A Real Messy Beatiful Twisted Sunshine

University Week 2010 in DLSU

2010-02-17T14:38:00.007+08:00

Animo Bazaar

One of the things I love about University Week!

This week is University Week in DLSU. It is my second University Week ever since I started working for La Salle. There are two things I look forward to during Univeristy Week- food and the Animo Bazaar.

Rose, Kyle and I at the Animo Bazaar

Photo taken by Doods Delos Reyes

Leaving the Peanut Butter and Jeri booth.

They sell clothes, bags, and accessories. One of the most checked out booths.

Photo Credit: Doods Delos Reyes

My first purchase at the Animo Bazaar was 3 pairs of earrings. All for Php 130!

Lovely Earrings!

Most of the booths in the Animo Bazaar are selling shirts...statement shirts, graphic shirts, shirts about DLSU pride.. etc. But this one has got to be my favorite:

Statement shirts on hell week and cramming

I loved their statements so much that I just had to get one for DJ.

The shirt says it all!

The shirt is just absolutely perfect for DJ who goes through hell week every week. That's how it is in med school, most especially in UST Med. I'm planning to get 2 more pieces of this shirt for my brother and cousin who are both taking up Nursing in UST too. All three of them struggle to get through hell week every week, and well so far they have never failed.

Moving on, there was this booth that sells pretty vintage accessories. A bit pricey,though, but really really pretty. The stones of their bracelets are from Tibet and that's what makes it pricey.

Vintage Love

Charms, Bracelets and Necklaces made of Tibetan stones.

My favorite!

I wanted to get this so bad but I'm on a very tight budget so maybe next time.

And of course there were a number of food stands in the area. Among the participants were Sbarro, Tokyo Tokyo, Dulcinea and many more. But one of the things that made my day was the Snow Cone stand!

Me and Kyle with our Ice Cones!!!
Just in time for the summer season!
Photo Credit: Doods Delos Reyes'

University Week in DLSU is a super fun week and it's one of the reasons why I love working in DLSU. I get to experience what's it's like to be a college student again..well, kind of. =)

Flower Power

2010-02-16T01:07:00.001+08:00

Valentines Day Fever!

A bunch of bouquets being sold in one of the stalls in Dangwa

I just wanted to share some of the photos I took last week. As I have mentioned in my last post, DJ lives around the area of Dangwa and last week Dangwa was majorly busy for the most obvious reason of all- Valentines Day.

A pink gerbera smiling for the camera.

This is my favorite kind of flower.

Even so, I love how Dangwa gets extra colorful on Valentines Week. I super love anything and everything nice and colorful. Since it was Valentines week , I decided to dedicate the whole week of my Project 365 to it by taking pictures from Dangwa. So armed with my camera, I took photos of the beautiful and vibrant flowers around the infamous flower market called Dangwa.

More flowers!!!

The picture on the left reminds me of the sunset because of the color of the flowers. The second photo just goes to show that roses will always be an essential on Valentines Day.

I enjoyed taking photos of these beautiful flowers so much that they've become my new favorite photography subject next to Lily Bun. They're just one of God's wonderful creations that never fail to amaze me.

Vea Loved VDay!

2010-02-16T00:27:00.001+08:00

I had by far, the best Valentines Day or should I say weekend ever!

For almost three years of dating, it was the first time for me and DJ to spend Valentines Day together. His apartment is around the area of Dangwa and I remember joking around and telling him that there would be no excuse at all for him to NOT buy me flowers on Valentines Day because he lives in a street where flowers are practically everywhere. All he said was his ever signature line "we'll see".

Anyway, he did not fail me. He got me flowers alright and it came along with a gift I never ever thought he would get me - the hot pink Parker pen.

DJ's Valentines Day Surprise

A hot pink Parker pen and a bouquet of 12 roses and 1 red gerbera.

