Sax Society's 3rd Meet

As mentioned in my last post, Jeff's been busy with his schedules with work, choir training and this new Sax Society built by Mr. Tots Tolentino through PhilMusic, a forum specially made for mucisians here in the Philippines.

Sax Society has been religiously holding a workshop for all sax players and enthusiasts every two weeks (which is every other Tuesday), at exactly 4PM at ten02 bar in Timog Ave, Quezon City.

ten02 is a bar run by a very talented artist, Skarlet, also known as Myra of the defunct Put3Ska band in the mid nineties. The bar and resto targets the Jazz enthusiasts and you'll surely be nostalgic upon entering.

As for the 4th meeting on March 16, 2010, Sax Society Workshop will focus on the members' performance, so this is gonna be really exciting for Jeff, I'll surely go with him on the next meeting. It sure will kick off every single nerve in Jeff's body to be able to perform in front of some of the Philippines' most talented musicians.

Looking forward to meeting Skarlet once again and hear great music from the group. Cheers!

The Most Annoying Orange

Hey, hey apple. I super love this youtube video. I specially like Orange annoying apple, not apple apple, it's a whole new level where Orange gets Autotuned.

Video from realannoyingorange in youtube.




Lovin the orange juice spit.

A Prayer For the Victims

Yes, second blog before March 1 starts, I'd just like to appeal to everyone who can read this that we all pray for everyone's safety in the most recent catastrophe that hit us, specifically in Chile and Haiti. I can imagine how people from these two nation are suffering from the aftermath of the earthquake, suffering from lose of everything they had and lose of life of their love ones. These events keep me grounded and always serve as a reminder to continue praying, God is our only saviour and hope. Aside from monetary help, lets give our prayers to those who need them.

February Updates (more to come, I hope)

It been a whole month (or more, dont keep track of the days) since I last blogged here. I don't blame you if you no longer had the urge to visit my blog. I really apologize. I became intensely busy with work, life balance and my new baby (blog). I had to blog from my new lappy (NEO B3230) because I don't want to log off from my Firefox's 20 or so tabs (yeah, like super busy using my desktop).

Anyway, hhmm.. what can I share today? Hmm, the past month has been great for me, for us, and for everyone I know (hopefully). After Jeff's birthday, we had to take some drastic measures to save up for our soon to be projects (lappy for me, lappy for Jeff, future home plans, investments, businesses in mind, HMO, MJ's maintenance). Yes, saving up is really drastic nowadays specially if you have to budget everything aside from your monthly bills, responsibilities, and emergency expenses. I now keep 2 cash boxes, 1 for MJ's funding (we need to register him on April) and the other cashbox is for emergency use (I put 200-300 per week). I also maintain putting my loose P 5 coins to bear (my ever life saver bear), which is really heavy now (lol). Bank account, hmm, that needs to be filled up too, I wonder when, maybe on the next few weeks.

Health wise, I believe I'm now living a more healthier lifestyle compared to 6 months ago, I still don't eat rice on dinner, no heavy meal on lunch as well, a little of everything is my drama. I drink supplements as well, vitamin E and some diet pills my mom recommended plus glutathione daily. The last I weighed I already lost atleast 20 lbs, hoping to have more free time so I could jog in the village soon. Jeff's also taking some vitamins as his supplements. No more very scary acne for me, yes friends, my skin is very much improving and I'm loving it. I just need to erase some of the marks but we're getting there slowly.

Jeff is interacting more with the outside world, compared before, he's more proactive and he's gained a lot of friends from his Sax Society where he religiously pay visit every 2 weeks, the next meet up will be on March 2, 2010 (Advertising!) at Ten02 bar in Timog. He also just trained a bunch of college students for their Valentine Choir Competition where the team won 1st place (congrats!). Also, he just had a reunion from his gradeschool friends and wow, he really enjoyed meeting them. This is what I envisioned Jeff to be, a free living guy who knows his responsibilities and how to enjoy life to the fullest.

As for me, I'm trying to be a little careful with my schedules so I now keep a planner, thanks for GT for the Belle De Jour planner, I try to plan everything now so I know what to do weeks before that, I also try to avoid unplanned projects and travels to avoid more expenses.

Hmm.. what else could I share? I'm planning out on a new business, I'm researching now and I'm hoping to start with the business structure come June. Also, since the last attempt to file for our income tax failed massively, triggering a lose of P20,000, we're now planning a second attempt with Jeff's gradeschool friend who works for BIR (hopeful) so we could seek Pag-Ibig's help whenever we are ready to apply for a housing loan.

