tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34864094008376821752024-02-21T18:20:06.835+08:00Musings From All CornersA space to help me figure out much of what's going on in my life.Maviosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04934722132509775706noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3486409400837682175.post-86391999732873953372010-07-27T11:00:00.002+08:002010-07-27T11:04:20.632+08:00New Blog!Hi!<br /><br />I've started a new blog.<br /><br />So much time has passed since my last post here that it'll be impossible to start where we left off. So as much as I love this blog, it's time to move on.<br /><br />So folks, if you're still out there, please feel free to move to http://maviosafabulousa.blogspot.com.<br /><br />See you around!Maviosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04934722132509775706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3486409400837682175.post-49471239754684337712010-02-08T15:21:00.006+08:002010-02-08T15:49:32.565+08:00Psyched!<div>Oh, wow. Another long break from blogging AGAIN. So much has changed. I was actually looking for a different blog when I logged in into this old one. Maybe it's a sign to update my posts.</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hgFsSO-3vbXQFaKX7nUrjWsGI8jd0lANlaU7X5jYtURZ2ZE9cHFn5F8-LnvsnE9C2BZzTaJ6-ZVXpGxt5LzEA8iejYTetDYflXDRtjTr5h-j_sHbmoyhRwdozxfsHdhJh-SDvaJVGzA/s1600-h/raya+and+me.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435774544390885810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hgFsSO-3vbXQFaKX7nUrjWsGI8jd0lANlaU7X5jYtURZ2ZE9cHFn5F8-LnvsnE9C2BZzTaJ6-ZVXpGxt5LzEA8iejYTetDYflXDRtjTr5h-j_sHbmoyhRwdozxfsHdhJh-SDvaJVGzA/s320/raya+and+me.jpg" /></a> </div><div> </div><div>Well, Raya's almost 18 months now. Yep, one year and half. And she's still breastfeeding. I get more disapproving looks and comments from doing it until now but my baby still wants it and it doesn't pose any major conflicts with my lifestyle. In fact, if anything, it's more manageable now because I don't have to pump while I'm at work as she gets most of her nutritional needs from solid food now. </div><div> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BFyjT6UTX7rlbtCA4xzFKO29q07a2zJCH7gXfvcrKbSSH46jyCjR_BVtXLVm6JhcGygvzvIiNyJ-s1w05C58S_RFGCVup1ZmwlbyEgKMz3t1-Zy1IlTlBhV172cX6rw7Dfx6feXvjys/s1600-h/rayaedited.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 290px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435775077258369170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BFyjT6UTX7rlbtCA4xzFKO29q07a2zJCH7gXfvcrKbSSH46jyCjR_BVtXLVm6JhcGygvzvIiNyJ-s1w05C58S_RFGCVup1ZmwlbyEgKMz3t1-Zy1IlTlBhV172cX6rw7Dfx6feXvjys/s320/rayaedited.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>She has grown a lot since my last post (She was around 8 months then I think. Haha. Yeah it was that far back.) and has learned more new things too. Now she can say simple words like "Hi!" "Bye!" And "No." She can also mumble "Happy birthday!" and "Thank you." Most of all, she can already comprehend instructions like "Bring this to your dad." or "Wait because Mommy has to do this first." </div><div> </div><div>Yes, parenthood is still a dream. I don't think that ever changes but now that's she bigger and has gotten more independent, I allow myself to take more time for myself and to better take care of my needs.<br /></div><div>In the past, work and Raya took up most of my time. Now, I don't allow that to happen too often although those two still remain my priority.<br /></div><div>I've decided to set goals for myself this year. I vow to make 2010 MY year. Apart from some career changes, I set three major goals that I think are achievable within the year. </div><div> </div><div>First, I've decided to start an exercise regimen as well as a diet program. I plan to lose 30 lbs. this year so I can fit into my old clothes! It's nothing too fancy or formal. Most of it's just 20-30 minutes of cardio a day and counting calories, limiting portions. I don't even have strength training though I am planning to take Yoga for that. But I think I'm starting to see some changes. I also created an account at <a href="http://www.caloriecount.about.com/">Calorie Count</a> so I can monitor my progress daily. It's a great site! </div><div> </div><div>My tummy doesn't bulge as much when I'm wearing jeans. In fact, I can now wear tighter tops with jeans because it doesn't look like a doughnut anymore. And it also makes me feel good. Makes me feel more empowered as well as more psyched to start the day. </div><br /><div>I'm giving this weight loss program as 25th birthday gift to myself.<br /></div><div>Second, I've decided to learn how to drive. I've inquired at <a href="http://www.a-1driving.com/">A1 Driving School </a>and I've looked at their rates. I'm planning to save up for it and have that done before the year is over. </div><br /><div>I realize the value of having a skill like that because you never know when you might need it. It also gives you more independence as well as more flexibility.<br /></div><div>And last but not the least, I plan to learn how to cook. Nothing like gourmet of course but just simple hearty, Filipino dishes that will allow me to feed my family and myself if I want to. I also want to start learning for Raya, so she can get healthier, homecooked meals even when there isn't a maid or cook around. </div><div> </div><div>There are a lot of mini-goals tied to these three but it would be too many to enumerate here. I'm just happy I'm starting somewhere. It's been so long since I felt this motivated and I want to take advantage of that. :)</div><div> </div><div>Here's to a great 2010, peeps! </div>Maviosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04934722132509775706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3486409400837682175.post-82849018663882382242009-05-11T13:49:00.002+08:002009-05-11T15:22:51.237+08:00It's been too long!<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">I can't believe I haven't posted anything here since I gave birth. And I can't believe it's been almost 9 months since Raya arrived. Seems only yesterday that I posted her 4d scans and wrote about my delivery preparations. <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">It's been quite a ride. I've learned a lot of things and discovered a lot about myself since becoming a mom. Can't say all the lessons were easy but I can say all were worth it. And I'm still learning! I guess there's no stopping since this IS a lifetime job. Hehe. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">It's such a cliche to talk about the wonders of motherhood that I hesitate to dedicate this entire post for it because I'm sure wiser, more experienced moms would have more to say about that than me (Sidenote: I just saw my daughter munching on another piece of paper she picked up by the bed so can you tell I haven't entirely baby-proofed our bedroom?! 'Told you, I still have a lot to learn.). Don't get me wrong -- motherhood really is WONDERFUL. Just watching all the new tricks Raya can do now and the amazing little person she's turning out to be gives me all the warm, fuzzy feelings every parent has probably talked about at least once. But I'd like this long overdue post to be more of a source of support or information for first-time moms who are less-than-certain that they're on the right track as I was and still, sometimes am. I've been lucky because I have an amazing support system starting from my husband, to both our families but taking care and raising a baby really is more of a journey that every mom has to make by herself since it is her primary responsibility to care for her little one, right? And you will encounter some form of criticism along the way and there will be times when all you have is your gut to go by. So if you find something to relate to in some of the things I'll be jotting down here, then I'd have done my good deed for today. :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">My parenting style AND the decisions I make for Raya may be different from some people but I'd like to say that this is MY style and you're welcome to comment or suggest but you're also welcome to go to another page if some of them offend you or your values. Hehe. After all, this is my diary. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">So anyway, if I were to compile a list of some of the things that I've lived by (or I'd wish I had done) during my entire pregnancy and the first few months of Raya's life, it would include some of these things: </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">1. Don't eat for two when you're pregnant. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">By the time your baby is born, her tummy will only be the size of a marble so there's really no need for her to eat a lot, especially not while she's inside you (She won't be eating through her mouth even.). So all that food and weight gain not only puts you and your pregnancy at greater risk, it also makes getting back in shape doubly hard. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">I was almost 200 lbs. at full-term that means I gained more than 50 lbs. the entire pregnancy. I was bloated. I felt ugly and the last trimester felt like hell. I have lost most of the weight since then but if I hadn't gone past the 30 lb. recommended weight gain for preggo women, I would've been back to my pre-pregnancy size now. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">2. Read and research. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">If you can go and learn a lot about other things, wouldn't you do the same for your most important job? Information is the only thing a first-time mom can bring to the table as far as having a baby is concerned so read up. Also, babies naturally attract well-meaning, unsolicited caregiving advice from other people so sifting through what works, what's scientifically sound and what's not is basically made easier if you're well informed.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">A lot of things that were generally accepted practices in the past have been proven to be dangerous now and if you're well-informed you'll be able to make the right choices. Read up on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, Nutrition, Medication, Vitamins, Well Baby Indicators, Infant Gear, etc. Buy books, go on legit baby care sites like KellyMom, La Leche League, etc. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">3. Breastfeed. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that women breast feed their babies at least for the first two years and then for as long as it is mutually desired. We all know the WHO isn't made up of a bunch of yahoos who just make random recommendations so therefore, they must be coming from an informed standpoint when they say this. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">And if you do your research, you will find NO medical findings that say that formula is superior or even equal to the benefits that breast feeding gives your child. Breast milk has 400 nutrients present in it that have yet to be copied by formula. It also changes its composition according to YOUR child's needs, plus it's clean, safe, always available and FREE! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Only 1% of women in the whole world can not breast feed for physical reasons but everyone can and will produce enough milk for their child. How else would your ancestors have fed all the generations before you if women did not produce enough milk for their children? Think about it. As long as your baby sucks and feeds, you WILL have milk. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">I'm very passionate about this because I really believe it gives your kids the best start in life. In fact, I think I'll be dedicating a post just for this. And with the advent of effective breast pumps and all, working women have so much options now that breast feeding and having a career is possible! