This Sunday the entire blogosphere will generate a lot of posts for Mother's Day. There will be overflowing tribute to all the great Mothers. I should have done the same. I should have honored my Nanay in one rare post. I know what should be written but I intentionally decided to divert from the topic.

I still have my Nanay. She's perfectly healthy and I still see her everyday. I can still celebrate Mother's Day with her. I have all the reasons to be happy and thankful.

I feel blessed and happy but deep inside, my heart grieves for one person this Mother's Day.

For those who have been reading my blog, you might recall me writing about my dear friend who went ahead to heaven. A year ago, Anna left us with tears, regrets and devastated hearts. I'm silently coping and convincing myself that Anna is in a better place. While I can manage my recurring sadness attacks, my heart bleeds for one person, Tita Dading (Anna's Mom).

I remember a dialogue in a local movie emphasizing that motherhood is forever. When a mother loses a child, people claim that she used to be a mom. But deep inside, we all know that such isn't true. The years, love and happiness of becoming a Mom can never be erased. It leaves a permanent trail that even death and our Creator can never change.

When I visited Tita Dading last December, I regretted it to some extent because I made her cry. I know that when she saw me, I reminded her of Anna. I felt guilty for intensifying her sadness. This Mother's Day, I'm planning to visit her but I'm held back with that guilty feeling again. I don't want to cause her tears. While I'm always been thankful for having been part of Anna's short but meaningful journey, the least I can do is to honor the person who gave me the opportunity to experience having a best friend. But this time, I can't. I can't bear shedding tears and serving as another painful reminder.

I want Tita Dading to be happy again. But the truth is, I don't even know if she can. As always, the only thing I can offer are my prayers. While I will continuously pray for Tita Dading, I just hope someone out there will hear me.

• May 12, 2013
• Anna

A Sad Mother's Day

This Sunday the entire blogosphere will generate a lot of posts for Mother's Day. There will be overflowing tribute to all the great Mothers. I should have done the same. I should have honored my Nanay in one rare post. I know what should be written but I intentionally decided to divert from the topic.

I still have my Nanay. She's perfectly healthy and I still see her everyday. I can still celebrate Mother's Day with her. I have all the reasons to be happy and thankful.

I feel blessed and happy but deep inside, my heart grieves for one person this Mother's Day.

For those who have been reading my blog, you might recall me writing about my dear friend who went ahead to heaven. A year ago, Anna left us with tears, regrets and devastated hearts. I'm silently coping and convincing myself that Anna is in a better place. While I can manage my recurring sadness attacks, my heart bleeds for one person, Tita Dading (Anna's Mom).

I remember a dialogue in a local movie emphasizing that motherhood is forever. When a mother loses a child, people claim that she used to be a mom. But deep inside, we all know that such isn't true. The years, love and happiness of becoming a Mom can never be erased. It leaves a permanent trail that even death and our Creator can never change.

When I visited Tita Dading last December, I regretted it to some extent because I made her cry. I know that when she saw me, I reminded her of Anna. I felt guilty for intensifying her sadness. This Mother's Day, I'm planning to visit her but I'm held back with that guilty feeling again. I don't want to cause her tears. While I'm always been thankful for having been part of Anna's short but meaningful journey, the least I can do is to honor the person who gave me the opportunity to experience having a best friend. But this time, I can't. I can't bear shedding tears and serving as another painful reminder.

I want Tita Dading to be happy again. But the truth is, I don't even know if she can. As always, the only thing I can offer are my prayers. While I will continuously pray for Tita Dading, I just hope someone out there will hear me.

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The second week of March is coming and soon teaching will be over again. I'm looking forward for my two-month break. Come with the happiness is the sadness brought about by lesser earnings, scheduled vacations that would translate to more expenditures LOL Hopefully, some freelance works will arrive over the next two months. This would give me my much needed financial relief.

Speaking of vacations, my upcoming trip is getting nearer and up to this date, I still have some concerns to iron out. I'm getting more worried and stressed out. As much as I wanted to have a really happy vacation, I have to set aside my excitement and shift to maturity mode. Quoting my students, all I wanted to say is tssssss!

Before I forget that this should be a Beautiful Sunday post, I'm sharing some of the beautiful things I can remember. Yes, remember because I'm getting forgetful over the past stressful weeks.

It's starting to become a collection or addiction? 

Longchamp! I purchased my first piece in Macau's Duty Free. For some reason, Longchamp bags in my country are just so expensive!! Hence, a trip abroad always meant getting one. :) However, I found a trusted reseller so I ended up with a brighter and bolder orange

On my next trip, please don't blame if I get another piece haha Anyway, I got my second bag on a super discounted deal. Happiness!

Meanwhile at the workplace,

I discovered a blue iced tea! Despite being "blue" it doesn't taste very sweet and artificial. I will surely have more glasses over the next weeks.

The highlight of my week is when I visited a friend 

in her resting place.

For those who still remember, I lost a great friend last year. Time flies so fast, I haven't realized that it's already her first death anniversary. 

