This is my first Beautiful Sunday post for 2014!

I enjoyed my much needed two-week holiday break. I will be back to work tomorrow, meeting my dearest college kiddies and documentation project at the office. Before I finally return to work mode, let me share the few good and beautiful things I had.


An overflowing refrigerator because of New Year Eve's leftover, best! Great and overflowing food never fails to bring good mood. Hahaha

Pizza Hut's 7-cheese is another foodie discovery. Thin crust pizza oozing with different layers of cheese feels like a heaven of grease.

New Year's eve will never be complete without my all time favorite nachos with homemade cheese, ground meat and cabbage slices. 
New Discoveries + Traditions
I was able to finally taste YAKITORIONE in SM Aura. I had doubts and apprehensions. I was worried that I will end up ordering from 4 Fingers. My hesitations faded as soon as I tasted their Chicken Karaage. It was the best! Yakitorione will make it as one great reason to visit SM Aura.

As for traditions, I never blogged about my other favorite childhood fastfood chain. As of date, there are only counted branches of Tropical Hut Hamburgers. Luckily, the branch in my hometown is still alive. Despite the presence of other fastfood giants such as KFC, Jollibee and Mc Donald's in the area, Tropical Hut remains still. It even operates 24/7. It may not be appealing to kids today but I will always love this locally owned chain. The quality of the food remains consistent and customer service is best.



Still about food, these are just some of the treats I savoured over the holiday break. Cupcake from Brownies Unlimited never fails to make me happy. Red Velvet and Oreo Cookies from Sophie's Mom are the best! If only SM Megamall is not too far from work and home. Green mangoes with homemade sweet and spicy bagoong is perfect after our excessive intake of meat dishes. The black grapes has been my constant companion in those wee hours spent for writing and editing papers.



I will miss the colourful and creative Xmas decors in shopping malls. Before the holiday break, I went to Resorts World Manila with my few workplace friends. We explored the high end mall and casino and almost ended up eating at Mc Donald's. LOL Good thing, I was able to convince my friends to try another dining place. In my mind then, I wouldn't take time to visit Resorts World just to eat at Mc Donald's.

Before going home, I was able to take home french macarons from TWG. Yay or nay? Can I just say that for the price of Php 360, I was expecting more.



Here are some of my favorite presents last Christmas. The milk box contains a nice shirt from Kamiseta. Cute and unique packaging! A huge but cute notebook from my cousin A and my favorite perfume generously given by my Big Boss :)

Lastly, may I share how my Christmas shopping become easier. In my desire to lessen my trips to the shopping mall, I engaged to some online shopping for my few friends. One of my trusted shopping sites is Zalora.



Zalora is based in the Philippines so no worries about shipping fees and duration. With Zalora, I was spared from the long lines and exhausting commute to shopping malls. I also feel that I'm saved from unnecessary expenditures. This includes an expensive full meal, taxi fare or high gasoline consumption brought by the holiday traffic. I enjoyed my holiday break without the hassles of shopping. To further understand the system of online shopping and its security features, you can refer to this post.

Wishing everyone a great week ahead!

Beautiful Sunday # 89 - Traditions and Discoveries


This is my first Beautiful Sunday post for 2014!

I enjoyed my much needed two-week holiday break. I will be back to work tomorrow, meeting my dearest college kiddies and documentation project at the office. Before I finally return to work mode, let me share the few good and beautiful things I had.


An overflowing refrigerator because of New Year Eve's leftover, best! Great and overflowing food never fails to bring good mood. Hahaha

Pizza Hut's 7-cheese is another foodie discovery. Thin crust pizza oozing with different layers of cheese feels like a heaven of grease.

New Year's eve will never be complete without my all time favorite nachos with homemade cheese, ground meat and cabbage slices. 
New Discoveries + Traditions
I was able to finally taste YAKITORIONE in SM Aura. I had doubts and apprehensions. I was worried that I will end up ordering from 4 Fingers. My hesitations faded as soon as I tasted their Chicken Karaage. It was the best! Yakitorione will make it as one great reason to visit SM Aura.

As for traditions, I never blogged about my other favorite childhood fastfood chain. As of date, there are only counted branches of Tropical Hut Hamburgers. Luckily, the branch in my hometown is still alive. Despite the presence of other fastfood giants such as KFC, Jollibee and Mc Donald's in the area, Tropical Hut remains still. It even operates 24/7. It may not be appealing to kids today but I will always love this locally owned chain. The quality of the food remains consistent and customer service is best.



