Could It Be That I Am The Mockingjay?

Thursday, February 23, 2012



May the odds be ever in your favor.
Read More

Buy A Shirt. Save A Life.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012



Bien Louis is born with Biliary Atresia. It is a congenital disease of the liver wherein his bile duct between the liver and the small intestine is missing. A liver transplantation will save Bien's life. As part of the fundraising campaign, they are selling t-shirt for P350.




You can place your order by sending an email to: bienfermin@gmail.com or text Jobelle (mother) at 0918.334.1580

They are saving as much money as possible. Meet-ups can be arranged provided not much additional cost will be incurred. You can also opt to have the t-shirt shipped via courier. Shipping cost to be shouldered by the buyer.
Read More

Yummy Indulgence at Robinson's Metro East

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

We went to Robinson's Metro East to have my husband's tennis racquet restrung.  We need to wait for an hour before we can claim it. It's a work week so watching movie is not an option to pass the time. We decided we'll eat instead and just chat.




First stop, Fruitas. We used to buy Summer, Orange juice or Mango shake when Fruitas was just a small cart located on the 2nd floor. It transferred at the cinema level and now occupies a bigger kiosk. I'm glad Fruitas now sells Buko.




Buko shake!




Takoyaki. Spicy sauce. Shredded beef. No mayonnaise. That's how I like it. I was surprised it now costs P27. While my husband doesn't like Takoyaki, I can actually eat two servings of this.




We usually buy the Mega Fries but since we won't be sharing snacks, my husband only bought Potato Corner's Jumbo Fries. Favorite flavor: Sour Cream and Onion. It's been raining here in Antipolo. Thank God for Jeremy Lin, hubby's New York Knicks jacket  is so "in" again.




For dessert, yummy pastillas from Red Ribbon.


Read More

Celeteque Dermoscience +

Monday, February 20, 2012

I have been procrastinating my visit to my dermatologist because... well, I do not have any worrisome skin problem as of the moment. I'm supposed to have my monthly facial last January 27 but the traffic really makes me dread leaving the house. I live in Antipolo and I have to pass through Marcos Highway which has been undergoing road repair since June 2011 so the traffic is really bad. Another option is via Valley Golf & Country Club. Of course, no traffic inside Valley Golf but after the gate I'll be passing through Ortigas Extension which is always traffic. Add the fact that Manila Waters has been digging near Ever making the traffic worse than hmmm... ever! OK, I'm just too lazy to go to Cardinal Santos Medical Center.

I'm out of toner and moisturizer. The cold weather here in Antipolo this past two weeks is making my skin dry. I was with my sister last Saturday at Watsons and decided to give Celeteque a try. My sisters have been using this product and they've got good feedbacks.

Celeteque Dermoscience is a product of United Laboratories. The skincare lines include Acne Solution, Advanced Anti-Aging, Brightening, Hydration,  Sun Care and Restorative.




I bought the facial wash, alcohol free-toner and facial moisturizer from the Hydration line. According to the website, this is the skin solution for dry skin caused by frequent washing of the face, environmental conditions, sunburn, medication and other factors.

I purchased the facial moisturizer last Saturday and been using it for 3 days already. I like that it is fragrance free. It feels light on the skin, not greasy. It addressed my problem of having dry flaky skin after washing. No allergic reaction.

Then I purchased the facial wash and the toner this afternoon. The facial was is also fragrance free and non comedogenic. My face felt clean and soft after washing. The toner is alcohol free. It is said to contain Witch Hazel Extract that helps soothe the skin. 

It was the first time I used all the three products this night. Surprisingly, after an hour my skin feels hot. I looked at the mirror and noticed the reddening of my skin on the cheeks area. I sent an message to Celeteque via their website.




I now wonder what went wrong. :( I sense a visit to my dermatologist soon.



Read More

Leisurely Monday


The best cure for insomnia is a rainy Monday morning.
Read More

Sunday Dinner

Sunday, February 19, 2012


Sunday is grocery day. Grocery day means take out dinner. Tonight, we're having Tokyo Tokyo. I bought beef misono. I want to take a picture of what's inside but it doesn't look appealing at all. Yummy nevertheless.
Read More

Wish Upon A Hero

Friday, February 17, 2012



My dear friend Carla introduced me to this site almost a year ago. I checked it out but never thought that I'll be wishing upon a hero someday. This is a wonderful site. You can either make a wish or grant a wish. I joined to ask for help with the fundraising for the liver transplant of Baby Bien. It's just great that some wishes of other people are really simple that I can also make them come true.