I learned about this pen when I read one of Joei's blog entries and I instantly fell in love with it. It's so Elle Woods and I love Elle Woods. I only mentioned it to DJ once and I never thought he'd remember or even think of getting it for me. I didn't expect a big bouquet and a pretty pricey pen since we both lost a lot of money from having our Macbooks repaired a few weeks ago. Oh and it was my first bouquet ever! Anyway, I didn't have a lot of money so I only got him this:

Cello's Doughnuts personalized doughnuts

In DJ's favorite flavors- oreo and m&m

I'm glad he liked what I got him. I'll make it up to him sooner or later. What matters is that after 2 years of being apart, we finally got to spend Valentines Day together for the very first time. We opted to just stay in since we figured traffic was gonna be bad considering it was Valentines Day, Chinese New Year and payday. It was all good. <3

Hope you guys had a lovely Valentines Day!

I'm a Dashing Diva

2010-02-08T10:54:00.003+08:00

DJ wanted to get rid of his in-grown so since we're in Rockwell that time, we headed to Dashing Diva. I decided to get a manicure since I figured it will take a long time for the in-grown removal. I was wrong. The manicure took longer than I expected it to be. I didn't get to take a lot of pictures because my hands and nails were busy getting pampered and someone was getting grumpy from waiting.

The bored boyfriend

DJ resorted to do homework while waiting for me to finish.

Satisfied Customer

Ate Angel and I. She took good care of my nails and did a wonderful French manicure on them.

I just loved everything about the place. Pretty pink and white interiors. Kind and accommodating staff. Clean and sanitized work areas and tools. Amazing service. You will truly get your money's worth!

I adore their Nail Treatment products.

From L to R: Dashing Diva's Cuti-Peel and Dashing Diva's Cuticle Nectar

I am in love with Cuti-Peel's color. I wish they had a nail polish that has the same color but they don't. Anyway, the Cuti-Peel is basically their cuticle remover. While The Cuticle Nectar is an "orange scented aroma oil that nourishes the cuticle and nurtures nail growth.It moisturizes and conditions the nails." It smells super good too!!!

I will definitely come back to have Dashing Diva nails. After all, every girl deserves glorious pampering from time-to-time. Dashing Diva is located inside Beauty Bar branches. Go get those nails done, girls!

So Many Sweets So Little Time!!!

2010-02-08T10:17:00.002+08:00

So my Saturday started out early since it was the day of the Graduate Admissions Test for the College of Business and Economics. Different tests were given to the examinees depending on their chosen program. In my case, MBA, there were 2 essays given, reading comprehension, correct the sentence and the like and of course my most dreaded part ever - MATH! Anyway, it was hard and only God knows if I made it to the program or not. But i'm gonna keep my fingers crossed while waiting.

I hung out at the office for a bit then headed to Rockwell to meet up with DJ who was having a food-tasting for his frat's induction ball. He just got past hell week so this means Satudate for us. Luckily, Rockwell was having its Bakers Fair for all the weekends of February. This was the second time for us to attend the Bakers Fair and we always end up full and satisfied from all the free tastes! (Too bad I misplaced all the fliers and cards from every booth so I don't remember the names of where each photos were taken from. Will surely edit this as soon as I find them)

Colorful and yummy treats!

Carrot Cakes!

One of my favorites. It's very moist and tasty. i really have to find the fliers for this!

Red Velvet Love!!!

I am a fan of red velvet flavored goodies! This just looks too good to eat. Too bad they didn't have any free samples for this.

Goodies galore!

Perfect just in time for Valentines Day

I wanted to take more pictures but I was too busy tasting and inquiring about the goodies. Anyway, my old-time favorites were also present at the fair. Like The Sweet Life of Ange's Brazo de Mercedes with Ice Cream! The best brazo i've ever had in my life! And of course, Iya's Jumbo Pastillas who just launched two new flavors! I loved their yema-filled pastillas! So many goodies, so little time!!!! All the treats there are perfect to give to your family, friends, and loved ones.