And there.. that's my update for February, it's last minute but it's still counted. :) Enjoy the next month!

P. S.

I'm planning of reconstructing and finding a host for this blog, want to make it a little money earner, still learning on that part but I'm hoping to find more time for blogging, I'm really very eager to start my writing career.

January Updates

It's been a long time since I last posted here. There were so many things that had happened and I'm overly busy with work and with my newest blog. So, I'll make is sweet and short. Posted below are pictures I took during the whole time I was busy with a lot of stuff.

Jeff's Birthday Celebration

Swimming Birthday Party for Jeff

Computer Table from HMR
Wooden Pedestal from HMR

BJD Planner, got this through GT

A Woman's Body Statue at National Museum

Random Pic from the Family Store

The Lighthouse Resort Hotel Experience, I Want!

I've heard so many great reviews about the Lighthouse Resort Hotel, I've heard about the wonderful staff, accomodating people and friendly neighborhood where the Hotel is situated.

For so many times that I visited Subic, I always wanted to check-in at The Lighthouse Resort Hotel and feel the true meaning of Sail, Cruise, Drift and Dock. I've always fancied myself checking-in at their elegant and outstanding suites, experience their Night Entertainment and thrill myself with the view of the lighthouse.

Stubborn me, I'm always the frugal one when it comes to luxury, thus, I never had the chance to visit The Lighthouse Resort Hotel because I initially thought it would cost me so much just to experience the elegance of a one of a kind hotel. But hearing from reviews what this hotel offer and could offer me and my husband, great view of the beach, fantastic scenery of the sunset, classic interiors and memories that could last a lifetime. Hearing and reading these reviews from close friends definitely brought out the princess in me, I would definitely want to enjoy the same relaxing, princess-like experience from best luxurious out-of-town resort hotel.

So, I'm really hoping to win your contest to enjoy Sail, Cruise, Drift and Dock.

This Journal Will Actually Change Someone’s Life 2010 raffle

For those who'd like to change their lives could win this fabulous planner, a contest by Sarah. Just follow the simple instructions.

You can either comment or blog!

Commenting bring you with 1 entry, blogging it will give you 2 entries.

Birthday Blow-Out!!!

I stumbled upon a really nice blog just few days ago, courtesy of an online-friend who posted the same about the contest from another great blogger, Maver, who celebrated her birthday and giving away some goodies. Happy Birthday sis Maver!!!





Here's how to join:

1. Blog about this birthday blowout.
2. Leave a comment on the birthday blowout post.
3. Don't forget to indicate your preferred Starbucks planner design. (Choose among the following: Cherry, Espresso, Roast).

Deadline for submission of entries is January 12, 2009 at 12:00 a.m.

Let's all join this wonderful contest!

!!!FREE LAPTOP!!!

Click the link now and register.

Just read newsletters and refer your friends and you'll earn credits, just earn 195 credits and you can redeem it for a Sony Vaio VGN.

JOIN NOW!!!!

28th Birthday!

Happy Birthday Bebe!!

January 8, 2010 marked Jeff's 28th birthday.

I gave him a surprised gift a Nokia BH-320 bluetooth headset.

On the day of his birthday, we went to Sta. Cruz, Manila to eat lunch at Ramon Lee Restaurant.

It was fun, the chicken was so nice and I love the macaroni with curry soup.

After a sumptuous meal we went straight to National Museum.

Fee's were:

Entrance for the new museum: P100

Entrance for the old museum: P50

Cameras and bags are not allowed inside the museum so we had no chance to shoot any picture.

See the pics:

Freebies from J&J, Thanks Much!

I love freebies!!! I've been an avid fan and lurker of the forum GT, through femalenetwork, 1 thread is exclusive for discussing freebies/discounts and promotions. I've received sooo many freebies since I started joining in 2008, one of which, and also the best so far is the Orbit Xylitol Food Tour.

Just two weeks ago I signed up with Johnson & Johnson's freebies, I didn't expect it would come though because I was thinking the promotion had already ended until I received a surprise visit from our friendly LBC delivery boy and he handed me a pack from J&J as he mentioned. I was excited to see another package, what's so great about it? it's free!!!!

Promo Mechanics:

• Promo is open to all females, 18- 35 years old.
• To be qualified for the promo, you must sign up and refer 5 of your friends.
• Upon accomplishing the sign up page, you will receive a verification e-mail.
• Registrants have to click on the verification link to receive the limited edition designer Johnson's Body Care gift pack.
• Registrants or registrants’ authorized person shall receive the gift that will be delivered to their homes.
• Each user may only receive one (1) gift pack each.
• Promo starts on November 6, 2009 until supplies last.

