My Papa

Today is Father's Day and I would like to honor the man responsible for the being that I have become, my Papa.

He didn't reach college level. Parang hindi nga rin ata sya naka-graduate ng high school. My grandparents were so poor that they couldn't afford to send them to school, all 10 of them.

But based on their stories, my Papa was a smart kid. Honor student. It didn't matter that he had to walk 4-5 kilometers (1-way!) a day to get to his school. He was also a student athlete, sprint was his sports. Sya ang pambato ng school and even of their regional division. If I remember the stories rigt, he got scholarship because of this.

I don't know what happened along the way, why he didn't finish school. Must be because of their family's condition that he felt obliged to just work to help his family with the daily needs. He became a cab driver in Metro Manila. He's the best cab driver! He's honest with the fare and won't ask for anything extra. He is a very careful driver so you know you're in good hands.

When I was around four, he went to Saudi Arabia to earn more. He was the superstar driver! His employers liked him and will give him anything he wants. Except for long and regular vacation with us.

Yes, my Papa was unlike the other fathers with high-paying prestigious jobs. Yes, my Papa was not with us during my formative years. Yes, my Papa was not able to shower us with Disneyland trips whenever we liked it.

But my Papa taught me the value of independence. That I should not rely on anyone for my financial needs. That to reach my dreams I should study hard and work hard for it.

My Papa taught me honesty and integrity.

My Papa taught me the value of hardwork.  

My Papa taught me the value of friendship. He doesn't have many friends, but I can see that many people have high regard of him. They respect him.

These are the things that money can't buy. And I am glad that I have my Papa as an inspiration. I am so proud of you Papa. I love you very much!

MyB Episodes: Passive for now

MyB has been experiencing lower back pains for a week now. We rushed him to the emergency room last Tuesday as he really was having difficulty getting up from the bed. After urinalysis, x-ray and some pain killer and muscle relaxant prescriptions, he was released from E.R. 

He returned to the hospital the next day for his x-ray results. MRI was recommended. Today he just got back from his appointment with the orthopedic surgeon. Verdict: normal sign of aging!

With the kind of work that we have, we're very susceptible to back pains. The doctor advised to get up from the desk (at least every hour), stand up and walk around for a few minutes. When the doctor learned that he just recently married, he also advised him to take "passive action" for now.

Me: What does it mean?

MyB: Ikaw daw muna magtrabaho. Woman on top! Eh sinabi ko kasi pine-pressure nako nila daddy na magbigay na ng apo kaya panay panay tayo.

OMG. 

Buti na lang hindi ako kasama ng pumunta sya sa doctor kundi, I died of embarrasment perhaps! At kung ako naman ang may back pain next week, alam nyo na! Bwahahaha!!!

Beauty: Facial Care

After my lunch, I went to Facial Care. My appointment was actually at 3pm but since I don't know where else to go (Glorietta/SM is a far walk), I just decided to wait at their reception hall. After 2 hours and 1 glass of hot calamansi juice, I was finally ushered to my treatment room! I was attended by Bernie, she has been my therapist since 2009! 

I am a loyal client of Facial Care since 2009. It started when I have an acne problem that I can't get rid of no matter what facial wash or facial regimen I follow. Then I realized I really need professional help.

Their services (not to mention their rates) are comparable to Belo's. In fact, when Kris Aquino had a falling out with Vicki Belo, she went to Facial Care for her skin care. So I know I'm in good hands.

After just a few sessions/weeks, I was already able to notice the result. My problematic pimples has slowly diminished and has been manageable. In no time I have healthy skin again!

From their anti-bacterial facial, I switched to seaweed facial then got a couple of other treatments as well to complement it.

Their treatments are not cheap though. Umiyak talaga ang bulsa ko that time! By with the results, I know it was all worth it. I got the succeeding packages only whenever they have promo, mostly during their October anniversary. Either buy 1 take 1 or with other free treatments (ie. I once bought their diamond peel package with free lasertones!). That way you get much worth for your bucks.

Food: Green Tomato

I went to Makati today. I've been waiting for this for 2 weeks. Hopefully soon I'll be able to tell you about it!

Anyway.. my meeting ended at around 11am. It was still too early for lunch and I don't know where to go. Oh actually, I initially wanted to try Ukkokei Ramen Ron at Pasay Road. MyB and I have been meaning to try it for the longest time. But either we're too late for lunch/too early fir dinner or we just can't find a parking space! 

And since I felt guilty that I'll try it this time without myB, I decided to just walk towards GT Tower (where my next appointment is) and if I see something interesting then that's it. 

Later I realized that I made a long walk (from Gil Puyat then Makati Avenue then Paseo Roxas then Ayala Avenue) when I got to GT Tower. Nawili ata ako mag-sightseeing ng buildings haha! I could have just made right turn to HV Dela Costa for thr short cut to GT Tower. Anyway, it's okay as I'm not in a hurry and it was my first time to roam around that side of Makati anyway.

When I finally got to GT Tower, I just thought of trying whatever they have in their cafeteria, kahit Mini-stop okay lang. I was actually craving for some siomai.