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Lastly, I'd just like to add that as of writing this: My 8 and a half month-old baby has never had any serious upper respiratory problems, never had a fever, never had diaper rash and is almost always two weeks early in her developmental milestones. She's also very lean and siksik -- not overweight. We've also never had to worry about allergies, running out of milk in the middle of the night, sterilizing numerous bottles (unless I pump and leave her) and milk going bad. I've also lost almost 50 lbs in 7 months just by breast feeding alone (no diet or regular exercise). Need I say more? :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">4. Co-sleep. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">This is more "controversial" than breast feeding because some people agree with it, and some don't. They don't think it's safe and I understand there are risks but in my experience, Raya slept more soundly beside me than she ever did in the crib, and I never got too exhausted too because I never had to fully wake up in the middle of the night for a feeding since I just had to turn to my side and breast feed her. It was just a matter of emotional attachment and convenience for the two of us. :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">5. Talk to your baby. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Talk, talk, talk. It'll make her more responsive and maybe let her talk earlier. Hehe.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">6. Don't buy too much stuff. Buy according to her needs, as they come.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">I didn't buy too much clothes for Raya and I was lucky that a lot of people gave her gifts or hand-me-downs that she still uses 'till now so I didn't exactly have to shop a lot for her layette. Though I did buy a lot of feeding bottles which I now regret. I bought them as insurance thinking that in case breast feeding didn't go too well, I'd have them ready. Now, I realize I should've bought only 3-5 bottles and used the money for something else like a breast pump which I eventually had to buy or a high chair (which Mom and Dad gifted us with). But hey, not all is lost, I could hand them down to family members who'd have their kids though I'd hope they'd try and breast feed too. :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">7. Take time off, if you can, when the baby arrives.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">I know, I'm lucky I've been able to put off working until now and I know not all CAN do the same thing and that's understandable but if you can, do it. Because this time of your life and that of your baby's is absolutely precious. :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">8. Take care of your partner too.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Taking care of a baby can be overwhelming and it's easy to feel pressured and overworked, especially if you don't have a yaya and the easiest target for your exhaustion-induced temper would be your partner. So take care of your relationship too. :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">I'm sure there are a lot of other things I can say about this but I'll have to write a novel by then. I've already been so presumptuous as to write something like this but like I said, if it helps others, then it's good enough for me. :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Till the next post! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"> </span></div>Maviosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04934722132509775706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3486409400837682175.post-58650281098094159802008-09-03T16:44:00.004+08:002010-02-08T15:54:44.687+08:00Say Hello to My Little FriendIt's been quite a while since my last post because I've been so busy with a lot of things that sitting down and composing my thoughts into a blog post seemed such a chore at the end of the day.<br /><br /><div>The past three weeks have been eventful what with Rod and Zhar's wedding and my twice a week pre-natal check-ups as I entered my 40th week of pregnancy, and all the moving-in into our newly renovated Place of Zen (a different post reserved for that). </div><div><br /></div><div>But the more spectacular reason for my indisposition the past three weeks would be the arrival of our much-awaited Little Friend -- our very own Bundle of Joy, Ball of Fur, Ray of Light, etcetera, etcetera, Raya Victoria Almeda Ungco!</div><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435777754552750114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmpyfO20ztL49rDTtmZvoJycNV5tC3tkBnEie0QB3Z3qkAQTf2kS80GJhHC5cZg8NxnYkPIjGLybOztMQOK44Cue68BzOtH5AuRulMepIWAXa7KrnW1U5PmGBqnTAvxVKoFA06nVcLTE/s320/rayanewborn.bmp" /></div><div>Weighing in at 7 pounds and 3 ounces and 19 and half inches long, she is Love personified. :) I can't believe how happy I am! </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div>Maviosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04934722132509775706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3486409400837682175.post-22785231368858647492008-08-05T21:30:00.008+08:002008-08-05T22:21:24.527+08:00Ripping off RJ's Ultimate Lasagna Post-to-be<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; ">RJ's been so busy with a host of other things that he hasn't been able to update any of his posts...and I can't hold it in anymore! Haha! So I'll be preempting just one of his posts lined up for publishing just to give you all a sneak peak into what he had in store for us last Sunday. </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Ate Rona (and his many fans, hehehe), he finally worked on that Ultimate Lasagna request! And it was supah dupah delish!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Most of the pictures are in my Multiply site: </span><a href="http://mavsalmeda.multiply.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">http://mavsalmeda.multiply.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> but just to provide a glimpse of what RJ's genuis has brought forth now, here are some too! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTjukeOJmaRQji2iMhqdvO7599IUYkOAVtSMLmCGK5TVLVYoeWhGGvkuZgzJmRIWCjdLtPjC1ts1H24Je3jvxXD-WrWjT8qdOgV8LHASKMloPSqki96wgRlMIqZ9HMxcIOGlYAruuDW4/s1600-h/IMG_3528.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTjukeOJmaRQji2iMhqdvO7599IUYkOAVtSMLmCGK5TVLVYoeWhGGvkuZgzJmRIWCjdLtPjC1ts1H24Je3jvxXD-WrWjT8qdOgV8LHASKMloPSqki96wgRlMIqZ9HMxcIOGlYAruuDW4/s320/IMG_3528.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231032816557242562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiHJTMJy6cvlZvS50KGijeGILRqKoLlb_r3KtRYA6ht1ht7Z74uKaPA_lmTedHkx8HEG8IRB8tvkiR9j6g-d3ten02SSSxOj4Fx45HtpfPMCH2qgdoha8FuLqIfEhB4WjFaPG1GPdeiM/s1600-h/IMG_3529.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiHJTMJy6cvlZvS50KGijeGILRqKoLlb_r3KtRYA6ht1ht7Z74uKaPA_lmTedHkx8HEG8IRB8tvkiR9j6g-d3ten02SSSxOj4Fx45HtpfPMCH2qgdoha8FuLqIfEhB4WjFaPG1GPdeiM/s320/IMG_3529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231034630066050738" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Anyhoo, you'll have to stay tuned to HIS blog for the complete recipe but in a nutshell (since I'm such a blabbermouth and I can't resist posting this), what he did wasn't your regular, classic, run-of-the-mill Lasagna. He put together this amazing concoction of classic italian sausages, tomatoes, tomato concasse, olives, garlic, onions and his very own, Swiss cheese fondue! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Yum, yum, yum!!! Gastronomic delight indeed! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi293H5t1u9h2rePNAd7jbdao1Zs0cSp3gLm6GAz9gdQ09YN09TCM6Qha0US24qs09-42PnxoISgxDJLh53hibBCT6NmS7UInkBW8t1648NvrvTKHX1dBx2ipS8zF7nlyqnubePwDCMrOs/s1600-h/IMG_3557.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi293H5t1u9h2rePNAd7jbdao1Zs0cSp3gLm6GAz9gdQ09YN09TCM6Qha0US24qs09-42PnxoISgxDJLh53hibBCT6NmS7UInkBW8t1648NvrvTKHX1dBx2ipS8zF7nlyqnubePwDCMrOs/s320/IMG_3557.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231031707207640562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiD85Is_iDe5xj_QK8s8CjB0ZxHGZdT5oFEPZ7e4oFcWkary4a8qkNPIST1J7mMACQ6-8euWtrcUlLoorJqduoTfEZwuIkwYDciFpInQwT3nCTI5RGSILi3nSWSoFsEQIEllrXWOzk4Po/s1600-h/IMG_3547.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiD85Is_iDe5xj_QK8s8CjB0ZxHGZdT5oFEPZ7e4oFcWkary4a8qkNPIST1J7mMACQ6-8euWtrcUlLoorJqduoTfEZwuIkwYDciFpInQwT3nCTI5RGSILi3nSWSoFsEQIEllrXWOzk4Po/s320/IMG_3547.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231036773818147058" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">We had it with garlic bread and a bottle of Shiraz (well, they had the Shiraz, not me. :)) and it's best served piping hot, by the way! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHh4sticjh8MX0qNG4yXdhflH-57tfQtRZctVTwksgg3Jdhi6MT3_cYVgpon1_2Rv2M3m2cDEv5zbC9lzRAY4oJxYdOq7OMLTaBgVPsuX14nsFoPTyiFwtmD7KoNXnusK3p48SKaGfo5E/s1600-h/IMG_3553.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHh4sticjh8MX0qNG4yXdhflH-57tfQtRZctVTwksgg3Jdhi6MT3_cYVgpon1_2Rv2M3m2cDEv5zbC9lzRAY4oJxYdOq7OMLTaBgVPsuX14nsFoPTyiFwtmD7KoNXnusK3p48SKaGfo5E/s320/IMG_3553.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231037900901729458" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Hope you guys could sample it soon! </span></div>Maviosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04934722132509775706noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3486409400837682175.post-5483089912032398212008-08-03T14:22:00.007+08:002008-08-03T15:43:25.751+08:00Isn't she lovely?<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; ">We finally had our 4D scan done! RJ and I had been pondering whether to have it performed even with our OB-GYN's referral because it's quite costly but now, we're glad we did. The experience was totally worth it. </span><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">We wanted to stay hooked forever to that fancy machine that showed us spectacular images of our baby moving, writhing, sleeping and grimacing (yes! she's quite suplada! hehe.) but Raya was already acting up around 20 minutes into the scan because the probe was probably disturbing her nap. The images showed her crossing her brows and making faces at us. And her sleeping with her mouth open. Hehe. But she was sooo cute. :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I was a bit anxious at first, always asking the OB doing the scan whether she could see any problems, but she said so far, everything looked in order. She's actually average-sized, around 6 lbs. so that means all those chocolate bars and night binges are just all going to me. Hehe. At least that does something for my chances at a straightforward normal delivery. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">We really can't make out if she looks more like me or Arj but her nose looks quite high and pointy (Yay!) and she has very chubby cheeks! The Doc also said she looks </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">singkit</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> and she may have my lips (Don't ask me how she figured that out. She's supposed to be the expert. Hehe.). She also says, the images would've been of better quality if I had more amniotic fluid (since I'm full term, it has considerably diminished by now) and if she wasn't so big as to attach herself to the placenta at times (that's the cloudy part of the image by the way) but considering I'm nearing the D-date, she says we were still lucky Raya was still up to striking a few poses for Mommy and Daddy. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Anyhoo, here are a couple of snapshots I took of the printed scans. We have yet to claim the DVD of Raya in utero that comes with the package we availed so we'll have to do with these Black and White images for now. Aah, the wonders of technology. :) </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglF6fwcTcM2j-rAi31Y0G85kKgpDki-cbNrT3X8P4j9yLhX4XOtoYsD5KUixdYBlAcfV4juN2um1Y0AH2XP2_yOjhIq-62YrU_PTVm3dJo4Q9sNT3uKk7NUv6eASB9E8GhRyidG0qJ3i4/s1600-h/IMG_3516.