Someone showed me the real meaning of strength

My only surviving grandparent is my paternal grandpa. He was hospitalized a few days ago and I was the happiest when I heard that he was already discharged before the weekend. Would you believe, he's already 86 years old? I can't wait to spend more years with this strong man. Oh dear Lolo (grandpa), please live more years. I want to share with you more milestones and happy memories. 

I almost forgot to include this in my special Sunday post

Despite the convenience of email, Facebook and Twitter messages, I still love receiving handwritten letters.

Thank you namemate!  You made my week. You just don't know how I appreciate your wisdom, encouragement and inspiring words. This will surely be for keeps and so is our friendship. 

How about you? What are some beautiful things that made your week? 

• March 10, 2013
• Anna

Beautiful Sunday # 46 - Strength

The second week of March is coming and soon teaching will be over again. I'm looking forward for my two-month break. Come with the happiness is the sadness brought about by lesser earnings, scheduled vacations that would translate to more expenditures LOL Hopefully, some freelance works will arrive over the next two months. This would give me my much needed financial relief.

Speaking of vacations, my upcoming trip is getting nearer and up to this date, I still have some concerns to iron out. I'm getting more worried and stressed out. As much as I wanted to have a really happy vacation, I have to set aside my excitement and shift to maturity mode. Quoting my students, all I wanted to say is tssssss!

Before I forget that this should be a Beautiful Sunday post, I'm sharing some of the beautiful things I can remember. Yes, remember because I'm getting forgetful over the past stressful weeks.

It's starting to become a collection or addiction? 

Longchamp! I purchased my first piece in Macau's Duty Free. For some reason, Longchamp bags in my country are just so expensive!! Hence, a trip abroad always meant getting one. :) However, I found a trusted reseller so I ended up with a brighter and bolder orange

On my next trip, please don't blame if I get another piece haha Anyway, I got my second bag on a super discounted deal. Happiness!

Meanwhile at the workplace,

I discovered a blue iced tea! Despite being "blue" it doesn't taste very sweet and artificial. I will surely have more glasses over the next weeks.

The highlight of my week is when I visited a friend 

in her resting place.

For those who still remember, I lost a great friend last year. Time flies so fast, I haven't realized that it's already her first death anniversary. 

Someone showed me the real meaning of strength

My only surviving grandparent is my paternal grandpa. He was hospitalized a few days ago and I was the happiest when I heard that he was already discharged before the weekend. Would you believe, he's already 86 years old? I can't wait to spend more years with this strong man. Oh dear Lolo (grandpa), please live more years. I want to share with you more milestones and happy memories. 

I almost forgot to include this in my special Sunday post

Despite the convenience of email, Facebook and Twitter messages, I still love receiving handwritten letters.

Thank you namemate!  You made my week. You just don't know how I appreciate your wisdom, encouragement and inspiring words. This will surely be for keeps and so is our friendship. 

How about you? What are some beautiful things that made your week? 

Read More

One of the priceless benefits I gain as a result of working for a school is the two-week Christmas break. Schools may not be the best paying employers, but they compensate on giving their employees that long holiday break.

As always, I'm counting every work day of December. When that much awaited break comes, I do whatever I want. For us Filipinos, everything becomes happier because of the additional money from our 13th month pay. In the previous years, the holiday break always meant seeing my good old friends. I used to love organizing dinners and get together with my college, high school and MBA friends. However, I got tired of doing these things especially when everyone seemed so busy, to the extent that I have to beg for that one text message. From attending three separate dinners, I limited my quota of holiday reunions with my two High School friends, Anna and Anne. However, to some of you who have been reading my blog for some time, you might remember what happened to Anna.

In the previous years, we would have lunch together on the 24th or anytime before Christmas. A year ago, we had breakfast at Mc Donald's while everyone is busy preparing for New Year's Eve. If Anna was still alive, my December would always mean malling and eating out. This year, I imprisoned myself at home. It didn't help that my other friend or friends seemed to have forgotten me as well.

Days after I visited Anna's resting place, I decided to go out on my own. Instead of having another trip to the mall, I decided to visit Anna's mom. When I saw Anna's mom, I just felt that my holiday sadness worsened. To some extent, I even thought that I shouldn't have visited Anna's mom. I felt that I gave her more reasons to be sad.

As much as I want to invite my other friends for a simple lunch or dinner, I decided to rather keep quiet. I drowned myself with some freelance works. I also wanted to spare myself from spending so I stayed home in the company of my books and all those late night movie marathons.

Life is so incomplete now. I can feel that emptiness in my heart, while the entire environment is imposing that festive mood. I know my 2013 would be so much harder with all those grown up problems I made. Hence, starting this day I should really teach myself to move on, let go and more importantly, be responsible for my own happiness.

• December 31, 2012
• Anna

Incomplete

One of the priceless benefits I gain as a result of working for a school is the two-week Christmas break. Schools may not be the best paying employers, but they compensate on giving their employees that long holiday break.

As always, I'm counting every work day of December. When that much awaited break comes, I do whatever I want. For us Filipinos, everything becomes happier because of the additional money from our 13th month pay. In the previous years, the holiday break always meant seeing my good old friends. I used to love organizing dinners and get together with my college, high school and MBA friends. However, I got tired of doing these things especially when everyone seemed so busy, to the extent that I have to beg for that one text message. From attending three separate dinners, I limited my quota of holiday reunions with my two High School friends, Anna and Anne. However, to some of you who have been reading my blog for some time, you might remember what happened to Anna.

