The very first Valentine Card for me and Rey as parents

Today we received the most sincere, loving and priceless Valentines card. It was from our loving son, Gab.

For me as parent, my heart is overjoyed  in receiving such wonderful present. Though it is very simple, I know how pure the message is.

 Gab, thank you so much for this wonderful present. Papa and Mama loves you too.

Out for the Pizza

On Nov 21 2011, I said here that pizza rules us. And here we are again, passing time eating pizza out with the boys.

Van of Anything Under the Sun Now Signing On

Hello my dear readers and friends. Its been years already since I last posted in this blog. But now I am happy to be back.

What had I've been so busy about? Nothing much though I want to tell you that I was never out online.  There were other blogs I worked on while I wasn't here and I am most happy to invite you and see the other blogs I had been busy about. Here they are:

• theanythingvanessa.com
• beautyhealthandwellnessblog.com
• vantravelguide.com

Come and read it anytime!!!!

No Work on Christmas and New Year’s Day

This year is the first time in my stay with Shell that I get to spend Christmas at home. All of us in the office are excited and thankful, especially those whose families are in the provinces.




Having more than one week vacation that includes Christmas and New Year’s Day is a dream come true for the whole family. This is mostly thru for those who works in customer service and contact centers. I wished I have been with my current company since day 1 of my working days.



Our traditional monito monita or exchanged gift has started early in November and we are halfway thru it before we get have our wishlist. Everyone is so crazy who’s code name belongs to whom, my team leader is so crazy to discover who here baby Sam Pinto is amongst us.



In December, we will be busy attending christmas parties of different departments that includes ours. So that will be three Saturdays before Christmas day. We are all excited to get our amenities of theme park tickets for free and to attend our party at Dusit Thani Hotel.



We are all hoping that all POS system in all our garages works and cooperates well during the holiday season so we’re not gonna have any customer in trouble while we are partying every weekend and on Christmas and New Year.

How pizza rules our life

Without me realizing it, pizza just like hamburgers have so much affected my way of living.  I secretly wanted to become a crew in pizza hut way way back.  But I never tried to apply because I think pizza hut crews are ideally taller than I am. 

Rey used to work for Greenwich, another fast food for pizza in the metro.  He used to work there when he was still in college. Even if he still likes to continue to work after he ended  his contract, his time did not permit him.  I guess engineering students needs more time to study especially when they are about to graduate.

By the way, we had our first date in Sabarro in Robinson's Ermita.  So that is another pizza parlor we tried.  And even now, we still love to dine at pizza parlors.

This one was when we were trying to pass time in Pizza Hut Robinson's Imus

Rey celebrated his 32nd birthday in Pizza Hut SM Masinag..whew...that's all the way from Cavite :)

I think I should get some pizza restaurant equipment that we can use at  home so we can make pizza too.  Its going to be pizza day at home if this will happen, its going to birthday celebration everyday.

Some Nice Flooring Shades

Isn't it the flooring is nice?  I am trying to convince myself if I would like this shade of flooring or a lighter one.  I really wanted to have all light colors in our house, including ceiling and wall paint. But I guess I have to give in to this shade since Rey have already brought enough for our bedroom.  Even the granite tiles are shade of brown.  Good thing about it is that its quick step laminate flooring is a good quality flooring materials so I know we will have the best flooring.   I guess I have to improve the interior design so it will complement the nice flooring we have.

I can't wait to see anyone at home appreciating the floor by just lying anywhere.  Thanks to our help, Ate Elong for keeping the floor shiny and clean.

A Very Married Couple, Dea and Abet

My friend, ex office mate and co-blogger Dea married her best friend and soul mate Abet. Too bad I was not able to attend the ceremony in Batangas, I'm so sorry Dei.  

This couple is still in the honeymoon stage since its just more than a month since they are married. Looking at the pictures, the couple is very much in love to each other and I am sure they will stay that way as long as they live.  More kids for Dea and Abet whoot whoot!!!

Dei, I hope you won't mind, I borrowed some of your wedding pictures for my blog. I can't help not to post your lovely pictures with Abet. Did you actually use raleigh wedding photographer? 

Office Buddies

Having fun while working is not impossible in my office.  These are my two office buddies, Cassie and Ching.  Cassie is our supervisor and Ching has been my seatmate for the longest time in the office.

Cassie insisted to put make up to Ching at the start of the shift.  A good makeover for Ching.   This was really unplanned so Cassie needs to find face products for Ching's make up. I had the chance to lend them my Nu Skin face powder.  Fe Amor lend here eye pencils.  But what I really love on Ching's make up is her eyelashes, Cassie used the best eyelash enhancers and it perfectly complimented on Ching's chinky eyes.

Did you ever doubt if they are Filipinos at all.  Yes they are, and they are both Chinese too.