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglF6fwcTcM2j-rAi31Y0G85kKgpDki-cbNrT3X8P4j9yLhX4XOtoYsD5KUixdYBlAcfV4juN2um1Y0AH2XP2_yOjhIq-62YrU_PTVm3dJo4Q9sNT3uKk7NUv6eASB9E8GhRyidG0qJ3i4/s320/IMG_3516.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230189485721702658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Raya sleeping peacefully </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JLSSvv6ynAH0lMy8kRqF8BHt72EWpdpzAbyYkKxSfmqEDmPgJKbp2hX0WFi5gdSx3LQ1UU8cporygPxw1L0RMTqlgfgS7IbiauDHqUw9gx77v93bCArveg8YKjjU6_H7AE4CpxLRPjY/s1600-h/raya+sleeping+2.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JLSSvv6ynAH0lMy8kRqF8BHt72EWpdpzAbyYkKxSfmqEDmPgJKbp2hX0WFi5gdSx3LQ1UU8cporygPxw1L0RMTqlgfgS7IbiauDHqUw9gx77v93bCArveg8YKjjU6_H7AE4CpxLRPjY/s320/raya+sleeping+2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230191681974884418" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Raya sleeping with her mouth open :)</span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcUD1KGWmq-iWLEIxbZFnm4ZN5_PICK8SmKAGblndnXauYUsuRM7WLpMl5X_jmtJ9J-Q9h4N86oPmZpgLqe0Tc6G8ecUwrBnzoB9bMERhOWrby0tzVDZvG21hQxtRjg-87Ol96WZVKcQ/s1600-h/raya+acting+up.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcUD1KGWmq-iWLEIxbZFnm4ZN5_PICK8SmKAGblndnXauYUsuRM7WLpMl5X_jmtJ9J-Q9h4N86oPmZpgLqe0Tc6G8ecUwrBnzoB9bMERhOWrby0tzVDZvG21hQxtRjg-87Ol96WZVKcQ/s320/raya+acting+up.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230192761746393842" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Raya acting up later on during the scan :)</span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Isn't she just precious? We think she's absolutely perfect. :)</span></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div> </div>Maviosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04934722132509775706noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3486409400837682175.post-55562986254165280342008-07-20T16:43:00.013+08:002008-07-21T11:02:05.155+08:00An Update on Raya's Ride<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; ">As posted earlier, RJ and I intended to get one of the new Graco Travel Systems for Raya, in lieu of the recalled Chicco lines. But all efforts were to no avail. Joy scouted major stores in the States and she couldn't get the models we asked for. Her only other option would have been to go and buy online but the delivery wouldn't be able to catch up with her departure date! So it was AGAIN back to the drawing board for us. The stroller business was turning out to be really trying...</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Joy and her sister-in-law, Trin, were nice enough to suggest other brands like Stoke and Orbit but they were way too expensive for us (even if they looked uber cool!), so we just thought of getting our travel system here in the P.I. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxNX_4e0nfzUkclYGfPtN469eNMSSy9nill5wZe9TM6iNZwYTW8azuW0ROrO_p5ASLHFdhllTyjaSNCUT_DIzbe2TDNSf9M40uCk1akXFgyjDaw18RUOfpiPhH9Iwur9eGkvOcHUvsEE/s1600-h/Stoke_Xplory_Complete_Stroller.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxNX_4e0nfzUkclYGfPtN469eNMSSy9nill5wZe9TM6iNZwYTW8azuW0ROrO_p5ASLHFdhllTyjaSNCUT_DIzbe2TDNSf9M40uCk1akXFgyjDaw18RUOfpiPhH9Iwur9eGkvOcHUvsEE/s320/Stoke_Xplory_Complete_Stroller.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225295350044383170" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Stoke Travel System</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2_Xv-Wlfl2unzO4SgWxGUGL_cT0XwIXWph7KQ4P-ARsO8N4GDkGP0y-CIIOqUHrtQ_G2KwWDVaznDd0T_4W9wcvcGqo3SEHNpdJYnSqa-yRty_T9_PwSKSlubUsg783ohdYSqhMr5dY/s1600-h/all_off.gif"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2_Xv-Wlfl2unzO4SgWxGUGL_cT0XwIXWph7KQ4P-ARsO8N4GDkGP0y-CIIOqUHrtQ_G2KwWDVaznDd0T_4W9wcvcGqo3SEHNpdJYnSqa-yRty_T9_PwSKSlubUsg783ohdYSqhMr5dY/s320/all_off.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225295678389914018" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Orbit Travel System (around 800$-1000$)</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">We figured we could just check the manufacturing date for Chicco items anyway as their press statement said and check if that particular base was part of the recall. We could take that risk at least. The only downside really is paying a little extra than we would've in the U.S.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">And so off to the baby stores we trotted and began our quest for the perfect alternative Ride for Raya...and it was not in vain! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">We were able to buy a Chicco KeyFit travel system whose manufacturing date was not within the recalled batch, and we got it at 10% off too! We got it from Baby and Co. in Powerplant Mall (It was a thousand bucks cheaper than in Rustan's, before the discount.). Incidentally, if you're looking to buy some kids' stuff this would be a nice place to look because they give you an automatic ten percent off on ALL items if you agree to register for a baby shower, 1st birthday or christening, which I did even if there really was no baby shower to register for anymore. Hehe. A tiny, white lie for this...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIw6QDTdPpzWcAngwCtC2Uiin7yBT8TnfGZvlRw_mQIGce068yn0FsPlcbiYQRA4CfhFKOr9ONEzhueEA_mcYmZJ36nsjEC1fYbwqVQID0euyibwmhDs15ZNfdRl_Wuz338VIOk3zNJJw/s1600-h/IMG_2067.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIw6QDTdPpzWcAngwCtC2Uiin7yBT8TnfGZvlRw_mQIGce068yn0FsPlcbiYQRA4CfhFKOr9ONEzhueEA_mcYmZJ36nsjEC1fYbwqVQID0euyibwmhDs15ZNfdRl_Wuz338VIOk3zNJJw/s320/IMG_2067.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225023624614214226" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">And the great thing about getting it here too is that it comes assembled already! So that saves me and Arj a lot of poring over the instructions manual and a lot of arguing. Hehe! Such control freaks we can be...<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzdmX16dnAhptZFw5vlzBYlCzTWRWFAnopTpxriClFs-oGrc5g3nOFIAwKTK2HflcovjdUTdKBR6IiST2XFfvO1DDzwGUJRt0irsQ1KSaYCHo8EVeTmtpqOh2l5OyRdFJxUtxolJ81uU/s1600-h/IMG_2058.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzdmX16dnAhptZFw5vlzBYlCzTWRWFAnopTpxriClFs-oGrc5g3nOFIAwKTK2HflcovjdUTdKBR6IiST2XFfvO1DDzwGUJRt0irsQ1KSaYCHo8EVeTmtpqOh2l5OyRdFJxUtxolJ81uU/s320/IMG_2058.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225026504990291650" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Zz6O0hOJoUktffrNaYHuF6P-vdw1TYblSaf2YLx9FnQVqmx1Qne8t681aX2dI9-u4ILoeOYPqaouglb6s7WBGnHC9n4ZcnV4UtFMdGXnEVGa5-WW0MwtC7rnrmgtLfbosBJq3hRzy6Q/s1600-h/IMG_2064.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Zz6O0hOJoUktffrNaYHuF6P-vdw1TYblSaf2YLx9FnQVqmx1Qne8t681aX2dI9-u4ILoeOYPqaouglb6s7WBGnHC9n4ZcnV4UtFMdGXnEVGa5-WW0MwtC7rnrmgtLfbosBJq3hRzy6Q/s320/IMG_2064.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225034706509512194" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">It was manufactured last year so the latch of this car seat base isn't defective as those made between February and March of this year. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8sTbxXBWYU_v8pK73-wIrmWH_fGUJ8iH7BH2nq7OGXo7hz55r3Hd3iCWEzKfNRl3kFFJ7xcK8zW3tkfW6gc1oqA8STHUUOi-Z4tdpkACfAVd_HQ8iAVvHcibg39Yz2T9PKAmFB5lcno/s1600-h/IMG_2065.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8sTbxXBWYU_v8pK73-wIrmWH_fGUJ8iH7BH2nq7OGXo7hz55r3Hd3iCWEzKfNRl3kFFJ7xcK8zW3tkfW6gc1oqA8STHUUOi-Z4tdpkACfAVd_HQ8iAVvHcibg39Yz2T9PKAmFB5lcno/s320/IMG_2065.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225036691498589794" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHAykCTYgDnDLPKrhHKidBnQ7qKxzpkWy9Vw-kdweyH70E2AvBkz_-f0O0msZ9FC1YonmwfTBOOnpIObhyphenhyphenh_VClKEUs0rGR4BpvbR1YAJcKXzAFkQVWV6hAw9PuPEucs_iSXg254Dovo/s1600-h/IMG_2063.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHAykCTYgDnDLPKrhHKidBnQ7qKxzpkWy9Vw-kdweyH70E2AvBkz_-f0O0msZ9FC1YonmwfTBOOnpIObhyphenhyphenh_VClKEUs0rGR4BpvbR1YAJcKXzAFkQVWV6hAw9PuPEucs_iSXg254Dovo/s320/IMG_2063.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225035822763320658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana;">It's not the Chicco Cortina Explorer that we originally wanted, but we still love the sleek design of the KeyFit. RJ brags it's because it's an Italian brand! Hehe. It's also really easy to maneuver and carry around. Everyone, including Mom and Dad, were psyched with all the features.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Forgive my over-eager husband, the pose...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqPpTrXeh4WW-C3Zz024ZhyaOzqQ6sKjoJAzNPTJ5OEaH3T0JUDtouPKNGbe5wMhgWRD6QTGQjkBO7V026hw3rqXqb1UAHdjkToywnPeMtvLLBAre4YMYBwBQ8pEHFsMTIjKb7G404Qg/s1600-h/IMG_2066.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqPpTrXeh4WW-C3Zz024ZhyaOzqQ6sKjoJAzNPTJ5OEaH3T0JUDtouPKNGbe5wMhgWRD6QTGQjkBO7V026hw3rqXqb1UAHdjkToywnPeMtvLLBAre4YMYBwBQ8pEHFsMTIjKb7G404Qg/s320/IMG_2066.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225037932504692850" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Plus, we got Raya a rockin' stroller cushion for her to lie in when she rides this new baby. There were other designs with pink elephants and other cute, dainty prints. But she's too cool for that. We know already. :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDf7Mx7SJRcpWYU70_hFM3hEs1y8muqqiCjDxvUPFzerj_KvE4Sh_CGpGs56gM9lyZJisDAAiCvi9yeUpTrxeExidYeZli_TrcRnUktsO-ZUMRfJsn6K1yjL_b0AMk_uKDlRYUv_13rpY/s1600-h/IMG_2072.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDf7Mx7SJRcpWYU70_hFM3hEs1y8muqqiCjDxvUPFzerj_KvE4Sh_CGpGs56gM9lyZJisDAAiCvi9yeUpTrxeExidYeZli_TrcRnUktsO-ZUMRfJsn6K1yjL_b0AMk_uKDlRYUv_13rpY/s320/IMG_2072.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225038787339019426" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">ONE MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Maviosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04934722132509775706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3486409400837682175.post-25593594719743496932008-07-16T23:03:00.001+08:002008-07-21T14:38:50.700+08:00Another Pleasant Surprise<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana;">Woke up to a phone call from Dad asking about a Graco playard that appeared with Kris Aquino (of all people, yes, hehe) in Yes! Magazine and since I was still feeling a bit woozy, I couldn't figure out what exactly he was referring to. As the conversation went on though, I realized that he was asking if we ever considered getting a playard/playpen for Raya. </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I said we thought of getting one but because she already had a crib, we figured we may not be able to maximize it. Plus I thought, getting a Pack 'N Play these days can get pretty steep, ranging from 7k to 10k, so it wasn't really on our priority list. Not to say that we didn't want one because it would allow us certain conveniences like a ready sleeping place for her during out-of-town trips (Pansol? Hehe.) and for moving her around the different rooms in the house with ease (Bedroom to Master's Bedroom to Living Room, etc.).</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Anyhow, Dad was saying there was a person from work selling him a slightly used (more like barely used we figured later on) Graco Playard for a very reasonable price. And I could only go "Oh okay." But he said he wasn't sure how much these things usually go for or how useful they were, and so...the phone call ended there. At that point I wasn't sure why he was calling but I figured he was probably gauging whether we wanted or needed one. Didn't know he was planning to actually get one. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">So, I was more than pleasantly surprised to find that a charming Pack 'N Play was waiting for us when we got back from dance practice in Blue Ridge! The color was a little boyish (denim blue and red) but also practical because the material looked easy to clean and maintain. It also looked brand new! Even the wheels and the aluminum and plastic parts were virtually scratch-free! