The Power of Two

Friday, December 30, 2011


2011 was tough but we are tougher. Somehow we made it through the worst blows that life delivered and the bitter trials that we have to swallow. 

One day it will all finally come together. We will look back and smile because we got through all of that together.

And then we will dream some more.


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Beef and Eggs

Wednesday, December 28, 2011


A visit to St Luke's Quezon City means having breakfast at Cafe France.  I want to take a break from my usual deluxe tray and try something Filipino. I ordered Beef and Eggs (read:Tapsilog) I love that the beef is so tender but I was disappointed because it was kinda bland. They also do not have vinegar for the tapa. I also prefer atchara for the side instead of macaroni salad.

The next time I need to eat breakfast, I'll go for the deluxe tray again. :D
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Happiness is..

Tuesday, December 27, 2011


receiving a pair of Hello Kitty earrings


and looking great wearing them!

Lots of thanks, Steph! :D
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What Do You Say To Taking Chances?

Monday, December 26, 2011

the patience to wait
     for the right moment..

and

the courage to accept
     the fact that you have waited
         for

nothing.
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My Pain Is Beyond Physical

Monday, December 12, 2011

12.08.11

A reminder to myself: What does not kill me makes me stronger.


12.12.11


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Stickers... I Need Stickers!

Wednesday, December 07, 2011



I feel like I'm running out of time to complete the required number of stickers in exchange for the 2012 Starbucks Planner. I need to drag my sister Olive almost every day :D
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Leap and the Net will Appear

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

Risk more than others think is safe.
Care more than others think is wise.
Dream more than others think is practical.
Expect more than others think is possible.
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Tapa King

Saturday, December 03, 2011

Another blood extraction day today at Makati Medical means another famished day for me. I was not allowed any food and drink intake by midnight last night. The earlier I get my blood extracted, the better. Traffic is not bad because it's a Saturday. I arrived a little past eight and after 10 minutes, I'm already allowed to indulge!!

I have nothing particular in mind for breakfast. While driving along Pioneer, my husband spotted a Tapa King restaurant. Jackpot. Suddenly, I want a Tapa Queen! I can't remember when was the last time I had this mouthwatering tapa.


I was really surprised with the wide variety of food choices from the menu. For the longest time, all I know from their menu are the Tapa King, Tapa Queen and Tapa Prince. I discovered they also have champorado and danggit, Red Egg Salad, Spicy Tuyo, Pork Chop, Crispy Liempo and even Sinigang. I wanna try everything but I really miss Tapa Queen - my favorite!


After waiting for 10 minutes, here's my delish Tapa Queen breakfast. Happy!!!
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Love Ko 'To

Friday, December 02, 2011


Thank God for McDonald's! :D
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Etude House

Thursday, December 01, 2011

I thought the lady endorser of Etude House is Sandara Park. I thought right. This Korean cosmetic brand has invaded the Philippines. I'm a loyal user of The Face Shop, another Korean cosmetic brand, and I have been ignoring Etude House.And then one day...

I'm on a hunt for a Blemish Balm Cream (BB Cream) and I've been reading very good reviews about Etude House's BB Cream. Luckily, there is a branch in SM Masinag. I stepped in the store and they greeted me, "Welcome, Princess" hahaha I like that!

Etude House

I bought their bestseller Precious Mineral All Day Strong BB Cream #2.  I must admit, I fell in love with this the first time I used it. Feels great on my skin. I just don't like the dispenser. I'd rather have this in a squeeze tube.  I also got a freebie (yes, I'm a sucker for freebies) -- Pomegranate Face Mask.

Etude House

I also got myself a Pink Membership. This is free for a minimum purchase of P500. The perks of having a Pink Membership Card are 2% rebate for every P100 purchase and exclusive invites to promos and events.

I will definitely keep shopping at Etude House. I've actually checked out their website and listed all I want to buy for myself and give as gift to friends.
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O'Pollo Grilled Chicken and Burgers

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

I've been seeing O'Pollo whenever I go to St Luke's Medical Center in Quezon City.  We need to get some ice for my injectables and there is no available parking in front of 711. We decided to park at O'Pollo. It's lunch time and lots of parking slots! I think it's inappropriate if I do not buy anything.



I checked out what O'Pollo has to offer. We just had our very late breakfast at Cafe France I don't think there is enough space in my stomach for lunch. I ordered half chicken, smashed potatoes and gourmet coleslaw to go.