Still about food, these are just some of the treats I savoured over the holiday break. Cupcake from Brownies Unlimited never fails to make me happy. Red Velvet and Oreo Cookies from Sophie's Mom are the best! If only SM Megamall is not too far from work and home. Green mangoes with homemade sweet and spicy bagoong is perfect after our excessive intake of meat dishes. The black grapes has been my constant companion in those wee hours spent for writing and editing papers.



I will miss the colourful and creative Xmas decors in shopping malls. Before the holiday break, I went to Resorts World Manila with my few workplace friends. We explored the high end mall and casino and almost ended up eating at Mc Donald's. LOL Good thing, I was able to convince my friends to try another dining place. In my mind then, I wouldn't take time to visit Resorts World just to eat at Mc Donald's.

Before going home, I was able to take home french macarons from TWG. Yay or nay? Can I just say that for the price of Php 360, I was expecting more.



Here are some of my favorite presents last Christmas. The milk box contains a nice shirt from Kamiseta. Cute and unique packaging! A huge but cute notebook from my cousin A and my favorite perfume generously given by my Big Boss :)

Lastly, may I share how my Christmas shopping become easier. In my desire to lessen my trips to the shopping mall, I engaged to some online shopping for my few friends. One of my trusted shopping sites is Zalora.



Zalora is based in the Philippines so no worries about shipping fees and duration. With Zalora, I was spared from the long lines and exhausting commute to shopping malls. I also feel that I'm saved from unnecessary expenditures. This includes an expensive full meal, taxi fare or high gasoline consumption brought by the holiday traffic. I enjoyed my holiday break without the hassles of shopping. To further understand the system of online shopping and its security features, you can refer to this post.

Wishing everyone a great week ahead!

Read More
People come and go

source
Almost two years ago, my dear friend Anna passed away. Anna was the first person who made me feel and understand the pain of being left behind. Aside from death, there were people who (I maybe wrong or right) intentionally left. After spending some years with them, distance and separation unfortunately dissolved our friendship. I tried my best to reconnect, but everything ended as futile and useless. It started when I always embraced the role of organising reunions. When everyone can't even take time to send a text message of regret, I got tired and frustrated. This explains why the past Christmas has become more quiet and relaxing.  I was left with few friends to meet for that most awaited Christmas dinners. 

I also burned bridges with some people from the past. There were regrets but looking how my life turned, I felt that it wasn't a bad decision after all. I lost some friends and gained new ones especially when I allowed myself to engage in new ventures, may it be work related or not.

Gaining and losing friends, this is an inevitable part of life. Regardless they decide to stay or not, I will never be complete without them.

30 Things Life Taught Me # 3
People come and go

source
Almost two years ago, my dear friend Anna passed away. Anna was the first person who made me feel and understand the pain of being left behind. Aside from death, there were people who (I maybe wrong or right) intentionally left. After spending some years with them, distance and separation unfortunately dissolved our friendship. I tried my best to reconnect, but everything ended as futile and useless. It started when I always embraced the role of organising reunions. When everyone can't even take time to send a text message of regret, I got tired and frustrated. This explains why the past Christmas has become more quiet and relaxing.  I was left with few friends to meet for that most awaited Christmas dinners. 

I also burned bridges with some people from the past. There were regrets but looking how my life turned, I felt that it wasn't a bad decision after all. I lost some friends and gained new ones especially when I allowed myself to engage in new ventures, may it be work related or not.

Gaining and losing friends, this is an inevitable part of life. Regardless they decide to stay or not, I will never be complete without them.

Read More
Generosity makes one wealthy 
source
Halfway the past year, I have to wear the shoes of the family’s breadwinner. Despite the expectation, I never made preparations. Admittedly, planning was never my thing. This is very contradicting to the fact that I work for the Corporate Planning Group of a school.

My current financial state does not complement the role of the breadwinner. I’m still paying stupid and immature debts. I’m rebuilding my savings account and my investments are just starting. However, I can never use my financial incapacity to escape. I have to embrace the role. Choosing was never an option.

Fortunately, I was blessed with some freelance works this year. Should this happen a few years ago, I surely went on a shopping spree or booked a flight away from Manila. This year, most of my freelance earnings were spent for the family. A significant amount was spent for medical expenses and replacing major pieces of equipment at home. I never realized that I made something for my family. I never felt it was a sacrifice or obligation. I was more than happy that I have some money when my family needed it and this has been my constant prayer. I’m contented with the assurance that I have enough for my family.


