, it goes with my age or maturity but honestly, I’ve never been so positive in my life like right now. I used to be a pessismist but I transformed in recent years. Factors I consider for this beautiful change in me aside from age and maturity are prayers/faith and a happy relationship with the people you love.

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ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE: I am not to deny that there are still times when I could not control my green monster eyes (envy) but I put a conscious effort in battling it by prayers of course and by focusing on my blessings. I now keep a seemingly gratitude list via my daily Happy Thoughts entries on FB. As of today I’m now for the 200th entry of my happy thoughts. Same idea actually gave way to my own little island on the web, http://www.blissfulthoughts.com/.

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I’m almost certain that at one point I will again encounter another difficulty or the need to get out of my comfort zone once more wherein this process might be needed. I will make revisions if necessary or along the way. What’s important is that I now know and have experienced first-hand a life-changing process which I consider a blessing and I am now sharing to any interested soul. As a friend once told me, I’m a girl soon to be out of my cocoon and my metamorphosis shall begin.

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Have a great week, Love month is here!

 K

♥ Happy Feet vs. Height is Might ♥

I know how much ladies are willing to sacrifice and endure just to look chic, sexy and outstanding by wearing ‘killer heels’ or ‘f*uck-me-shoes’. More than ‘height’ reasons it’s really about the posture and shape heels give a woman’s body. We sacrifice having varicose veins, corns and blisters. We endure leg and toe cramps, muscle pains, sore and numbed soles and swollen ankles. We’ve been victims of countless unexpected long walk-athons! That’s too much but who are we to deprive ourselves of pretty things?

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Lately, I decided to upgrade my tolerance level when it comes to shoes since I know I need them not just to look good but also to psyche myself with confidence. You know how good it feels when you’re donning and walking at the very least 2+ inch heels, right? The instant boost it offers to your morale and the influential stand it gives plus the foxier appeal. So, I splurge on a couple of pumps, wedges and stilettos last Holiday season. On the other hand, to aid my rebelling feet, I used pads, gels, ointments and petroleum jelly to at least lessen the pain that goes with the additional height .

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However, it seems not enough that’s why when commuting to and from the office I use my flats. Grendha Jelly Flats are one of my favorites! The thing is I’m in a mission to lessen the load of my bag and I’m really having quite a hard time to keep and hide my flats in my bag whenever necessary.

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I have long before read about “foldable shoes” in magazines ( I know you do too!) and I once went to ATC to check Red Foot’s stocks at Rustan’s. Unfortunately, besides the price of Php 2,600.00++, I was not impressed with the designs. They weren’t that attractive at that time too.

Weeks after, I found about Suelas in the pages of Cebu Pacific’s Smile magazine and I’ve been rooting to buy one eversince. The downside is that they have limited branches: Trinoma and The Ramp Crossings at EDSA Shangri-La. A piece of luck that when I ordered online, our office help seemed not to deposit my payment so my order was cancelled after an unconfirmed payment.

Screenshot of Suelas page/Laureen Uy of "My Binondo Girl" is their endorser (click the image to go to their website)

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But, I’m not the one to lose hope ‘coz I found another online store to which I can order anew – PoSh Pocket Shoes. This time I myself will deposit the payment. But that can wait for a while because I discovered something even better over the weekend!

*click the image to go their webpage

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The best news I’ve got for you is that you need not to go far anymore and you don’t need to be troubled about online order forms and deposit payments for SM’s Parisian brand has come up with their very own practical version. The designs are simply of class and elegance. The quality seems good also. Plus, it’s very affordable at the price of Php 699.75. Last Sunday, I finally got my foldable shoes.

Ladies, here’s another way to make our feet happy and more loved! The silky black and ribbon is so Audrey!

These should come handy for that unexpected long walks!!!

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I cannot compare it to that of Red Foot’s, Suelas’ or Posh’s  but hey who needs comparison, as long as our feet are happy added to the fact that we ladies can never have enough of shoes, heeled or flat. Happy feet now loves the mighty height!

Be kind to our feet for they will take us to places, they’ll thank us and we’ll be rewarded as we grow older.