Read More

The Untouchables

Thursday, February 16, 2012



 Woman must not accept; 

 

 she must challenge.


 She must not be awed by that which has been built up around her;


she must reverence that woman in her which struggles for expression.
                                
                                                                                    -Margaret Sanger

photos courtesy of
Read More

Rue's Lullaby

Wednesday, February 15, 2012


Deep in the meadow, under the willow
A bed of grass, a soft green pillow
Lay down your head, and close your eyes
And when they open, the sun will rise

Here it’s safe, and here it’s warm
Here the daisies guard you from every harm
Here your dreams are sweet–
–and tomorrow brings them true
Here is the place where I love you.

Deep in the meadow, hidden far away
A cloak of leaves, a moonbeam ray
Forget your woes and let your troubles lay
And when again it’s morning, they’ll wash away

Here it’s safe, and here it’s warm
Here the daisies guard you from every harm
Here your dreams are sweet–
– and tomorrow brings them true
Here is the place where I love you.

Katniss Everdeen. The Hunger Games.
Read More

Max's Restaurant

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

One of the setbacks of living outside Metro Manila is the limited available restaurants willing to deliver food.  Today is Valentine's Day and being a country with romantic people, I am very sure that if ever me and hubby attempt to dine elsewhere we'll be having problems -- traffic, parking and overcrowded restaurants.

I've been craving for chicken. Not just any chicken. I'm ALWAYS craving for Max's. We are actually a regular of Max's Robinson's Metro East. I am a registered user of Max's Restaurant Online. I have ordered last June 2011 but had the food for pick-up at Max's SM Masinag. I was not sure if they will deliver to my place but still gave it a try.


Yey! Max's delivers to my place! I received a call after five minutes. I was told the nearest branches that can deliver are Sta Lucia and Antipolo. I was told that it might take a little longer than the usual delivery time. NO PROBLEM! I can wait. I'm simply glad enough that they will deliver to my place. And I'm very impressed with the customer service who called me up. She sounded cheerful and very accommodating. Not the usual robotic customer service I encounter.


I ordered  Kare-kare (not in picture) and two Platter Meal. I upgraded my Pepsi (add 26.25 if you prefer in can). I think the food arrived earlier than expected because the delivery originated from Circumferential Rd in Antipolo. This branch is nearer compared to Sta Lucia. The delivery man is also very personable. It was unfortunate I was not able to get their names. They are highly commendable.


I did not notice that there is something special with the caramel bar until hubby pointed it out.


Heart shaped caramel bar. I like it! 

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!





Read More

Mockingjay

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Mockingjay

"What I need is the dandelion in the spring. 
The bright yellow that means rebirth instead of destruction. 
The promise that life can go on no matter how bad our losses. 
That it can be good again..."

I'm done reading the last installment of the trilogy. I was at first afraid that Katniss's choice will disappoint me. Surprisingly, not. I had a realization. I will make the same choice as hers.




Read More

The Manor Camp John Hay Baguio

Thursday, February 09, 2012


The Manor Camp John Hay Baguio


We stayed at The Manor last March 2011. I have been procrastinating the write-up for this hotel because I can't seem to find time to publish this entry. I want my readers to have a photo tour of The Manor and making this entry requires me to devote a lot of time. I promised myself I need to let people know how wonderful it is to stay here. Me and my husband had the most pleasant four-day stay and it is but appropriate to share our experience.

I booked via South Travels because I can't seem to find if online booking is available at Camp John Hay's website. It was a bit expensive with South Travels but the efficient customer service made up for the extra cost. Very prompt response to all my queries. 

I am very much pleased with almost everything about The Manor. But what made this stay extra remarkable is the people working here. I did not have any problems especially with my travel arrangements. The receptionists, room service staff and the car rental driver were so efficient.


The Manor Camp John Hay Baguio


We arrived 11 in the morning. We are way too early for check in. They took our luggage for safe keeping while we look for a place to have lunch at the Mile Hi Center. 