Before the year ended, I started to see the fruits of my freelance works. The extended patience I have to render with every client, deadlines to worry, and all those sleepless nights paid off. I never rewarded myself but I never felt deprived. It’s only now that I can claim and attest to the idea that generosity can make someone feel wealthy.

30 Things Life Taught Me # 2
Generosity makes one wealthy 
source
Halfway the past year, I have to wear the shoes of the family’s breadwinner. Despite the expectation, I never made preparations. Admittedly, planning was never my thing. This is very contradicting to the fact that I work for the Corporate Planning Group of a school.

My current financial state does not complement the role of the breadwinner. I’m still paying stupid and immature debts. I’m rebuilding my savings account and my investments are just starting. However, I can never use my financial incapacity to escape. I have to embrace the role. Choosing was never an option.

Fortunately, I was blessed with some freelance works this year. Should this happen a few years ago, I surely went on a shopping spree or booked a flight away from Manila. This year, most of my freelance earnings were spent for the family. A significant amount was spent for medical expenses and replacing major pieces of equipment at home. I never realized that I made something for my family. I never felt it was a sacrifice or obligation. I was more than happy that I have some money when my family needed it and this has been my constant prayer. I’m contented with the assurance that I have enough for my family.


Before the year ended, I started to see the fruits of my freelance works. The extended patience I have to render with every client, deadlines to worry, and all those sleepless nights paid off. I never rewarded myself but I never felt deprived. It’s only now that I can claim and attest to the idea that generosity can make someone feel wealthy.
Read More

      I have to work with people I don’t like

source
     I used to be firm with the principle of ignoring people I don’t like. I have this selfish conviction of treating people that I way I see them. If I don't like you, you have to settle with my terms. I will ignore your presence. I will never communicate nor reach out. 

      I used to hate the idea of pretending to be good. In the local colloquial parlance, I equated this act as becoming plastic. Over time, I realized this personal immaturity. I gained better understanding of the meaning of being professionally civil.

      I learned that being civil is way different than pretending to be good. Pretending to be good is wearing the fake mask of a good person. This means forcing yourself to be good. Everything is a mere show. Being professionally civil means choosing to be in the shoes of the mature person. I chose to be good because I allowed maturity to overcome my selfish conviction. It will never be easy to be good to people I don't like. But at the very least, I'm giving them a chance. I'm likewise giving myself the chance to leave the excess baggage and accommodate better working relationships. 

30 Things Life Taught Me # 1


      I have to work with people I don’t like

source
     I used to be firm with the principle of ignoring people I don’t like. I have this selfish conviction of treating people that I way I see them. If I don't like you, you have to settle with my terms. I will ignore your presence. I will never communicate nor reach out. 

      I used to hate the idea of pretending to be good. In the local colloquial parlance, I equated this act as becoming plastic. Over time, I realized this personal immaturity. I gained better understanding of the meaning of being professionally civil.

      I learned that being civil is way different than pretending to be good. Pretending to be good is wearing the fake mask of a good person. This means forcing yourself to be good. Everything is a mere show. Being professionally civil means choosing to be in the shoes of the mature person. I chose to be good because I allowed maturity to overcome my selfish conviction. It will never be easy to be good to people I don't like. But at the very least, I'm giving them a chance. I'm likewise giving myself the chance to leave the excess baggage and accommodate better working relationships. 

Read More
Aside from the take-home work, I've been spending my holiday break with another favourite lazy and homebound hobby. Watching endless of Korean drama series and movies! Although I've been switching to different Korean drama series lately. I can't find the right series that can capture my interest. I'm instead devoting much of my time with the indie or independent films.

Let me share the few films I highly recommend




100 relates the story of a successful female professional whose life is suddenly taken away by Cancer. Instead of burdening herself with the painful chemotherapy, Joyce decided to prepare for death. She made a list of the things she wants to accomplish and experience. The entire movie related the days and her sentiments of making things happen.



Santa Mesa is a critically acclaimed film whose focal point is a kid brought to Manila following his Mother's death. Hector was brought to the custody of her maternal grandmother who struggled with hatred and haunted by memories of her daughter. Hector later discovers poverty and harshness of life in Manila. Amidst the cruelty, Hector meets Jose and introduces him to the word of photography.




