2011's Last Working Day

Thursday, December 29, 2011

And so today is the last working day of the year... 

Working during the holiday season (aka last week of December) isn't that bad. Hmm totally not bad at all, if you ask me.

1. I get to wake up late because there's no traffic. I have an additional 40 minutes for sleeping in, that's because it now takes me 20-25 minutes to get to work. Imagine?!

2. EDSA going home isn't such a pain in the ass anymore. It takes me 25-30 minutes to get home. Yes, you better believe it. I wish EDSA will stay like this forever. Yeah right.

3. It's okay to be late since all the bosses aren't around and well, everyone else is late. Heehee.

4. Everyone is on holiday mode, which means there's not much work to do. Petiks time! :D

5. It's okay to take long breaks since as previously mentioned, all the bosses aren't around. And well, everyone else is out on long breaks too.  

6. And the best part of all...work gets dismissed early. Like 3PM early! Woot woot!! ;)

Gosh I can't believe the year is almost over. It's as if 2011 just zoomed by! Unfortunately, I don't think I accomplished anything at all. In retrospect, I don't think there's anything remarkable or memorable about it. However, I am still thankful for the year that was, for all the blessings that went my way. And so now, I can only look forward to the new year with much faith and hope that 2012 will be a very good slash awesome year for me and my loved ones. Cheers! :D

Christmas '11

Monday, December 26, 2011

And just like that...Christmas is over. I still didn't feel the Christmas spirit. As per observation, there are less Christmas decors and lights this year.  The malls and the radio stations are also playing less Christmas songs. Heck, there's no "lamig ng simoy ng hangin!" Or maybe I'm just getting old? Nevertheless, it's such a joy to see all my nieces and nephews having the time of their lives. Their excitement and squeals are more than enough to put a smile on me. It feels so good to see them all very happy and giddy.

This is also the first time in aaaages (almost 10 years) since we last spent Christmas here in Manila. It's funny how most of us are a bit lost on what to do since we haven't quite established any Christmas day and post- traditions here in Manila. I must say though that somehow it was a nice change to be home for Christmas. We had more down time for chilling and relaxing (i.e., do nothing and be lazy haha).

And so after all the festivities and merry making (i.e., lots of eating! oh noes), it's back to the daily grind tomorrow. Unfortunately. 

Merry Christmas everyone! Hope y'all had a good one. ;)

Girl Crush

Friday, December 23, 2011

Meet my girl crush...Olivia Palermo. She's so chica and pretty! And I looove her style too.

P.S. I want hair with soft curls/waves like hers! FAIL. :|

Beautiful

Papa Orlando Bloom + Mama Miranda Kerr = good genes = PERFECTION. Proof: see THE baby (click photo for larger image).

Style Lovin'

Chica Celebrity: Rachel Bilson

Sources: thevoguediaries.com,  www.posh24.com

Dubious

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

WTH happened?! Sneaky tactics. Tsk!

Today's Lesson: When in doubt, just pretend to NOT know. Just say, "uhm I don't know?" Or worst case, play dumb if you have to. After all, ignorance is bliss.

NKOTB

Monday, December 12, 2011

NKOTB: New Kids Kupals on the Block. BOO to new and ANNOYING neighbors. Read: Neighbors who are very inconsiderate and very x 3 noisy. Hosting parties is okay but to have a live band playing (well more like blasting) really loud music and gay singers belting their hearts out to Bongga Ka Day'?! Are you kidding me?! Worse, on a friggin' weeknight! Seriously?! 

FYI, some people - like perhaps me? - have worked my ass off the whole day and is looking forward to an early night's rest for another day's work tomorrow. Lather, rinse, repeat. Does a 8 to 5+ job sound familiar to you?! To think, you're a public official. You are supposed to lead by example, Mr. Councilor or is it Congressman? Whatevs. No matter who you are, you should at least know simple courtesy, basic manners and plain respect. :| 

And yeah, my patience is wearing thin because this is not the 1st time they had a live band over. At least the last time, they were singing (more like screaming) to Adele's Rolling in the Deep. At least, it was more relatable. NOT. 

It's a good thing they're only renting. "Temporarily." Thank God.

P.S. I pray for rain. As in I really hope that it'll rain hard tonight. * fingers crossed * 

Crushie

Monday, December 05, 2011

I shall refrain myself from stalking you....like uhm...starting today?