Visit the Bakers Fair on all weekends of February. Be sure to visit every booth.

Macbook Mishap

2010-02-08T09:39:00.001+08:00

So last Thursday, I woke up to find my Macbook not working anymore. It was like frozen with this wheel thingy moving as if it's loading of some sort but it's not really working. It was frozen like that. So I took off the battery and put it back on and pressed the power button. It still worked but it only showed a white screen without the Apple logo like it normally does.

A few minutes after, DJ's Macbook Pro's screen turned blue. He did the same thing I did with my battery and the restarting. He almost got the same results as mine. His Macbook Pro had the white screen going but with the Apple logo and the loading wheel going. BUT it won't go past that phase.

We went to the nearest authorized Apple service center which is in Robinson's Ermita. Mark, the service guy, said the both our hard drives are busted.. So we had to buy a new one for our macs to work. Unfortunately for me, I don't have any back up at all. DJ made use of his Time Machine and still has everything on his external. Those are worth 2 years of documents, pictures and memories down the drain for me. =(

I just find it weird that both our macs got busted the same time. So now my macbook seems to be good as new. It's been completely wiped off. Anyway, moral lesson for me is summarized into two short words: BACK UP! I'm getting myself an external HD so I can back up all my files and not lose them in a snap if something like this happens again.

Fridate: Legion and The Blind Side

2010-01-23T14:09:00.001+08:00

So the 3rd shifting exam for UST med students are finally over and it was time about time for them to chill, party and unwind. DJ and I just wanted to relax so we decided to watch two movies: Legion and The Blind Side.

Legion

Both DJ and I are fascinated by stories of angels. So upon seeing the trailer of Legion last year when we went to see Avatar, we made plans to go see it once it comes out..and that we did.

Legion was basically all about God losing faith in mankind and ordering the angels to terminate its existence. But Michael the Archangel (portrayed by Paul Bettany) still hasn't given up on the people and went down to earth to save mankind by protecting a woman who's supposed to be carrying the savior of mankind.

It was okay. I'd give it like 3 to 3.5 stars out 5. My friend read a review somewhere saying that it was like Terminator+Exorcism combined. It was pretty much like that, yeah. It was pretty good except for the ending. In my opinion, the ending wasn't that justified yet. I found myself asking, so what's gonna happen now? DJ thinks it's like a test plot to see if there's gonna be a sequel to that or something. All in all, though, i'd say it was okay but it could have been better by adding more substance to it. I love Paul Bettany! He never fails.

On a lighter note, DJ and I couldn't help but notice how angel Gabriel has always been the villain in movies such as Constantine and this one particular movie we couldn't remember. Maybe i'll research about that soon.

The Blind Side

One of the most beautiful movies I've seen ever!

This is a true story about NFL star Michael Oher who started out as a homeless kid and crosses path with a loving well-off family that took him in their care and treated him as a part of them already. At the height of discrimination, he was loved by the Touhys despite the color of his skin and his inefficiency with his studies. He was faced with challenges that he got passed through with the help of the family. Eventually, he was able to make it to his high school's football team and does incredibly well due to his protective instincts as offensive tackle. Sooner after, he was offered several college scholarships and ends up being the NFL star that he is right now.

I had a heavy heart all throughout the first hour of the movie. The harshness of reality on poverty and discrimination was totally palpable and I just couldn't help but feel sorry on how he led his early years prior to meeting the Touhys. This movie is so beautiful and so well made. the actors did well and I just have to say that Sandra Bullock still looks gorgeous as ever!

I have so much love for this movie that i'm gonna watch it again!

Four Eyes

2010-01-20T10:51:00.001+08:00

Last Friday, my right eye and the right side of my head started to hurt. My vision was kind of getting blurry from time to time and I couldn't stare at the monitor for a long time anymore. My mom suggested to have it checked because I might be needing glasses. So last weekend, DJ and I went to the mall to have my eyes check and see if I really need to wear glasses. Turns out that I do. My right eye has astigmatism and that explains why my right eye and the right side of my head was hurting. So above is a picture of me, only with four eyes now. Boo!

