New President, New Hope

Today, June 30, 2010, we just witnessed another significant event in our Philippine history as the 15th President, Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III, was sworn into office.  Although I was not there to see it for myself, I felt goosebumps especially when I heard the Philippine national anthem, "Lupang Hinirang" and "Bayan Ko" were being sang (by Charice and Madrigal Singers, respectively).  What more for those who personally went to the inauguration?

The images shown on TV were enough for me to conclude that, despite the unbearable heat, people there were obviously in a festive mood as they experienced a renewed sense of hope and vigor for the our country.

But still, I just could not help myself wondering..... where is James Yap? :)

So Long, Ate Paz

I received a phone call just a few minutes earlier from a colleague and told me the sad news: an officemate has already passed away.  Although it was already expected, as she had been diagnosed with a terminal illness some weeks before, I could not help but still feel a painful sense of loss for Ate Paz.

Just last Friday night, my two officemates and I proceeded to hospital to visit her.  She was already in state of comatose.  Upon seeing her, I almost cried.  I immediately reminded myself that I am neither a kapamilya nor a close friend, hence I was able to keep my tears from falling.  But still, I was depressed. (This explains why I can never qualify as a doctor or a nurse).

I knew her for barely three years only but the impact she had on me lingers on.  She was the only spinster I have ever known who has no attitude problem.  She could crack jokes and could easily join along (which is amazing to me because she always projected a serious aura).  I learned later that she had been a close buddy to her teenage nephews and nieces.

Ate Paz, may you rest in peace...

the most important man in my life...

too bad, he is long gone. but in my heart, he still stays.  nobody could replace him. no one ever...

i would always remember papa as my hero.  his reassuring smile would be enough to tell me that everything's okay.  he was the most understanding and patient man that i had ever known.  well, maybe the adage is true, that good men die young...

papa, happy father's day.  i'm so proud of you, for you did a great job here on earth.  i'm so honored and thankful that God gave me the best father in the world, and that is YOU. :)

Sing Me A Song Again, Papa

I was in taxicab this morning when I heard the song, "Sing Me A Song, Daddy", played over Ted Failon's radio program in advance celebration of Father's Day.  As much as I would like to compose myself especially that I was already approaching my destination, I couldn't help myself being misty-eyed while reminiscing that moment when I once sang that song at our sala at home about twelve years ago.  My papa was just upstairs then.

After my so-called "videoke concert", I realized papa was patiently listening to my "song reading".  His smile says it all... that somehow, he appreciated my poor but humble way of showing how much I love him.

To Papa:

Sing me a song again, Daddy
Sing me a happy verse.
Teach me those clever lines you sang
As you carried me on your shoulders.
Sing me that hymn that you so loudly
Sang in church with mom.
Sing it again to me and fill me
With all your words of wisdom.

Comforting words of love when I
Would get home from school in tears.
Somehow your songs have stayed within me
Down through all the years.
Once when my younger heart was broken
Your shoulder was there to cry on.
Sing me those songs I know will linger
Long after you have gone.

I am standing at the threshold
Of a chapter in my life
I am asking for your blessing
As I'm about to be the wife
Of a man I know who loves me
And I'm proud to be his bride.
Dad the time has come for me to leave your side.

So, sing me a song again, Daddy.
Sing me a lullaby.
Wrap me inside your arms, Daddy,
'Though this is not goodbye.
Your songs will live forever
In my heart. When times get rough
The ones I'll most remember
Are your songs of love.

Your songs will live forever
In my heart. When times get rough

The ones I'll most remember
Are your songs of love.

Sunblock On A Rainy Season

I recently bought a sunblock just in time for the official declaration of PAG-ASA that the el niño phenomenon has just ended.  :(

Nevertheless, I chose a product that has a higher Sun Protection Factor (SPF) than what I had been using.  I found this Nivea Sun Whitening Face Cream with SPF 50 at Watson's in SM Mall of Asia.

Don't get me wrong.  I'm not keen on bleaching my face as I do not want to look like Michael Jackson in any way.  It is just that the Nivea Sunblock comes with a whitening ingredient.  What matters most to me is ts high SPF, that's all!

Accordingly, Nivea Sun Whitening Face Cream is an effective protection against sunburn and premature skin ageing.  Here's the cache:  No need to wait for 20 minutes as it protects IMMEDIATELY upon application.  Isn't that great?  That means, I need not be afraid to go out right after I apply sunblock on my face.