So imagine my surprise when I saw Green Tomato! MyB and I used to go to their EDSA Shangri-la mall branch or their kiosk at Philamlife Building. Needless to say, I went to Green Tomato for lunch today.

I ordered Spicy Anchovies. It was late when I realized that what we usually order here is their Shrimp and Anchovies pasta. But it's okay, Spicy Anchovies is tasty as well! It was too spicy for me though. I was not able to take a photo since I got hungry already when I smelled the newly-cooked pasta hehe!

Happiness count: ♥♥♥♥

Green Tomato

GT Tower 12th Floor

Ayala Avenue Makati City

Movies and TV: iFlix

I used to watch some US tv series (Grey's Anatomy, House, Sex and the City, F.R.I.E.N.D.S) when my work schedule was still bearable. I'm not a movie addict but I watch sometimes in a cinema when my favorite actors have a movie. But most of the time, I rely on internet downloads (sshhh!).

Then I heard about iFlix! It's an internet streaming service that promises 10,000 hours of entertainment! I saw movies, tv series, even stand-up comedies from Comedy Central!

You can set up a free trial good for 15 days. I've tried it and was able to watch a few F.R.I.E.N.D.S episodes, a movie and some Comedy Central stand-ups. I don't know if it's just because it's free trial so the library is not that up-to-date. I was looking for Grey's Anatomy, House, and other 2012 movies but I can't find them. Maybe when you're having the paid subscription you'll get accessed to their whole library? I hope that is the case.

What's good is that subscription is so cheap! Mas mahal pa kape sa Starbucks! For Php 129 per month you'll get to enjoy movies and tv shows etc! And I read that you can cancel it anytime you want, no holding period. And you can connect up to 5 devices!

Go try it! Just go to www.iflix.com! Enjoy!

Beauty: David's Salon

I've been wanting to go to the salon since last month. We girls should really have a hair treatment at least once a month. But since I'm kurips, I want to wait for an occasion so I could maximize my nice hair, two birds in one stone! 

We're supposed to attend a wedding last June 12. And we're supposed to go to Malabon for my father's birthday the day after. Sakto! I don't want to spend too much though. I want to have a haircut plus hair spa for only 1500 php. Kuripot talaga hahaha! 

I tried David's Salon in Robinson's Pioneer. I was just supposed to inquire and then compare with the previous salon that I went to last March. Whichever is cheaper wins! Haha! So imagine my happiness when I was told that David's Salon has a hair spa for 699 php and hair cut for 200 php only! Tumataginting na 899 php ang total bill! Hooray! 

At hindi lang yan, may free pa na bottled water and this yummy dried fruits! Ansaveh, healthy! 

The hair stylist is nice. And I like what she has done to my hair. The only downside is the assistant who did the hair shampoo. Pati mukha ko ata gustong sabunin! Baka libre facial? :P Other than that, it was a good experience. 

Happiness count: ♥♥♥

David's Salon

Robinson's Pioneer Mall

Mandaluyong City

For the book lovers out there

I am a book lover. And I mean, the printed ones. It's just unfortunate that I don't have the time to read as much as before. I've also accumulated a lot of books that I haven't even read that I just donated/gave away to friends and officemates.

Once it cross my mind to buy a Kindle or Kobo just so I could read anywhere, anytime. But aside from I cringed when I saw their price (they're affordable, mind you!), I can't seem to turn my back against paperbacks. Nothing can compare to the scent of new pages... ah, heaven!

I came across this Facebook post. I know it's not the same as today but still, it made me love and appreciate the printed ones even more!

https://www.facebook.com/Tenthandfourth/videos/342953712577550/

MyB Episodes: Vulcan salute

I was trying to do the Vulcan salute. It's synonymous to "Long live and prosper". If you're not a Star Trek fan, it is done like this:

It was so frustrating because I can't seem to make my pinkie and ring finger get together! It was like I was having arthritis and having difficulty with my hands. So imagine my happiness when I finally did it!

Me: Yehey!!! I can do the Vulcan (as in Vul-kan) salute!
MyB: It's Vulcan (pronounced as "Val-kan").
Me: Basag trip ka ah!!!

Ikaw na ang Star Trek fanatic!!! Ang perfectionist ng asawa ko grabe bawal magkamali! 

Photo courtesy of http://en.memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Vulcan_salute

MyB Episodes: Si Giripit at Si Giripat

I saw an old joke and decided to try it to myB.

Me: Naglalakad sa bangin sila Giripit and Giripat. Nahulog sa bangin si Giripat. Sino ang natira?
myB: Sa bangin sila naglalakad? Edi kanina pa sila nahulog dalawa!
Me: Grabe, ni-analyze mo naman mashado.. Joke to, joke! Wag mo i-spoil ang punchline! Ulitin ko ha.
Me: Naglalakad sa GILID ng bangin sila Giripit and Giripat. Nahulog sa bangin si Giripat. Sino ang natira?
myB: Si Giripit!
Me: Naglalakad sa gilid ng bangin sila Giripit and Giripat. Nahulog sa bangin si Giripat. Sino ang natira?
myB: ....
Me: Na-gets mo na?
myB: Oo. Kaya ayaw ko na ipa-repeat.
Me: Killjoy ka!!!