In the previous years, we would have lunch together on the 24th or anytime before Christmas. A year ago, we had breakfast at Mc Donald's while everyone is busy preparing for New Year's Eve. If Anna was still alive, my December would always mean malling and eating out. This year, I imprisoned myself at home. It didn't help that my other friend or friends seemed to have forgotten me as well.

Days after I visited Anna's resting place, I decided to go out on my own. Instead of having another trip to the mall, I decided to visit Anna's mom. When I saw Anna's mom, I just felt that my holiday sadness worsened. To some extent, I even thought that I shouldn't have visited Anna's mom. I felt that I gave her more reasons to be sad.

As much as I want to invite my other friends for a simple lunch or dinner, I decided to rather keep quiet. I drowned myself with some freelance works. I also wanted to spare myself from spending so I stayed home in the company of my books and all those late night movie marathons.

Life is so incomplete now. I can feel that emptiness in my heart, while the entire environment is imposing that festive mood. I know my 2013 would be so much harder with all those grown up problems I made. Hence, starting this day I should really teach myself to move on, let go and more importantly, be responsible for my own happiness.

Read More

The first day of my rare long weekend break is about to end. And even though I'm counting my days, I'm happy to say that I'm loving every minute of it. I was able to sleep for more than eight hours and this is something I really savor. I've read a lot of articles emphasizing the beneficial effects of having adequate sleep. More often than not, professionals claim that sleeping hours can dictate our outlook for the entire day. True enough, I was in good mood this morning. Despite the pile of bills and errands to attend, I felt that everything is lighter this day. Sigh.. I hope this feeling will remain even on the next months.

Aside from the fact that I have more time with my family now, there's one thing that really made me happy this day.

Eight months after her death, I was able to finally visit the memorial site of my dearest friend Anna. Time really flies so fast my dear friend. When 2012 entered, you told me you were sad. I wanted to cheer you up so I visited you every weekend of February. March came, I received a text message and that was it. One more month to go and it will be our favorite time of the year again. I will miss those rare Christmas shopping, movies and lunches together with Anne. But don't worry my dear friend. I will remain true to my promise with you.

After visiting Anna, I was exchanging text messages with her mom. For some reason, those few messages gave me moments of priceless and indescribable happiness. It maybe awkward for some, but I'm close to Anna's mom. When she was planning Anna's 18th birthday, her mom considered me as one of her major accomplice haha I have other friends but it was only Anna's mom who made me feel like I'm a member of their family.

Tomorrow is All Saints Day and as part of our annual tradition, I will head out to the cemetery to visit another important mom in my life, my paternal grandmother. 

I hope everyone is having a great week too. 

• October 31, 2012
• Anna

Rare and loving it

The first day of my rare long weekend break is about to end. And even though I'm counting my days, I'm happy to say that I'm loving every minute of it. I was able to sleep for more than eight hours and this is something I really savor. I've read a lot of articles emphasizing the beneficial effects of having adequate sleep. More often than not, professionals claim that sleeping hours can dictate our outlook for the entire day. True enough, I was in good mood this morning. Despite the pile of bills and errands to attend, I felt that everything is lighter this day. Sigh.. I hope this feeling will remain even on the next months.

Aside from the fact that I have more time with my family now, there's one thing that really made me happy this day.

Eight months after her death, I was able to finally visit the memorial site of my dearest friend Anna. Time really flies so fast my dear friend. When 2012 entered, you told me you were sad. I wanted to cheer you up so I visited you every weekend of February. March came, I received a text message and that was it. One more month to go and it will be our favorite time of the year again. I will miss those rare Christmas shopping, movies and lunches together with Anne. But don't worry my dear friend. I will remain true to my promise with you.

After visiting Anna, I was exchanging text messages with her mom. For some reason, those few messages gave me moments of priceless and indescribable happiness. It maybe awkward for some, but I'm close to Anna's mom. When she was planning Anna's 18th birthday, her mom considered me as one of her major accomplice haha I have other friends but it was only Anna's mom who made me feel like I'm a member of their family.

Tomorrow is All Saints Day and as part of our annual tradition, I will head out to the cemetery to visit another important mom in my life, my paternal grandmother. 

I hope everyone is having a great week too. 

Read More

I woke up on the first day of my most awaited Holy Week break with tears in eyes.

When one of my best friends passed away, I never had those “paradam” or hunted stories. After the pasiyam or 9-day novena made for Anna, I never felt any signs of encounters from her. I was all sad and silently grieving over the past weeks. There was no day that she wouldn’t enter my mind. I was always reminded of the thought I lost one great friend and a lifetime wouldn’t be even enough for me to forget her.