This is the bonus:  The formula with Licorice extract reduces skin's pigmentation at its source to effectively lighten the skin.  Further, it reduces melanin production responsible for dark and uneven skin tone.  Lastly, it protects the skin's collagen to help prevent wrinkles caused by frequent sun exposure.

If I'm not mistaken, Nivea Sun Whitening Face Cream costs at around P350+ (or about US$7.5).  Try it!  And maybe we can compare notes later about its effects (whether side effects or otherwise) on our faces..

I'm Proud To Be A Josenian!

Few years after I passed, results of CPA Board Examinations no longer interest me unless I know somebody who took and/or passed it.  I didn't even know that the recent exams produced a topnocher from my own school, University of San Jose-Recoletos, not until I read an article from just simple thoughts blog.

Three Josenians made it to the top 10.  It is worthy to note also that my best friend and batchmate got the 14th place in the CPA Board Examinations held ten years ago.

I attribute the success of my fellow Josenians partly to the educators who somehow made a mark on these successful examinees.  I can speak for myself as I had my fair share of experiences with the so-called "terror" accounting teachers.  It was only when I started reviewing for and passed the exams that I appreciated the discipline that these notorious teachers instilled in me.

To my teachers, thank you.  :)

Going Gaga Over Chocolates

I admit I'm a certified chocoholic.  I don't intend to join chocoholic anonymous because in the first place, I'm not interested to get over with my addiction.  Imprison me if you want.  I assure you, your efforts will be worthless as I will practically do anything to satisfy my cravings for chocolates.  I could not live without chocolates!  Period!

Sounds cheezy, right?  That's how passionate am I with chocolates.  I even plan to study on baking just to make my own masterpiece of chocolate cakes, brownies, cookies, etc.  Good thing I bumped into chocolatesource.com which supplies chocolates, particularly, for baking and gift items.  Just browsing at their website makes my palate crave for more and place my orders online.

Hmm.. I need to gulp water fast!

It's Time To Buy A New Cellphone

The Nokia 70 cellphone I have been using was given to me by sister. The previous one she gave me, a Samsung D600, was already handed over to my mother.  I really love that phone. (Sigh!).  But then, some good things never last. (Barry, where are you?)

Here's what I'm excited all about:  Samsung phone is on sale!



I came across this website from cricKet which offers cellphones at low, low prices!  Is this a sign that I need to change now my cellphone and buy a new one?  This is a perfect post-birthday gift that I owe myself, don't you think?

My Mama Is A Coffee Addict!

My mama loves coffee so much that she would not have a breakfast without it.  In fact, one of my very early childhood memories includes a scene at the kitchen table wherein mama was sipping coffee while making sure that my siblings and I were eating our meal well.  I could say it was mama who indirectly influenced me into drinking coffee because of its strong but sweet aroma.

I am thinking of giving mama a gift now that she is going to be retiring soon.  She would surely appreciate bags of coffee from Cafe Britt.  Since 1985, Cafe Britt has been a premier roaster of gourmet coffee and one of the few companies in the world that produces, roasts and ships coffee right from the country of origin for a taste that's as fresh as can be!

What's more, Cafe Britt offers free shipping for a minimum order of six bags!  Isn't it great?  I guess I should get going and bring home that coffee to my mama. :)

Our Owner-Type Jeep

Our residence in Surigao was four kilometers away from the city proper.  If you live in a place like ours where regular transportation is a problem, owning a vehicle is a necessity.  Hence, one day I saw papa driving home an owner-type jeep.  He acquired it from Cagayan de Oro City.  If I'm not yet mistaken, the brand was Toyota.

I had a lot of childhood memories with that owner-type jeep.  My siblings and I used to sing songs (and sometimes shout) to our hearts' content while papa drove us home.  Mama would sometimes scold us, but would secretly hum along.  That was the good ol' days...

My papa had the top fabric of our vehicle changed a number of times.  There were also instances when my siblings and I, being adventurous as we always are, would request papa to take out the side and rear skins of the jeep.  The air then was still not as polluted as it is now...

When papa passed away, it was as if the jeep died along with him.  We were not able to maintain it the way he care for his jeep.  It stayed in our garage for many years before mama reluctantly sold it.  It took a lot of convincing from her children that disposing that precious memento does not mean forgetting papa.  It's just that there are things in this life that we just have to let go... and move on...

Ice, Ice Baby!

If there's one thing that I learned from a facial care center which my boss recommended me, it is the use of ice cubes.  Accordingly, application of ice cubes on the face (after thorough cleansing, of course!) minimizes skin pores.