This Christmas

Saturday, December 03, 2011

Now how come I am not feeling Christmas at all this year? Really as in. Not. Feeling. It. At. All.

Style Lovin'

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Chica Celebrity: Kristin Cavallari

Sources: thevoguediaries.com,  www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com, www.posh24.com

Pepper

Monday, November 28, 2011

Meet Pepper, the newest member of our household. She's a mix of Labrador and Rottweiler. Weird combination but hey, she turned out all right. I can tell she's a playful dog, and she wants to be around people a lot. She's also malambing. We were supposed to return her because as per my mom, she's too black. Note: The Chinese are generally not a huge fan of the color black. For now though, she's still with us. Puppies have this unexplainable charm, don't you think? You should see the effect she has on our household helpers, even our drivers. As they say, you can always count on a puppy to cheer you up. So if you're down and lonely, why don't you try getting a puppy then?

The Buzz

Sunday, November 27, 2011

"Hindi lahat nadadaan sa kilig."
- KC Concepcion 
(on her relationship with Piolo Pascual)

Shucks this is so true. I think kilig is every girl's weakness. BUT how can you say no to kilig?! I guess I must stay away from the bola bolas then.

Peace Be With You!

I really don't see the point of arguing with childish and/or immature people. They'll just drag you down to their level. About two years ago, I've learned a very costly lesson - one that I don't think I'll ever forget, one that I don't think I can forget. And so, I've learned that sometimes it is better to just walk away even if it means swallowing your pride, even if you know you're on the right side. And yes, even if you're provoked! You cannot reason with an angry person. An angry person is one who thrives most in conflict. So save yourself the headache, in short, huwag mo nalang sila patulan. I know for sure I came out of it a much better person. And as for you...sad to say, you haven't changed one bit. Please grow up. 

Fil-Chi

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Under the disguise of supposed "traditions", the culture of the Chinese has waaaay too many restrictions.  Seriously. And we're not even monarchs! Geez. In some ways, I envy the Americans because me thinks they're the most open and liberated. Their practices and traditions are not as restrictive - although downside is they're not as family oriented. Nevertheless, the Chinese should learn a thing or two from the Americans! I have nothing against keeping up with traditions. It's just that sometimes it can really be frustrating especially when older people impose/dictate/force rules upon you. I know they have the best of intentions but at the end of the day, it is not their choice to make more so it is not their life to live. You see, the problem with most Chinese elders is they're stuck in their old ways and thinking, and they expect you to follow in their footsteps. Hay and all this time...you try to keep an open mind, you want to keep an open mind but how can you, really?! Tell me if that isn't frustrating. :|

iCrushYOU

Friday, November 25, 2011

Courage and confidence is sooo not my forte. I have no game at all. Hay naku, what to do? I'm a hopeless case.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

No judgements, please. Well not unless you're a judge. Are you?! :P

Fate/Faith

Thursday, November 17, 2011

If it's meant to be then it's meant to be. If not, then trust that God has better plans for you - at the right place in the right time under the right circumstances with the right person.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

I need 2 weeks of will power - bare minimum. I can dooooh this!

Style Lovin'

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Chica Celebrity: Bar Rafaeli

Sources: thevoguediaries.com, stylenotebook.blogspot.com

Eye Candy

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Yeeee. I'm kilig. As always it's nothing, really. I'm just kilig for the most babaw of reasons. If any, it's  totally just a figment of my colorful imagination. Yeah you can say that I'm sort of like putting meaning into something that is nothing. You know? Or I guess mababaw lang talaga kaligayahan ko. Hehe. Regardless though, it's always good to be smiling about something (or someone) no matter what the reason is or whatever the circumstances are, and whether it's babaw or not. Gawd I'm being my usual dorky self again. Yeeee. Sorry I'm in a happy bubble right now. This too shall pass though. Sigh...out of sight, out of mind - so they say.

Style Lovin'

Tuesday, September 06, 2011

Chica Celebrity: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Sources: thevoguediaries.com, www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com

UK Hangover

Saturday, September 03, 2011

Stone Henge, Salisbury
UK Trip Aug 2011

Loved London. I'm definitely going back. Well I wish I could. One day, some day. For now, it's going at the top of my Must Do list in the next three to five years. Who knew Brits were surprisingly nice?! Who knew London was a melting pot of diverse races?! That explains why I kinda felt at ease and I didn't feel as if I was sticking out like a sore thumb while walking the streets of London (sometimes even on my own!). 