A few days ago, I dreamt of Anna. We were in our usual meet up, in a mall that hosts a sale of our favorite branded items. Our usual scene, I was busy browsing at shoes and bags while Anna is patiently following me. After some time, Anna called my attention. She told me that she needs to go. The exact words she uttered was, “Diane, kailangan ko ng umakyat. Kailangan ko ng umalis.” (Diane, I need to go ahead. I need to leave.) I held her hands and told her “Sige umalis ka na. Pagdating mo doon i-hug mo ako para sa Lola ko ha.” (You can go ahead, Anna. But when you get there, please don’t forget to hug my grandma for me.) I woke up crying. 

It was only a dream but everything felt so real. If that was God and Anna’s way of telling me that she is in a better place right now, then I will do my share of letting go. I will try my best to let go of a best friend, who was and will continue to become a part of my life. You maybe gone, but your memories will remain with me forever Anna. You will always be the one and special Anna in my heart.

• April 09, 2012
• Anna

Heaven

I woke up on the first day of my most awaited Holy Week break with tears in eyes.

When one of my best friends passed away, I never had those “paradam” or hunted stories. After the pasiyam or 9-day novena made for Anna, I never felt any signs of encounters from her. I was all sad and silently grieving over the past weeks. There was no day that she wouldn’t enter my mind. I was always reminded of the thought I lost one great friend and a lifetime wouldn’t be even enough for me to forget her.

A few days ago, I dreamt of Anna. We were in our usual meet up, in a mall that hosts a sale of our favorite branded items. Our usual scene, I was busy browsing at shoes and bags while Anna is patiently following me. After some time, Anna called my attention. She told me that she needs to go. The exact words she uttered was, “Diane, kailangan ko ng umakyat. Kailangan ko ng umalis.” (Diane, I need to go ahead. I need to leave.) I held her hands and told her “Sige umalis ka na. Pagdating mo doon i-hug mo ako para sa Lola ko ha.” (You can go ahead, Anna. But when you get there, please don’t forget to hug my grandma for me.) I woke up crying. 

It was only a dream but everything felt so real. If that was God and Anna’s way of telling me that she is in a better place right now, then I will do my share of letting go. I will try my best to let go of a best friend, who was and will continue to become a part of my life. You maybe gone, but your memories will remain with me forever Anna. You will always be the one and special Anna in my heart.

Read More

I never had plenty of friends. Dear God knows that and I prefer to keep things that way. I've said many times that I never love the idea of becoming everyone's apple of the eye. I'm happy and contented with the few valuable friends I have. Anna was one of the counted friends I have in my entire years of existence. I knew her since I was 10 years old. We were classmates, seatmates turned friends. Though I admit, I wasn't that good to her before. After finishing grade four, we were never classmates again. We reunited 6 years later, our last year in the same all girls school. We went to different universities for college, but distance never hindered us to continue our friendship. She would invite me for some mall escapades and live basketball games. This reminds me that she is partly to blame for my addiction to some basketball players. We would sacrifice some of our allowances for the two hours of happiness in a live ball game. We usually watch games on a Sunday and even though I have exams on the suceeding week, I never cared. More than pleasing our parents with decent grades, that was how we defined happiness.

When we finished college, we both learned the difficulty and value of earning money. We would usually meet once a month for our regular dose of food trip, shopping and mall escapades. We don't share the same taste with clothes, shoes and bags. But we both love the idea of splurging with food. She is my only friend who can risk our hard worked money in exchange for discovering the best food in town.

When Anna moved to a company that required her to work in a graveyard shift, our meetings became less often. She earned her group of friends at work and though I miss her, I was happy knowing that she was happy. A lot of things happened to my own  life and career and I admit that I refuse to share my happiness with her. I regretfully distanced myself because I don't want to appear as the demanding and burdening friend. I tried my best to made her feel that I am always around, whenever she needs or doesn't need me.

Before Christmas of last year, she told me that a lot of changes happened in her workplace. She confided that she had intentions of quitting. To leave or stay in the company that made her whole again for 4 years, was a decision that bothered her for months. Until two weeks ago, she told me that she finally resigned. I wanted to cheer her up so for two consecutive weekends, I visited her. She was devastated with her decision and I tried my best to convince her that everything will soon be fine.

The last time I saw Anna was Saturday afternoon of March 3. She was sad and unwell. Sunday night and while I was rushing some freelance work, I received a call that stopped my world.  Anna already passed away....

I went to her wake the other day and I was finally slapped with the reality that she is forever gone. I hugged her mother and words cannot express the sorrow we felt.

I know you are in a better place now Anna. You are already free from all the pains and anxieties of life. In your 28 years of existence, God felt that you have proven enough of yourself. You have lived a full life at a young age. Thank you for the friendship. Thank you for appreciating my humble achievements. Thank you for the wonderful memories. Thank you for the simple reason of coming to my life.

More than a friend, you are a part of me. Now that you are gone, everything feels like I lost a part of myself. And I know, a lifetime will never be enough to rebuild that part of my life.

You will always be in my heart.