K

♥ Defining Red Days ♥

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When my husband and I were still in a boyfriend-girlfriend stage, he had seen me in my messiest, moodiest, biggest appetite and probably ugliest red days (graphically: pre-menstrual days!). I’m indeed a lucky girl for having such a wonderful partner. We never imagined that he and I would discover more about my red days since we tied the knot early last year. This issue must be discussed in any relationship we’d want to work-out because pre-menstrual days can go terribly hideous at times. I think it’s necessary that we and our partner know what’s happening, try to understand why they are happening and do something to rule over it.

I’d like to share with you, especially to all the guys out there what do girls need to endure every monthly visit that we have. As per my BDJ planner the following are the symptoms that the red days are coming soon (PMS / Pre Menstrual Syndrome) which may occur consecutively, subsequently, simultaneously or none at all:

• Acne
• Anxiety (Insomnia)
• Backache
• Bloating / Water retention
• Breast Swelling and Tenderness
• Constipation
• Cramps and Ovarian Pain
• Crying Spells
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Flatulence
• Food Cravings
• Headache / Migraine / Nausea
• Joint and Muscle Pain
• Libido (increased/decreased)
• Moody / Irritability
• Sadness
• Stress and Tension

I can attest that I have suffered from all of the above-mentioned symptoms at least a week before the big Red Alert Day. Lately, I’m not sure if it has to do with my age (I’m in late 20’s FYI), but I’m getting more of the symptoms in just one visit or cycle. My personal signs include: pimple on chin or rough forehead, bloating, constipation or diarrhea, foot cramps, crying spells, fatigue, food cravings (sweet & salty tastes), migraine, muscle pain, irritability, sadness and stress. Thankfully, sometimes they do not show up all together. Please note guys that these Pre Menstrual Syndrome / PMS are different from Dysmenorrhea which is the actual menstrual pain during the red days itself or the menstruation period.

Why are these happening?

One known scientific reason for PMS is the hormonal changes that happen inside a woman’s body when the egg cell is not fertilized and needs to be flushed out from the system since it’s already considered as toxin. I too attribute PMS to my unhealthy lifestyle, imbalance diet and stress in general.

What needs to be understood?

Everyone especially our guy partners should understand that since this is something hormonal, we cannot control it particularly our swinging emotions. This is our time of vulnerability and confusion. More love, care, patience and sympathy are what could help us cope with our pain. We need you to help us produce more happy hormones to combat all the emotional rollercoaster we’re feeling. All should remember also that these symptoms are not fixed. They are changing and are evolving. I highly believe they are affected by age and of course lifestyle. So, please don’t expect that same things will happen monthly. Things as they say will go unpredictable.

What can alleviate these painful symptoms?

Here are a handful of tips to lessen the PMS-ing pain. Some I’ve read from somewhere and some are derived from my personal experiences:

• Hot compress. They say it helps blood circulation.
• Avoid salty foods despite cravings. It’s the cause of bloating.
• Exercise, for blood circulation too.
• Eat up on fiber rich foods to fight constipation and diarrhea.
• Take Iron if you’re too low in blood but consider taking a physician’s advice.
• Take your multivitamins and dieting especially crash-diets will not do any good.
• Drink lots of water and eat lots of bananas to fight cramping.
• Use mild soap for your face.
• Get a good massage.
• Relax through warm bath or letting your feet rest in warm water with calming essential oils such as lavender.
• Avoid carrying heavy stuff. Postpone shopping for huge items and unload that big bag of yours.
• Avoid watching drama. Stick for a while to RomCom, fantasies and horror!
• Give in to what your libido dictates. (Guys be supportive!)
• Stay happy and positive. (Guys please be the source of our joy during these difficult days.)
• Do de-stressing activities like reading the bible, making a gratitude list, enhancing your skills like in photoshops, reading, writing, painting, scrap-booking and what-have-you!
• Get a menstrual tracker or diary.
  
• Have fun with sanitary napkins! I try to be fun in choosing my pads. From the first time I tried it, I have always loved Kotex Luxe Ultrathin and hoarded ever since. Aside from the no-leak quality which is a very vital requirement when I choose pads, I adore the packaging of a small carton black box (with 5 pads inside) which I think is more classy and environment friendly than the ones packed in plastics.

from the makers of my favorite sanitary napkin/pad ever

It may be a monthly battle for us girls but it’s a battle that we can definitely win over through acceptance that this is an essential part of womanhood and a natural process of detoxification, an extra effort to make things lighter, understanding coming from ourselves and the people around us and a good support system whether from our girlfriends who share the same stories with us or simply from our loved-ones. It is up to us how we would define RED DAYS of our lives. If we’re going to let RED be a sign of STOP or a symbol for HAPPINESS and BRIGHTNESS is entirely our choice. That’s right, we choose and as for me I don’t want to stop. I choose to live life to the fullest red days or not after all, life is too short for a monthly 3-5 day stop, don’t you think so?