Shoes Shoes Shoes

If I am to buy something for myself this christmas, I will never  have a second thought of buying shoes and sandals.  Last year, I had two slip ons from Parisian in SM and I still have them until today.  

I wonder how our christmas shopping will turn out this year.  Last year was superb, Gab enjoyed playing at the mall.  See my previous post about that, here. 

I desparately want this enzo angiolini shoes.  I got this picture online and I know I cannot resist of not buying this if I find this at the mall. 

These is just one problem I have this time.  Gab will surely not enjoy accompanying me to shop for my things, he will definitely grab us to the Tom's World of Fun right away.  He is now so used to going to the mall just to play at Tom's World, this is something that I don't agree with Rey all the time.

Should I have a briefcase or not for my laptop

I am getting addicted looking for women accessories online.  After the sandals I found earlier, I saw this nice pink leather briefcase.   Did you ever experience giving yourself all possible reasons to have things you find online to become a necessity.  I find it hard to argue with myself to justify if  I should or I should not have leather briefcases of any kind for my laptop.  The more I find it harder seeing this one online.

I am not into handbags because I want my hands free to hold anything while I have my bags on me. But I guess its the color of this briefcase thats making me crazy to get this one.  Right now, I have a back pack for my laptop but I felt like I don't like it anymore with this pink briefcase in front of me.

I

Credit Cards

Having a credit card is good but can be so tempting.  At first I thought it was really hard to get one but if you are already a young urban professional, works in a good company and clear in any debt, its not gonna be that hard for you.

When I got  my first credit card, I still get offer of pre-approved credit cards from other banks and I simply refuse them.  I even got a feeling that bank share contact list of good credit card holders of which they try to send credit cards too.

If you have one, its best that you keep it an only use it when in extreme cases and situation.  Being an impulsive buyer will only get you into  trouble eventually.  You wouldn't want to deal with debt collection agency in the end.

I ended up cutting my cards when I came into the point that I can't stop myself from using the credit card on not very important reasons.

After my destist visit

I must say my expectation regarding my tooth extraction was extremely satisfactory.  The doctor who attended to me was really good and practices her master craft really well.

As a standard operating procedure I undergone xray  so the doctor can assess if its going to be a simple extraction or not.  Good thing, its only a simple one.

As usual, I am expecting to feel pain when I am injected with anesthesia but not with this dentist.  I think they are using a good brand of topical anesthesia for the gum so the patient will not feel any pain during injection. I felt the effect of the anesthesia in 10 minutes and in another 10 minutes, the dentist got my molar out and showed it to me. 

I was picked up by Rey at the clinic and we headed home straightaway.  I never even get a chance to be in the memory foam mattress until its really time to sleep.  I never felt any pain even after the anesthesia was gone.

Anyone who is wondering who this good dentist, you can find her at Bonoan Dental Clinic, 1809 Medical Plaza Building in Makati City.  If you are wondering how much I spent, its only Php 1500 for the extraction and Php 300 for the xray.  But I think its case to case basis depending on how difficult the extraction would be.

My visit to the dentist

Remember what happened to me last Sunday when we were at SM the Block and Gab  was playing basketball at Tom's World of Fun.  We went home immediately because I was attached with  severe toothache.  Good thing my son was so understanding, he did not refuse when Rey explained to him that we need to go home because I am in pain.  Such a lovely kid, he just dropped his ball, hold Rey's hand and headed to the door.  Had I been given a choice to call paramedics that day, I will really be oblidge.  Too bad paramedic jobs here in the country is not so affluent and malls are not in their priority lists.

I was lucky that my supervisor gave me an immediate sick leave today so I can  consult with my dentist and see what remedy can be done.  Right now, I am here at Makati Medical Plaza, waiting for my turn with the dentist.  By the way, I arrived here at 5pm and there are 4 patients ahead of me.  Good thing, I have my laptop and I can do my blog.

Missing the Greats

Gab and  I are missing Inay being around.  Its been more that two weeks since she went to Manila to be with one of my aunt that just got back from Jordan.

Giving a chance to take care of my Lola even for a few weeks is a great feeling for me. She was the one who raised me since I was 4 months old when my mother left me to her.   My son Gab is blessed to meet his great grandmother.  I miss the Greats.

I remember the first morning Gab woke up and Inay was already in Tondo with my Aunt.  He was looking for Inay all over the house. He checked him in our adjacent room, in the bathroom and even asked his nanny several times where Inay is.  Gab was used to waking up and Inay is just in front of the room waiting for him sitting on the sofa.

By next month,  I will try to convince Inay to visit us even for just a week and I will not tell Gab just yet.  I want him to be surprised as well.  Times up for reminiscing, I need to look for adult diaper at disposablemedicalexpress.com.  Since its pay day, I will buy one large pack of adult diaper for Inay.

