gone in 120 days...

Yo! wazzup my blog?!? How have you been? I know I've been MIA for the last 4 months and it sucks BIG time! I feel that I've committed a serious crime. Well, well, well... see who's back now. I'm sooo back balakubak! I'm ready for this. I have so much to write about. The year 2011 is coming to an end soon! And it's definitely one of my best year career wise. I promise to write all about it on my coming posts. A retrospective of 2011. I promise I'll make it up to you my blog. Ok, gotta go for now! See yah!

1 year it is...

polyvore is love...

Polyvore is a super cool site where you can create fun and inspiring outfits and collections! Here is an outfit that I've pulled out on their collection that can be worn on a Saturday date with maaahh dude.

saturday date with dude

I would love to have these items in my closet... haha!

beautiful in my eyes *wink*

The following are the things that I heart right now but costs a lot of moooolah for me to be able to have them in my  arms haha!  They can be classified to be in my wish list category for now since Christmas is already around the corner.  As if!!! lolz! However, I do own # 4 and 6 already so yey! 

1. Longchamp brown tote bag -  Need I say more? I'm just speechless with this bag, isn't she a beauty?  2. Ted Baker brown purse - I'm loving this classic look of a fine leather wallet/purse.  It doesn't have a lot of "kaartehan" in it's design.  Simple, clean lines but looks very sophisticated 3. iPhone 4 - For the longest time I'm making my way into meeting this fella'... but it isn't just happening *sigh*  Mapapasakin ka din mwahaha!  4. Fitflops walkstar - the comfort my feet are getting with this sandals is 100% and they look good on my feet too, totally a good buy 5. Gas oven - I love watching cooking shows on TV but the irony is I don't know how to cook.  Duh! but hey, it's not yet too late.  I can still learn it and whip up some gastronomic food with this baby in the kitchen.  Crossing my fingers! 6. 100 ml Lancome Miracle - although I already own this one, the liquid in the bottle is fast becoming empty haha!  Blame it on the rain 7. 13" Macbook Pro - who doesn't want to have this baby?  Everytime I'm in the mall or any electronic gadget outlet, I always always stop by to check on the price of this thing.  And it never fails to make me cringe upon seeing that hefty price tag.  Dang!  8 . Sundress - I love sundresses.  But they don't love me back because it don't look good on me when I'm on it pppffftttt!!!

                                                                                                                                                      

realization...

It dawned on me while having a chat conversation with Dude and we're talking about business, he said something negative about me. And instead of denying what he said, I totally agree with him. Interesting!  Thanks dude for your constructive criticism, it made me think and take a little step backwards on my decision making.

a trip of a lifetime

3 beautiful and compelling short films = a trip of a lifetime.

EAT from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.


LEARN from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.


MOVE from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

are you ready for the next adventure?

 

 

  
Yes, they are the towers of the place I'll be visiting next.... Can't wait!!!

for the love of knitting

Ok, I know that doing this is like soooo granny-ish ... but hey! I'm enjoying it :)  I was introduced in this knitting thing when I stumbled upon a blog that features about knitting and it kinda stucked on me.  So I thought of why not try it and learn the craft.  It can be beneficial to me since the Christmas season is not that far away.  You know what I mean haha!  So to all my friends and officemates, for Christmas give aways, expect to receive a gift from me that is something knitted lol!  Anyways, I've bought my materials at Dreams Yarnshoppe located at the 3rd level of Glorietta 5.  I've bought just the starter kit that includes pair of wooden needles, hook, 3 pcs. of yarn and a repair kit (the scissor is mine).

my starter kit

So here it goes, I was youtubing the "how to knit stitch" and I'm following each step in the video.  But as silly as I am, I got to make my first stitch after 15 mins. LOL!  boy that was hard haha!  But after you've mustered the technique it was an easy breeze doing the rest.  So here is my on going knitting :)

not bad eh?!?

It took me around 2 hrs just to accomplish this thing... so lame! haha!  Anyways, I still got a lot to learn on knitting.  And I got to practice more and more to familiarize myself with the different stitches there is.  I'll update you on my progress.  Happy knitting! :)

new sheets and lamp

Because of the non-stop rain we are experiencing right now in the Metro, I thought of buying my bed new sheets to go with this bed weather.  So last Sunday, I headed to the SM  Department Store to scour for a full fitted 100% combed cotton sateen sheet with two standard pillowcases to go with it.  This is what I've found and looks like in my bed now.  I love it!!! It makes my dreamland a destination to look forward to every night haha! 

