Blog give-away: Design your life 2012 planner

2011 is nearing its end. It has been a challenging and a good year all together.

I bought this planner with the help of my good friend, Aya, and has somewhat even hassled her time but I find it to be a positive point since we really got to meet-up. It was also nice to meet again her sister, Bambi. :)

Okay, back to what this blog give-away is all about: I'm giving-away a Design your life 2012 planner :) Not that I don't have anyone in mind that I could give this out as a gift but because there are so many of them, I wanted it to be a fair play. Plus, it would also be a thank you kind of award to my readers :)

no copyright infringement intended with this photo

The catch: You have to leave a comment stating why you want to have this planner and what do you look forward to in 2012. Leave in your data: Name(or Alias) and any way I could contact you.

This give-away is open only to my facebook, plurk, twitter friends and blogger readers and followers with Philippine address only. Winner will be drawn through www.random.org on January 15, 2012 and will be announced on January 16, 2012.

You may also check out C&S Design's facebook page if you want to buy one for yourself :)

Nexus

When D and I went to the big metro in mid November, I happen to take pictures of D and her colleagues at work for the bar operations. Maybe for the lack of other sources, the official publication of the College of Law in MSU-IIT happened to use one of the pictures and made this bee really happy :)

My first amateur shot made public. hahaha. I just had to commemorate it.

Boomerang

A simple act of kindness can go a long way.

The recent tragedy brought about by Typhoon Sendong has proven that people can see beyond color, race and religion. When Mother Earth struck her anger, she took the lives of many - Men, Women and Children alike.

This video has been shared at FB and I do not own it, I simply just wanna share something that is inspiring =)

Sendong

I'm supposed to write an entry about the year end party that happened last friday but I just could not find it in my heart to share something happy when everyone that surrounds me is grieving. Thus, I will write what happened after the party. The devastation that Typhoon "Washi (Sendong)" did to the beloved city of Golden Friendship.

I was on a taxi home with one of my officemate when we passed by Carmen Bridge at around midnight of December 16. The taxi driver said that the water level has risen and that the current is like a demon. I could not see it, so i opened the car window and there I saw the raging waters. I saw debris, branches of trees and even people being washed away. My heart beat so fast. I could hear women shouting TABANG (help)! I began to worry. I called my dad and was glad to hear his voice at the other end of the line.

There was a city wide black out. I was without umbrella when I stepped out of the taxi. The wind and rain were so strong. I stayed over with a friend. I couldn't sleep. The peeked through the window and saw water level rising. What I went through back in January 2009 came back again. My heart beats fast again. Siren can be heard from afar. (Little did I know that flood waters washed over Brgy. Consolacion and Burgos St. (where my grandparents used to live)


I received a text with bff D and was informed of the same tragedy that is happening in Iligan.

I am happy that my family and friends were not affected by this catastrophe. My heart is breaking, nevertheless. Friends have lost their family, relatives and even their hard earned properties.

I do not have pictures to post but everything is viral on facebook and all over the web.

starstruck

I just had a starstruck moment at twitter. I've been a silent follower of celebrities (in various fields) when i replied to patty laurel's tweet. Like any other celebrieties that I've have been following who have been ignored my tweets, I didn't expect for her to tweet back. What a surprise it has been that I saw my name being mentioned in her reply.

My heart be still moment. I couldn't believe it. I replied again then when I re-read my tweet it seemed I didn't get to connect with her and sounded like I didn't grasp what she said. Its partially true since I was really happy. Realizing what an embarrassing tweet it was, I deleted it *blush*



I just came from reading another blog entry of hers and I am humbled with it. Tonight. graciously, I thank the Lord for people like Patty, who shares her life and experiences to people like me. You made her an instrument to continuously inspire us :)

black safari

Yesterday, I went to attend the Oro Banker's Safari Party. This is the first formal themed party I attended in. This is also the first party I attended with the people I work at AIB.

the stage

I initially thought of going in khaki but then I was told that my co-workers intended to go in black. So, I looked for a black get - up and my fashion-stylist-slash-bff D suggested to keep it minimal and just incorporate safari accessories. However, as it turned out, the black get-up was not pushed through and I was the only one wearing black. See below my outfit post.