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEMhoHrKjata9pCl4qq6YK0WLy7GHyU0GN802vGobHUzYJSvkLsMoG_CalAjPJwibd24l11wHFyvAwx3f_GYdFPvky5gLGzT3ysoAoSo54T3Q74BnxEmdCXLv1FPxn2qcNtHzs109ws8/s1600-h/IMG_2535.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEMhoHrKjata9pCl4qq6YK0WLy7GHyU0GN802vGobHUzYJSvkLsMoG_CalAjPJwibd24l11wHFyvAwx3f_GYdFPvky5gLGzT3ysoAoSo54T3Q74BnxEmdCXLv1FPxn2qcNtHzs109ws8/s320/IMG_2535.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225348650674884178" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Graco Contour Electra Deluxe Pack 'N Play</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">AND the best part about playards these days? They can fold to the size of big duffel bags, not like the huge, inflexible ones we had when I was a kid. So we can lug it around practically anywhere! PLUS! They come with hanging animal toys, a vibration device (for soothing baby) and a control pad that lets you turn on a night light or choose among different sounds like soothing music and nature sounds. Dad loves this feature by the way. He actually takes the pad out of the playard to check out the different musical selections. :) </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">There's also a changing table (complete with a counter for diaper wipes and other changing/cleaning-up implements) and a bassinet with a canopy for your little one. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Talk about major convenience! Now, it's almost as if we have another crib for Raya! Another great accessory for our coming Angel! Thanks so much Dad! :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></div>Maviosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04934722132509775706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3486409400837682175.post-69006859299216366702008-07-15T22:04:00.003+08:002008-07-15T22:28:27.853+08:00Hooray!<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">We finally succeeded in getting the better part of our "clearing and cleaning" done in preparation for the refurbishing of our room! And I must say this is something short of a milestone for me since I've really been feeling woozy and sluggish the past week (must be the hormones going haywire again). In fact, I was beginning to worry I wouldn't be able to see any of the things in my to-do list through to completion because of my erratic moods and fluctuating energy levels. I really can't wait to deliver. It's getting a little cumbersome, carrying my belly around and negotiating my weight and size every time I move. Hay. Raya, be an angel and arrive at the soonest possible time! Hehe. <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">It's also another good thing that my Lola came over to help start the overhaul. I think her fluttering about and supervising the "operations" helped me avoid slacking off the rest of the afternoon. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">That's not to say that the stuff we unearthed weren't interesting and enough to get me going. A lot of it was trash sure, but some were also little treasures. RJ found pics of him from his Les Roches days and he was more than happy to brag about how thin he was then! Haha! But it's true. He couldn't have been any more than 160 lbs! And he actually had a long neck! Hehehe! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">We also found pictures of him and old girlfriends and (oh-so-mushy) love letters. Hehehe. This isn't really a problem for me because I also keep souvenirs from the past and I like browsing them from time to time. ;) I even suggested that he returned part of the album to the party involved because some of them were childhood pictures, and if I were her, I'd want 'em back, diba?!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">But really, the find of the day was an old toy camera from his dad's exploratory photography days! We're not sure if it's still working but I'm interested to see if we can still get it up and running by a vintage camera repair shop in Manila. I'd been wanting to get my hands on old film cameras to try and play with them and see what kind of images would turn up...maybe it's just me missing production work or "feeling creative". Hehe. But I really can't wait to get the old thing a'workin! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">I wonder what sort of other treasures we'll be unearthing in the days to come. Hihihi. But one thing's for sure, I'll be posting pics the next time! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">Now, I gotta catch some zzz's. I'm exhausted from all the sorting and packing. I think the dust also triggered my allergies that's why my eyes are feeling a little heavy...Till the next post.</span></div>Maviosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04934722132509775706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3486409400837682175.post-80072131193720391432008-07-09T14:13:00.010+08:002008-07-09T14:57:32.027+08:00Meet Raya!<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana;">Surfing the Internet is one of my favorite occupations. I would say pastime except that I do it so often, it hardly qualifies as a hobby anymore. I browse all kinds of sites and I read all kinds of stuff that sometimes, even RJ wonders whether I don't get information or sensory overload from all the surfing, clicking and browsing that I do. Needless to say, I think the Internet is the best invention ever. Hehe. Next to Ziplock, that is. </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Anyhoo, in one of my internet exploits, I stumbled upon this cool site: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><a href="http://www.morphthing.com/">www.morphthing.com</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> where you can morph the faces of famous celebrities together (reminds me of a hilarious segment in Late Night with Conan O'Brien, If They Mated) or better yet, register for free and upload your own pics and morph them together. Naturally, with our baby coming, I took the liberty of uploading some of our headshots to see what she would actually look like. The results were, well...very interesting. Hahaha. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Guys and gals, meet Raya (or at least an approximation of her):</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBRk8LSxy0YIpLAdwqQNAlRnsUBx-MbF0yxRMNlZguT3-vWNvmJImABvWHxwrkx7RuZbG07PhKIqeb09FQ0iRet0tNnI2bOyUqXKXRUAghahLOOls4tiL4vDDSOy0SuwwEqvy7PQXdP0/s1600-h/mavie-and-rj.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBRk8LSxy0YIpLAdwqQNAlRnsUBx-MbF0yxRMNlZguT3-vWNvmJImABvWHxwrkx7RuZbG07PhKIqeb09FQ0iRet0tNnI2bOyUqXKXRUAghahLOOls4tiL4vDDSOy0SuwwEqvy7PQXdP0/s320/mavie-and-rj.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220898027975736770" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I've been getting mixed reactions to this image. Some say she's pretty, some say she just looks downright weird. Haha. I say she still looks like RJ. Parang pinagbigyan lang yung ibang features ko. :) It'll be interesting to see how she actually turns out. We love her already anyway. Hehe. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">As for how she'll look as a baby, I'm not sure. I don't think morphing baby images will be successful using MorphThing. So you'll just have to do your own mental morphing. Here are some of our pics to help. Hehe. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Young Mavie (perched on top of cousin, Joe)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKnpFv6QVltbomUIfttsaGaFxYIOfvPYfypfKHs8FvzODbw97w0XJ6zNyGV6AsgW_4CJKLGxVzhxrBwTaAd3-foqs4b0QLxjtXk6TJ3270MOEwRZ_XxkDZesoOzqKE_OW75j6TG2DnFI/s1600-h/mavs.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKnpFv6QVltbomUIfttsaGaFxYIOfvPYfypfKHs8FvzODbw97w0XJ6zNyGV6AsgW_4CJKLGxVzhxrBwTaAd3-foqs4b0QLxjtXk6TJ3270MOEwRZ_XxkDZesoOzqKE_OW75j6TG2DnFI/s320/mavs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220900461461697330" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Young RJ (with Mommy Vkyh)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPlmXsNV8GH_0XJSkmYFFbRDA6_gwH9ZVlFJDEV3DLomh2C3l21PGUIsukfiOjTMW-HsfAI03ttte2UGAnXPwp6CM5QYNPTDwPfKIi4PQPZVU0oE3njYblLrdKWGWk1uqnUEGrm3epgU/s1600-h/rj+and+mom.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPlmXsNV8GH_0XJSkmYFFbRDA6_gwH9ZVlFJDEV3DLomh2C3l21PGUIsukfiOjTMW-HsfAI03ttte2UGAnXPwp6CM5QYNPTDwPfKIi4PQPZVU0oE3njYblLrdKWGWk1uqnUEGrm3epgU/s320/rj+and+mom.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220899604569685490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Thoughts, people? :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Maviosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04934722132509775706noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3486409400837682175.post-53092757657898363142008-07-09T12:42:00.003+08:002008-07-09T13:01:21.407+08:00Tag! I'm It!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I have been tagged! Here goes nothin'... ;)</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Rules: Answer the questions using only </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">one word.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> Then tag four others.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">1. Where is your cell phone? Table.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">2. Your significant other? RJ.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">3. Your hair? Brown.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">4. Your mother? Tina.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">5. Your father? Brick.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">6. Your favorite thing? Books.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">7. Your dream last night? Dunno.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">8. Your favorite drink? Tea.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">9. Your dream/goal? Travel.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">10. The room you're in? Dining.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">11. Your hobby? Blogging.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">12. Your fear? Dark.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? School.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">14. What you're not? Famous.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">15. Muffins? Cakes.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">16. One of your wish list items? Library.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">17. Where you grew up? Bulacan.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">18. The last thing you did? Chat.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">19. What are you wearing? Dress.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">20. Favorite Gadget? SLR.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">21. Your pets? None.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">22. You computer? Mac.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">23. Your mood? Agitated.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">24. Missing someone? Lola.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">25. Your car? Umm.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">26. Something you're not wearing? Rings. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">27. Favorite Store? Bookstore.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">28. Like someone? Brothers.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">29. Your favorite color? Black.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">30. When is the last time you laughed? Tuesday.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">31. Last time your cried? Birthday. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Now, tagging four others:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">1. Jon </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">2. Amira</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">3. Trixie</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">4. Kinx </span></div>Maviosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04934722132509775706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3486409400837682175.post-5293889504639866762008-07-08T15:42:00.004+08:002008-07-08T16:22:57.540+08:00Meet St. Raymond Nonnatus<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana;">After a long hiatus, Mrs. Imperial and her family visited Ponzo's again. She wanted to ask for Ginger's (RJ's sister, who used to be the operations manager of the resto but has since moved on to greener pastures as a Flight Attendant for Emirates Airlines -- Mrs. Imperial was very fond of her :) ) email address to thank her for the chocolates she sent her way.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">As she is a frequent customer of Ponzo's, she and RJ got to talking about some of the developments in the Magallanes-Makati area like the exorbitant price of village stickers in San Lorenzo Village (where Monique's school is) and the environmental/health implications on Magallanes Village of the public school recently opened right behind the Parish. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Soon though, as most small talk is bound to lead to these days, conversation turned to my bulging belly and my impending delivery. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">She asked when I was due and the circumstances of my would-be delivery (at least the ones we know so far) and was nice enough to say she'd be including me and Raya in her prayers. She also gave us the name of the Saint of Unborn Children, St. Raymond Nonnatus whom her mother introduced to her when she was about to have her first child. She said that novenas to St. Raymond never failed and it would help ensure a safe and sound birthing experience for Raya and Me. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">As RJ and I didn't know anything about St. Raymond, we looked him up on the Net and found that he was made the Saint of Unborn Children because of his special birth experience. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwepNDoxNFxTJBrjwZZsd_Ipf7eBKy1hk9l4-79N1-9jY-ApHa6TvW-2hBokEG_ZTACz9I4lmn0KNn5RAeDskd0wJqcWH-M-iYaz274uMR0ah3yBnyHajJHK0J0yanceeb-hxw7iMqWKo/s1600-h/16356lg.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwepNDoxNFxTJBrjwZZsd_Ipf7eBKy1hk9l4-79N1-9jY-ApHa6TvW-2hBokEG_ZTACz9I4lmn0KNn5RAeDskd0wJqcWH-M-iYaz274uMR0ah3yBnyHajJHK0J0yanceeb-hxw7iMqWKo/s400/16356lg.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220553877708044754" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">St. Raymond Nonnatus was born in the year 1204 in Portella, Spain via cesarean section to his already-dead mother. In fact, his surname </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Non natus</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> actually means "not born" in Latin. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">He was earlier prepared for a life at the Court of Aragon and later on for commerce and trade as a farm manager to his father's lands but he chose to enter priesthood. He entered the Order of our Lady of Mercy for the Ransom of Captives and became a Mercederian, whose main mission was to ransom Christians held captive by Moors.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">St. Raymond rose in the ranks of the order and was supposedly being eyed by many to replace the founder, St. Peter Nolasco, as ransomer. He was also said to be a zealous preacher which got him in a lot of trouble with the Mohammeden authorities of that time. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">He was eventually held hostage when he ran out of money/estate to ransom more captives and was subjected to all kinds of torture and cruelty. It was even said that in order to prevent him from preaching, his captors bore a hole through his mouth and padlocked it. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Eventually though, he too was ransomed and he was able to return to Barcelona to become a cardinal under Gregory IX.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">He died of fever in Cardona, on his way to Rome, on August 31st. He was 37 years old.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">His is truly a compelling story and we want to thank Mrs. Imperial for sharing this beloved Saint with us. I know that a lot of factors may be beyond our control, especially during a time as dynamic as giving birth, but we believe prayers and faith will go a long way. Here's looking forward to the coming D-day. :) </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Postscript: For a guide to prayers and novenas to St. Raymond Nonnatus, you may visit this </span><a href="http://www.straymond.net/overview/straymond_prayers.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">site.</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></div>Maviosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04934722132509775706noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3486409400837682175.post-86375291872383781052008-07-07T16:49:00.012+08:002008-07-09T14:58:14.301+08:00If We Hold On<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana;">While sitting at home and watching TV (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana;">As I am writing this, I had just finished two movies in a row on HBO. Only the harrowing prospect of watching Chuck Norris in another B-movie tore me away from the screen and on to another couch potato occupation, the Internet. Hehe.)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana;"> I saw a plug announcing the premiere on HBO of one of the most memorable animated films of my childhood -- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Land Before Time</span> (July 27, 5 PM). </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPv1-RoGcJk-XWkAFBr7iVbJ2aJEpIxrWoajB4s1sG2OeXeWO60WZiTa9RJiBdHRp15ggjz0cIa0Nv2fEQRlESQS57aPAzMjulE1OPo-7Vsue8LFYflqWvFaIIok7lG-iGQU4wSYOPm4w/s1600-h/land_before_time.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPv1-RoGcJk-XWkAFBr7iVbJ2aJEpIxrWoajB4s1sG2OeXeWO60WZiTa9RJiBdHRp15ggjz0cIa0Nv2fEQRlESQS57aPAzMjulE1OPo-7Vsue8LFYflqWvFaIIok7lG-iGQU4wSYOPm4w/s400/land_before_time.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220253806708719522" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">For those who don't know, Land Before Time was an animated film originally released in 1988 by Universal Pictures. It features five young, anthropomorphic dinosaurs who are trying to find their way to the Great Valley <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">(a place of abundant food source where all the other dinosaur species have converged because of a drought that has devastated the rest of the land)</span>, all the while, trying to elude the film's carnivorous villain, Sharp Tooth (a Tyrannosaurus Rex) and being guided by the spirit of Little Foot's (the main character) mother who died trying to protect him.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">It is a story of five friends journeying through life, coming of age and reaching the end of their quest despite insurmountable odds -- a formidable group of youngsters who find strength and courage in each other. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tEXVs5JT1-2dO6zknKeEqi8Pln_Um2ieXJRir074L4p43saOTONm2C4GeDSh81zAAj_rD5UaoTUQkwXrESIPA5MSiSCIi5KZ0hulLL93KJEwXz2Fw7N05zaKndWTP4zU4X22DXif1fw/s1600-h/the_land_before_time_xi_invasion_of_the_tinysauruses.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tEXVs5JT1-2dO6zknKeEqi8Pln_Um2ieXJRir074L4p43saOTONm2C4GeDSh81zAAj_rD5UaoTUQkwXrESIPA5MSiSCIi5KZ0hulLL93KJEwXz2Fw7N05zaKndWTP4zU4X22DXif1fw/s400/the_land_before_time_xi_invasion_of_the_tinysauruses.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220254390070179330" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">The main character of the film is Little Foot, an Apatosaurus. It is mostly his determination to reach Great Valley, just as his mother had told him to do before she died, that drives the journey forward. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Cera, a Triceratops, is the feisty one in the bunch. She was also separated from her pack in the confusion of the evacuation to the Valley. Little Foot saves her life and after much prodding, she eventually joins him in his journey. She likes to assert her independence and pretends to be brave and self-sufficient even when she feels afraid and vulnerable.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Ducky, a Saurolophus, is probably the sweetest and most adorable character of the bunch. She seems to be the most impressionable too. Yes, she's the one who says, "Yep.yep.yep." all the time. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Petrie is the baby Pteranodon who can't fly. While Spike is the Stegosaurus with the hearty appetite who can't talk.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">My personal favorite as a kid was Cera. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWG9f18iugHUlMF5r2E5_ES9YbgpPHlfEg6Ozu6NOaBXrIapoL451Q4u6Bmzcn0h16APozsbcW-DI9wWuvINfKw2bCygTP-wGBZAlBcqb7unSftt1jyK1g8uo_rbmP4dGELDcb0lqE6w/s1600-h/cera.PNG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWG9f18iugHUlMF5r2E5_ES9YbgpPHlfEg6Ozu6NOaBXrIapoL451Q4u6Bmzcn0h16APozsbcW-DI9wWuvINfKw2bCygTP-wGBZAlBcqb7unSftt1jyK1g8uo_rbmP4dGELDcb0lqE6w/s320/cera.PNG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220255509725864194" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Her rebellious streak and tough-girl exterior attracted me (If you must know, I was never the sweet, demure type.) and while the many illogical decisions borne out of her gigantic ego irritated me at times, I guess I respected her for not wanting to take crap from anybody and looking to take care of herself. I guess she was also the one who seemed most <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">real</span> to me with all her trust issues and what-not. Haha. PLUS she vindicated herself when she pushed the 'ol T-Rex to his death in the end. ;)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Anyway, RJ and I have been talking about the movie for the past two nights now and we were both amused to find that it was one of the first movies we cried buckets of tears over. The first lines of the film's theme song, "If We Hold On Together" did us in. Hehe. All the nostalgic talk about the movie has also made my young sister-in-law Monique, eager to see it. I'm glad she now has a chance to catch it on TV. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana;">On a more reflective note though, I think the reason why it had such a huge impact on my 6-year old mind <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">(and on the many who got to see it)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">, </span>was that it may have been my first "educational cinematic experience." <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">O</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">kay fine.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> I first saw it on video but I'm talking about films in general</span>. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana;">For one, it launched me into this MAJOR dinosaur phase where I forced my mom to buy me all the dinosaur books I could find in National Bookstore. I also just HAD to know by heart then, the different pre-historic periods and the dinosaurs that appeared within them. And let's not forget all my gloating over getting the spellings of the dinosaur names correct. Talk about getting the right motivation. ;)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana;">Of course, I could only remember a handful of those stuff now but more memorably though, Land Before Time also educated me in a way that it allowed me to confront the reality of death and loss through the experiences of the five young characters, particularly Little Foot's. To my young mind, it was a little traumatic to look at Little Foot and witness him deal with the loss of his mother and come face to face with situations or choices that could spell the difference between survival and death. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVS14ZS8rfzjNFE5IotkMvbjc0KWMeazJtlz4ThFSb8gAJOXDIUtb9CyXiSKvYzLX5ZO6QUpc7eWcLJBg0_TzVS8WfeSlGyOAKLozADuG5PkoT-zI1WOpchQr_ubK_fT2SjL6U83KMdhY/s1600-h/340px-Sharptooth_vs_Littlefoot's_Mom.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVS14ZS8rfzjNFE5IotkMvbjc0KWMeazJtlz4ThFSb8gAJOXDIUtb9CyXiSKvYzLX5ZO6QUpc7eWcLJBg0_TzVS8WfeSlGyOAKLozADuG5PkoT-zI1WOpchQr_ubK_fT2SjL6U83KMdhY/s400/340px-Sharptooth_vs_Littlefoot's_Mom.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220256177611510050" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana;">Yet it was also the perilous circumstances he had to endure along with his friends that lead me to a more profound understanding of friendship, faith, and love. It allowed me to perceive that a deep connection that defies even physical absence or separation is possible. In a sense I guess it taught me about Hope and what it really means.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana;">As adults, we sometimes remember the most mundane yet interesting details from our childhood. For instance, I also remember how Land Before Time merchandise was sold everywhere then or was even part of the promotional gigs of some establishments like Shakey's. Heck, it's only now that I realize what a commercial success that film was. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana;">But it's also interesting how some things, the really important ones, also find their way to our minds and hearts, aside of course, from the action, plot twists and engaging artwork/graphics. I guess the key to keeping them alive in us is just to have the same openness and receptivity that we once had as children.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">We may just be surprised at the messages that many of our experiences, mediated or not, hold for us.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">So I highly recommend seeing the film if you haven't yet. It may just be what your weary heart needs these days. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div>Maviosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04934722132509775706noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3486409400837682175.post-59859632770073489582008-07-04T19:13:00.002+08:002008-07-04T21:02:50.992+08:00Allow me this...<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana;">I love RJ to bits but there are just moments in your life when beauty smacks you right in the face. </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaS1xZB5psgxtD-yZKHT-5SnF5rbGWSkNEHjlDzFD21k4I7wiKKAI6aGc55eyBLSDfwHfHj7p1Z9-FW0mBBNQ1B03hjTyfMfXMFbuPxwJ60N6IL03H2LufntD2KUMlvVIp6DPcyTcs2Jc/s1600-h/item.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaS1xZB5psgxtD-yZKHT-5SnF5rbGWSkNEHjlDzFD21k4I7wiKKAI6aGc55eyBLSDfwHfHj7p1Z9-FW0mBBNQ1B03hjTyfMfXMFbuPxwJ60N6IL03H2LufntD2KUMlvVIp6DPcyTcs2Jc/s320/item.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219116815416527490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Ang gwafuh niya. I think I'm gonna faint. His name is Akihiro Sato, by the way. And he models HERE in the P.I.! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5rtH0IPSZ6cFDwNmhAq_3svdGPTStqxMGI-bMSkyeKNhpuBG9fo_Dr1vxBlNkvmngtEZOJuzaSWnZiSJ396qMw4jm8LLyHe-styV3nnj0Q7UyOfYuVSaqyFDPvUV_mZ79r7sCH_GHIw/s1600-h/item-1.jpeg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5rtH0IPSZ6cFDwNmhAq_3svdGPTStqxMGI-bMSkyeKNhpuBG9fo_Dr1vxBlNkvmngtEZOJuzaSWnZiSJ396qMw4jm8LLyHe-styV3nnj0Q7UyOfYuVSaqyFDPvUV_mZ79r7sCH_GHIw/s320/item-1.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219118367695908770" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Whoever thought Japanese and Brazilian would make a good combo? Well, I didn't but nature does have a way of surprising you.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I'm into my third trimester. Is it too late to make lihi? ;)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></div>Maviosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04934722132509775706noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3486409400837682175.post-91684530204668553372008-07-04T18:16:00.004+08:002008-07-04T19:02:33.621+08:00Where's the Party?!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">Never thought this day would come...but Vilma Santos just made my day. :)</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">Where's the parteeh? Come on show me! <br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">To kindred spirits, click on the link to jumpstart your day: </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCLK6CtYkpw"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">Vilma Santos is asking you "Where's the party?!"</span></a></div>Maviosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04934722132509775706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3486409400837682175.post-72774268308556399212008-07-04T16:21:00.006+08:002008-07-09T15:00:50.629+08:00The Business of Weddings<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana;">I've finally started on Fr. Benny's assignment and I'm proud to say I've been making considerable progress!</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Nongnong (as we fondly call Father) has requested me to help produce a primer for the many couples interested to wed at the St. Alphonsus Mary de Liguori Church in Magallanes Village (where we also got hitched!) and since I've got nothing better to do these days except catch up on my reading, watch TV and surf the net, I figured I might as well start being productive and get my writing and creative juices flowing again.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kNHvdqb7MdIVobwcIWNytojcfVwMsny_w_7I9smLcUFxgHOlFm09HdtHb2ufeu0NzJFgvwiXZcnzglpsqzC-oqBG7_qc5gqnxUQlebVy406AmdsN5jMzs72jCdpumTJgYkLpj8jfCqw/s320/DSC_1657.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219089130018358690" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Anyway, working on the primer brought me back to the months leading up to our wedding and I am reminded of how much work it took to put everything together. Even with me, my mother-in-law and RJ all working at it, we still had to hire an on-the-day wedding coordinator (much to our chagrin - we were confident we could do it by ourselves!) just to string together and tie up loose ends in the preparations (which were still A LOT by at least one week before the day itself). Granted we only had less than three months to plan it all, but still, our wedding was relatively simple and low profile compared to most magazine-type nuptials being eyed by many. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I can only imagine the kind of money and effort that goes into the more complex wedding extravaganzas. Garsh. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Now, I know a lot of people will scoff at the idea of elaborate plans being launched and executed, all in the name of one day or night of festivities that will in no way ensure the success of your marriage. Especially since most of us are left to worry about more important things like putting food on the table or the skyrocketing fuel prices that affect virtually all facets of our everyday lives. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">And I am in complete agreement when some say that the wedding industry (with the media) by turning itself into one gargantuan empire, has not helped the ridiculousness of the situation by manufacturing increasing wants masterfully disguised as needs. It's like, today, every bride must have her own personalized menu cards printed on special stationery for her guests to glance at, or if she's really lucky, to browse during the reception. And let's not even get to the flowers.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana;">But not all can afford or choose to go this I daresay, less-conscientious path. Some brides and grooms content themselves with the simpler alternatives, either by virtue of a limited budget or a wiser outlook. But regardless of whatever motives are behind a more purposeful attitude towards spending, especially for something as fleeting as wedding days, I think that these couples deserve some credit. After all, possessing some degree of sensitivity is always welcome in a Third World country like ours. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana;">But I'm not riding the moral high horse here. I don't deny that I too wished for the many finer things associated with expensive, high-end weddings when we were preparing for ours. And I also looked forward to choosing charming gowns for our entourage and decorating the Church and Reception venues so they would look nice in the pictures. But more than all those, it was about keeping everything in perspective for me. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana;">While it did matter that we had an attractive wedding celebration and that our guests had a good time, it mattered more that it looked beautiful and memorable to US. It was not always easy but we forced reality checks on each other so we'd be more into making memories to last us a lifetime -- memories that would hopefully remind us of why were together in the first place if and when our marriage hits rough waters -- than getting the hottest supplier of the season. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana;">So in the end, it didn't really matter as much that we only spent so much on flowers (that wouldn't stay with us till the end), or that we got a basic menu for the reception (it was tastier anyway). It wasn't like we were being miserably deprived of a great wedding after all. Instead, not surprisingly, what mattered were the things we barely spent any money on but instead invested time and ideas into: like that wacky Thriller Dance or the look on our parents' faces when we said our Thank You's.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-family:Georgia;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzRuQosrFpWYmD2pKk6fcOFYeKJ5q6bsujGzvNGYwFca1BaFFnpT8ARSTfRiEyoSllHdFiYXE30eNdyXamf3l4Hb5E6ofTV92zxxz57cRLyqilrUpyCZrL8GgOUJ5oQPB1HAK7Oi0yjx4/s320/_DSC8428.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219090985125590626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-family:Georgia;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49ejoGL1c-ZE3zpid1WV_-KR6lKyvYC64qrf8qTClIPU4y0BGzGvgY5oQJ34YHFtZFMqX89DqlAigKqaHxnuzKgxb_kUtGHwH6s1MLcwlOWh_ykn9JC4vuj5dsOgib6xDailDami5anI/s320/_DSC7755.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219090983743003570" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5CxL94iWxv5vy6Iz5L2TJjzi4zlgzKUoWXTPXg4UN1mwWky3MP1E5MkJ-ndCGdYR-6li5YI4HYaxTizs1odBoO0zKyqmojllbBvLU0Ay49qJXsAzrS6Igj-gvL9FGPXuR7N64LJig58/s1600-h/_DSC8399.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5CxL94iWxv5vy6Iz5L2TJjzi4zlgzKUoWXTPXg4UN1mwWky3MP1E5MkJ-ndCGdYR-6li5YI4HYaxTizs1odBoO0zKyqmojllbBvLU0Ay49qJXsAzrS6Igj-gvL9FGPXuR7N64LJig58/s320/_DSC8399.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219090990451639010" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana;">So what is my point here? I have no personal vendetta against costly and elaborate wedding preparations if your pockets can hack it, but really, if you stop for a while and look at the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">value for money</span> that you're getting for all the many, wonderful things that you absolutely have to have on your wedding day, are you really getting much? Or does it really just seem reasonable because the latest issue of Metro Weddings says so? Or because it's a little cheaper than what your friend who last got hitched had? </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana;">Again, like any bride out there, I'm all for making beautiful memories. It's just frivolity I'm against.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div> </div>Maviosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04934722132509775706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3486409400837682175.post-43839495444560846312008-07-04T15:39:00.005+08:002008-07-04T16:03:13.155+08:00Welcome to the Blogosphere Chefangga!