• March 07, 2012
• Anna

For Anna

I never had plenty of friends. Dear God knows that and I prefer to keep things that way. I've said many times that I never love the idea of becoming everyone's apple of the eye. I'm happy and contented with the few valuable friends I have. Anna was one of the counted friends I have in my entire years of existence. I knew her since I was 10 years old. We were classmates, seatmates turned friends. Though I admit, I wasn't that good to her before. After finishing grade four, we were never classmates again. We reunited 6 years later, our last year in the same all girls school. We went to different universities for college, but distance never hindered us to continue our friendship. She would invite me for some mall escapades and live basketball games. This reminds me that she is partly to blame for my addiction to some basketball players. We would sacrifice some of our allowances for the two hours of happiness in a live ball game. We usually watch games on a Sunday and even though I have exams on the suceeding week, I never cared. More than pleasing our parents with decent grades, that was how we defined happiness.

When we finished college, we both learned the difficulty and value of earning money. We would usually meet once a month for our regular dose of food trip, shopping and mall escapades. We don't share the same taste with clothes, shoes and bags. But we both love the idea of splurging with food. She is my only friend who can risk our hard worked money in exchange for discovering the best food in town.

When Anna moved to a company that required her to work in a graveyard shift, our meetings became less often. She earned her group of friends at work and though I miss her, I was happy knowing that she was happy. A lot of things happened to my own  life and career and I admit that I refuse to share my happiness with her. I regretfully distanced myself because I don't want to appear as the demanding and burdening friend. I tried my best to made her feel that I am always around, whenever she needs or doesn't need me.

Before Christmas of last year, she told me that a lot of changes happened in her workplace. She confided that she had intentions of quitting. To leave or stay in the company that made her whole again for 4 years, was a decision that bothered her for months. Until two weeks ago, she told me that she finally resigned. I wanted to cheer her up so for two consecutive weekends, I visited her. She was devastated with her decision and I tried my best to convince her that everything will soon be fine.

The last time I saw Anna was Saturday afternoon of March 3. She was sad and unwell. Sunday night and while I was rushing some freelance work, I received a call that stopped my world.  Anna already passed away....

I went to her wake the other day and I was finally slapped with the reality that she is forever gone. I hugged her mother and words cannot express the sorrow we felt.

I know you are in a better place now Anna. You are already free from all the pains and anxieties of life. In your 28 years of existence, God felt that you have proven enough of yourself. You have lived a full life at a young age. Thank you for the friendship. Thank you for appreciating my humble achievements. Thank you for the wonderful memories. Thank you for the simple reason of coming to my life.

More than a friend, you are a part of me. Now that you are gone, everything feels like I lost a part of myself. And I know, a lifetime will never be enough to rebuild that part of my life.

You will always be in my heart.

Read More

As I am writing this post, my legs are exhausted and my body is calling me to finally zzzzzzzzzz. Saturday was filled with accomplishment and happiness. I woke up at 5 am to start my regular fitness activity. No matter what it takes, I promised my screaming bulging belly to shed off those extra lbs. It's time to pay for all those meal and Coke upsizes.

I jogged for more than an hour in this place

Though I was near SM Marikina, no shopping attempt was made. ;-) I jogged and enjoyed the outdoor atmosphere with some greenery left in the city.

After a perspiring walk, I went home to prepare for a meet up with my girlfriends.

Anne, Anna and May Ann

They are my super girlfriends. I've known Anne ever since I was 14 years old. We had common friends in High School and we went in the same university for college. I've known Anna and May Ann for 18 years. We were classmates in grade four and our senior year in High School. Notice the rhyme in our names? Anne, Anna, May Ann and Diane... God perhaps knew that we will eventually become friends in the future so He made our parents chose our rhyming names.

The main reason of our meet up is because someone's celebrating her birthday! Can anyone guess who among us is celebrating her special day? The girl in blooming pink turned YOUNGER! ;-) Happy Birthday Anna!

Anna wanted to see Binondo on her birthday so the loyal friend in me said, your wish is my command beautiful! I gave my friends a mini tour in Manila. Our first stop was the historic Intramuros in Manila. Anna wanted to start the day with a prayer so I brought her to the Manila Cathedral.

I would like to believe I fulfilled Anna's wish of eating at Binondo.

The Binondo Arc

Binondo is the Philippines' main China town. Binondo is believed to be the oldest China town in the world. It was established in 1594, when the Philippine was still a colony of Spain. The Spanish government allowed Chinese businessmen who have inhabited our country to stay in this place. Soon, the accumulation of Chinese entrepreneurs have developed the place to be a center of trade, commerce and the best Chinese foods in the Philippines.

Anna was dying to eat in this restaurant

Sincerity Restaurant

Inside the restaurant

 And what we had after a long walk

The best and unhealthiest thirst killer

Sincerity Chicken

Kiampong Rice

Burp!

So after eating all these calories, we need to burn them so off for the ultimate walkaton

And before Anne and I parted, we indulged ourselves with this

Thank you Anna. But I think I need to devote more time for jogging tomorrow. Wishing everyone a great weekend.

• September 18, 2011
• Anna

Happy Birthday Anna

As I am writing this post, my legs are exhausted and my body is calling me to finally zzzzzzzzzz. Saturday was filled with accomplishment and happiness. I woke up at 5 am to start my regular fitness activity. No matter what it takes, I promised my screaming bulging belly to shed off those extra lbs. It's time to pay for all those meal and Coke upsizes.