Have a great weekend loves, red or not!

K

♥ Hey world! It’s fun in the Philippines! No ‘more’, no less. ♥

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I tried to brush aside my thoughts regarding the new Tourism slogan of DOT which is “It’s more fun in the Philippines!” with an approved budget contract of around 5.5M pesos according to one of the agency’s Assistant Secretaries. The winning bidder by the way is BBDO Guerrero Proximity Philippines ad agency. My dislike to the new slogan does not mean I have to stop supporting the end goal of the slogan which is to attract more tourists to our country. I was supposed to move on already until I saw this picture:

Creativity or Insensitivity? / Kagayanons do not like it.

Or maybe, we’re just being too sensitive. I don’t know. Some even question the timing of the ads.

After seeing the pic, I feel like I just need to get things out of my chest once and for all.

Why I dislike the new DOT slogan?

First, let it be clear that what I really do not like is the use of the word “more”. Philippines is more fun than what, than where? Do we really need to compare when we all know the real state of our nation? It promotes comparison which is clearly not good for the Philippines. We might be hurt by our own doing later on. Comparison is becoming a too common strategy in the Philippines in order to promote something. Personally I dislike that idea as much as I dislike the once advertisement in NAIA which compares Coron or El Nido from Bali or Sentosa in terms of money tourists will have to spend if they go visit those places. Poor memory, sorry. I’m not sure if the ad is still up. However, I’m quite certain I took a quick snap of it but I still have to locate the file.

Second, in my opinion, it’s a bit common. It’s a sentence you would be able to read in many travel blogs or school essays. But hey, it’s just me! Also, fun and Switzerland is more rhymed. It’s no longer a secret that decades ago there was an article in Switzerland with a banner “It’s more fun in Switzerland!” and for the record as well, the previous slogan was criticized for being too similar to that of Poland’s in terms of font and colors.

Third, it’ll be a perpetual justification why it’s more fun here to the point that some validation are already non-sense. There are things we Pinoys think are more fun like eating our favourite cholesterol-packed burgers but believe me, not all or many foreigners wouldn’t consider eating those unhealthy foods as something more fun.

Fourth, it’s double meaning. From a personal experience, after a very disappointing firefly watching trip in a local province, the guy tourists asked our guide as to where they could have “more fun” that night. Minutes after they all headed to the local bars and by the looks of it you would know what kind of bars were those.

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Moving on.

Some say it’s just more fun to bash. For me however, this is not bashing, this is hopefully a constructive criticism.  There will be a time when you’ll encounter some tourists in town, right?.Yes, at one point we all have to move on from this and mind the greater things. I attest though that forums and comments from various social networking sites give me tons of idea why is it FUN to stay or visit our beautiful Philippines. That simple. Hey world! It’s fun here in the Philippines! No “more”, no less.

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Taking your own slice.

From hereon, it’s time to focus on reaching the very purpose of this much talked about slogan and that is to boost our tourism industry. Keep in mind that we can all be part of the fun experiences of both foreign and local tourists. Let’s all take our part to promote our country. Go around the Philippines. We have 80 provinces I think. Invite your foreign friends over. We can be more interactive with tourists. We need not be a linguist or eloquent. A good, meaningful and sincere conversation would be more than enough no matter how short they may be. Try to answer their questions as intelligently as possible. Guide them through procedures and directions if necessary. Extend a helping hand and KEEP THAT BEAUTIFUL SMILE OF YOURS! (P.S. Do things without feeling less of yourself. Held your head up with dignity at all times.)

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Have fun in the Philippines! By the way, here’s my favorite “It’s fun in the Philippines” campaign photo:

Cute diba (eh)?

All love,

K

♥ Comparative: My 2011 & 2012 New Year’s Resolution ♥

(1) Healthy Living. I’m postponing the start of a healthy lifestyle for too long now. It’s time that I put it at the top of my priority list! Undeniably, Health is wealth! I’d like to get hook into some activity (sports, exercise) that will make me all sweaty!