And now for the lamp, I plan to buy a new lamp to put beside my bed.  Because sharing a room with your sister can sometimes cause a friction between us two if ever the light is still turned on while the other one is on sleeping mode.  So the solution is to buy a new lamp.  I am still in the process of hunting this baby but I already have something in mind, I want a floor lamp that look something like this :)  

or this...

Aren't they lovely?  But the question is, are they affordable??? Haha! So, whichever is cheaper will be the winner lolz!

blogs that I follow

I love reading blogs... from the time being that I am a bench employee (no project), it is taking most of my time in the office.  Gaaah! I knooow! I should've spend my precious time productively while in the office haha... but I can't help it!  Well, reading these blogs taught me to enhance my creativity, giving me tips on how to do what I think is complicated but eventually is just a simple project to make with a little hint of imagination, or getting my dose of inspiration whenever I'm in a bad mood.  Every week, I spent almost 2-3 hrs of my time reading all these blogs.  I've learned a lot from them may it be on topics about life, family, in the workplace, organizing things, travels, etc.  I love everything that is pretty and beautiful so I'm trying to incorporate them into my life.  These blogs are just right up into my ally, they are everything that interests me and they are bookmarked in my browser.  So here it goes... the blogs that I follow. 

Daphne

I am the host and producer of a home design TV show, Urban Zone. I am a mother to three young daughters. My husband, children and I live in a 60-year old home in traditional Philippine architecture. In my previous life, a.k.a. pre-marriage and pre-TV, I lived and studied in Toronto, Canada. Years of work on TV have given my name and reputation a bit of trust and influence that I now have home products under my brand Daphne® – luxury bed linens, handcrafted fine furniture and fine jewellery.
I started this blog in 2007 as an extension of the work I do on TV. Every second and every word costs money in TV production; but in blogs, “airtime is free.” That was the subheading of my original blog titled “Daphne’s Diary.”
I tell a lot of stories here. I also shoot a lot of photos. This blog has evolved to include my inspirations, thoughts, activities and advocacies. But it is mainly a design blog focusing on homes and how people live. I also share my personal style diary and snippets of my family life.

pattylaurel

A graduate of the Ateneo de Manila University, Patty has developed a young following since she is remembered as the popular UAAP Basketball sportscaster and MTV VJ Patty for MTV Philippines.  She was also the main host for a daily morning show, Breakfast, on Studio 23 under ABS-CBN.  Aside from hosting for television and live corporate events, Patty models regularly for Manila's top fashion magazines.  A well experience travel writer, she has visited over 27 countries and has shared her adventures with readers or various magazines, websites and newspapers.  On a regular day, she's known as Teacher Patty, chasing around 5 year olds in Kinder Care Magallanes where she has been a preschool teacher for the past 3 years.

iamsuperbianca

 

strange fruit 

I am Chico Garcia. I was born June 17, 19** (clue: it was pre-Martial Law). I studied Grade School and High School in La Salle Greenhills, then College at the University of the Philippines, Diliman. I took up English as my course, shifted to Journalism, then finally settled down in Broadcasting. I’ve been a radio broadcaster for more than 18 years, since January 1990. I’ve been through 3 radio stations (almost 5, but that’s a long story, maybe I’ll post about it someday), but I found my home in Monster Radio RX 93.1. I’ve worked there December 1990-February 1999, then June 2002-present. Our morning show is called The Morning Rush with Chico and Delamar, and it airs Mondays to Saturdays, 6-9 am. The show is accessible via live streaming at www.rx931.com. We also have a weekly column with the Manila Bulletin called, “He Says, She Says”, which comes out every Thursday, Youth & Campus Section. We’re currently also teaching radio broadcasting in St. Paul College of Pasig, as part of their GIFT classes.  We have a class every Monday for Grade School, and another every Thursday for High School.  I have a book about Asian myths published in New York. I love animals, that’s why I have 3 cats, 4 dogs, and 9 Kois. Because of this, I was a vegetarian for 10 years, but I started eating meat when I fell in love (Again, long story. Trust me, it’s nothing sleazy). I love nature. I love going to the beach. I love diving. I love photography, especially underwater. I’ve been in a relationship for 5 years and counting.

thebaghag 

 

 sinfullysabrina

Sinfully Sabrina is an escape from my average-ish life wherein i can allow my creative juices to flow and let my food thoughts pour. Watch out for enticing recipes, fabulous food stories and scintillating articles about anything and everything food!

iheartorganizing

My name is Jen and I am SO grateful that you have taken a moment from your day, to stop by! To say that IHeart Organizing is quite the understatement, which is why I can't get enough and have a blast blogging about it at the same time! To read more about me, click here, and for even more info on my beautiful family, click here.

jennasuedesign

A 20-something year old with a love for design, decor, art and home improvement. This blog is the product of my profession, my passions, and life experiences in photos. Come along for the ride and I hope you'll find something of inspiration along the way! :)

 isabelgatuslao

A graphic designer whose focus is bespoke identity and its application to the full spectrum of visual communication. She works with ambitious corporate and boutique clients  who want to strengthen their brands with elegant and clever design solutions.