I jogged for more than an hour in this place

Though I was near SM Marikina, no shopping attempt was made. ;-) I jogged and enjoyed the outdoor atmosphere with some greenery left in the city.

After a perspiring walk, I went home to prepare for a meet up with my girlfriends.

Anne, Anna and May Ann

They are my super girlfriends. I've known Anne ever since I was 14 years old. We had common friends in High School and we went in the same university for college. I've known Anna and May Ann for 18 years. We were classmates in grade four and our senior year in High School. Notice the rhyme in our names? Anne, Anna, May Ann and Diane... God perhaps knew that we will eventually become friends in the future so He made our parents chose our rhyming names.

The main reason of our meet up is because someone's celebrating her birthday! Can anyone guess who among us is celebrating her special day? The girl in blooming pink turned YOUNGER! ;-) Happy Birthday Anna!

Anna wanted to see Binondo on her birthday so the loyal friend in me said, your wish is my command beautiful! I gave my friends a mini tour in Manila. Our first stop was the historic Intramuros in Manila. Anna wanted to start the day with a prayer so I brought her to the Manila Cathedral.

I would like to believe I fulfilled Anna's wish of eating at Binondo.

The Binondo Arc

Binondo is the Philippines' main China town. Binondo is believed to be the oldest China town in the world. It was established in 1594, when the Philippine was still a colony of Spain. The Spanish government allowed Chinese businessmen who have inhabited our country to stay in this place. Soon, the accumulation of Chinese entrepreneurs have developed the place to be a center of trade, commerce and the best Chinese foods in the Philippines.

Anna was dying to eat in this restaurant

Sincerity Restaurant

Inside the restaurant

 And what we had after a long walk

The best and unhealthiest thirst killer

Sincerity Chicken

Kiampong Rice

Burp!

So after eating all these calories, we need to burn them so off for the ultimate walkaton

And before Anne and I parted, we indulged ourselves with this

Thank you Anna. But I think I need to devote more time for jogging tomorrow. Wishing everyone a great weekend.

Read More

I live in a country where most people are Catholics. The Spanish colonization in the Philippines that lasted for hundreds of years is highly responsible for making most Filipinos as Catholics. Much of the beliefs, principles and way of life of Filipinos were highly influenced by the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Though hundreds of years have passed, the Catholic way of life is still evident among Filipinos. A lot of the places in the Philippines have been named after saints. The usual practice was a town or a city will be named after the name of the saint whose feast day coincides with the place's inauguration date. Aside from saints, some towns in the Philippines were named after places in Spain. So if by chance some of my dear followers visit the Philippines, expect that most places are bearing Spanish names.

Aside from names, feasts and celebrations are another tradition we inherited from the Spaniards. Each town in the Philippines has its own fiesta or feast day. Towns that were named after a saint have their fiesta during their saint's feast day.  During the fiesta, the local government spearheads themed parades, programs and each house has overflowing food. It's like Christmas for a day in a specific town. Today, fiestas are seldom observed in the city. Fiestas are more evident in provinces and suburban areas such as in Marikina, my hometown.

Last Tuesday, Anna invited me to their family's house because it's their town's feast day. Though I am deprived of sleep and tired of checking papers, I dropped by Anna's place to join the celebration. A typical home celebrating the fiesta has this

 Food!

I failed to make a close up shot to each food because I was starving when I arrived at Anna's place. :) My mind tells me one thing,  EAT NOW!

We Filipinos are used to heavy meals. Our staple food is rice paired with a viand made of pork, chicken or vegetable. Most Filipinos can't say that a meal is full unless it has rice. Some can't even last a day without any rice intake. Aside from rice, there should be dessert during fiestas. And dessert should be something that is cooked or baked.

When all the food is there, what comes next?

Friends and stories!

 
Anna's house is so modern and elegant. Their house was renovated two years ago and I just love its architecture and interiors.   I wanted to take pictures of their place but they have a lot of guests. By the time their house is free, I was all tired and sleepy. ;-)

Today is Sunday and as I am writing this post, I still have a lot of things to do. Check papers, record the scores of my students and that one big research that will determine my fate. I hope everyone has a more relaxed Sunday. Wishing everyone a great week ahead!

• August 21, 2011
• Anna

A weekday feast

I live in a country where most people are Catholics. The Spanish colonization in the Philippines that lasted for hundreds of years is highly responsible for making most Filipinos as Catholics. Much of the beliefs, principles and way of life of Filipinos were highly influenced by the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Though hundreds of years have passed, the Catholic way of life is still evident among Filipinos. A lot of the places in the Philippines have been named after saints. The usual practice was a town or a city will be named after the name of the saint whose feast day coincides with the place's inauguration date. Aside from saints, some towns in the Philippines were named after places in Spain. So if by chance some of my dear followers visit the Philippines, expect that most places are bearing Spanish names.

Aside from names, feasts and celebrations are another tradition we inherited from the Spaniards. Each town in the Philippines has its own fiesta or feast day. Towns that were named after a saint have their fiesta during their saint's feast day.  During the fiesta, the local government spearheads themed parades, programs and each house has overflowing food. It's like Christmas for a day in a specific town. Today, fiestas are seldom observed in the city. Fiestas are more evident in provinces and suburban areas such as in Marikina, my hometown.