This year I’ve engaged myself into Running, Bowling and Badminton. I really love Running, the sweat and the flush it gives me, only I don’t have a running mate. Sad, since I already found a perfect jogging place near our village. But maybe when I get my ‘dream’ running shoes in screaming black and fuchsia, I’ll get my running mojo again. I tried Bowling and its best when you want to enhance your focus or attentiveness. Bowling however, is just a little bit of expensive for a hobby. My favorite among the 3 is Badminton. It gives me the excitement, energy and calorie-burn I need. The only problem is TIME. I used to do it every Friday but most dinner-dates or gimmicks are on Friday. There goes the conflict.

2012 will be the making of Exercise as something staple to my everyday routine. Exercise should begin becoming a lifestyle for me.

 

(2) Financial literacy. Not that I’m a financial illiterate but I want to take my knowledge to some greater heights, like STOCKS maybe.

Due to my surname change, I was not able to invest on STOCKS yet this year. (They need new Ids & I still don’t have them.) But I’m still glad with the baby steps I took for investment this year. I invested on palays or rice-grains. I also learned a lot about Retail Treasury Bonds.

Needless to say, 2012 will be a year of stocks, time deposits and insurance.

 

(3) Seriously excited to start some good deeds. I like to make my sharing on a more regular basis. It’s another long overdue plan.

Humbly I’d like to say that I’m now an official World Vision Philippines child sponsor. Nothing could ever describe how happy I am about that. Surely, I’ll be happier if my sponsor could really finish at least High School. Also, I’m an occasional donor of Red Cross Philippines and UNICEF Philippines. I also try to spot and buy things FOR A CAUSE and together with my office colleagues we reached out to Hospicio de San Jose elderly for Christmas 2011.

2012 will be for continuous sharing of more and more of my blessings. I also hope that I could encourage and inspire others to share theirs as well.

 

(4) Develop my interests and discover new ones as well. I’m the type of a girl who can be zoned once I’m really into something but after a while, I’d go and look for another zone. I cannot stay put to one activity. I can always go back to the things I love like reading or scrap-booking but I can’t do them daily for years! I need other hobbies, new learning and experiences. I believe that it takes a happy wife to have a happy home. And I need to constantly chase that happiness. It has been a challenge for me ever since.

Aside from Badminton, I’ve been into nothing grand this year. I highly contribute this to my workloads and getting married. On the other hand, my love for travel still prevails this year. Also, being a homemaker could be one’s hobby, right? Homemaking is one tough hobby that requires burning passion, never-ending patience and pure love before mastery.

2012 will be for my one simple idea: PLAYING WITH STAMPS.

 

(5) Love my parents MORE than how I used to do before. Now that I’m married, I can’t help but appreciate them all the more, love them all the more and I want to give them no less than what they deserve for being such lovely parents.

To show my parents some aside from always sleeping over at their house and spending Holidays with them. I opted to let them go with us in Laoag, Ilocos on January. This is part of my presents to them. (Mom is 60 on first week of January and Dad’s 63 on 2^nd week of February.)

2012 will be about showing more love to my parents, sisters and other relatives. Let’s include underprivileged fellow Pinoys too.

 

(6) Be faithful to my faith. That includes nourishing and flourishing it. This is my highest priority of all. Sadly, the way the world works right now does not compliment (conflicts even) the way everything was supposed to be! (IMO) This is one calling that I should be faithful to my faith and I’ll do it.

It was January this year when my Loves and I received the sacrament of marriage to seal our union and our love. However I must admit I’m still light-years away from my faith and spiritual goals.

2012 will be a year of striving for spiritual growth.

 

(7) Do the home-works. I’m a homemaker now, I should at least try as early as today to be the excellent wife and mother-to-be. Amen!?

I do various household chores except for the laundry. I think I’m a pretty good cook and I’m developing my OC-ness when it comes to clearing and cleaning the house and bathroom.

2012 will be a year of more cooking and cleaning.

 

(8) Complete my bucket list.

I’m happy to have crossed out lots of the entries in my hit-list.

2012 will be a year of another exciting hitting the list.

 

(9) Get my own unique style from clothes to perfume. Identify myself and character as a woman. I do not actually know how in the hell would I do that. Haha

As to clothes, I’m now into dresses (Hit-List). I am also currently obsessed with white tees paired with any denims. As for scents, I love playing with different varieties, from luxurious such Burberry, local such as Bench and naturals such as essential oils (Jasmine, Lavander & Sandalwood).