The aroma of the grilled chicken filled the car as we drove home. The chicken does not come with the regular gravy sauce. The dip choices are Peri O' (spicy), Preg O' (sweet), Garlic O' (garlic), Tangy O' (sweet and spicy) and the Lemon and Herb sauce. I chose Peri O'.

Verdict:

The chicken is somewhat dry. Smells good but tasted different. Not your usual grilled chicken. The Peri O' dip I chose is very spicy but I liked it. 

The smashed potatoes come with mushroom gravy.  Not velvety, somewhat chunky. Got a funny sweet taste. Ate a quarter of the cup.

The gourmet coleslaw tasted weird though I was able to finish this one.

Over all, we did not like what we ordered. I guess I was expecting the food to taste like Kenny Rogers or Pollo Loco.

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When Words Leave Off, Music Begins.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011



 There is nothing in the world so much like prayer as music is.





I have my own particular sorrows, loves, delights; 
and you have yours.  
But sorrow, gladness, yearning, hope, love, belong to all of us, 
in all times and in all places.  
Music is the only means 
whereby we feel these emotions 
in their universality.

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Lemongrass Asian Bistro

Sunday, November 27, 2011

There used to be a Lemongrass in Megamall near Mexicali that serves the same menu as Pho Hoa. When Megamall underwent renovations, Lemongrass and Soup Kitchen were replaced by other establishments. 

I now prefer Shangri-la over Megamall because it is not as crowded as the latter and it is easier to find a parking slot. I've been noticing Lemongrass near Mrs Fields and Mercury Drug. All the while I thought they have the same menu as Pho Hoa which is located on the cinema level.


I was surprised Lemongrass Asian Bistro does not have the same menu as the Lemongrass of Megamall I used to frequent. I've read that Lemongrass Asian Bistro opened only last February 2011 and is managed by the same group managing Pho Hoa.


I ordered the LEMONGRASS Baby Back Ribs BBQ. I enjoyed the fall off the bone goodness. And when I say I enjoyed it means only the bones where left on my plate!


Homestyle Korean Beef Ribs for my husband. I love this dish. The beef is so tender. It actually tastes like Bistek Tagalog. The only difference is the sesame seeds and the chili. I think I can cook this in my kitchen.


Really had a satisfying early dinner. And I want to try the other food on their menu. I will definitely come back for more!!!


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Cafe France: Coffee, Food and Everything French

Saturday, November 26, 2011

I was at St Luke's Medical Center in Quezon City yesterday. Whenever I have an early doctor's appointment, I look forward to having a sumptuous breakfast at Cafe France.


 My Deluxe Tray

Wheat bread, scrambled eggs, ham, country sausage, bacon, butter and strawberry jam, orange juice, brewed coffee and fruits.


Hubby's Deluxe Tray

Same as mine except for the croissant. :D

==

Christmas Menu is now available at Cafe France, visit their website for a list of their delicious treats.
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God Listens

Friday, November 25, 2011



Be an angel to someone else whenever you can, 
as a way of thanking God for the help your angel has given you. 


I prayed to God last Thursday not to let my blood extraction appointment fall on a Friday. It did.  Big problem. My car's plate number ends in "0". So I have to commute from Antipolo to Makati Med then to St Luke's Quezon City.

Friday morning. I prayed to God to at least help me reach my destination on time.

I had to take a shuttle to Makati then  wherever the shuttle will drop me off, I need to hail a cab that will bring me to Makati Med.

I arrived at the shuttle terminal 645am. The queue was sooooo long! No way for me to reach Makati before 9am.

In my mind, I was singing my favorite song "God will make a way, when there seems to be no way, He works on ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me" over and over.

710am. A white Honda car arrived. He was offering a carpool for 4 ladies going to Ayala. Lucky to be one of the four.

The three ladies alighted before we reached Ayala. I asked the driver if he could drop me anywhere near Makati Medical Center or anywhere I could hail a cab. He said, "I work near Makati Med. I'll drop you right there." Before getting off his car, I told him " You are such a big blessing for me today. Thank you so much and God bless you." He said, "Welcome. I'm glad I was able to help someone today. Pay it forward." 

I made it on time. 

After the blood extraction, I need to meet with my doctor at St Luke's Quezon City. While on the elevator, I prayed that I'll find a cab that is not difficult to convince to travel from Makati to QC. 