Feel free to sign up Johnson's Body Care Lotion to receive a gift package.

Thanks, Johnson & Johnson and FemaleNetwork for the wonderful pack!!!

Pusit Alapobre

As mentioned on my previous post I'll be discussing a little bit about food, since my template is now food related and I'm beginning to like cooking, I've decided to post something new.

For the past two to three months I've been trying several dishes that we rarely prepare or have never been prepared here at home. These dishes, the recipe and procedure all came from Youtube, my new best friend.

Today, since there's half kilo of squid in the freezer and I'm now starting to like seafood, I decided to search Youtube for a new dish instead of the usual Adobo my father in law prepares.

There, I found Foodtrip28's video about Pusit Alapobre, easy to prepare, not much ingredients and healthy (except for the butter part). My first attempt (today) was good, in fact, my husband liked it a lot, though I wasn't too happy because it's a little salty, probably because of the ink (?), I'm not sure about that though, but I'll find out on my next attempt on the dish, hopefully this Saturday.

Below are the ingredients as mentioned in the video:

4 cloves of garlic (chopped)
1 whole white onion (chopped)
2-3 tablespoon of soysauce
1/2 kilo squid (cleaned and sliced)
butter
oil (canola or other local oil)

Optional ingredients that you may opt to add:
chili sauce (for spice)
quail eggs

The video for procedures:



I hope you could try this recipe as well and enjoy as much as my husband did. Thanks to Foodtrip28 for the tutorial!

My To __ List!

I'm not a believer of New Year's Resolution. Why would you wait for the new year to come to change for something you could do now or tomorrow or on your birthday.

So, instead of the usual resolution I've scribbled some of my plans for the next months and years to come.

To DO List:

* Lose weight
* Lighten up my skin
* Make Jeff lose some weight
* Clean the house more often
* Try to find other means of earning more
* Put up a business (start with strategic planning)

To BUY and SPEND for List:

* Sturdy office tables for me and Jeff (immediate)
* Laptop (for me and if work load is great then for Jeff as well)
* Gift for my hubby (arrgghh it should be soon)
* New tires for MJ

To SAVE for List:

* Save to pay for my SSS loan so I could start with the contributions again
* Save to pay for Jeff's SSS monthly contributions
* Save to pay for Philhealth for 1 whole year for us and Jeff's mom/dad
* Save to pay for a health insurance
* Save to pay for Pag Ibig contributions
* Start saving so we could get our own house
* Start saving for our retirement

Star City '10

It has been a yearly event for me and Jeff to enjoy the rides of Star City, it was unplanned when exactly we'll visit but due to a canceled birthday party (surprise) for Mark we had to go somewhere, so we decided to head straight to Star City. It was still early in the afternoon, around 3 when we arrived, but the theme park is already full of people and the carpark's fully loaded. We're having second thoughts if we'll still go inside but we thought of giving it a go.

We purchased 2 ride-all-you-can with Snow World entrance for P375 each. We're so excited to to see and experience the same rides we loved before but to our disappointment some of the rides were either not functioning or opened kinda late.

The Magic Carpet ride that always comes first in our itenerary is not working, we waited till around 7PM and it didn't open at all. My all time favorite ride, Surf Dance only opened after 6PM, when I saw it, the line was looooong, I didn't have the time to wait in line. The Zyklon Loop was not working too, too bad it's Jeff's favorite.

The only time I enjoyed Star City that day was when we went in to Snow World, it was still freezing cold of course but before you can get in you need to wait at least 30 minutes to get in and wait in the loooong line. It was all worth it though. They had changed most of the ice sculpture displays, more pleasing now than before, they also created a cabin type of display where you or your group could get your photos taken by Star City staff with a fee of P100 per picture which you can get after an hour.

Jeff decided to get in Gabi ng Lagim because we already ran out of choices. I decided to stay behind for some obvious reasons, I don't enjoy being scared. He also went for a quick foot spa courtesy of Dr. Fish, P80 for 20 minutes, the fishes will enjoy munching your dead skin cells, that I can't take so I just waited for Jeff on the line to Snow World.

I had the chance to go through the different target shooting range, 3 tokens (P13 each) will give you 5 bullets (not real). If you manage to shoot all 5 targets, you're entitled to receive a small toy, got myself 3 small toys after several attempts, unfortunately, I didn't get the perfect score, I'm 4 points away from getting the large toy, but it was fun. Jeff enjoyed tic tac toe and got him 2 small toys, he nearly got me a huge one but failed to throw the last ball to the right hole, tsk tsk.