Sorry for the absence of translation. I can't find a trailer with English subtitles.

South Korea is a country that interests me these days. Unfortunately, I have limited knowledge of their history. This film brought me to the darkest moments in their country. In the middle of the heartless dictatorship, a student activist finds refuge in the mountains and started a love affair with another activist hiding as a community teacher.

So there, just some of the movies I enjoyed over the holiday break. For some reason, I've been preferring more of the indie films lately. I guess I'm a bit tired of watching the mainstream. I appreciate unique plot and new actors. How about you? Do you know any interesting independent films?  

Movies over the holiday break

Aside from the take-home work, I've been spending my holiday break with another favourite lazy and homebound hobby. Watching endless of Korean drama series and movies! Although I've been switching to different Korean drama series lately. I can't find the right series that can capture my interest. I'm instead devoting much of my time with the indie or independent films.

Let me share the few films I highly recommend




100 relates the story of a successful female professional whose life is suddenly taken away by Cancer. Instead of burdening herself with the painful chemotherapy, Joyce decided to prepare for death. She made a list of the things she wants to accomplish and experience. The entire movie related the days and her sentiments of making things happen.



Santa Mesa is a critically acclaimed film whose focal point is a kid brought to Manila following his Mother's death. Hector was brought to the custody of her maternal grandmother who struggled with hatred and haunted by memories of her daughter. Hector later discovers poverty and harshness of life in Manila. Amidst the cruelty, Hector meets Jose and introduces him to the word of photography.




Sorry for the absence of translation. I can't find a trailer with English subtitles.

South Korea is a country that interests me these days. Unfortunately, I have limited knowledge of their history. This film brought me to the darkest moments in their country. In the middle of the heartless dictatorship, a student activist finds refuge in the mountains and started a love affair with another activist hiding as a community teacher.

So there, just some of the movies I enjoyed over the holiday break. For some reason, I've been preferring more of the indie films lately. I guess I'm a bit tired of watching the mainstream. I appreciate unique plot and new actors. How about you? Do you know any interesting independent films?  
Read More
source:  here and here
I’ve wanted to write this post days after I reached the age I’m dreading. Laziness, Christmas parties and the dissatisfaction from failed birthday celebrations made other plans for me. Over the holiday break, I was occupied with take home works, movie marathon and sleep. I can’t find the right time and pace to write this *hopefully* insightful post.

It’s been hours after our much awaited New Year’s Eve. I spent my first day in 2014 with my cousins. As of now, I’m enjoying my quiet time with left over food (Best, haha) and responding to emails of freelance clients. I’m supposedly on work mode. Backache and my elusive writing pace are unfortunately testing me. Hence, this post made it. Weird? Yes, even myself is surprised with the things I do.


As I face another decade, let me recount the few great lessons life taught me. I initially wanted to compile everything in one full post. With the help of all the great food around me, my creative juices were activated. Haha I decided to convert the post to a blogging series. Over the next days, weeks to months, expect some boring, preachy and melancholy posts from my page. :) Everything is dedicated to my goal of remembering the great deeds I learned as I journey another decade of my life. 
  • January 02, 2014

Another Blogging Series - 30 Things Life Taught Me

source:  here and here
I’ve wanted to write this post days after I reached the age I’m dreading. Laziness, Christmas parties and the dissatisfaction from failed birthday celebrations made other plans for me. Over the holiday break, I was occupied with take home works, movie marathon and sleep. I can’t find the right time and pace to write this *hopefully* insightful post.

It’s been hours after our much awaited New Year’s Eve. I spent my first day in 2014 with my cousins. As of now, I’m enjoying my quiet time with left over food (Best, haha) and responding to emails of freelance clients. I’m supposedly on work mode. Backache and my elusive writing pace are unfortunately testing me. Hence, this post made it. Weird? Yes, even myself is surprised with the things I do.


As I face another decade, let me recount the few great lessons life taught me. I initially wanted to compile everything in one full post. With the help of all the great food around me, my creative juices were activated. Haha I decided to convert the post to a blogging series. Over the next days, weeks to months, expect some boring, preachy and melancholy posts from my page. :) Everything is dedicated to my goal of remembering the great deeds I learned as I journey another decade of my life. 
Read More

First Morning of 2014

Wishing everyone a happy and prosperous 2014!
  • January 01, 2014

Happy New Year


First Morning of 2014

Wishing everyone a happy and prosperous 2014!
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