Amazing view while on our way to Donan Castle, Scotland
Mirror Lake! :)
UK Trip Aug 2011

Scotland was nice too, but I think it's one of those countries which you'd only visit just once or it'll take some special trip for you to visit again - not unless you have nothing else to do and you're super rich! The Canadian Rockies is also at the top of my one in a lifetime trips, which I am thankful for. Nevertheless, I'm thankful to my parents (special shout out to my amma, uncle A and auntie K also) for giving me the opportunity to travel and see the world through these years. Having said that, I feel very blessed to have been able to visit several cities/provinces in Scotland, which by the way, is NOT a country. As it turns out, Scotland is part of the United Kingdom alongside England and Northern Ireland.

Next on my must go to destination is...Viva Espanya! I'm so keeping my fingers crossed na sana next year I'll be able to [*wishing hard*]. Wait correction, [*wishing reeeeaaaally hard*]. 

In the meantime though, I'm off to being a corporate slave again. Welcome back reality. 

Core Leave

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Yay for breaks! I'm super looking forward to the next two weeks....far and away from the stresses and pressures and not to mention, monotony of the daily grind.

Style Lovin'

Monday, August 15, 2011

Chica Celebrity: Alessandra Ambrosio

Sources: thevoguediaries.com

Banana Loco

Yes! I finally know how to cook fried saba just the way my grandma does it. Yum yum. As it turns out, there's no need for brown sugar. And all this time, I thought brown sugar was key! Tsk tsk. No wonder, we were never able to replicate my grandma's fried saba. The saba has natural sugars and it's more than enough to do the trick. So...you cut the saba in half (of course, it has to be ripe already), fry it and then serve it with a sprinkle of white sugar. Viola! Trust me, it's a simple dessert but uber yummy. It's my favorite fruit dessert, next to avocado.

Style Lovin'

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Chica Celebrity: AnnaLynne McCord

Sources: thevoguediaries.com, www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com

The Smell of Cartier

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Ooooh I'm intrigued. Packaging pa lang, parang ang bango bango na. Lol. I'm betting my measly paycheck that this probably will retail at a price my wallet cannot afford. Haha!

Source: intothegloss.com

MOVE

Monday, August 08, 2011

This is waaaay to cool for me not to share. It has always been a goal and/or ambition slash dream of mine to experience the world one country at a time. Awesome video! Aylaveeettt!

MOVE from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

Fog City

Wednesday, August 03, 2011

Eeeps I have to stop eating ice cream!! Seriously! No, seriously!!! Lol. I was telling my sister that we should eat ice cream every MWF or TTH only. Unfortunately, she doesn't want to join me on my health campaign, because according to her, it's the one thing that she looks forward to at the end of each day.  She suggested we cut back on something else, like say no rice for dinner. Hmm...puwede pero mahirap! Well anyways, I can't blame her though. You have to try Fog City! They have some really yummy flavors, which others do not carry (e.g., Ghirardelli Semi-Sweet Chocolate, Ferrero Rocher with Nutella Swirl, Strawberry Shortcake, Almond Lychee Sherbet and Cherry Vanilla) Seriously. No, seriously!

Check out their flavors!

New Blood

Thursday, July 28, 2011

THOUGHT BUBBLE:

It seems that most of our politicians seek power mainly to make themselves rich (i.e., steal from the country's coffers).

If I were a politician...

MORE THAN making myself super rich and consequently having a crack at life's luxuries, it would be such a huge feat and honor to be known or recognized as the person who pulled his country out of the dumps. Think Singapore's Lee Kwan Yew. I think South Korea has its share of success as well. Imagine if the Philippines becomes one of Asia's success stories, I think, that would be just crazy amazing and not even billions of riches will be able to give you that sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.

If I were a politician...

My top 3 agenda would be as follows:
1. Children (i.e., Education)
2. Livelihood (i.e.,  Employment)
3. Sustainability (i.e., Environment)

On Bending Rules

Monday, June 27, 2011

Yeah, yeah...ok fine,  sige na I get it. The higher ups have the advantage - or power - to bend the rules for whatever reason or in most cases, for whatever self-serving purpose. Read: (1) to cover their asses, (2) to save face or (3) to make themselves look good.