Wishful Christmas Wish

Its only 40 days to go before Christmas.  I am still hessitant of putting up our christmas tree because my son may not be able to control himself not to tear it apart. Yet I also feel so guilty not having christmas tree while I have a kid who loves Santa Claus and christmas tree so much.

Just yesterday, Gab and Rey posed for picture beside a christmas tree made out of lego at SM the Block. The more I got confused and guilty in not setting up our own at home.

Gab would love all those candy cane hanging on the christmas tree if he would be given a chance to have it.  I hope there are electric blankets on them too and I will pick the design I want. While Rey loves to have an LED TV from Samsung for christmas. 

Too bad, I had a really bad toothache at the mall yesterday so my son has to stop playing at the arcade so we can go home immediately. I promise son, mom will make it up to you.

Gab's Daily Routine

At age two and a half, Gab was able to develop a routine already. This is something that he does on a daily basis with me and his nanny when I am not around and on every other day with Rey.  Rey comes home from work every other day due to work load and the distance of his work place to our home.

Due to my work schedule, Gab is used to wake up ahead of me during weekdays.  He will go out of our room and look for his nanny while I'm asleep. If nanny is not doing the laundry, she will play with Gab in the living room until I wake up. But if nanny is doing the laundry, he will play with his toys or watch TV until I get up.

Funny but there is something with boxes kids love so much.

Gab is used to taking his bathe in the morning. This is after I am finish with my breakfast, lucky me if Gab will join me with my breakfast.  Sometimes he asks for a glass of milo and some bread (pandesal).

Rey bathes Gab on Sunday's when he is at home.

Gab knows that when its Sunday, its Rey's time to join him playing while taking his bath. When this happens, I am so tempted to get wholesale dental supplies because they will play with anything in the bathroom.  Toothpastes are not excused.  There was one time Gab spread toothpaste all over the bathroom and there was nothing I can do.  They made be believe mother have the longest patience to be challenged. 

Gab is also used to me leaving early in the afternoon during weekdays.  When I leave, he will voluntarily stop playing to take his afternoon nap. He will be excited to wait for Rey when he arrives in the evening because its going to be another endless playtime until they both get so sleepy.

My Favorite TV Set

Last Sunday, we visited again the property that we are eyeing to be loaned thru Pag-Ibig. This time we were able to find the correct house and lot.  I did not remember that we were advised that the property is located at Phase 2 and not Phase 1.  When we visited last month, we landed at Phase 1 but this time we got the correct property.

Rey was able to plan how he would manage the parking area to so his car will somehow fit into it.  There not much room but he will be able to do it anyway.

Upon visiting the model houses in front of the gate.  I feel in love with this side table especially made of television.  I like the way how the space under the stairs was utilize to store television set.   Thankfully, Rey agreed that we can have the same thing in the living room. I am eyeing to have at least one log furniture in the living area.  Hoping I can find one that will fit in our small living area and I will need a lot convincing excuses for Rey to agree.

My skin rituals at 32

Make ups? Not me.  Even if I am 32 already, I am still not into so many skin care products or even make ups.   Mine is so basic.  I keep a very mild facial wash that I use at least once a day.  And I sometimes use a anti-wrinkle cream which is a very affordable one.  The ph balanced toner that I use is a little special because its not found in any beauty product stores but sold by special representatives only (like myself).

with my son, Gab :)

with my officemate, Hazel

This toner contains strawberry extract that is really good in tightening and refining pores.  Can be used by normal to dry skin. Most importantly, it is safety-allergy-dermatologist tested.  I got introduced to this product by my friend who introduced Nu Skin products to me.

The skin cream that I am using is not a very expensive one and also like the others that says they have vitamins A and E to help restore natural moisture balance.  I can vouch how good this product is because I have had not any trouble since I started using it.  Unfortunately, you can't find this being endorsed by any of our local beauty product endorsers.  It maybe one of the reason why its low-priced.  One of friend who's have this uses the product as make-up remover.  Its good in removing mineral makeup just before going to bed and when you have no time at all to wash your face with soap and water.

Thanks God It's Friday!!!

Thanks God It's Friday!!!

Everyone is so happy to spend two days not being in the office. Everyone loves day off, off the computers and off the phones and emails.

Ironic, but it may be different to some.  Saturdays mean overtime work in the office.  Overtime work equals extra pay.  See how computer changed everyone's life in the metro.  Can you still imagine an office without desktops? To some, having desktops is not complete and would still bring a personal laptop to do personal stuff while in the office. Rey and me is guilty of this, 'cause when its not me who's gonna bring the laptop in the office, he will make sure its with him.