Ang hirap ng analytical and sanay sa high quality deliverables na asawa, pati jokes niq'quality control! Nyahaha!

MyB and Car Racing and more!

MyB loves cars and car racing. He is a Formula One fanatic. Throw him a question and for sure he knows the answer. He’s like a walking Formula One encyclopedia. He loves it so much that I once gifted him with Gran Turismo PS3 game. I won the Best Girlfriend Award because of that, haha! And because I’m so exposed to anything Formula One related because of him, I feel like I know the sport too. For one, I know that Lewis Hamilton and Nicole Scherzinger of Pussy Cat Dolls were once an item, haha! They broke up because Lewis is still not yet ready to settle down and wants to focus on world championship. They said if you are married, somehow your race will be affected. You’ll not be as daredevil as you used to be, of course you have to be careful because you know someone is waiting for you after the race. You tend to slow down, hence good bye podium finishes and world championship.

Aside from Formula One, he is also a follower of the endurance racing or 24 Hours of Le Mans. He also plays this on Gran Turismo as well :P This is like Formula One but the race goes on for 24 hours straight. A driver will race for two hours before a relief driver can take over during a pit stop while they eat and rest. Three drivers share each competing vehicle. Imagine! It will really test the endurance not only of the driver but also of the car.

Imagine my surprise when I saw McDreamy competing in Le Mans! Yes, Dr. Derek Shepherd err, Patrick Dempsey! Apparently, he has a team called Dempsey Racing and the last weekend’s race was his fourth try already. His team won 2nd place in the GTE-Am class! They drove a Porsche 911 lang naman! Ironically, he died in a car accident in Grey’s Anatomy, nyahaha!



Source

 

 

MyB Episodes: My most embarrasing moment

Something embarrasing happened today.

My husband likes to tickle my tummy whenever he gets a chance. Sometimes, instead of using his hands, he will tickle me using his mouth! Especially if he hasn't shaved yet. It's the worst thing ever! Mamamatay talaga ako sa kiliti at kakatawa! Daig ko pa ang kiti-kiti n hindi alam paano ang gagawin or saan pupunta! 

Anyway, today he found a chance to do it again. And he was able to pin me in such a way na wala akong takas! Walang awa :( Na-experience ninyo na ba yung sa sobrang kiliti mo wala nang lumalabas sa bibig mo na sound ng tawa? Ganun na ganun ang nangyari sa akin! At eto ang pinaka-matindi, sa sobrang tawa ko hindi ko na talaga napigilan na mapautot ng malakas! 

Me: PPPPPPRRTTTTTTTTTT!!!

MyB: *shocked* then... BWAHAHAHA!!!

Nakakahiya!!! Kahit pa sabihin na asawa ko na sya, hindi pa rin cool na mautot sa harap nya no! Grabe!!! After nun, sya na ang tawa ng tawa. At ako naman ay naiyak sa hiya! Hahaha!

Sabi nga nila, malalaman mo na mahal ka talaga ng isang tao kung sa kabila ng mga nakakahiyang pangyayari sa buhay mo eh tanggap ka pa rin nya. Buti na lang yung utot ko walang amoy! Pero hindi ako makakapayag na naisahan nya ako dun! Gaganti ako one of these days! Bwahahahaha!!!

Food: Coco Hut Fried Chicken and Fish

After the eye doctor visit at Makati Medical Center, we decided to have lunch at IHOP at Alabang. But the hot weather made us decide to have lunch at Army Navy instead so we'll be able to park in a covered area. When we got at Commerce Building, myB asked if I like to try Coco Hut instead. We've been curious about this restaurant for the numerous times that we eat at the nearby Army Navy so we decided to try this out instead.

The place has the look and feel of Army Navy but with coco lumber instead. The chairs were just a little uncomfortable since it has no back rest. But otherwise, I like that it's roomy and the air-conditioning unit is enough to take off the summer heat.

Obviously, their specialty are fried chicken and anything fish. I was very tempted to try their Poorman's Fish which is just our very own GG fish - galunggong! It looks so tempting in the photo with all those leeks and chili with coco squash and spicy vinegar sauce. But I can't resist anything with egg so I opted for their Tapa Ala Pobre all-day breakfast meal served with garlic rice, sunny side up egg and achara. MyB got their Cream Dory Set which is battered deep fried dory served with coco squash and tartar sauce. I also ordered their signature Teamarind (tamarind iced tea) drink.

Unfortunately, I didn't like the tapa meal. The garlic was so toasted that it made the tapa and rice bitter :( Nothing special with their tamarind iced tea either. It got bitter after a few sips. MyB's dory meal is okay, nothing special but I liked it better my own meal.



Happiness count: ♥♥



Coco Hut Fried Chicken and Fish
Commerce Center East Asia Drive
Muntinlupa City