I totally get it BUT please do not shoot the messenger especially if he/she was just doing what was asked of him/her. Most importantly, please do not turn the tables and make it look as if the messenger wasn't doing his/her job right. Heller.

Tsk tsk to think, you were supposed to set a good example. It's not a good sign either if the person in charge tries to cover up for the erring person slash "boss". Tsk tsk, it's such a shame, REALLY. To begin with, the rules were very clear. You can't interpret it any differently that what it is already written in fine bold print. And the truth of the matter is, kababawan na nga yung rules eh. If you ask me, it's not even that much of a big deal. Petty is what it is. It is something that should be so easy to do. Geez. I can only imagine what it would be like if you guys were running the friggin' country! Scary.

Occasional bending of the rules is fine, but not at the expense of others. More importantly, should you get caught or be called on it then you should be ready to face the consequences. That's why, it's those people at the top who are still humble enough to owe up to their mistakes - no excuses, no fault-finding, no finger pointing - who I admire the most. It's these people who deserve to be at the top, who should be lauded, and who should be called leaders in the true sense of the word.

No wonder I've heard not so good stories about you. I get it now. You totally do not deserve the corner office. You don't have the credentials, neither do you have the makings of a good leader.

[POST EDIT: 07/05/2011]
"When things go wrong, look at yourself first. Don't instinctively blame others or the circumstances - or use them to cover your behind. Be the leader; stand stall, and take the hit. If you accept the glory, be willing to accept blame." - taken from Donald Trump's Trump 101

Belieber!

Friday, June 24, 2011

I finally got to watch Justin Bieber's Never Say Never. It's official. Hold your breath, hold your breath. I am now a BELIEBER. So much so, I've just finished downloading his albums. Yes, albums as in plural. He has an acoustic version of his 1st album, My World 2.0, just the way I like it - his acoustic version is better, it's not as pop-ish.

I still don't find him cute though. I don't think he's a great singer either. Hmmm I guess just like the rest of his gazillion of fans all over the world, there's just something about him. Cliche as it may sound, he does have a certain charm to him. *Blush* *Blush* Hihihi :P

For me, I think more than anything else, I was very inspired by his story. I've always had a fascination for success stories (i.e., from Google, Facebook, Starbucks et al. to Warren Buffett, THE Donald Trump to Malcolm Gladwell's Outliers or Robert Kiyosaki's Rich Dad Poor Dad). Justin Bieber's story was simple. No drama. It amazes me how he was able to live his dream and how at such a young age, he has become to be one of the most successful people in the world. I feel inspired.

Sometimes I wonder just how lucky one person can get. I still believe in skills and talent. More so, I believe in attitude and character, but I really believe that luck and timing is very important too, and one which we, unfortunately, have no control of.

WTH

Thursday, June 09, 2011

Whoaaa. I think I just had my eureka moment at the office today. It should be more of a good thing though, if you ask me. I don't feel like going into further details...for now. What to do, what to do next?

THE Royal Wedding

Sunday, May 01, 2011

Okay so yeah I know that everyone has an opinion and most probably has already said their piece by now about this whole hullabahoo that is aka THE Royal Wedding aka THE Wedding of the Century aka THE Wedding of Will and Kate. Sorry but I just can't help it, I have to comment too.

Growing up...I don't think I've ever dreamt of being a princess or marrying a prince for that matter. I guess I just wasn't your typical girly girl, if you know what I mean. Heck, I don't think I even ever thought about what my dream wedding would be like. Sa madaling salita, I don't have a "dream" wedding in mind. And so this whole Royal Wedding has changed my sentiments, it got me to thinking what would it be like to be swept off my feet by my prince charming! Cheeeesy. But cheese aside, it would be really nice...don't you think? Sigh. I must say Kate is one very very very lucky girl! Who would've thought that being the commoner that she is, she would end up being a princess! It amazes me. We shouldn't be afraid to dream because after all libreng mangarap! Sometimes it wouldn't hurt to dream big, to dream of the impossible dream, sabi nga nila diba. Fairy tales still do come true. In the past, intermarriage outside the Royal family would've probably been close to impossible. It's always good to see how societal customs and norms have evolved through time and how societies have become more open and accepting of one other despite their differences; having an open mind is always a good thing. I strongly believe in timing too. Case in point, how Kate and Will got together. I believe that one's date with destiny is all about being at the right place at the right time.