Last Tuesday, Anna invited me to their family's house because it's their town's feast day. Though I am deprived of sleep and tired of checking papers, I dropped by Anna's place to join the celebration. A typical home celebrating the fiesta has this

 Food!

I failed to make a close up shot to each food because I was starving when I arrived at Anna's place. :) My mind tells me one thing,  EAT NOW!

We Filipinos are used to heavy meals. Our staple food is rice paired with a viand made of pork, chicken or vegetable. Most Filipinos can't say that a meal is full unless it has rice. Some can't even last a day without any rice intake. Aside from rice, there should be dessert during fiestas. And dessert should be something that is cooked or baked.

When all the food is there, what comes next?

Friends and stories!

 
Anna's house is so modern and elegant. Their house was renovated two years ago and I just love its architecture and interiors.   I wanted to take pictures of their place but they have a lot of guests. By the time their house is free, I was all tired and sleepy. ;-)

Today is Sunday and as I am writing this post, I still have a lot of things to do. Check papers, record the scores of my students and that one big research that will determine my fate. I hope everyone has a more relaxed Sunday. Wishing everyone a great week ahead!

Read More

Before I start this post, I would like to thank my friends in the blogosphere who wished me well. For some reasons, I just felt so down and lonely over the past days. Through your prayers and God's help, I'm feeling better now.

Today was a fun filled day for me. God perhaps wanted to make me forget all my worries and problems in life. My day started with my friend's wedding. I attended Jen and Marlon's wedding with my two High School friends, Anna and May Ann. My previous post showed some pictures of that event.

I spent the afternoon with my cousin, Annette and my niece, Alexia. We went in this beautiful restaurant in our hometown.  

The shot of the facade was already perfect, if not only because of the improperly parked Chevrolet. 

Here is a closer look of the shabby and rustic facade of the restaurant.

An antique wooden windmill greets every guest of the restaurant. The windmill is surrounded by a pond and different ornamental plants. I just love the idea of the windmill! Where else can you find this in the city? 

Pan de Amerikana is the name of the shabby restaurant. The right side of the facade features a window that provides a view of the bakery. Aside from the restaurant, Pan de Amerikana also maintains a bakery that produces the famous Filipino bread called the "Pandesal."  Pandesal is a round yeast bread eaten by typical Filipinos during breakfast. Here is how the Pandesal look like

Photo source here

Most of the neighborhood bakeries cook Pandesal using an electric or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) powered oven. Pan de Amerikana however bakes its Pandesal with the use of the traditional "Pugon." The Pugon is also called as the wood-fired oven. Instead of coal or electricity, all bread produced by Pan de Amerikana are baked using the traditional wood and fire. The facade window will give you a view of the traditional Pugon way of baking bread.

The right side of the window has a well, not really a "functioning well" but a "fountain well." That's me and my niece, Alexia. 

The entrance of the restaurant with the kid fooling around Mr. Baker.

  

So what's inside the shabby and rustic restaurant?

Main Counter of Pan de Amerikana

There are picture frames that boasts the celebrities and other prominent personalities who have visited the restaurant. The colored tiled window serves as a cover to the restaurant's cooking area. If I am not mistaken, the tiled window came from an Antique house. Have you noticed the ceiling? They are filled with tree branches and a vintage glass chandelier. Whoever thought of using the tree branches is very resourceful and creative.

I was talking about the "Pugon" oven a while ago. Here it is,

A closer look of the Pugon oven

Pugon Oven

Can you see the colorful jars? Here's a closer look of the jar with a fake sink

 The main attraction of the restaurant

Annette and Alexia

Some great antique pieces inside the restaurant

Vintage Coal Powered Flat Iron

Vintage Singer Sewing Machine

Oil Lamp

A Transistor!

Popeye with a Harp and a Vintage Ice Machine

The pictures are not yet over. Kids will surely love this 

There's a Hanging Bridge that leads to a resting place under a tree. If I were the owner of this restaurant, I might as well invest in building a tree house. Not all kids in the city are able to experience playing in tree houses.This might make another attraction to the restaurant. 

Alexia enjoyed the Hanging Bridge

Well, even us grown ups.. hahahaha!

I hope you all had a great weekend. Tomorrow is Monday, rest is over and back to work. With a well spent weekend, I am praying and looking forward for a better week.

• May 01, 2011
• Anna

A Well Spent Weekend

Before I start this post, I would like to thank my friends in the blogosphere who wished me well. For some reasons, I just felt so down and lonely over the past days. Through your prayers and God's help, I'm feeling better now.

Today was a fun filled day for me. God perhaps wanted to make me forget all my worries and problems in life. My day started with my friend's wedding. I attended Jen and Marlon's wedding with my two High School friends, Anna and May Ann. My previous post showed some pictures of that event.

I spent the afternoon with my cousin, Annette and my niece, Alexia. We went in this beautiful restaurant in our hometown.  

The shot of the facade was already perfect, if not only because of the improperly parked Chevrolet. 