First Sickness of the Year

2010-01-14T15:36:00.000+08:00

So apparently, i'm down with the flu or whatever it is that i'm down with. I just don't understand how I got sick all of a sudden. I hate being sick but then again, who doesn't? I'm stuck in my bed with nothing to do. Well not really. Duh! I still have my computer and all but if my mom were here, I won't be allowed to use it. But you know how it is. I wanna be able to move around and do stuff. Well, with the little energy left in me, I can only do so much. Boo!

Weekend Highlights

2010-01-11T22:09:00.003+08:00

Last week, I posted how bummed I was for having to go to work for the first three Saturdays of January. Luckily, though, last weekend made up for the time I had to go to work and kind of humiliate myself in front of 400 people.

1. Good company.

My support system.

Studying.Sleeping. Chillaxing.

DJ was kind enough to accept my invitation to go with me to work. I thought it would be a nice environment for him to study for his exams this week. We brought two of our friends along with us, Cha and Charles. All of them have been a great support and did a pretty good job in calming me down 'coz I was really nervous for my presentation then. I wouldn't have known how to handle it if I was alone.

2. Cupcakes by Sonja

Cupcakes galore.

This made me a very happy girl. DJ and I are huge fans of Cupcakes by Sonja in Serendra! Having to snack on a Red Velvet cupcake last Saturday is just heaven. It was like Christmas in my mouth!!!

3. Ready for Rain

Wet feet no more.

I am finally a proud owner of a pair of Plueys rain boots. DJ got it for me as a Christmas gift. I've always wanted one since the barrage of typhoons that hit the country last year. Don't you just hate the feeling when your feet are wet?! Eek. I can't wait to wear them and say, "Look, ma! Dry feet!"

4. Quality Time
I love how DJ always makes it a point to make time for us despite how extremely busy and grueling a med student's life can be. He made my weekend extra fun and special. But then again, he always does. He is amazing.

5. Family Time
This is very rare in our household. Yesterday, though, my dad bought this dvd/karaoke player and it totally brought everyone together. Each of us at home rummaged the song book for a song and took turns with the microphone. It was great to see everyone enjoy. Especially someone who's currently healing from a nasty Christmas Eve break-up.

365 Days of Vea

2010-01-11T16:14:00.000+08:00

My Life in Photos for 365 Days.

One of my new years resolutions is to make the most out of each day of 2010. I'd like to call this year my "recovery" year. I felt like I spent so much time on things I shouldn't be spending time on and threw away a lot of chances and opportunites. I wanna be able to grow this year and be able to look back and say, "2010 was a year well-lived".

So thanks to Joei and Russ for introducing Project 365. Basically, you just have to take one photo every day for the whole year. I'm 9 days late with my Project 365 but it's better than nothing at all. With this project, I can look back at any random day from this year and remember the story as to why I took a photo of a particular thing or person from that very particular day.

If you would like to know more about Project 365, Click here.

My credit card has been hacked!

2010-01-07T23:17:00.000+08:00

Just when this day couldn't get any worse. I found out that my credit card has been hacked.

Earlier today, I was trying to budget my expenses so since I didn't have my credit card bill yet I called the hotline to check my balance. I couldn't believe what I just heard so I asked the customer support person to tell me all my transactions since the time I paid my last bill. Everything matched my records and receipt except for one transaction:

A cash advance of Php 7,000 from China Bank last December 8, 2009

I was like WTF?! That just can't be! Here's why:

1. I have never used and inserted my credit card in any ATM machines ever. I have been warned long before by my friends that cash advances have high interests. So it has never crossed my mind to do that.

2. I don't even know my PIN! Because of #1, I threw away my PIN a long time ago since I didn't have any plans of doing their Cash Advance thing.