Now this one is a little exagerrated.  But tell me who can't relate to this picture.  My two year old son gets too exited when he sees us using the tablet and the laptop.  No one can ever stop him from disturbing us without making him cry.

Philippine Holiday 2012

Anyone who wants to plan ahead on the  holidays of 2012, please find this reference helpful.

I also hope you find the short description of Philippine Holidays below helpful.

New Year's Day
New Year's Day is the first day of the new year. On the modern Gregorian calendar, it is celebrated on January 1. Almost all countries use the Gregorian calendar as their main calendar.
People Power Day
(Araw ng People Power )
Commemoration of the 1986 People Power Revolution. The People Power Revolution (also known as the EDSA Revolution and the Philippine Revolution of 1986) was a series of nonviolent and prayerful mass street demonstrations in the Philippines that occurred in 1986.

Day of Valour
(Araw ng Kagitingan)
Araw ng Kagitingan ("Day of Valour") is a national holiday in the Philippines which commemorates the fall of Bataan during World War II. It falls annually on April 9.


Maundy Thursday
(Huwebes Santo) Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, Covenant Thursday, Great & Holy Thursday, and Thursday of Mysteries, is the Christian feast or holy day falling on the Thursday before Easter that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. It is the fifth day of Holy Week, and is preceded by Holy Wednesday and followed by Good Friday. The date is always between 19 March and 22 April inclusive.


Good Friday
(Biyernes Santo)
Good Friday, also known as Holy Friday, Black Friday, Great Friday, is a religious holiday observed primarily by Christians commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. The holiday is observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum on the Friday preceding Easter Sunday.

Labor Day
(Araw ng Manggagawa) Labour Day or Labor Day is an annual holiday to celebrate the economic and social achievements of workers.

Independence Day
(Araw ng Kasarinlan) Independence Day (Araw ng Kalayaan) is an annual national holiday observed on June 12, commemorating the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain on June 12, 1898. It is the National Day of the Philippines.


Ninoy Aquino Day
(Araw ng Kabayanihan ni Ninoy Aquino)
It is a national holiday in the Philippines celibrate annually on August 21.This is a Special Non-Working Holiday in reference to the Republic Act 9256,dated February 25, 2004. This day celibrate in order to commemorate the death anniversary of former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” S. Aquino, Jr. Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. treated as the hero of democracy in the country.


National Heroes Day
(Araw ng mga Bayani)
National Heroes' Day (Araw ng mga Bayani) is a national holiday in the Philippines. This day celebrate in honour of the national heroes,who fight for the freedom Another aim of this day,to encourage the younger generation to emulate the character of those who have fought for and made the country proud.


Eid ul Fitr
(Wakas ng Ramadan)
Eid ul-Fitr (Id-ul-Fitr),also called as Eid.It is Muslim holiday that celibrates on the completion of Ramadan. the Islamic holy month of fasting. The date of Eid ul-Fitr always get changed according to the Islamic calendar. Eid is an Arabic word meaning "festivity", while Fitr means "to break the fast" and so the holiday symbolizes the breaking of the fasting period.


Eid-al-Adha
(Araw ng Pag-alay)
Eid al-Adha "Festival of Sacrifice" or "Greater Eid" is a Muslim Holiday celebrated by Muslims, worldwide to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismael as an act of obedience to God. Eid al-Adha annually falls on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijja of the Islamic calendar. This day come approximately 70 days after the end of the month of Ramadan.


All Saints Day
(Undas/Todos los Santos) The Todos Los Santos day also know as All Saints Day, sometimes known as All Hallows or Hallowmas. This day celebrated in the honour of all the saints, known and unknown. All Saints is also a Christian formula invoking all the faithful saints and martyrs, known or unknown. This day celibrate on 1 st November.


Bonifacio Day
(Kaarawan ni Bonifacio) Andres Bonifacio Day is a national holiday.This day celibrates in honour of there national hero Andres Bonifacio. Andres Bonifacio's birthday on November 30,so this day celebrated as Bonifacio Day and is a public holiday in the Philippines.


Christmas
(Araw ng Pasko) Birth of Jesus celibrated as the Christmas.It is annual holiday celibrated on December 25. Christmas in Indonesia is a popular festival Although Indonesia is predominantly a Muslim country, it is a national holiday for Christmas in Indonesia.


Rizal Day
(Araw ng Kabayanihan ni Dr. José Rizal ) Rizal Day is celibrated 30th December of every year, it is national holidays in the Philippines. This day is celibrated in honor of the death of a hero named José Rizal who was killed on December 30, 1896. During Rizal Day there are parades with decorated floats, bands and marching organizations.


New Year's Eve
(Bisperas ng Bagong Taon).
Celebration of New Year's Eve; created as "filler" holiday between Rizal Day and New Year's Day.

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