2012 will definitely be another year of freshness, roses and grass-roots.

 

 (10) Print my pictures and have them in a nice photo album. All of them.

I miserably failed on this quest.

2012 will be the realization of printed pictures.

 

That wasn’t so bad a result for a resolution, right? { 9/10, giving allowances so 8/10 maybe }  As of the moment, I couldn’t think of any additional new year’s resolution for the coming 2012. For now, I just wanna endure the feeling of actually achieving your life’s goals a year ago. If there’s something I’d love to tackle about right now, it my new year’s wish since I don’t have a Christmas wish-list and it’s my first time to make one. Anyway, I ought to give some time and thoughts on my 2012 wishes, so I better hold my horses until I’m completely ready.

How’s the year-end treating you folks? Me, I’m loaded to the fullest extent ‘coz it’s book closing, accruals, adjustments and all. People in Finance like me will sure know what I’m talking about. Still, I’m happy that 2011 has been a year full of blessings. So have a great day everyone.

I wish you all a blessed and happy and safe new year.

K

♥ Christmas Wishes with Full Gratitude CY 2011 ♥

I did not grow up with wish lists or Santa Claus. All I remember during my childhood days is a tiny and almost bald green Christmas tree with small balls and bells hanging, a small star, defective lights and some garland. It did not have lots of gifts too. There was this Christmas when my sister and I bought gifts for each member of the family in a nearby gift shop/pharmacy. Six gifts for all the six of us and they were just the minutest and simplest stuff really, like powder puff sponge, towelettes and picture frames (I got the pulbunera or power puff sponge!). We also had a Christmas when I was the only member in the family who got a gift which was a ‘crying doll’. Boy, it was expensive at Php 300.00! I knew because I was with my mom when we bought it. Then they just wrapped it for Christmas. Those were the days when the Spirit of Christmas was truly felt in our/my hearts that despite the lack of money and other material things we felt the comfort of our wooden, one-roomed home and the security and love from our jobless parents.

This is similar to ours during the good old days.

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Fast forward to this day, I still love Christmas, however, due to changing times, cruelties of the world, cynic people and many other complexities of life, the TRUE SPIRIT of Christmas seems to be hidden. So came December, I knew I had a quest this season and that is to search, feel and spread the TRUE SPIRIT of Christmas, the kind which I used to feel and experience as a little child.

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When my birthday came, sometime in the first week of December, all I wanted to do was an outreach activity, if only I were richer. And since I could not afford a full-blown outreach activity, I settled myself in giving donations to some charities. (I did it online!) But luck is really on me, my colleagues in the office decided to pull-up our mini Christmas Party at Hospicio de San Jose to give joy to the 20+ resident elderly. Thus, I thought that instead of writing about my wish list for this Christmas, I might as well list my Christmas wishes that already came true! That way, not only that I’ll be declaring my glorious gratitude to Heavens but also I could serve as a living testimony that WISHES DO COME TRUE.

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1.)    An outreach activity.

This is by far my most fulfilling experience. I really wish to do this more often. *crossing fingers* It has been a dream but now I’m finally doing it.

With the elderly of Hospicio de San Jose & colleagues/volunteers.

2.)    A Christmas greeting card from my World Vision family.

This is my most favorite card e.v.e.r! Why? Because with this card, I know that I’m making a differ to someone else’s life. It has been my goal for so many years. In fact, its part of my bucket list/hit-list. And now I’m one proud sponsor and ambassadress in my own humble ways. My only prayers is that I could sustain it and sponsor more children in the future. Kudos to all sponsors out there and to the World Vision Philippines.

Greeting Card from my Sponsored Child through WV-Phi

3.)    Celebration of womanhood.

Call me a late-bloomer and I won’t argue. I really am, so my definition of celebration of womanhood is perfumes, jewelries, make-ups, lipstick,  dresses and shoe craze and more flip-flops. Do I need to spell more?

Lipsticks from Mader. Not shown in Photo: Mac 4-color blusher & 14-color eyeshadow

My latest loves. FYI: I endured for 8 hours and rocked the dancefloor w/ 'lacey nights'!