my black safari outfit

It was a fun night for us at AIB sine most of my co-workers got to win cash raffle awards. They were 4 of them. Bff K was supposed to be the fifth, but since she had to go early, she wasn't able to claim the prize. We didn't gamble on posing as her since we will end up our chance of winning other prizes. I was praying hard for that Netbook. lol. Sadly, I didn't get to win on the raffle. Tough luck!

the non-winning raffle ticket

bee ❤ hhn

It is seldom for me to find a product that I would gladly share, make a testimonial of, or much less blog about but there's this product that I've heard of before but deferred using (which I regretted now).

My bff D and I enlisted ourselves to become dealers of human heart nature. Personally, I registered to enjoy the discount. I have not tried all of the products yet since I don't have a child (the baby line). What I love is the facial wash, the peppermint conditioner (which nears being phased out) and the sunflower beauty oil :)

This endeavor has become more of advocacy now, for trying out an all-natural product that is also made in the Philippines. (my share of patriotism) :D It seems that I'll be purchasing and selling more of this so I put an effort of making a logo :D haha.

What I like most about this is that it is being talked about by my group of friends. If you are around Cagayan de Oro area, comment if you want to try HHN :)

Check out Human heart nature website :D

Malaysia from Grace and Apple

Shot Glass No. 4: Malaysia. This was given by my office mates Grace and Apple

when they arrived after their official trip to Malaysia.

They also gave out their pasalubong :D

11.11.11

In all in the numbers, that's what numerologist would say. Superstitious peeps say that this day would be a bad one, some say its special and others find it to be merely ordinary.

After I took office at a government bank last June, this would have been my 100th working day in my new line of work but somehow it would not be the case since there has been some holidays.

I'll be working half day today since I'll be going to the metro with my bff D. Can't wait to see barbarian bff A. Crossed fingers we get to meet up with bff K, who will be going there tomorrow. It would also be nice to meet up with our high school batchmates :)

I joined Patty L's sony giveaway as she celebrates a milestone for her friend, Amber Davis, who stars in her very own music video, Light Years :)

I posted my entry here. *crossed fingers* for winning that gadget.

Scandal at Zambo Butterfly Park

During my trip to Zamboanga City last June, we were able to go around the butterfly park and we got to witness a scandal in real time!

I want an apple

an apple gadget, that is.

photo credits

All out call

... FOR PEACE IN MINDANAO!!!

I just saw UKG's PUNTO POR PUNTO of ABS-CBN and I could not help but be saddened by the fact that some of my country men would still go for an all out war action. I condemn what happened to the 19 soldiers in Basilan like the way I condemned the Ampatuan Massacre. I mourn with the families.

I applaud Leonen's way of answering Host A's deliberate leading questions.

It's easy for people to say, go! chase them. shower them with bullets. Haven't we all learned that war does not bring us any good. How many innocent lives will be put in the middle? The trauma. Is it really all worth it to spend for some gun and ammunition. What is hard is getting up after the war is over.

I am not a fan of PNoy, sometimes I even criticize him, but this time, I applaud his decision fro ruling out all out war. If he is being criticized for getting angry at what had happened to the marines, then he has by far shown fairness as he directed to investigate first.

Too bad History of Muslim Filipinos is not taught mandatory in all schools in the Philippines, whether public or private. Maybe then, we will see the other side of the story.

thai (inpired) mango salad

Yesterday, I passed through this street vendor selling hilaw na mangga or green mangoes. I bought a few pieces and thought of making a salad like what I've tried in a thai restaurants: Thai me up and Siam. I searched through the web for recipes and how-to videos in youtube.

I didn't get to find one in particular so I noted the ingredients and bought it at the local market. It's safe to say that I experimented. I could not point out the exact measurements of the liquid ingredients since I was tasting it and just adjusted everything accordingly.

the ingredients (photo searched via google) L-R: green mango, lime, fish sauce

hot pepper, red onion, cooked shrimp

nuts, brown sugar and water

oppss... not in photo: salt and vinegar (optional depending on your taste)

And the outcome? tadad!!! *I think I bought big sized shrimp though. The original recipe required dried shrimps but I would not go with it. haha...