3. I had my credit card the whole day with me. Didn't have work on that day. So DJ and I along with our other Fil-Am friends went to Divisoria early in the morning for some Christmas gift-shopping and pasalubong-shopping for their families and friends in the States. Got home around 12 noon and napped til 5 in the afternoon. Went to Robinson's Ermita for a quick dinner and stayed in Starbucks til past midnight coz DJ had to study. I never used my credit card that day.

This totally ruined my day. The customer support person filed for an investigation already and it's gonna take around 45 days. I hope they do something about it sooner than that because there's no way i'm paying 7,000 pesos.

Crushed

2010-01-07T12:21:00.000+08:00

I needed a beach getaway.

I needed to go to my happy place.

And I was so close to doing so when all of a sudden I was called to this meeting only to find out that I have to go to work for the first three Saturdays of January. Including the very Saturday i was supposed to hit the beach. FML.

Win a Free Boracay Vacation Package by WOW Philippines Travel Agency

2010-01-04T21:53:00.001+08:00

Win a Free Boracay Vacation Package by WOW Philippines Travel Agency

WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc. is celebrating it's 5th year in business during July of 2010, and we would like you to have a chance to celebrate with us, so we have decided to give-away a FREE Boracay Package complete with 5 Star accommodations at the luxurious Le Soleil de Boracay Hotel on Boracay Island. The lucky winner will win the following Boracay vacation package.

Vacation Package Inclusions:

- 5 Days / 4 Nights Luxury 5 Star Accommodations at the Le Soleil de Boracay Hotel

- Flights to Boracay from Manila to Caticlan Airport on Philippine Airlines

- Island Transfers - Door-to-Door from Manila to the resort and back to Manila Domestic Airport

- Three (3) Meals each day, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

- Boracay Activities - Horseback Riding, Island Hopping, Glass Bottom Boat

- PLUS - 5,000 peso Spending Cash

Read More Information: http://www.boracay-packages.com

Positive Vibes

2010-01-04T06:00:00.000+08:00

After an 11-day holiday break, it's back to work for me and I guess, everyone else. A lot of you guys are probably wishing an impossible extension but we all gotta do what's gotta be done.

I thought I'd be having a very difficult time waking up because I had less than 2 hours of sleep. DJ arrived late last night f for helping a jet-lagged DJ unpack and sort his stuff because he just got back from the States late last night and I thought I'd be having a very difficult time waking up, but here I am typing this entry. I'm all up and showered feeling good, optimistic and energized! Ready to take on the first work day of the year. Super feeling the positive vibes!

This should be good. Here's sending you all lots and lots of positive vibes. Hope you guys are having a fresh good start of the year.

2009: The Crazy Ride That Was!

2010-01-01T14:58:00.001+08:00

A new year has officially begun!

I feel really hesitant about the whole looking back on 2009 thing. A big part of me wants to just leave it be and another part of me would like to look back and see how it went by. Yet, by doing the latter will somehow give one a sense of fulfillment so here goes.

2009 was definitely once crazy ride like all the other years that's gone by. However, 2009 was a different ride. It was very bumpy and rocky compared to the other years. There were a few times when the engine didn't seem to want to work anymore. There were those times when I was stuck at the crossroads and had no idea which way to go. And then, there were those times when I thought I was broken and beyond repair.

Thankfully, I have awesome people to ride with and keep me company during the whole trip. They rode with me through the smooth and bumpy roads. Whenever I got into crossroads, they helped me figure out which way to go. They listened to the same music over and over again even if they don't want to hear it anymore. They didn't give up when I seemed to be irreparable.

I have the most loving and supportive family and an amazing set of friends. You know who you are. I may not have shown how grateful I am for all the love and support that you have given me, but know that I am in every way thankful for having you in my life.

Thanks for making my 2009 a fun ride.
Now let's all buckle up for 2010.. The journey awaits!

Ang Pao, I miss.