My newest scents from Bench

I have Burberry, Jovan and Diesel (my favorite) sitting on my drawer. I also have used Cool Water, Clinique, Elizabeth Arden and another favorite which is not available here, So Sinful. But I’m no perfume-lady. Sometimes, I feel so not me when I’m wearing a perfume no matter how natural it may smell. That’s why recently I’ve been using essential oils for everyday use and my favorites are: Sandalwood, Lavander and Jasmine.

I've lost so many gold jewelries this year. So I'm taking a rest with real golds. Here's a good alternative!

I have been wearing dresses lately, yes.

Bought them in Sale and in my favorite hues.

4.)    Books for my soon library.

Ahhh… I’m such a bookworm. Just by looking at them, I’d a feel a lot lighter. One of my advocacy is to encourage everyone to be hooked with books. Here are the latest addition to my ever-growing collection:

Ice Cream Recipes, Chakra Cards, A Journal & something about Pregnancy

5.)    White T-shirts.

These are my current favorites, obsession and addiction. I think they’re classic, easy to play with (mix&match) and light, perfect for the tropical weather of our country. Right now, I think I have a dozen and I do not intend to stop buying anytime soon.

Some of my white tees. Brand doesn't really matter but the material and texture!

6.)    Travels.

I’m a sucker for travel. I’d like to travel as often as possible now that I still can afford it, financially and physically. Eighty (80) provinces of the Philippines are just too much but I’m willing to try. Thanks to my very supportive husband. So where did I go this year?

Legaspi, Albay (February 2011

Donsol, Sorsogon (February 2011)

Iloilo City, March 2011

Guimaras Island, March 2011

Baguio, April 2011 With the whole family! It's our very first out-of-town family trip, aside from our Pampanga stays.

Bacolod, April and September 2011

Mambukal Falls, Negros Occidental - September 2011

Mactan Port, going to Nalusuan Island - October 2011

Corregidor Island to celebrate my 26th birthday with a cruise, December 2011

Laoag (2nd time) – We’ll be in Laoag with my parents to celebrate my mother’s 60th birthday!

7.)    Picnic.

Only it was a Halloween one.  But I don’t mind – at all. With lots of foodies and movie marathon, 4 days straight, 3 movies per day, I am not the one to complain.

Our Halloween Picnic Set-up in the Living Room

8.)    Investments.

Hubby and I started with Retail Treasury Bonds and Palays (Rice Grain).

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Finally, I’ve learned a thing or two about Treasury Bonds. More to come for my road-map to financial freedom.

9.)    More to give.

Christmas Presents!

Aside from outreach programs and charity donations, I also want to show my loved ones how much I love them no matter how tight our belts are right now. I believe that there’s always something to give, no, actually much more to give.

10.)   Celebrating friendships and relationships.

With DJ Ruffy Biazon (of Customs). It's is hobby! I should have careered (taken seriously) dressing up!

We are the best party crowd ever!

I had the best Christmas Party ever two nights ago. My friends and I sang and danced to our hearts’ content to the tune of 1980′s music. Saying it was a fun night would be an insult to the party. I have never rocked the dance-floor like that, ever in my life.

11.)   Christmassy house.

An Improvised Christmas tree.

My very first attempt to give our house the Holiday spirit starts with an improvised Christmas tree and a Santa Clause plus some tablecloths and kitchen towels.

12.)   For other things which are still in my wish list and later I’m sure I’ll be grateful for are:

Running shoes in black and fuchsia.

Bowling shoes.

Sling bags for when I go to nearby supermarkets or malls.

Oven Toaster for some cooking.

Iphone/Ipad. Sure I can buy this somehow but my conscience wouldn’t allow me. hehe… Simply put, it is not yet my priority.

Car. Aside from wanting it badly, I think we’ll be needing it soon.

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I believe I’m a good receiver ‘coz I never looked at gifts for their monetary equivalent or how much time the giver spent in thinking. The simple thought that someone remembers to give me something this Christmas or in my birthday is what touches my heart. So don’t fret if you have bought me a hanky, a fan, a frame, an album or a towel, I’ll still love them. Modesty aside though, I think I’m a better giver. I’m willing to go over budget for the sake of the happiness of my loved ones and if luck strikes any luck, I could buy my self something big too. This Christmas season may we all be a better giver than ever before. After all, giving through love is the real essence why the child was born in a manger thousands years back.

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Merry Christmas to all of you! The next two days are gonna be so busily and crazily happy! Enjoy the Holidays!