The cost?

5 pieces green mango: 25.00 pesos

200 grams shrimp: 52.00 pesos

hot pepper: 2.00 pesos

onion: 3.00 pesos

lime: 5.00 pesos

nuts: 10.00 pesos

everything else is found at home. haha.

I spent 97.00 pesos for this. not bad since I've made more than a serving of order at the restaurants whose price is around 150.00 to 200.00 pesos an order :)

Bon appetite!

bee is angry at birds

Wednesday media: Angry Birds

I blogged about my addiction with Plants vs. Zombies before and here I am again to blog about Angry Birds. I am currently addicted to this game and I don't even have an ipad or iphone. hahaha. I patiently play using the online version. I am pathetic. haha.

I am happy when I get to unlock a new level. It challenges me to accomplish three star on this game. The red bird, which is the normal kind, is my least favored bird. I go for the big red bird and the black bird. The white egg laying bird and the boomerang bird is also helpful at times.

I guess I am not the only one hooked on the game since I've been seeing a wide variety of items adapted from this game like collectible cards, slippers, pens, stuff toys and more. The recent birthday of my cousin's son was even themed with AB.

Look at what other AB spoof that has been circulating in the world wide web :)

*a photo shared through FB*

What is even interesting is this video I found in youtube. Ammmaaazzinng!

Are you in on the bandwagon?

Ycey turns 4

My niece turned 4 yesterday and I was there to witness her happiness (and her sadness as well). I made her a promise a few months back that I will have a cake for her. I wanted to surprise her, so I connived with everyone. Before I arrived, she was saying that "I'm very sad" and "I don't love, tita".

Her facial expression was priceless. She stared at my cake and probably resentful of her statement, she wouldn't come near me. Later in the evening, we blew out some balloons when she came. We couldn't hide what we have been doing, her eyes widened and sparkled. She said, "Wow!".

The day of her birthday, she was saying "This week is my birthday." I was amused. On a phone call with my dad, She said, "I'm very happy." When asked why, she said "I don't know myself". Those who would hear would burst to laughter. Such a witty little gal.

Her mood shifted when the visitors arrived. It was the first time that she saw those people so she was not her lively self. Note to my bro, let her know next time. Obviously the niece loved her cake. It was what she ate that brought her mood back. Sweet does wonders to her activeness. lol.

Madam Ycey is growing. My oh my. how time flies.

Monday foodtrip: Isabel's Confections

Don't we just hate commercialized cakes? I admit, for any occasion the presence of a cake is eminent and to have a personalize cake that is not too heavy on the budget is a real score. Isabel's Confection is your solution.

I ordered my niece's birthday cake on a short notice, and God is good that Ms. Z was able to accommodate. I don't have much details regarding the cake except that I want it simple and I was on a budget.

When I picked out the cake, I was impressed with it. Ms. Z knows her craft and she does it well. She herself is a mother so she pretty much has the idea what kids love. She was the one who suggested the princess themed cake since she said it was at age 4 that her daughter love princesses.

*the birthday cake made by Ms. Zen of Isabel's Confections*

*my niece admiring the cake*

If you are in search of a one of a kind cake for your special event, contact Isabel's Confections.

For a visual view of her other cakes, look here. You may also add her at facebook.

A fellow blogger, Ms. C of cookie's corner, posted her tinkerbell cake made by Isabel's confection as well.

soul food: Why Women Cry

photo credit

A little boy asked his mother, "Why are you crying?" "Because I'm a woman," she told him.

"I don't understand," he said. His Mom just hugged him and said, "And you never will."

Later the little boy asked his father, "Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?"

"All women cry for no reason," was all his dad could say.

The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry.

Finally he put in a call to God. When God got on the phone, he asked, "God, why do women cry so easily?"

God said, "When I made the woman she had to be special.

I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet gentle enough to give comfort.

I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children.

I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up, and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining.

I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances, even when her child has hurt her very badly.

I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart.

I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly.

And finally, I gave her a tear to shed. This is hers exclusively to use whenever it is needed."

"You see my son," said God, "the beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart - the place where love resides."