And there you go... they're just such a joy to read!  NOTE: Captions are taken from their respective blogs.

my family

I love my family, especially my Pops!  Since I've started blogging, I never had an entry that talks about my family as a whole.  And since I've also discovered a new software in presenting my photos, I thought of having my family featured here hehe!

Pictures taken mostly on my niece's 3rd bday party



From L to R: me and sis; with cousins at a party; Pop's girls; now a one big family during Christmas 2010; Pops and tita -  Christmas 2010; the whole gang during New Year 2011; with bro's family at Max's resto; during Pop's wedding with cousins and sis-in-law; Christmas 2010 opening of gifts; Pop's and tita's wedding; the original family



mighty to save

This is my anthem for the day.   Happy Sunday everyone!!!

The Parable Of The Pipeline

I would like to share this story I've read same title as with the book.  This is an eye-opener for a "bucket-carrier" type like me and who would like to transform into a "pipeline builder".  I'm working on it now and by God’s grace I will be a pipeline builder in His time.  This is a long read so please bare with me :)

The Parable Of The Pipeline
by Burke Hedges

Once upon a time long, long ago, two ambitious young cousins named Pablo and Bruno lived side by side in a small Italian village.

The young men were best buddies, and big dreamers.

They would talk endlessly about how someday, someway, they would become
the richest men in the village. They were both bright and hard working. All they
needed was an opportunity.

One day that opportunity arrived. The village decided to hire two men to carry
water from a nearby river to a cistern in the town square. The job went to Pablo

and Bruno.

Each man grabbed two buckets and headed to the river. By the end of the day,
they had filled the town cistern to the brim. The village elder paid them one
penny for each bucket of water.

"This is our dream come true! "shouted Bruno. "I can't believe our good fortune."

But Pablo wasn't so sure.

His back ached and his hands were blistered from carrying the heavy buckets.

He dreaded getting up and going to work the next morning. He vowed to think of a

better way to get the water from the river to the village.
 

Pablo The Pipeline Man:

"Bruno, I have a plan," Pablo said the next morning as they grabbed their
buckets and headed for the river. "Instead of lugging buckets back and forth for
pennies a day, let's build a pipeline from the village to the river."

Bruno stopped dead in his tracks.

"A pipeline! Whoever heard of such a thing?" Bruno shouted. "We've got a great

job, Pablo. I can carry 100 buckets a day. At a penny a bucket that's a dollar a

day! I'm rich!. By the end of the week, I can buy a new pair of shoes. By the end

of the month a cow. By the end of six months I can buy a new hut. We have the

best job in town. We have weekends off and two weeks paid vacation every year.

We're set for life! Get out of here with your pipeline."

But Pablo was not easily discouraged. He patiently explained the pipeline plan to

his best friend. Pablo would work part of the day carrying buckets, and part of

the day and weekends building his pipeline.

He knew it would be hard work digging a ditch in the rocky soil. Because he was

paid by the bucket he knew his income would drop. He also knew it might take a

year or two before his pipeline would pay off. But Pablo believed in his dream and

he went to work.

Bruno and the rest of the villagers began mocking Pablo, calling him "Pablo The

Pipeline Man." Bruno, who was earning almost twice the money as Pablo,

flaunted his new purchases. He bought a donkey outfitted with a new leather

saddle, which he kept parked outside his new two-story hut. He bought flashy

clothes and fancy meals at the inn. The villagers called him Mr. Bruno, and they

cheered when he bought rounds at the tavern and laughed loudly at his jokes.
 

Small Actions Equal Big Results:

While Bruno lay in his hammock on evenings and weekends, Pablo kept digging
his pipeline. The first few months Pablo didn't have much to show for his efforts.
The work was hard, even harder than Bruno's because Pablo was working
evenings and weekends too.

But Pablo kept reminding himself that tommorrow's dreams are built on today’s
sacrifices. Day by day he dug, inch by inch.

Inches turned into one foot........... then ten feet............ then 20............. then

100.

"Short-term pain equals long-term gain," he reminded himself as he stumbled
into his hut after another exuasting day's work. "In time my reward will exceed
my efforts," he thought.