Ho Ho Ho,

K

♥ Send Some Love to The Sendong Victims ♥

I hate what I’m about to say and I still want to refuse to believe with the general observation that almost every December in the Philippines something catastrophic event happens.  A year-ender Philippine Tragedy as they call it.

Worst Sea Accidents
In December 1987, some 4,341 people died when Dona Paz, an inter-island passenger ferry owned by Sulpicio Lines collided with an oil tanker off Mindoro Island. Sadly it was not to be the last sea tragedy in the Philippines, an archipelago of 7,107 islands.  In 1988, around 250 people died when Dona Marilyn, another passenger ferry owned by Sulpicio Lines, sank. On April 11, 2002, at least 30 people were killed when MV Maria Carmella, which was bound from the island-province of Masbate for Lucena City in Quezon province, caught fire. 

Among the most frequently mentioned causes of the sea accidents were overloading of the ship, ageing facilities, badly trained crewmembers, and poor compliance by the vessels with safety precautions and measures. While the Philippines has over 7,100 islands and 10,000 ships or boats, the Philippine Coastguard has only 4,000 men.

Worst Terrorist Attacks
No one thought that banditry still exists in the modern era. In April 1995, the Muslim extremist Abu Sayyaf (Bearers of the Sword) group raided the Christian town of Ipil in Zamboanga del Norte province and burned all its houses and establishments. The group also shot dead at least 54 residents of the town. The worst terrorist attack in Metro Manila took place on December 30, 2000, which was a holiday (Rizal Day). A series of bombings rocked the metropolis on that day. The worst explosion happened inside a train of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) in Manila where 22 passengers were killed and hundreds more were wounded.

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The Aftermath of Typhoon Sendong

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Last week, from December 16 to 18 another strong typhoon named locally as ‘Sendong’ hit the Mindanao region so badly. Sendong left the country with thousands of fatalities, billions of damages to houses and other properties and gazillions of problems to be dealt with not just now but for the following months, years even. Needless to say, the super typhoon also left our fellow countrymen cold and homeless with low spirits, crushed dreams, shattered hopes and doomed Holidays. It particularly hit Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Dumaguete among many other towns.

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I have been lucky to see the beauty of Cagayan De Oro and experienced their pride - Water Rafting in CDO river just last year, so it really breaks my heart to learn about this news plus the fact that we have good friends living there.

At the Airport of the City of Golden Friendship

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Before the Water Rafting Adventure / Behind is the Cagayan De Oro River

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I know that many people famous or not, have already campaigned and called for help for the victims of this another year-end tragedy but I just wanna appeal again to any reading soul out there to rethink if there are still ways within your capacity to help our fellow Filipinos who are in dire need of assistance. We may not be able to fly there to personally offer our services or donate a large sum of money but just like what they say in social networking sites, A PESO THAT COMES STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART OF EVERY FILIPINO WILL SURELY WORTH MILLIONS.

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The following are some ways to donate for the victims of typhoon Sendong (click on the links):

THROUGH PHILIPPINE RED CROSS

THROUGH UNICEF PHILIPPINES

THROUGH SAGIP KAPAMILYA

THROUGH GMA KAPUSO FOUNDATION

THROUGH TV5 FOUNDATION

7-11 Stores, LBC and Cebuana Lhuillier which are all over the streets nationwide also accepts cash donations.

SPREAD THE WORD.

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And, the best assistance we could offer them right now is through our sincere and sacrificial prayers. Christmas or not, we owe it to ourselves to help our brothers and sisters who are in need. Here in our office, we have a colleague who was raised in Iligan City and she still has relatives there. Fortunately, they were not heavily affected so they are amongst the local volunteers. We decided to give her all the remaining fund from our Outreach Activity last week.

Just a segue, it’s common during Christmas season the sight of people, both children and adults asking the public in the streets or public transportations for some help for hundreds of reasons. If only government could help them air their need properly, like if DSWD could pool all these requests for assistance by common Filipinos and verify them, then help will surely come for them at the right time without the need of losing their morale and dignity in the process. Well, it’s just an unpolished thought. I hope you get my point.

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Despite the recent tragedy I still hope that a merry and peaceful Christmas will find it’s way to everybody’s hearts through Him Who is Almighty.