Voila, there waiting outside the building is an empty Basic Taxi. Another answered prayer. When we reached New Manila, there was a pick up request on his radio. Somewhere near WalterMart E. Rodriguez. I told the driver, "That's near St Luke's. You can pick up that passenger." He said, "Really ma'am? Thank you." I told him, "Just drop me off Cafe France. You need not enter the St Luke's premises. You'll be delayed by traffic inside."

He was so thankful for me being considerate. I said, "Welcome. And thank you too."

Thank you because I was able to pay it forward right away.

God is good.

All the time.


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Beauty Captured Lying Down

Thursday, November 24, 2011

A photographer that focuses on creative lying down photography, Jonerie Nerecina has a special talent of empowering women through photographs.  With only beauty in his mind, even those who are not ready to get semi-naked feel relaxed and exude confidence. Artistically experimenting on a variety of outfits and moods, he can create something striking with every pose.


young and alluring

Nikka Edrinal


sexy and sultry

Aica Tizon


approachable and sweet

Angel Harina



sunshine on a gray day 

Lala Garrido


captivating charm  

Diane Castro


provocatively elegant

Aica Tizon


  fierce beauty

Marice Caparas


seductive sophistication


About Jonerie


Fondly called Jons by his friends, he bought his first dslr camera last April 2010. His fascination with photography started as a hobby and eventually developed into a love affair. He wanted something extraordinary and came up with the idea of doing photo shoots of women lying down. He named his collection Take Down. Derived from the sport Wrestling, it's a powerful move of putting down your opponent. In the women's case, the opponent is the fear of showcasing her beauty in a sexy lying down position.

Jons is an officer of the Laguna Photography Club.  The LPC is an association of photography enthusiasts, hobbyists, amateur and professional photographers from Laguna. The LPC promotes the arts and science of photography through education, training and exhibition in an atmosphere of friendship and camaraderie.

Links:
Twitter
Facebook
Take Down
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Starbucks VIA Ready Brew

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

We can now enjoy Starbucks coffee everyday minus the annoying, loud-mouthed  coffee drinkers with their bare feet  up on the chair. I do not have a coffeemaker and I'm not eager in owning one because I'm not actually a coffee drinker. My decaf coffee stays in the shelf for I don't know how long. My husband is the coffee drinker. He got excited when he found out about the Starbucks VIA Ready Brew.


written on the box:

The flavour of Colombia -- anytime, anywhere.

Grown in Colombia's rich volcanic soil, this coffee is as distinctive as the countryside. Starbucks VIA Ready Brew Colombia delivers round body, juicy mouthfeel and signature nutty flavour. We use 100% arabica beans to create a blend of instant and microground coffee. The result is a smooth and balanced, yet crisp, cup of Starbucks Columbia coffee.

And because it's Christmas Season, A Christmas Blend is also available.


Let's be merry, wherever we are.

Starbucks VIA Ready Brew Christmas Blend begins when our signature blend of spicy and cedary aged Sumatran  coffee  meets mellow Asia/Pacific beans and lively coffees from Latin America. Much like good friends, they've been coming together in celebration every holiday for more than 25 years. We use these 100% arabica beans to create an instant and microground coffee that lets you enjoy a sweet, spicy cup of Starbucks Christmas Blend wherever the holidays take you.

We'll be opening the Christmas Blend tomorrow. I hope the taste is as good as the beautiful packaging. 

The box contains 12 single serve sachets for P495 (around $12). I was told Starbucks VIA Ready Brew is sold cheaper in Malaysia. I should hoard when I visit Malaysia :D



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Bank and Breakfast

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Two consecutive days of waking up very early (6am!) for some bank transactions. Today though my trip to the bank is something I always look forward. I went to my beloved China Bank this morning. I love going to this branch because here is where I had my first job after college. I resigned five years later but maintained my account to at least have a good reason to always come back.


This photo was taken a decade ago. The office has been renovated twice already. I did not notice if those ancient looking typewriters (at least they are electric) still exist. All of us in this picture no longer work at China Bank. Hazel is now residing in Singapore, Jeff in Houston, Tom in Australia and I think Benjie is in Canada. And me -- yeah, still in the Philippines.


No more old faces at my former branch. I'm just glad that somehow I'm friends with the new employees. I miss working in the bank BUT I don't want to work again in the bank ;p Anyways, my transactions went smoothly. I stayed there for only 20 minutes with lots of chatting on the side.Unlike my oh so boring, time wasting experience with BPI.