I've noticed that Star City made some adjustments on the rides they offer, they now have Laser Blaster, for additional P100 you get to feel how to be a jedi, I didn't try it though, again because it was full of people eager to try it out.

The food we're the most enjoying part of Star City, a bit pricey but if you're there disappointed about the rides you have no choice but to enjoy their food. I love the noodles, I forgot the name of the stall, we also purchased a giga fries from Potato Corner, a huge tub of fries for P149.

All in all, it was still a fun experience, though I must say that paying more than what I only got is a rip off. I would suggest you go there on weekdays after holidays to avoid looong lines on the rides you like. Fow now, just enjoy some of the pics we took.

Congressman Rex Gatchalian

This is a bit late post, on the 22nd of December, mom told me on a short phone conversation that our Ninong, Congressman Rex Gatchalian has a little something for us and we have to pay him a visit in his office in Malinta. So, before we stormed Puregold for our weekly groceries we went to Ninong's office (quite awkward calling him Ninong considering he's just 3 years older than me). Unfortunately, he wasn't there so we just spoke to his staff and we learned that there's a small surprise for us, 2 P1000 gift card from SM. And it was surprising that he still remembered though the wedding was last February of 09. We didn't have the chance to personally greet him Merry Christms or thank him for the gift and for remembering us but I guess Jeff was able to send a thank you email to his office. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Congressman Rex Gatchalian.

(Note: Sorry for the blurry pics, N70 doesn't have a great zoom function.)

Our Neighbor's Fireworks Display

We were once again WOW-ed by our rich neighbors. Living here wasn't exactly I expected, there's not much people in the street, it's really quiet and not much houses too. I've never had the chance to live in this kind of neighborhood until we moved here last March. But last New Year's eve they really surprised us with their fireworks display. After a once of, a little expensive fireworks display Jeff and I decided to eat Media Noche and just watched TV when our dear neighbors decided to show off what they got through fireworks. And I captured them using my N70 phone. Check them out.

Fiesta Ham

We were supposed to have Chinese Ham for Christmas, where my budget should just be around P1,500 to P2,000 max, we already checked the prices weeks before Christmas and this is the average amount we got for 2 kilos of Chinese Ham. Came December 23, our scheduled grocery for Noche Buena, we were about to get 1 Chinese Ham and it was now around P2,300, too expensive for ham, tsk tsk. We just settled for our regular ham, the Purefoods Fiesta Ham, honestly, I don't know the difference of these hams, I just know they taste really yummy. So, goodbye for now Chinese Ham, maybe we'll see you in our dining table next year, for now, we settled for something we can afford and still made our Christmas merry.

The New Year's Eve

Attaching some of our photos from the preparation to the countdown for New Year's Eve. It was a huge event for us because 2009 left so many memorable experiences and we're silently hoping and praying that there won't be another Ondoy or another Maguindanao Massacre for 2010. We also enjoyed Christmas but I guess New Year's celebration gives more meaning to the word change. It gives us hope that there's another year to make the changes we want.

For our dinner, we prepared barbeque, pancit canton, 1 kilo of lechon, leche flan and fruit salad. My father in law marinated the pork the night before and Jeff did the grilling. FIL cooked the pancit canton because this is his specialty. We bough the 1 kilo of lechon from our Ninong Jun, who's the owner of Jun's Lechon in Valenzuela City at a discounted price of P500, originally at P700. Jeff bought the leche flan from Bocaue Market for P50 each and I prepared the fruit salad using 2 all purpose cream and 1 1/2 tetra pack of condensed milk, 1 can of fruit cocktail, 2 buko, 1 bottle of nata de coco in light syrup, 1 can of peaches. We also managed to complete 1 dozen kinds of fruits which we bought from Monumento.

Though it's still and again, Me and Jeff on New Year's eve but it was a great experience. We're now hoping for a brand new Year. Happy New year everyone!

Happy New Year!!!

Let me start by shouting... Happy New Year!!!!!!!!! It was a blast, literally, lol. We had so much fun preparing food and buying firecrackers from our neighboring town, Bocaue. Here is a video of our very first aerial fireworks. It was expensive compared to what we usually buy but it was so worth our money. It was originally priced at P400 but we got it for only P380. We got our huge fountain for P80 and a few pieces of lusis (not the ordinary one, what we got was more colorful) for P40 each. We got it from a small time store near Marilao because we will be stuck in a heavy traffic if we decide to buy these from Bocaue Exit.

Thanks to our rich neighbors, who provided most of the aerial fireworks display, we had so much fun. I'll attach some of the videos from their fireworks diplays once I get them off from my phone. For now, enjoy our video.