I don't know if it really works but looking at my boss' face is already enough for me to be convinced.  I have been using ice cubes as part of my regular beauty regimen but I admit there are times when I skip that part due to my occasional attacks of indolence.

I still experience zits from time to time.  I already accepted that fact... the fact that I am not perfect (hahaha! detractors, comment please!)  But that does not prevent me from enjoying life and trying on things that life has to offer.

Love it!  Get it? :)

I Had Fun (Run) On My Birthday!

Weeks before my 33rd birthday (yes, i'm already old but i'm proud of it!), I was already planning on how to make it memorable.  Then I got an e-invitation for the Kerygma Fun Run at SM Mall of Asia which date coincided on MY DAY.  Hmmm, not a bad idea right?  The last time I joined a fun run was four years ago, which was part of the activities in celebration of the COA Week.  Mind you, I placed 1st then (err, 1st runner up. jejehe).  No, I'm not a runner.  I don't even jog regularly.  It was just that, in my category, only a few participated.  Hence, I was the second best (jejeje, again).


Back to the K Fam Run, there were three categories, namely:  1-km (1k), 3-km (3k), and 5-km (5k).  I decided to join the 3k category although I was almost tempted to take the 1k as I don't want to be breathless on my birthday.  But nevertheless, I took the challenge...

Shown below are the pictures I took (except photos of me, of course) during the K Run:

at 5 o'clock in the morning

d' birthday gurl!

bro. mike (?) at the makeshift stage. don't remember his exact name but in fernez, he is really good at hosting.  was he a somebody from a comedy bar?

the sunrise!

some 5k runners were already on their way back to the station. good for them!

i'm already tired!  i envy the runners ahead of me...

hey!  that's my exit!  but isn't that lady in there guarding that area?

here's another guard!

i can already see the landmark of SM Mall of Asia!

the ambulance! rescue me! rescue me!

runners were lining up at the water station.  unfortunately, when it was already my turn they ran out of water...huhuhu

the st. peter's church beside SM Mall of Asia.  would i go there afterwards?  i don't have to go far... hmm..
(i decided to attend a mass at Redemptorist Church in Baclaran instead since that was what I promised myself long before)

others were already turning right.  yipee!  i'm already near the finish line!

but others were still turning left.  why?  i don't want to go there anymore.  that's already too much for me!

i think this is now my cue for a short cut.   there were already others who went ahead of me.  it won't be embarrassing anymore to take that path since i just followed suit.

i made it!  i deserve a rest...zzzzz...

me again, still at rest. with my socked feet off my my rubber shoes.  arghh!!! my feet hurts!

I Just Bought Extreme Power Saver

I previously blogged about the Extreme Power Saver.  Although I wasn't convinced with the negative feedbacks I gathered online about the product, still I bought it (and my officemate too). Well, I just want to give it a try and see for myself if it really works.

The salesman confirmed that it is really just a capacitor.  Sad to say, up to now, I still don't know what that heck means.  Whatevah!  But just in case it won't lower my power consumption for two consecutive months, I still have the option to return it at Ace Hardware and exchange it with other items at the same price.

Few days from now, my MERALCO bill will be delivered both online and by mail.  My officemate and I are already excited!  Aren't you too?  Nevertheless, I'll post in here my electric bill as soon as it becomes available.

Luggage I Found

I recently lost a traveling bag.  I realized how important it is after it was gone.  That 12-year old bag had its sentimental value to me.  I was still connected with my first job then at a private auditing firm in Cebu when I bought it for a month-long training in Makati.

Being thrifty that I always am, it took me days before I finally decided to have it for myself.  That Voyager bag was my first so-called investment as I spent more than 2.5 grand (US$53) for it.  Cheap?  If based on today's standards, yes!  But going back 12 years before, it was already expensive for me considering that I was still striving as a new associate then.

Fast forward, I recently went to 168 Shopping Mall.  I chanced upon this shop which sells traveling bags.  I found this red trolley bag which can also serve as backpack and overnight bag.  It was priced at P1,500 (US$32) but I was able to haggle and save 40% off the regular price!  That's what I love about shopping in 168 Shopping Mall!  It is where you learn to polish the art of haggling.

That bag was cute alright, but it was too small for a traveling bag.  I still miss my old bag...


Now, I'm planning to purchase a new traveling bag.  This time I would like a real big trolley bag, which I can use when I go on vacation for a week or more.  As with my old bag, it should be durable enough to hold my voluminous clothes as up to now, I still don't know how to travel light.  But most importantly, price should be reasonable so as not to ruin my budget for a grand vacation.

When would that be?  Maybe soon...? ;)