2010-01-01T14:13:00.002+08:00

I miss the old days when I would receive tons of "ang pao" during the holidays. Sometimes, i would sing my way through it just to get more of those red shiny envelopes. I haven't gotten "ang pao" for a long time..not since I joined the work force. So kids, make the most out of the Christmases and New Years while you're still young. You don't get a lot of those red envelopes once you start getting your paycheck. It will be your turn to give them out by then.

I miss being a kid.

Coping With A Break-Up

2009-11-28T16:32:00.001+08:00

A dear friend of mine is down in the dumps because of this girl who led him on and eventually broke his heart. He seemed irreparable just like most people are after a break up. I've experienced a number of break-ups myself and boy I sure was a terrible mess then. Coping up is hard and your family and friends can only do so much. You gotta help yourself too. Easier said than done, I know, but you just gotta do it. I told him that what he needs right now is a good distraction for him to take his mind off things. Here are the things I suggested:

1. Video Games

XBox, Sony PS2, Wii

Back in high school, I was so hooked to playing video games. It's all I ever did day and night because my goal was to finish the game period. I think these things are good investments for broken-hearted people. It's a momentary escape as well as on outlet for all the pain and miseries they are going through.

2. Read Books

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

Thick books if possible and please, be sure to buy the ones that won't remind you of the person who just broke your heart. Books have always been good investments for EVERYONE. They not only take you away from reality for a brief period, but you also get to enhance your grammar and vocabulary . Plus you get to learn A LOT more. Browse through Amazon and look for best-sellers with reviews that say "i could hardly put the book down" or "i've been up all night reading it".

3. Get Into A New Hobby

Bikram Yoga

A new hobby that would entail days of training sessions is one of the good distractions I can think of. Going to the gym to get in shape, trying out Muay Thai or by simply just doing volunteer work are sure fire ways to channel your pain and release it through your adrenaline. At the end of whatever hobby you choose, you'd be dead tired and ready to pass out as soon as you get home BUT you also get that sense of fulfillment. =)

4. Adding Fuel to the Fire

Now this takes a LOT of hard work and determination and I don't expect anyone to master this right after a break up unless they're really furious and they don't want anything..anything at all that has got to do with the person who broke their heart. Honestly, I have yet to master this. But after a break up, DO NOT stalk through your exs facebook and other accounts. Also do not listen to the songs or watch movies and shows that would surely remind you of your ex. Try to run away from those things. I know it's so hard to actually let go of your ex and the things you'd normally do and share, but dwelling on those things, won't help at all.

Moving on is probably one of the hardest things to do ever but you've gotta start somewhere. I hope those things above help in one way or another. It's inevitable for the loneliness to creep inevery once in a while but with the right presence of mind and if you've got that strong will to help yourself to move on, you'll make it sooner than you expected.

Guess Who's Back

2009-11-27T16:05:00.000+08:00

So after what seemed to be an eternity of hiatus, I figured that I should probably be writing/blogging again and most definitely start reading books again. Time to put some oil onto those rusted grammar wheels.More on that later on...I'm always on my way home to jump start my weekend. Spent almost the whole day looking for a template that will actually set the mood for my blog. This will do for now.

It's Official!

2009-03-20T20:57:00.002+08:00

Congratulations, DJ!

UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery has finally posted the results of the successful applicants for the upcoming school year. Since I only live a few blocks away from UST, I went to check it out early this morning before I headed to work. It took me a while to see the results since there were a lot of people checking out the names of those who got in. When I finally had my chance, I quickly searched for DJ's name and it only took me a second to find it! Got all giddy and excited and felt proud. (Yeah yeah i'm a stage girlfriend like that).