LoveLots,

K

♥ Adding More Meaning Part 3: Christmas Party at Hospicio De San Jose ♥

For a little heart-warmer, let the ChocnutMuncher brings you a tiki-tour to their Christmas Party held at Hospicio de San Jose together with some 20+ resident elderly.

Hospicio de San Jose is located along Ayala Bridge in Manila. It has been around for 200 years caring for children, elderly and physically challenged. For more info you may check out their website by clicking here.

We arrived at the area at around 1:30 PM which is just perfect for the 2PM activity. Boy, we were nervous since this is everybody’s first time to do an outreach program. Actually, this is my 2^nd time but my first chance to share my blessings personally was with children and you know how kids are, energetic, playful and much easier to please and ‘command’. Given the fact that I barely remember any memory of my grandmas and grandpas, I am amongst my peers who were all as if clueless how to deal with elders. But fret no more, I’m sharing some tips we were told before the party and some tips we learned after. Read on:

1. This is the most important tip or rule. BE PERSONAL and TALK TO THEM. This is the reason why organization such as the Hospicio is encouraging a one-to-one ratio for volunteers and elderly. Let no one forgets that more than the food, gifts and performances that you prepared for them, what they need is TLC (tender loving and caring). They need someone to talk to, someone who’ll be kind enough to take some time just to listen (not just hear) what they have to say no matter how obsolete or out-of-this-world they may be and by listening means you’ll respond.
2. LET YOUR GUARDS DOWN. I say this to all who are always conscious to their looks. Your whole attention and energy will be focused to them especially that most of them will have to be fed. They are the stars of the day! You will clean their table mess, wash or wipe their hands and lips. They are like toddlers really. Well, most of them are, in our case. But again, do not fret just yet because even if they are indeed strangers, you’ll surely feel something inside you, heart and soul, has been moved by merely touching their delicate almost fragile wrinkly hands.
3. In connection with no. 2, WEAR SOMETHING COMFORTABLE and MINIMIZE ACCESSORIES. Wear light clothes too if the venue isn’t air-conditioned. There will be times when you would have to kneel, bow down, lean over, run and stretch some muscles. Chances are also high that they will try to ask for the accessories you are wearing. So it’s advisable not to use accessories which you cannot afford to lose. Also, it’ll be a bit headache if you give one of them something which others do not receive. Elders are jealous people! But if you cannot really resist the charm of grandma or grandpa (lola or lolo), you can still give them something but do it secretly or discreetly.
4.  SAY NEXT TIME. “Next time” is a phrase you’ll have to speak so often because naturally they will be asking several requests. It’ll be a common thing that grannies and gramps will ask you for things like food which you did not bring, so just tell them sweetly – Next time po.
5. JUST GO WITH IT. If they say they want bread, give them the cake you brought. If they say they want another round of that delicious spaghetti, give them the pancit you brought. They would still love it! If they say they are in a certain place, if they say they’ll have another party later or if they say anything else which are completely harmless anyway, just go with it.
6. GIVE THEM THEIR FAVORITE. Ice creams and cakes. Perhaps because they could taste so well the deserts.
7. KEEP IT HAPPY. Avoid sad music and being very sentimental or emotional. Tell happy stories. Make conversations joyful. Avoid sensitive topics as well, e.g. why are they there, where are their relatives and how long they’ve been there. Just talk about their favorites, pass times and maybe showbiz. Talk about heavens, angels and the Mighty Creator. Keep in mind that your main and sole purpose is to make them happy.
8. I was wrong with no. 1. This is the most important tip or rule. GENUINELY ENJOY YOUR TIME WITH THEM. Nothing beats that! They’ve been alive for years and years, some we’ve met are 99 years old already. Like us, we were fidgety the whole time and we were short of a good program but since we were truly enjoying chatting with them, feeding them and cleaning their food clutter, everything went well and we later saw smiles and heard some music from them.

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That’s it pansit! As easy as A-B-C. Below are some snapshots of our Outreach Activity. I hope you all get inspired and soon decide to give some time to many elderly who are feeling alone in this life. Needless to say, this experience has done something to my inner self, something I cannot comprehend just yet.

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P.S. Author has no intention to show-off. Author just wants to share how enjoyable it is to share one’s blessings and if lucky enough she might inspire or encourage one reading soul. This is also to promote her personal advocacy in life. Thank you!

Blessed Holidays to all,

K