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzex_uxDj1RiVesKmaHUb0nVcJY-Ymz_CtKTJFvnNin6uNpNGh8jBDKcVayfW5c2WJm_aK84EFpkwEbJto2wY14wbrR_AAXFWzrCLENevh0hAwdUzyLGRjukECmmMjq4BkEQ3Ya_dI1c/s1600-h/IMG_1539.JPG"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">After much deliberation, my better (bigger - hehehe!) half, RJ, has also decided to pour his guts out on a <a href="http://chefangga.blogspot.com/">new blog</a><a href="http://chefanngga.blogspot.com/"> </a>dedicated to his many passions! </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I must admit though, mas benta ang title ng blog niya sa 'kin! Why didn't I think of that?! Hehehe!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Anyway, welcome to the Blogosphere Honey! :) We look forward to the juiciest and most entertaining posts on food, basketball, Kobe and the Lakers, and the Holy Grail! </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzex_uxDj1RiVesKmaHUb0nVcJY-Ymz_CtKTJFvnNin6uNpNGh8jBDKcVayfW5c2WJm_aK84EFpkwEbJto2wY14wbrR_AAXFWzrCLENevh0hAwdUzyLGRjukECmmMjq4BkEQ3Ya_dI1c/s320/IMG_1539.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219063379739098354" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">At least, we're now both assured of ONE comment every time. Haha!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Maviosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04934722132509775706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3486409400837682175.post-19855553646964505762008-07-03T18:49:00.008+08:002008-07-03T22:20:28.187+08:00Looking for the perfect ride<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1j7MyF1kW2xkur64Zl20Xx-aClo_AihVr9GEvPlNIbR2EEMv6pOQ0u-aR0KaUXOHyRM6TFRDZhTk5PygW4iFTrk0nutMyjNvzGdLCKhQuG4ayL8A94WeAGXKHNQGaeF10HXfp5Jk2eDQ/s1600-h/chicco+cortina+-+explorer.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1j7MyF1kW2xkur64Zl20Xx-aClo_AihVr9GEvPlNIbR2EEMv6pOQ0u-aR0KaUXOHyRM6TFRDZhTk5PygW4iFTrk0nutMyjNvzGdLCKhQuG4ayL8A94WeAGXKHNQGaeF10HXfp5Jk2eDQ/s320/chicco+cortina+-+explorer.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218746784852170978" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana;">RJ and I have had our hearts set on getting the Chicco Cortina - Explorer Travel System for our Raya. We really did our homework, comparing features and specs from different infant websites and parent reviews because we wanted to get the best, most reasonable ride for her. We think that a Travel System will be one of her most-used accessories for her first two years (at least) so we were willing to make the investment. </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">So as earnest parents-to-be, we looked around and canvassed for the model in baby stores and found that Rustan's carried it. But it cost a whopping 20k (buying it online would only cost around 13k, without shipping costs)! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">So we decided to ask relatives in the U.S. to try and purchase it for us and send it back home. We estimated that doing that would still save us around 2000 bucks at least. We got lucky when we learned that our Ninang Lizza was headed to the States for a couple of weeks so we ordered the stroller from her. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">But suddenly, all the baby stores in the U.S. were out of Chicco! And even buying it online wasn't an option because there was now a "back order" for the particular model. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">We were naturally disappointed! How could this perfect, "No. 1-rated Travel System" run out of stock?! Was it that in-demand that the supply couldn't keep up? RJ thought that a competing manufacturer may be behind it and that its disappearance from sales floors was part of an elaborate plan to sabotage the Chicco brand. Hehe. Cute. But the more practical Mommy Vkyh suggested that the line may have been among some baby items recalled from the market due to manufacturing defects, as she had heard. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">So RJ asked me to google "Chicco out of stock" and lo and behold was an </span><a href="http://www.chiccocarseatrecall.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">official press release from Chicco</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> saying that they had indeed recalled some car seat bases that were part of their KeyFit, KeyFit 30 and Cortina Travel Systems. They said that they had reason to believe that some car seat bases manufactured between February and March 2008 may be defective. At least sa States, inaamin nila kung defective diba? We can only wish for the same sense of accountability here. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">So Mom was right after all and it was back to the drawing board for RJ and me. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">But we're happy now because we have since then settled for two new options for Raya. Since we really wanna get a travel system for her because it would be more economical (like hitting three birds with one stone) than getting the Buggy, Carrier and Car Seat separately, we've chosen the next-best brand in the market (in our opinion at least, hehe) and they're actually cheaper too. The only downside I think is the design. The Chicco's is sleeker and more sophisticated, not to mention "gender-neutral" so there would be no problem handing it down. The Graco designs are just downright sappy (we find the first one too futuristic, the other, sickeningly sweet) but hey, if the features deliver I guess the aesthetics would have to take a backseat. :) Now, we just have to keep our fingers crossed and hope that our dear cousin, Joy finds them and brings them home to Momma!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Ladies and gentlemen, here are the runners-up: </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">1. Graco Quattro Tour Deluxe Travel System in Milano (damage: around 240$)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCnUBUEmwFOeG6ZP45AqhlvapJbdeJM_S6mI_qNZ4dnvBxXLtFbEn7kFvhy5RO4hbj4du_j_Si-4RWQDCpLOJCucyZ1b1VDZ5lFJhWo77jAx8qvX-KynFoK4O6MJfeZta62N-vWblDCW8/s1600-h/graco+quattro+tour+deluxe+travel+system+-+milano.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCnUBUEmwFOeG6ZP45AqhlvapJbdeJM_S6mI_qNZ4dnvBxXLtFbEn7kFvhy5RO4hbj4du_j_Si-4RWQDCpLOJCucyZ1b1VDZ5lFJhWo77jAx8qvX-KynFoK4O6MJfeZta62N-vWblDCW8/s320/graco+quattro+tour+deluxe+travel+system+-+milano.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218746463103317954" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">2. Grace Metrolite Travel System in Cherry Blossom (damage: around 230$)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPiv7vhxBu_EFB4SFWogocjGlK5hhHIxlYNzN1aC4DTSE4PvW3TiyCu37z89iougtBjbsJOrWmpfoD4A8TeExltdk_poK4YX0GT8hcIe1-4KorQoc5ySE1_Db4xRohcCiA8UgF4MmIWk/s1600-h/graco+metrolite+travel+system+-+cherry+blossom.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPiv7vhxBu_EFB4SFWogocjGlK5hhHIxlYNzN1aC4DTSE4PvW3TiyCu37z89iougtBjbsJOrWmpfoD4A8TeExltdk_poK4YX0GT8hcIe1-4KorQoc5ySE1_Db4xRohcCiA8UgF4MmIWk/s320/graco+metrolite+travel+system+-+cherry+blossom.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218746261671506882" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Can't wait for Raya to ride either one! :) </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Incidentally, thanks to Mom and Dad for "advance gifting" this to us. This was their pledge during the baby shower, among other necessities for the little one. :)</span></div>Maviosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04934722132509775706noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3486409400837682175.post-7623510374313145352008-07-03T12:21:00.003+08:002008-07-03T12:51:35.993+08:00I'm a Dynamic Thinker!<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; ">I took this <a href="http://www.ipersonic.com/type/DT.html">online test that's supposed to determine your personality type</a>. It's funny how I've tested consistently in these kinds of tests. In fact, during my final year in college, we were required to go to the campus guidance office where they'll interpret your personality test results (we're required to take 1 personality test annually) and the counselor said that all my personality tests showed basically the same type of personality/attitude/behavior. She also added I needed to work on "Intimacy" because I had a hard time "getting close" to people. Well, I'm married now, so how does that figure? Hehe. Maybe RJ can shed some insight...Incidentally, the results also offer some advice for partners of DT's (Dynamic Thinkers). Wonder if he will agree? ;)</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">DYNAMIC THINKER</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Dynamic Thinkers are confident and independent persons. They radiate enthusiasm and energy. Dynamic Thinkers pursue their objectives actively and energetically. They love nothing better than new challenges. This type is the born leader, competent, energetic and responsible. They have a sharp eye for errors and can criticize without mercy if they see the success of a project endangered. They are completely unconcerned as to whether they alienate anyone in the process. But they are always open to objective arguments; they love discussions, they are very gifted rhetorically and they are good at convincing and enthusing others. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">As they are very sociable, Dynamic Thinkers like to have a lot of friends around them, preferably those with whom they can share their interests and discuss all sorts of subjects. They are very direct but never in an underhand or scheming manner. If you can bear being spoken to frankly, you have in them a loyal and unwavering advisor as friend. Everything new and unknown stimulates Dynamic Thinkers and awakens their curiosity. However, rules, routine and traditional things arouse their resistance. If something does not go the way they want it to, they can react rather pigheadedly and obstinately.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Dynamic Thinkers expect a great deal of themselves and of others. Whoever does not fit in with their scheme of things does not have it easy. They sometimes appear to be rather severe due to their frankness. Partners and family also find it difficult to satisfy Dynamic Thinkers. They know exactly what they want and compromising is inconceivable to them. Whoever has a Dynamic Thinker as partner should have a strong personality and have a great deal of independence and sufficient self-confidence in order to give this dominating type some opposition. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Normally, for Dynamic Thinkers, a partnership only takes second place after their profession. But they like to have someone at their side who is a match for them intellectually, with whom they can pursue mutual objectives and have interesting discussions all night long; preferably factual discussions -- sentimentalism and romance are not their thing. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Maviosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04934722132509775706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3486409400837682175.post-30556399358597388212008-07-01T15:21:00.006+08:002008-07-01T16:53:03.427+08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gHlplRUu_84vHmC9Ja-yK2oNqwcYuESpyZ62Fme3kUMpQdS4goBP6SeRPrKwovOz3Q4772M1mJzjqjGB-lMejaGI2iwQoK21GmGVXl_R-GVuIpxFjitnzXdSWx8ccS3IjcwNfbjNhaI/s1600-h/20080630_107.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gHlplRUu_84vHmC9Ja-yK2oNqwcYuESpyZ62Fme3kUMpQdS4goBP6SeRPrKwovOz3Q4772M1mJzjqjGB-lMejaGI2iwQoK21GmGVXl_R-GVuIpxFjitnzXdSWx8ccS3IjcwNfbjNhaI/s400/20080630_107.