Author: Unknown

Annebisyosa: Keri naman ni lola

Wednesday media: Annebisyosa

This album hadjust been recently released in the market, under the distribution of Viva Records. I surprised even myself why I bought this album. First, this is the second original album I ever have and the first cd I ever bought. hahaha. I am not a die-hard fanatic, and I simply can not put into one word the reason why.

With this entr, i will try to analyze why I shelled out 250 pesos for a 8-track song album.

1) Annebisyosa, as the title says, is a pinoy toggling of Anne and the word ambisyosa, which means ambitious. ACS is not known to be a singer, sometimes she sings off key during performace too, but never the less she carries herself with humor doing such acts.

2) The album covers most songs I've heard and love: Alone, Bizarre Love Triangle, Too Many Walls and Girls just wanna have fun... Not that I don't like the other selections but this are my personal choice out of the album.

3) This is one heck of feel good album. Feel good in a sense that it would hurt you trying to sing-sync with ACS knowing that you wont have to hit a high note the right way.

4) Listening to the album feels like you are inside a KTV room with ACS, chilling and hanging out. Parang anjan sya sa tabi mo kumakanta.

5) There is, in everyone of us, the ambitious self. It may be in singing, acting or dancing. And if buying this album has made ACS' ambition become a reality then I just supported her...

I am babaw. I know. Wala lang.

photo credit

Game!!!

I'm supposed to have an entry for friday vogue, but for lack of enthusiasm to feature anything about clothes and stuff, i might have skipped writing an entry. However, I was blog hopping and found this game, blogged by Shengmarie.

broken

funny

pretty

I love word puzzle but somehow it took a long time for me to see adjectives out of the table. Me? broken? maybe. funny? not. pretty? um... no comment. lol.

I'm tagging my friends for this: Dee, Zee, Sha, Kits, Aya, Khal, Doc Ai, Kuya Dan, Tessa and Arbing :)

portals

I'm inspired! lol. I've found a new way for me to keep on with blogging, aside from making this hive my personal journal. If i think of something to feature, i might as well categorize them, right?

So far, I have come up with the following categories:

Monday foodtrip: features on food. Something delectable to the tastebud
Tuesday reads: focuses on books or write-ups and authors
Wednesday media: all about sounds, movies, and gadgets
Thursday icon: features on people or celebrities
Friday vogue: aka fashion friday for other bloggers
Saturday travel: places, sights and excursions
Sunday devotion: all-inspiring features for the soul and celebration love

*crossed-fingers* i'll make a habit out of this. As a primer, i would like to feature for Thursday icon:

Richard Yap a.k.a Chen Sy (of My Binondo Girl)

I was really curious about him for two reasons:

1) He is a new face in television and I admire how he naturally acts with veteran artists (later din I found out that he was in a tvc for a food chain)

2) He is years older than me but amazingly I see a certain charm in him that I admire like how I admire hollywood actors in the likes of Jackie Chan, Orlando Bloom, Johnny Depp and a lot more..

Yesterday's episode of My Binondo Girl, I really applaud Richard (first name basis na ha!). I was super kilig with him and Ai-Ai. The kilig factor that seems effortless just by making that hidden smile. I found out that a lot in twitter has also noticed him. Way to go, Richard! :D

first schmutter attempt

I really appreciate posts about fashion and I've never gotten the guts to diligently blog about what I wore until today. haha. with a few exceptions, of course, when I get to attend socials but such entries would point out to the occasion rather than to my garb.

My first attempt:

I am not good at posing. I want to focus on this Elephant bottom pants I found during my trip at the big metro. And this brown pumps, I rarely wear it, this is actually the second time. haha.

1, 2, 3 fire!!!

I am never a fan of firearms. I cringe at the sight of a gun and tremble at the sound of a gun shot. My dad used to own a gun and I remember asking him if I could join him whenever he goes to the firing range. Not once did he allow me. I never even caught sight of him cleaning his gun.

Over the weekend, I went to the firing range with some friends and for the first time, not only did I get to hold a gun but i even got to fire a .45 three times. hahaha!