Then we headed to Robinson's Metroeast for breakfast. We were too early the parking is almost empty. I was craving for Pancake House's Tapsilog. Too bad, the restaurant is undergoing renovation. Ended up eating at Red Ribbon.


Pancake House's All Beef Salisbury Steak is way better in terms of taste and presentation compared to CBD's.  And it's cheaper and comes with a slice of cake and a regular size drink.


My husband enjoying the Tocilog. The tocino tasted really good. I don't know though if I'll order it because I can cook that at home.



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BPI Express Assist

Monday, November 21, 2011

I'm not fond of going to the bank to do my transactions. I hate the waiting and the filling out of slips. I do everything online. It's the most convenient way of banking for me. My sister was able to make me go to the bank to deposit money for her by bribing me with a sumptuous meal at Gerry's Grill. I agreed because I was so craving for tahong ala pobre.

Note to self: Never talk to Kate whenever I am craving.

Wrong day to transact in a bank. It's a Monday. I should know! I worked in a bank before.

I woke up early this morning (this is very unusual for me!) and then went to BPI. I has been years since I last had a branch transaction. The branch was so full of people. Bad. It means I have to wait for hours. I noticed there are no transaction slips available. I asked the guard for deposit slips and he told me they don't have deposit slips anymore. I have to enter my transactions in the BPI Express Assist machine.

I was horrified. It's my first time to see the machine. I do not know how to use it. The branch is full of people. I might look stupid! I convinced myself that I'll figure out how it works. Most probably it's just like the ATM.

Luckily, the touch screen machine is user friendly. You enter your account number, the transaction you wish to perform (cash and check deposit, withdrawal, bills payments), the transaction amount and then you'll be given a queue number. There's also an option for multiple transactions. When your number is called (I'm N95 and they are serving N53), the teller will simply confirm the transaction. 

I like it. But I  wasted 2 hours waiting for my turn.

Online banking still works  best for me.
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It's the Possibility. Not the Guarantee.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

I'm not much of a risk taker. And if ever I take a risk, it's always a calculated risk. I am now about to engage into something very big. Very costly. Mentally draining. Physically taxing. Emotionally exhausting. I'm counting on the fact that everything is possible. I know very much that should I triumph, the reward is priceless.

I'm nervous. 
Nervous in an excited kind of way.

And always hoping for the best.
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Patrimonio for Philippine Tennis

Friday, November 18, 2011

Not Alvin Patrimonio, of course. But very much related to him. I'm talking about Anna Clarice Patrimonio who  moves on to the semi-finals in women's tennis at the 26th SEA Games. I do not know anything about Anna Clarice except that she is the daughter of basketball superstar Alvin Patrimonio and haven't seen her play tennis before. I saw a retweet from Mico Halili that there is a live coverage of an ongoing match in tennis. Got curious. Haven't really seen a Filipina compete in tennis.

Anna Clarice Patrimonio, born November 25, 1993 won against Lavinia Tananta, born November 3, 1987 from the host country Indonesia with an impressive 6-4, 6-1. I do not know who will be her opponent in the Semis but I do wish she'll go all the way to the Finals.

I googled about Anna Clarice and found some information from the ITF Tennis website. She doesn't have a wikipedia entry yet compared to Tananta. Anyways, Anna Clarice started tennis at age 8. She plays right handed and a double handed backhand. Her favorite surface is hard and is coached by Karl Santamaria.  She's got an interesting career record. Current year Singles win-loss 18-6 and her career Singles record is 56-34.

I hope she improves her tennis dramatically so that soon our beloved Philippines will have our own version of Li Na, Azarenka, Kvitova, Wozniacki, Sharapova and Williams.
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My Nuffnang Story

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

My interest in blogging started way back 2004. It was a private blog back then and most of my entries are either about my musings or my rantings.
You can probably relate to what I'm talking about. My blog is like any other girl's blog. Full of stories, poems and quotes and stuff that I like.

Nothing really extraordinary that would make it standout from other bloggers.
Until one day, I decided to share my entries to whoever will accidentally bump into my site. I did not even put a counter because I'm afraid no one will notice.
Fortunately, some people find my blog interesting. Other girls could relate to my poems. Some love the food that I love. And some would like to go where I have been.
Fantastic isn't it? Especially if you can connect to total strangers and eventually become friends with them.
Newbie no more, I tried to find ways to reach out to more people and at least earn something from blogging. And then I noticed most of the blogs I visit have a banner that says
Ads by Nuffnang
Nuffnang what??
Googled it, and the rest is history in the making.