The Manor Camp John Hay Baguio


I'm always awed by The Manor's architecture. We walk here every morning after breakfast and just marvel at the sight.


The Manor Camp John Hay Baguio


I love the sound of the water. Very calming.


The Manor Camp John Hay Baguio


Picture perfect. But nothing compares to actually experiencing it. If only I could paint...


The Manor Camp John Hay Baguio


The Philippine American Friendship Garden


The Manor Camp John Hay Baguio


My husband having a leisurely morning walk.


The Manor Camp John Hay Baguio


This area is my personal favorite.


The Manor Camp John Hay Baguio


For a moment it feels like I'm somewhere else.


The Manor Camp John Hay Baguio


Relaxing at the lobby.


The Manor Camp John Hay Baguio


These paintings along the hall are works of the local painters and are for sale.


The Manor Camp John Hay Baguio


Would you believe this is the common restroom at the ground floor!


The Manor Camp John Hay Baguio


Fresh flower arrangement at the lobby.


The Manor Camp John Hay Baguio


A glimpse of our room. I was kinda wary that The Manor does not have air conditioning system. But no worries, the cold fresh air is way better.


The Manor Camp John Hay Baguio


Comfy bed and soft pillows  (The neck pillow is mine)


The Manor Camp John Hay Baguio


LCD television and DVD Player


The Manor Camp John Hay Baguio


The food at the mini bar are reasonably priced.


The Manor Camp John Hay Baguio


Oh I love this! The vanity dresser strategically located. The bathroom is at the left and the closet at the right.


The Manor Camp John Hay Baguio


Very spacious closet on the right side.


The Manor Camp John Hay Baguio


The toiletries. No toothbrush included. Not a problem for me though. I always bring my own stuff. (see the black bag, the pouch and all those stuff on the vanity dresser ^_^)


The Manor Camp John Hay Baguio


There's a magazine on the bedside table.




The right amount of light to give me a good night sleep.

==

For inquiries:

The Manor at Camp John Hay
Loakan Road, Baguio City
reservations@campjohnhay.ph





Read More

Marks & Spencer Tea Cake Mini Bites

Wednesday, February 08, 2012

Marks & Spencer Tea Cake


My husband must have been very pleased with me last night that when he arrived from the office he brought home these delicious tea cake mini bites from Marks & Spencer. It pays to be a good girl :D


Marks & Spencer Tea Cake


I can't describe it any better. I won't even attempt. I just want to keep on munching!





Read More

McDelivery Love Ko 'To

Tuesday, February 07, 2012

McDelivery

Yey!

No more hungry me. McDonald's now delivers to my place. No need to drive all the way to Blue Mountain for the nearest McDonald's. And the best of all, I can satisfy my caramel sundae craving 24/7!




15 minutes later, my bag of happiness arrived.




nom nom nom...





Read More

Guiltless Chocolate Indulgence

Sunday, February 05, 2012


Three words that caught my attention:

Guiltless

Chocolate

Indulgence

How do you ignore this kind of product? Nestle is genius! Or should I say the people who came up with the name of this Premium Dairy drink. Because they made me indulge without feeling guilty. And this chocolate drink tastes so good. I prefer cold drinks in the morning instead of hot coffee. I now have a substitute for my Minute Maid Pulpy Orange Drink, my original guiltless choice, although I'm not really sure about the sugar content I just feel like it's healthy because it's orange .

Read More

A Gift of Life

Saturday, February 04, 2012

When I entered Room 230, I saw baby Bien half asleep. Both his arms have IV fluids. I called out his name. He gave me his sweetest smile. And my heart broke. I'm sure he is not feeling well but he managed to share some sunshine on that gloomy, rainy afternoon. I will never forget that smile.

Bien is the first born of my first goddaughter, Jobel.  They are my family. Jobel is the first born of my cousin. I love my family so much. It breaks my heart that Bien is very sick. He is only four months old. I need to help them. And I need you, my dear friends, to help me help them.

You can read about Bien's story and his journey to wellness at


I hope you find in your good heart to make it possible for this baby to raise funds for his liver transplantation. It's a great help if you also share his story to your friends and networks. And please always include him in your prayers and petitions.
Read More
...