I don't know if I'll ever get to like guns but it was sure an experience being able to fire it. Maybe one day I'll buy myself a .22 handgun. If I see a cute one. just a thought.

bee in action

charCOOL!

yay! it has arrived! my new pair of suelas :)

This is my second pair.

I actually bought two llanura suelas flats online. I ordered Llanura in Sky Blue size 7 and the Tangerine Yellow in size 7.5 , which was out of stock so I had it replaced with the Charcoal. I ordered in different sizes so that I can be sure which size really fits me, even though the suelas website has sizing guides and i also measured my feet. I got confused still since my first pair was a 7. True enough the sky blue fits but it looks like my feet will at any time explode, if you get my drift. So, instead of shipping it again, I decided to find someone who

would like the pair. Luckily, I did. Within hours, I bid farewell to the almost 3rd pair. No heavy heart for me, I'll buy another pair soon :)

I bought my first pair (manejo dos choco) at wagw.

I've been introduced to suelas by my bff, dee of chuckanddee. Its only now I got the courage (and the money. haha!) to order online since wagw offers limited style and stocks. Its very comfortable and I can't wait to fold it or tuck it in its case when I go travel. whopeee!!!

I hope suelas will show new collection too. Too bad this season, they would not be making the laceless uaap sneaks.

If you want to have a pair of these innovative, space saver, and trendy kind of footwear check out suelas :)

bee's (lucky) concert attendance

I originally had nothing to do for the weekend. I have no plans but to lie in my bed while the TV is on and wouldn't really care if I doze of. I looked at my fingernails and toenails and was totally appalled at the look and decided to treat myself to some mani-pedi. I bought along with me two polishes since I'm sure the parlor doesn't have its shade.

I put off going to the mall since my heart will be broken once again. Color Me Badd and All-4-One, two best group of the 90's are in town. My bff, dee mentioned a month earlier about the gig but it was only two days before the event that I got to confirm it. I was hoping to go there with D but she had some priorities.

Little did I know luck was on my side. Haha! A friend from college texted if I would be watching the concert, I said no. She asked if I would want to watch using her ticket, I jokingly replied, "sure, basta libre!" . Haha! VIP ni, PWA arrangement lang. her text said. I was like, holy cow! for real?

I was at the venue, early. Bwahaha! An elderly couple sat on the seat next to me. I was a bit surprised that they would watch the concert. I wondered to myself, are they even familiar with the songs?

When the group when on stage, I was filled with excitement! I was singing along with them. Color me Bad came in first and after two songs All-4-one performed! I was enjoying myself even more, when soem members would come down from the stage. Kevin of Color me Badd even sat in a vacant seat next to a couple and I was just a few seats away!!!

I was having a blast, not minding the bored faces on the couple next to me. When All-4-one called two ladies from the audience and serenaded them with "As beautiful as you", my heart was melting. I was feeling every word. Maybe its because those two girls were my namesake. both of them were named Mae/May. haha!

Color me Badd sang "The Earth, the sun and the rain" and "I adore Mi amore", which was no. 1 way back in '92.

Both groups came on stage to perform MJ songs, the concert was a tribute to the King of Pop anyway. They sang "Billy Jean", "Thriller", "Man in the Mirror", and more. I could have been dancing on my feet but I noticed that I was surrounded by elderly couples and if I did, I would be alone so I just clapped and sang along.

The group did a little showdown, doing a capella, saying these were the roots of their existence. Color me badd sang "Hush, somebody's calling my name". I know for sure what All-4-one is going sing, I was not wrong. They sang "So much in love". One of my all-time fave song. They also sang, "I swear" with a sign language for the chorus. I will learn that one!

I had a blast. A wonderful time. I should have a camera for moments like this, damn that battery charger went missing. My hands were red from all that clapping. I don't care.

long weekend

It's been a long time since I've been able to go on a vacation. And by that it means fresh air, a time for relaxation. I was so thankful for the long weekend since I was able to go visit my niece, and be able to go visit MSU days before she celebrates her golden age.

I was so happy spending time with Ycey that I didn't really mind spending all day at home, except for a few hours that we went to cafeteria to check out the Padian Fair 2011.

Just wanna share the pictures of my niece. I'm such a proud tita :D