Here is a closer look of the shabby and rustic facade of the restaurant.

An antique wooden windmill greets every guest of the restaurant. The windmill is surrounded by a pond and different ornamental plants. I just love the idea of the windmill! Where else can you find this in the city? 

Pan de Amerikana is the name of the shabby restaurant. The right side of the facade features a window that provides a view of the bakery. Aside from the restaurant, Pan de Amerikana also maintains a bakery that produces the famous Filipino bread called the "Pandesal."  Pandesal is a round yeast bread eaten by typical Filipinos during breakfast. Here is how the Pandesal look like

Photo source here

Most of the neighborhood bakeries cook Pandesal using an electric or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) powered oven. Pan de Amerikana however bakes its Pandesal with the use of the traditional "Pugon." The Pugon is also called as the wood-fired oven. Instead of coal or electricity, all bread produced by Pan de Amerikana are baked using the traditional wood and fire. The facade window will give you a view of the traditional Pugon way of baking bread.

The right side of the window has a well, not really a "functioning well" but a "fountain well." That's me and my niece, Alexia. 

The entrance of the restaurant with the kid fooling around Mr. Baker.

  

So what's inside the shabby and rustic restaurant?

Main Counter of Pan de Amerikana

There are picture frames that boasts the celebrities and other prominent personalities who have visited the restaurant. The colored tiled window serves as a cover to the restaurant's cooking area. If I am not mistaken, the tiled window came from an Antique house. Have you noticed the ceiling? They are filled with tree branches and a vintage glass chandelier. Whoever thought of using the tree branches is very resourceful and creative.

I was talking about the "Pugon" oven a while ago. Here it is,

A closer look of the Pugon oven

Pugon Oven

Can you see the colorful jars? Here's a closer look of the jar with a fake sink

 The main attraction of the restaurant

Annette and Alexia

Some great antique pieces inside the restaurant

Vintage Coal Powered Flat Iron

Vintage Singer Sewing Machine

Oil Lamp

A Transistor!

Popeye with a Harp and a Vintage Ice Machine

The pictures are not yet over. Kids will surely love this 

There's a Hanging Bridge that leads to a resting place under a tree. If I were the owner of this restaurant, I might as well invest in building a tree house. Not all kids in the city are able to experience playing in tree houses.This might make another attraction to the restaurant. 

Alexia enjoyed the Hanging Bridge

Well, even us grown ups.. hahahaha!

I hope you all had a great weekend. Tomorrow is Monday, rest is over and back to work. With a well spent weekend, I am praying and looking forward for a better week.

Read More

I was on leave on work yesterday because I wanted to watch the most awaited Royal Wedding. Haha Seriously, I just need to avail my vacation leave credits. My employer has this policy that all leave credits that exceed 30 days shall be forfeited. So even though I don't have errands to attend, I went on leave to avoid experiencing the forfeiture. 

I watched the BBC's coverage of the Royal Wedding in our local channel. Kate or I mean Catherine's most kept and awaited wedding gown was simple and elegant and I honestly like it. A lot say that it looked like Grace Kelly's wedding gown. I actually love both. 

Photo Source here

Photo Source here

Back to the real reason why I am writing this post, one of my High School friends got married today.  Jen and I were classmates during our freshmen year in High School. We were partners during those regular line formation. 

Jen and Marlon exchanged vows at a chapel in our hometown. I love the small chapel because it is located near the Marikina River, surrounded by lush trees and greenery. The pictures will tell it all

Anna and May Ann

 The chapel of St. Anthony of Padua in Calumpang Marikina City.  

What is seen on the ceiling of the church

Meet my friend, the bride

The reception was held in this beautiful venue.

Water Nymph Resort

I love the wine goblets arranged to become a water fountain

The couple's first dance at the reception

Congratulations to Marlon and Jen! 

• April 30, 2011
• Anna

A Wedding After the Royal Wedding

I was on leave on work yesterday because I wanted to watch the most awaited Royal Wedding. Haha Seriously, I just need to avail my vacation leave credits. My employer has this policy that all leave credits that exceed 30 days shall be forfeited. So even though I don't have errands to attend, I went on leave to avoid experiencing the forfeiture. 

I watched the BBC's coverage of the Royal Wedding in our local channel. Kate or I mean Catherine's most kept and awaited wedding gown was simple and elegant and I honestly like it. A lot say that it looked like Grace Kelly's wedding gown. I actually love both. 

Photo Source here

Photo Source here

Back to the real reason why I am writing this post, one of my High School friends got married today.  Jen and I were classmates during our freshmen year in High School. We were partners during those regular line formation. 

Jen and Marlon exchanged vows at a chapel in our hometown. I love the small chapel because it is located near the Marikina River, surrounded by lush trees and greenery. The pictures will tell it all

Anna and May Ann

 The chapel of St. Anthony of Padua in Calumpang Marikina City.  

What is seen on the ceiling of the church

Meet my friend, the bride

The reception was held in this beautiful venue.

Water Nymph Resort

I love the wine goblets arranged to become a water fountain

The couple's first dance at the reception

Congratulations to Marlon and Jen! 

Read More