So congratulations and welcome back to UST, babe! And to all the future doctors who also made it to the list, congratulations. :D

My Year-Ender Post

2008-12-31T09:53:00.007+08:00

It's New Year's Eve and I am currently typing this entry using DJ's macbook while he's still asleep. It's actually my first time to be away from home and my family for the New Year. It's pretty sad since i'm missing my mom and my dog way too much already. But it's not like everyday that DJ gets to visit the Philippines now, is it? DJ and I both wanted to spend the New Year together since January 1, 2009 also marks the day of our 21 months of togetherness and we have never celebrated any monthsaries together yet. So this is gonna be our first.

He's sleeping behind me and it's just so surreal that I get to watch him sleep for real now. Not just on Skype anymore. In my old blog, I mentioned how wonderful it is to watch him sleep even if it were just on Skype, but now that I get to really see him and feel him beside me..oh boy, definitely a hundred times way better!

See the difference?

Now if he could only wake up so we can be more productive today and spend more time together. Hehe. Not exactly the year-ender post I had in mind but hey. i have lots of time for that later on. My time with DJ is very limited since he'll be going back to the States on January 13th. :(

So here's wishing everyone a fantastic 2009 ahead filled with tons of blessings, good health and good fortune! Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T23:56:00.005+08:00

Wishing you and your family a very happy

and blessed Christmas this year!

Here's a photo of my dog Lily. I took this right before Christmas lunch. It's her first Christmas with the family and we all wanted it to be special for her since she's been such a darling to all of us. I found this photo of her so nice I used it as an e-card and sent it to my family and friends.

Hoping all your wishes and prayers this Christmas were granted. Mine was and my heart is full of endless gratitude to the Lord Almighty. =)

Enjoy the super long break, everyone! Happy holidays!

Mark Whalberg is for Team Pacquiao

2008-12-23T16:34:00.002+08:00

Photo grabbed from JustJared

Found this photo of Mark Whalberg while checking out one of my hollywood chismis blogs. Hehe.

Check out the red Nike Manny Pacquiao shirt . Cool beans.

My boyfriend has the same shirt in navy blue. He's a die-hard Manny Pacquiao fan and i'm just sharing this because i'm a proud girlfriend like that. =)

Counting the Days

2008-12-01T20:47:00.004+08:00

It's December 1st and it's only now that it's beginning to look AND feel a lot like Christmas to me. Some of you may have felt that way for some few weeks ago as Christmas carols fill the air and Christmas decors are just about anywhere and everywhere. This day was just filled with happiness and good vibes that it made me feel that Christmas is just around the corner. Even the sky was exuding happiness as well.

Our Belen at home.

Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. I look forward to the cold crisp air early morning and night. Christmas decors and christmas lights. Attending the Simbang gabi. Midnight mass with my family. Wrapping of presents. The parties. Exchanging of gifts. Shopping. Food. Reunions. Christmas Carols. The warm and cheery mood emanating from each one of us. Oh I can go on and on for more!

Over the years, the meaning of Christmas has evolved from having tons of gifts under the tree to Noche Buena and Christmas feasts to aguinaldos given by ninongs and ninangs, to being with my family and loved ones to the coming of our Lord Savior, Jesus Christ. For me, Christmas is all about Jesus and being with your loved one.

This day was beautiful and made me feel that Christmas is indeed, just around the corner. My mom's sister arrived from the States this morning. That meant food and having our relatives over for lunch. I love being around my family and relatives. There's this certain comfort and happiness whenever we're all together catching up, eating, laughing and doing whatever. Nothing beats that moment when you're all together and just having a good time.

DJ and I celebrate our 20th month as a couple today and it has also been that long since the last time i've seen him. A lot of people would ask me as to how I can handle such relationship? I know long distance relationships are hard but DJ makes it so easy. Of course, we wouldn't have made it this long if it weren't for God's grace and provisions.

Christmas this year is going to be extra special and I have no one but the Lord to thank for this. It's gonna be full of love and joy like it should always be. The Lord has given me the best Christmas present yet and my heart is overflowing with gratitude!