"Keep your eyes on the prize," he kept thinking as he drifted off to sleep with the

sounds of laughter from the village tavern in the background.
 

The Tables Are Turned:

Days turned into months.One day Pablo realized his pipeline was half-way
finished, which meant he only had to walk half as far to fill his buckets! Pablo
used the extra time to work on his pipeline.

During his rest breaks, Pablo watched his old friend Bruno lug buckets. Bruno's
shoulders were more stooped than ever. He was hunched in pain, his steps
slowed by the daily grind. Bruno was angry and sullen, resenting the fact that he

was doomed to carry buckets, day in, day out, for the rest of his life.

He began to spend less time in his hammock and more time in the tavern. When

the tavern's patrons saw Bruno coming they'd whisper, "Here comes Bruno the

Bucket Man, " and they giggle when the town drunk mimicked Bruno's stooped

posture and shuffling gait. Bruno didn't buy rounds or tell jokes anymore,

preferring to sit alone in a dark corner surrounded by empty bottles.

Finally Pablo's big day arrived, his pipeline was complete! The villagers crowded

around as the water gushed from the pipeline into the village cistern! Now that

the village had a steady supply of fresh water, people from around the

countryside moved into the village and the village prospered.

Once the pipeline was complete, Pablo didn't have to carry buckets anymore. The

water flowed whether he worked or not. It flowed while he ate. It flowed while he

slept. It flowed on weekends while he played. The more the water flowed into the

village, the more money flowed into Pablo's pockets!
Pablo the Pipeline Man became known as Pablo the Miracle Maker. But Pablo
understood what he did wasn't a miracle. It was merely the first stage of a big,
big dream. You see, Pablo had bigger plans. Pablo planned on building pipelines

all over the world!
 

Recruiting His Friend To Help:

The pipeline drove "Bruno The Bucket Man" out of business, and it pained Pablo

to see his old friend begging for drinks at the tavern. So, Pablo arranged a

meeting with his old friend.

"Bruno, I've come here to ask you for your help." Bruno straightened his stooped

shoulders, and his dark eyes narrowed to a squint. "Don't mock me," Bruno

hissed.

"I haven't come here to gloat," said Pablo. "I've come here to offer you a great
business opportunity. It took me more than two years before my first pipeline
was complete. But I've learned a lot during those two years. I know what tools to

use now, and where to dig. I know where to lay the pipe. I kept notes as I went

along so now I have a system that will allow me to build another pipeline in less

time........... then another........... then another.

I could build a pipeline a year by myself, but what I plan on doing is teach you
how to build a pipeline, then have you teach others and have them teach others.

"Just think, we could make a small percentage of every gallon of water that goes

through those pipelines."

Bruno finally saw the big picture. They shook hands and hugged like old friends.
 

Pipeline Dreams In A Bucket-Carrying World:

Years passed. Pablo and Bruno had long since retired. Their world pipelines were

pumping millions of dollars into their bank accounts. Sometimes on their trips through

the countryside, Pablo and Bruno would pass villagers from other villages carrying buckets.

The friends would pull over and tell them their story and offer to help them build

a pipeline. But sadly, most bucket carriers would hastily dismiss the notion.

"I don't have the time."

"My friend told me he knew a friend who's uncle's best friend tried to build a
pipeline and failed."

"Only the ones who get in early make money on a pipeline."

"I've carried buckets my whole life, I'll stick to what I know."

"I know people who lost money in a pipeline scam."

Both men resigned themselves to the fact they lived in a world with a bucket-

carrying mentality............. and only a very small percentage of people would
ever see the vision.

This is just a teaser from what is in the book itself.  The author explains more about how can be our pipelines be our lifelines, leveraging using money and time, etc.  So this is a must read book for those who are into financial stuffs and business-minded people.   

harry potter 7

The long wait is over, after 10 years of this movie franchise... It all ends tonight 7.15.2011  for the last installment of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows. 

in pursuit of financial freedom

Having problems with your finances?  Are bills statement piling up in your desk?  After reading the best selling books "Rich Dad, Poor Dad"  and now I'm into the "Parable of the Pipeline"  I was struck by the idea of why not having invested my time and money on a business that I believe in and will be profitable for me in the long run?  