Just Go With It

Monday, April 18, 2011

I'm not a big fan of Adam Sandler just because I don't like slapstick. Slapstick movies are such a waste of time. But since my officemate highly recommended Adam Sandler and Jennifer Anniston's Just Go With It (note: Hangover was bumped off his no.1 all time fave movies list daw lol), and well since my sister recommended it as well, I gave it a shot. And the verdict is...[enter drumroll please]...it was surprisingly nice and very entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed it and thus, I'm highly recommending it too. Here's the thing, I'm not a fan of HBO, Cinemax or those movie channels on cable - that's because I don't like watching movies reruns - not unless it has been over a year or two at the very least. I don't save copies of downloaded movies in my laptop either - with the exception of two movies only, which are The Ugly Truth and The Proposal. Just Go With It is a feel good movie. It is not your typical in your face kilig kind of rom com movie. It is very subtle in the sense that the characters kinda grow on you. Case in point, I have 3 saved movies now in my laptop. Yeah...I liked it THAT much.

LSS

Sunday, April 17, 2011

For my happy song of the moment, I'm giving a special shout out to Taio Cruz's Telling the World - from the movie soundtrack of Rio. Mmmmm... (in case you're wondering, that's me attempting to hum. Fail! Lol).

YES!

Thursday, April 07, 2011

YES to...

* in no particular order

1. SERENITEA! I do not like toffee and/or caramel flavors but I surprisingly find myself loving Serenitea's Hokkaido topped with pearl and crystal (crystal = nata de coco). It's too close to call but I think Serenitea trumps Happy Lemon. I want to try the other Serenitea drinks. I'm going to try their Okinawa drink on my next visit.

2. VAMPIRE DIARIES!! Oh yes I'm going to get my weekly dose of Damon again. Whoopee. <3

3. REGULAR EXERCISE. Gotta start walking/running again. Tsk tsk. For starters, I've been taking the stairs at the office every morning. Mind you, that's all the way up to the 9th floor but of course only whenever I'm in flats hehe. The good news is I'm starting to have more endurance now. You should've seen me on my 1st try! Lol.

4. SPLURGES. Woot! woot! Thanks to my mom for buying spankin' new flats. Note to self: gotta invest in more comfortable shoes. Yes? Definitely yes.

And...thanks to my dad for agreeing to a brand new watch. I've been wanting one for a loooooong time. I don't have it yet though. I'm still waiting for the store to call me because they don't have available stocks anymore. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

5. ANGRY BIRDS. Yeah I'm a late bloomer; everyone's probably gone through all the Angry Birds series already. I'm playing Angry Birds Rio, it's their latest series and it's already at the top of the iTunes AppStore.

6. BULL MARKET. I hope the trend stays UP so that I can have more savings! Speaking of which, gotta cut on my expenses. I'm going to swear off Zara until month end hehe. My expenses in March skyrocketed. Yikes. So far though, I'm doing a much better job in April. On that note, yes to SAVINGS!

7. The Ugly Truth and The Proposal re-runs. I'm not a huge fan of re-runs but these are my 2 exceptions. :))

8. DASHING DIVA on a work day. Yes...on a workday. I can't bilibit myself! Lol.

9. TIPPING POINTS. And thus, NOT being afraid to speak my mind and finally be able to be true to my feelings once and for all - even if it means having to open up (read: confide and trust) in someone for the first time...

10. BEING THE BIGGER PERSON (figuratively speaking, well hopefully not literally haha). And that is...NOT stooping to the "babawness" slash "pettiness" of people and/or situations...I say no to bubble bursting. Go mind your own bubble, please! Ugh.

Lastly...YES to more POSITIVITY. Steady good vibes lang here on out...

P.S. And since it's a Thursday, YES to TGIF! :P

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Junior Masterchef is soooo inspiring. Amazing kids, unbelievable even. It makes me want to quit my day job and start cooking full time. Yeah seriously.

Happy 2011!

Saturday, January 08, 2011

Leap Year was surprisingly entertaining. Matthew Goode is so adorable!! Next to Ian Somerhalder (aka Vampire Diaries' Damon) and Richard Herrera (aka TARA's Team Richards), I heart him na.