Eleven days to go for that and twenty-five days to go before Christmas. Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas ahead with your family and loved ones. :)

The Night the Sky Smiled Down Us

2008-12-01T20:00:00.008+08:00

December 1, 2008

Beautiful.

That's Venus, Jupiter, and the Moon smiling down on us.

The sky is just so clear.

I couldn't help but smile back at them.

What are you thankful for?

2008-11-27T17:09:00.001+08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! As tradition dictates, let me share with you the things I am very thankful for this year.

1. A stronger relationship with God.
2. A family so loving and supportive.
3. Good health for my family and loved ones.
4. My relationship with DJ going strong as ever.
5. Friends who have always been there to laugh with, to cry with and to hurt with.
6. My dog Lily Bun who gives me nothing but unconditional love aside from her occasional bratty attitude.
7. A good job in a stable institution and to have someone there whom I know and trust.
8. Strength and patience the Lord has been blessing me with.
9. Trials that's made me stronger and wiser.
10. Answered prayers.
11. God's endless provisions. Never did He not provide for me.
12. A job that enables me to hear Mass every day.
13. God being so merciful, compassionate and forgiving.
14. Successfully executing my 21-gift surprise for DJ's 21st birthday.
15. Forgiveness.
16. Me and Kyle getting out of the FX unharmed after a mugger snatched the cellphone of the girl sitting beside me.
17. Having that someone who loves me a lot and who has brought me closer to God.
18. Little helps along the way that meant the world to me.
19. For going to Quezon and meeting DJ's dad and relatives.
20. Being able to get by each and every day by God's grace.
21. My digicam and iPod Nano Chromatic that i bought from my own savings.
22. Red Box.
23. God providing me and DJ with so much resources to bridge our distance.
24. People who surprised me and made my 22nd birthday memorable.
25. Cheap thrills
26. Christmas season being just around the corner.
27. A beautiful Christmas ahead.
28. New friends..
29. Getting my red Starbucks planner.
30. Watching Twilight without having to fall in line for tickets.

And soooo much more!!

What about you? What are you thankful for?

Have a happy thanksgiving :D

A Scary Incident

2008-11-10T21:33:00.001+08:00

I just had one of the most traumatizing experiences ever. It happened earlier when me and my friend Kyle were on our way home from work. We sat a the middle part of the FX and we talked about the most random stuff like we always do. Kyle was almost near her stop when I was knocked off forward and heard a guy's voice saying "Akin na ang cellphone mo!". The next thing I heard was the loud thump of the FX's door at the back. It took me a few seconds to realize what just happened. The girl beside me was freaking out about her cellphone while most of us were stupefied by the whole thing.

What's weird is that it's as if we knew all along it was going to happen. It's as if God sort of prepared us for it. I thought about the whole what-if-i-come-across-a-hold-upper-inside-an-FX-one-day scenario during Mass earlier this day and the moment we got on the FX. Before going home, Kyle put her money somewhere else instead of putting it inside her pouch like she always does. And for some reason, she randomly looked out the window and got chills when she saw the guy walking towards the FX.

Right now, I am just really thankful to the Lord that we got home safely and unharmed. The Lord is just so great and he has been blessing me with so many things lately even if I am unworthy of it. My heart is just full of gratitude towards Him.

The Return of the Prodigal Daughter

2008-11-09T19:58:00.002+08:00

It's good to be back.

For the last couple of months, I have been trying to get myself to blog like the way I used to when I was in high school and college.Back then, I remember posting entries every day or every other day at the very least. Nowadays, it's just an average of about two to three entries per month. Blame it on my constant laziness and the lack of things to write about. Well of course, there will be always something to write about. It's just that based from experience, i would prefer to keep some entries to myself.

Blogger was home to my thoughts, rants and raves for some good years until I moved to Multiply whereI had the liberty to choose those who can read my blog entries and view my photos. And now i'm back to where I started. I figured that it might be a good way to start re-tracing my steps back to the person I once was. Only this time, more responsible and mature.

So yes, i'm back home :)