So I searched for a possible business venture in the internet, asked opinions to my friends and colleagues.  Until a friend tagged me along in an orientation for a possible business deal.  Well, it's a networking business.  Oooppsss!  I know right?  *Eyebrows raised* me too, whenever I hear of a networking business I usually ignores it and Pass on the opportunity.  But this one I think is different.  It's a food supplement that helps prevent diseases like cancer.  And with a history of having cancers in our family, I was inclined to give it a shot and try this one.  The business is called c247 naturaceuticals.  The one time membership fee costs P7980 and you can have the following listed below on the picture. For more details on the business and it's marketing plan please visit their website.  I'm still new to this business and I haven't had my ROI yet but I'm very positive that with hardwork and perseverance, success will be inevitable and my pursuit to financial freedom will be in my reach.   

mercato centrale @ bgc

I've heard of Mercato already being mentioned in the tweets of those people I'm following so I was a bit curious what was the fuss all about.  When my office mate opened a topic about it who is a hassler when it comes to great food tasting discoveries, I quickly agree on visiting the place. We planned to visit the place sometime last month and it was only yesterday morning that our plan was push through since it coincided with our Production deployment, meaning we're on night shift.  So we decided to proceed to the Fort after office hours.  There were 5 of us who went and see what Mercato has to offer and we were not disappointed.
 

Mercato Centrale is open Saturdays and Sundays from 6 am to 12 noon at the corner of 9th Avenue and 30th St., BGC (look for the covered tent near the Spa of Bonifacio High Street).  It has a wide range of foods to offer.  From barbecues, steaks, lechon, appetizers, desserts, organic food products, vegan fare. Name it, they’ve got it!  But we're there for breakfast, so we have to find a decent meal to full our growling stomache :)  Since we were there early, around 6:30AM, stall owners are still preparing their food.  I've ordered the bbq with java rice that is worth P65.  Not bad after all since one stick is very compact and very juicy.  

But what I'm really after was the Pan de bagnet at Bale Dutung.  It's an oven roasted pork belly enclosed in a ciabatta bun with some vegetable salsa. 

Since I'm full already, I opted to order it for Take out.  I also bought Mochiko, it is a Japanese confection that is made out of glutinous rice flour. Mochiko is filled with ice cream and is eaten as a snack.  I've ordered the vanilla mochiko which is filled with vanilla ice cream.  Once they serve it, let it stay for at least three minutes (to soften it) then bite on it.  There are different kinds of flavors to choose from: vanilla, azuki (red bean paste), green tea, strawberry, caramel, chocolate, avocado, coffee, mango, and black sesame each with a price of P70.  For my next visit, I'd like to try the azuki or the red bean paste and the green tea flavor. 

My officemates tried the quiche, spinach and feta pies, the hungarian sausage, and the paella negra. 

We were all full after that.  It was a great way to end our work week after all. Looking forward for my next visit :)

davao experience part 2

We're now off to Pearl Farm this time, we opted for the 4PM schedule of the boat.  From Marina Wharf, it's a good 45-mins travel time by boat.  

Upon reaching the resort at around 5PM, we were welcomed with these breathtaking views...

Then, we went to the reception area to get our keys.  Since our room is on a hilltop, meaning guests need to climb the stairs to get there huwat?!?  Good thing they have those golf cart services for their guests.  So I hop on it :)

We settled in our room for a while, and then we explore the place a bit more.  We swim for about an hour and then dinner came, we had it at the Maranao Restaurant.  Since our package only comes for the breakfast buffet, we ordered ala carte for our dinner.  Then lights off.

davao experience part 1

A pahabol summer escapades this year.  Managed to squeeze in a 3D2N vacation at the beautiful Pearl Farm Resort in Samal Island, Davao City last June 24-26.  This was at the height of storm Falcon hitting the metro.  I was kinda worried if our flight would be canceled or not.  Our flight was scheduled to depart early morning at around 4AM so I had no sleep at all. But thank God that during our vacation, the weather cooperated and not a slight of rain drops we've experienced in Davao :)

early morning flight at the height of storm Falcon

@ Davao International Airport

my travel buddy: Dude and Me on our way to Marina Wharf

@ the Marina Wharf, Pearl Farm

Because our schedule was an early morning flight, we didn't had the chance to have breakfast in Manila.  So we had our breakfast at the Captain's Bar which is very cozy and inviting. 

a baby shower and dude's birthday!

Ok, this is a late post already.  Last June 17, we were invited for a baby shower that happened a day before Dude's birthday.  

The party was held in Mc Donald's Greenbelt 1.  It was a Friday night, so almost everyone who were invited were available for the party.  

After eating, the program started.  We had a great time enjoying the games that the soon-to-be parents had prepared.  And of course, our gift for the baby is a baby car seat/basket.  

And after the baby shower party, we had an after-party for Dude's birthday!  We trooped to Centerstage, Makati for a videoke night out.  And take note, the only guy in the group was the birthday boy himself haha!  Here were some of our pix.  Grabbed this on Dude's blog