Since I joined Nuffnang, blogging became more fun and exciting.
Trickles of visitors no more. My counter keeps updating. I've only been a member for a week but I can already feel that soon enough, Nuffnang will make my blogging experience a lot more than just blogging.
Out there, I know a lot of bloggers like me would want to get more out of blogging.
Register to Nuffnang and before you know it,
You are one happy blogger like me.

And by the way, how does blog awards appeal to you?

Come 16 December 2011, 500 bloggers from around the Asia-Pacific region will flock to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the Nuffnang Asia-Pacific Blog Awards 2011 in Putrajaya Marriott. The Awards aims to not only honour the region's best bloggers, but also to bring together blogger communities from across Asia-Pacific. The Nuffnang Asia-Pacific Blog Awards is brought to you by Volkswagen Malaysia and Putrajaya Marriott.
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The Vince Lahorra Quartet

Monday, November 14, 2011


I was at SM Masinag last night with my husband. As we entered the mall, we heard beautiful jazz music played at the activity area. Had we known about the quartet show, we surely had arrived at an earlier time. 


I googled about the quartet upon arriving home and glad I found their site. The jazz ensemble is a young group. They will be celebrating their 3rd Anniversary next month. The ensemble members are Vince Lahorra on saxophone, Mel Santos on piano, Dave Harder on bass and Lawrence Nolan on drums.  

The gig last night was so great. Such talented performers. I just wished though SM provided chairs because the people had to endure two hours either standing or sitting on the floor. But even with such inconvenience, the wonderful musical treat was all worth it. I love all the songs they played. How I wish to hear them play my favorites -- Feels So Good by Chuck Mangione and Wave by Antonio Carlos Jobim.





I was able to record them playing Jose Mari Chan's Christmas In Our Hearts. I have piano sheets of most of the songs they played and I can't wait last night to go home and "jazz" them up.

You can hear them play at Rockwell Power Plant on November 18 and 25, 1130am to 230pm. Visit their website for updates on their gigs.

Contact Information:

Vince Lahorra
Mobile # 0915 641 2407
Email: vincelahorra@gmail.com
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Ayala Triangle Gardens

Sunday, November 13, 2011


Ayala Avenue + Makati Avenue + Paseo de Roxas = Ayala Triangle

The last time my shoes stepped on the grass of the Ayala Triangle was in 1997 while I was attending seminars at the head office of China Banking Corporation. Last night, my husband had a basketball match at the gym of Makati Stock Exchange. I have read about the developments made at the Triangle we decided to take a walk after the match. 


We couldn't help but marvel at the sight that greeted us. This used to be a boring lonely park. 


One of the attractions is the  strip of restaurants opened during the last quarter of 2010. I was surprised with the volume of people dining here last night. Restaurants at the strip are Amici, Cara Mia, Banapple, Bon Chon, CBD, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Golden Spoon, Kanin Club, MoMo Cafe, Omakase, Pho 24 and Wee Nam Kee. 


I really wanted a Tutta Carne from Amici but because it was dinner time, so many diners are already waiting in line outside.  C.B.D. is one of the few restaurants that has a lot of empty tables so we just went here for a quick meal. 


C.B.D. or Cheesesteaks, Burgers and Drinks by Tender Bob's has a relaxed atmosphere where you can simply enjoy your food. There are three LCD televisions on the wall and clocks with different time zones. I've read that the cheesesteaks are good.


I ordered  the Pure Beef Burger Steak. For the price of P175, I think there should be some sort of presentation. I can make this look better had I prepared this at home. I'm also disappointed with the burger steak. The texture is rubbery. Not the pure grilled beef patty I was expecting. Red Ribbon's Salisbury Steak is so much better! 


My husband's Teriyaki Burger looks better except that the tomato and the onions are mainly for presentation purposes. Also, it would have been better if they gave him an extra serving of teriyaki sauce instead of gravy.


The "Manila Special" is interesting. You can have rice instead of buns to go with your burger.


I really should have tried the burger or the cheesesteak. They look so yummy.  May be next time. If ever I'll convince myself to give C.B.D. a second chance. 


I had my picture taken with the giant tree for my background. I just think the tree will make me look thinner than I really am.


The streets of Makati Business District are festively adorned with lights. This is Makati Avenue at around 930pm. Traffic is not so bad.
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