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217962067819631026" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana;">Just got off reading <a href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1815747_1815707_1815705,00.html">Time Magazine's Summer Journey Issue </a>for this year. It was pretty great as they featured a series of stories on the different games that we play, across various cultures and generations, from marbles to yo-yo's, to competitive sports. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana;">Theirs is an interesting thesis, and a convincing one too, that in the final analysis, in the age of globalization and endless connectivity, consumerism and popular culture may not be all that unites us today but also that the more simple, fundamental desire to engage in play remains ingrained in all of us. In that sense I found the articles insightful and enlightening as it made me take a second look on something as seemingly innocuous and banal as play and see it as something that potentially shapes and continues to transform our perspectives as people and cultures.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Now, as an adult and a mother-to-be, the subject of play is something that I find myself highly interested in again. Not that it's charm ever lost its hold on me. I still find that going to the toy store, playing game boards, watching sports, and just daydreaming and make-believing are some of the activities that top my list as the most enjoyable things to do. But now, the kind of toys and activities to get my baby started on seems to be at the forefront of the many conscious decisions RJ and I need to make. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Good thing we both agree that the purchase of toys will not be a priority for our Raya because we want her to be more into books and puzzles. And besides, we also want her to try and use everyday stuff for play because we think it'll foster imagination and hone her problem-solving skills. I'll be a prouder parent seeing my daughter play with a box and pretend it's a sail boat or a fortress than seeing her passively seeking entertainment from an electronic toy.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyezY8AsCfGupsLV6slMFRNEjxUiOpZm05ubotNO81T1PNAR6BSH3E-9W3CeNI7MgPliBLgspCIK3DQewakjm3k8ja7VcabzCoBkb4EUPSTHDuc1Dt9rvfRX0PSf2P2S1ryGTAl9fGkK8/s1600-h/Photo+2.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyezY8AsCfGupsLV6slMFRNEjxUiOpZm05ubotNO81T1PNAR6BSH3E-9W3CeNI7MgPliBLgspCIK3DQewakjm3k8ja7VcabzCoBkb4EUPSTHDuc1Dt9rvfRX0PSf2P2S1ryGTAl9fGkK8/s320/Photo+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217961730620875186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Now I just have to *wean* RJ off that PSP habit...hehehe! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></div>Maviosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04934722132509775706noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3486409400837682175.post-53087962063074397892008-06-30T18:32:00.003+08:002008-06-30T18:52:21.588+08:00Move that booty!<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; ">In the spirit of Waiting (with which I started this whole foray into the world of blogging). I am still </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; ">waiting</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; "> to gather enough energy and resolve to get off my butt and start the things that I need to do before D-day. No, not Doomsday. Thank God. </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">And to pressure me into actually getting at least half of them done before then, I will be posting my much overdue to-do list so that everyone (meaning the one...or two...) readers of my blog will hold me accountable if I fail to do so. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">To do:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">1. Clear the bedroom of all our unnecessary crap. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">Task Description: This includes containers, toiletries, clothes, dvd covers, pillows, shoes, papers, that no longer have a right to space in our already spatially-challenged living quarters. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">This also includes wiping the tabletops and shelves clean and clearing our numerous cabinet spaces of all things that have not seen the light of day for the past 5 years. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">Estimated Accomplishment Time: 3 days</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">2. Clean/Sanitize the bathroom 'till kingdom come. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">Task Description: I can't exactly do this by myself since my belly cannot accommodate all the leaning and bending that it will require but I can possibly solicit the help of the two lovely helpers, Jenny and Manang Iking and/or RJ. We will have to have the muriatic acid, zonrox cleaner, powdered cleanser and lysol at hand for this. Not to mention a handful of rags and brushes. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">Estimated Accomplishment Time: One whole day</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">3. Bring the Mac over to SENCO to have the busted CD-Drive estimated and (hopefully) fixed. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">Estimated Accomplishment Time: One day</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">4. Follow up our Wedding Photos and Video from Niceprint (and quite possibly resort to intimidation if they fail to deliver it by next month. Bwaharhar.). </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">Estimated Accomplishment Time: 15 minutes</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">5. Work on a Wedding Brochure for the Parish (start Research and Writing). </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">Estimated Accomplishment Time: 2 weeks to 1 month </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">6. Put my D-day bag together in time for August. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">Task Description: This involves putting all I need to bring to the hospital in one bag and making sure nothing is forgotten. This also involves, turning over this bag to RJ so he can make sure it's brought with us when my tummy starts crunching. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">Estimated Accomplishment Time: 1 Day</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana;">Time to get my butt a'workin! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Maviosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04934722132509775706noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3486409400837682175.post-86740224450009699852008-06-30T16:53:00.001+08:002008-07-02T22:19:15.702+08:00Limbo<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana;">At the risk of starting off this blog with what resembles negativity, I would like to bring attention to something that my beloved Philosophy of Man professor said in a discussion several years ago -- that "Waiting is Hell." </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Now, one may ask why I, somebody new to the world of blogging, young, arguably promising and on the verge of what would be one (if not THE) of the greatest adventures of my life, would want to debut my new cyber persona with this dubious theme. Well, I have three reasons, mainly:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">1. I think that if one does without the obvious and convenient interpretation of that statement and look at it from a more nuanced perspective, one would realize that it can also be the perfect description to where I am right now in my life . </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Let me elaborate: I am 23 years old, and right now, I can think of only a handful of things that may have a more disproportionate height-weight ratio than my burgeoning figure as I am 32 weeks pregnant and gloriously overweight. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Now the figure loss may already be enough to trigger existential musings in most women, or if not, just plain old whining and griping, but what's particularly challenging to come to grips with are the shifts in lifestyle and perspective that came with the more obvious (yet just as agonizing) stretch marks and cellulite. Yes Mom, I got the curse too. Nyay. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I used to work as a field producer for one of the Philippines' biggest networks -- a job that brought many adventures, learning experiences, pressures, a considerable income and countless opportunities with it. Something that I couldn't quite get enough of as an impressionable new member of the workforce. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">But fate had other plans. Okay, not fate. RJ (my better half) and I had made some calls of our own, abandoning I guess the "wiser" voices in our head that cried halt, and these eventually lead to a series of premature but nevertheless dramatic shifts in lifestyle. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Don't get me wrong though. I am excited as ever for the coming of our little Friend. I think to describe the anticipation and excitement in words would cheapen the experience. In fact, for as far as my limited wisdom can afford, I venture to say that pregnancy truly is one of the most incredible things that a woman may go through, especially one of my age and relative inexperience. And that depth and complexity also renders it quite possibly the most fulfilling, life-transforming event but also the most intimidating. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">And the Wait I think is the most challenging part. When the reality of change starts to dawn on you and creep into your body -- your life -- then it starts to be the most agitating and stimulating time of your life.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Hence, the "Waiting is Hell" reference and hence, the online journal. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">2. The statement is provocative and I believe would have better chances of catching the attention of the misguided few who would stumble into my little corner in cyberspace, giving me a better chance of "reaching out to people." </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I don't have illusions about the possible impact that my musings would generate but I do hope that if somebody reads what I have to say about some things, then at the very least, that person would be informed, entertained, irritated (enough to elicit a comment?) or at least stimulated to do his/her own thinking on that subject. Sayang naman ang effort kung deadma lang, diba? ;) </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">3. And finally, I think that my chosen debut statement has an air of universality about it, for after all, isn't that what we're all doing on this planet? Waiting. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Waiting for some Grace of whatever sort to befall us; waiting for a promise to be fulfilled; waiting for an insight to reveal itself; waiting for something to end; waiting for something to begin. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">And with that I hope to start this journal to help me learn and understand more the never-ending and mostly open-ended conversations that go on inside my head so I could hopefully bring more to the conversations that others are willing to start with me. :)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Disclaimer: I seriously doubt that all my entries in the future would be as "feeling-deep" or dull as this first one. Some hopefully would be more fun, mababaw, exciting and/or at least informative. OR at least some will have more pictures in them. :) So please bear with my presumptuous effort to make a difference (or get noticed, hehe). The Wait for a more inspirational entry may just be a little shorter next time. <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Happy Reading!<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"> </span></span></div>Maviosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04934722132509775706noreply@blogger.com6