tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-148290012024-03-24T02:22:49.187+08:00My Scratch PadTherapeutic. Scribbling on my scratch pad. Live life. Purr often. Cuddle much. Like a cat.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger352125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829001.post-49538775300753136582013-04-22T01:13:00.000+08:002013-05-27T01:51:14.267+08:00Amazing Arts by JNBM: Adding color to your home!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It was a hot, boring day. Andee, Diego and I decided to go malling at Robinson's Metro East to cool off. We first visited National Bookstore because Andee wanted to check out some pocketbooks. After that, we saw <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/JNBM-Paper-Clay-Art/163888913631463?fref=ts" target="_blank">Amazing Arts</a>.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-sKO8aPNCoW9_jUQ7RbNYW7SUBlOq7Bl1_9sPvatKyIH5LuQ0B7xAN2cDGRwqYc93mlAjl7CYmyTQaSJN_8jyw3QqJNgeHrEbwDiWON5NT2-4lAr7EHwlop6lqb6hKuUhxao7g/s1600/IMG01404-20130421-1614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-sKO8aPNCoW9_jUQ7RbNYW7SUBlOq7Bl1_9sPvatKyIH5LuQ0B7xAN2cDGRwqYc93mlAjl7CYmyTQaSJN_8jyw3QqJNgeHrEbwDiWON5NT2-4lAr7EHwlop6lqb6hKuUhxao7g/s400/IMG01404-20130421-1614.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've been seeing this 'kiosk' (?) smack in the middle of the hall with tables and chairs, and never really got the chance to try it out. <i>Nakakatuwa </i>because it's as if we three could read each other's minds. It was unanimous, yes, even Diego agreed. <br />
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<b>Amazing Arts</b> is a unique crafts store that specializes in clay paper art. Read about the company overview and paper art benefits <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/JNBM-Paper-Clay-Art/163888913631463?id=163888913631463&sk=info" target="_blank">here</a>. It took a while to choose a design kit as there were lots! Kits vary in sizes, from the simplest designs to bigger, complicated ones. We decide to get a 200php kit instead of the smaller 100php one so that we could work together.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4o7Al3HZAAm6t5jBHvwODZ-JGbcjNtOZvrRUoZ279M2WoFyQHa3DPEBLJ84lZPO5O_A4QR9GfdieA6Hjc9h4_7rR7pwhlRl-QBuy1h5Fv0zkc2kAIgV_orq4KYja4UZjYDL9hg/s1600/IMG01428-20130421-1905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4o7Al3HZAAm6t5jBHvwODZ-JGbcjNtOZvrRUoZ279M2WoFyQHa3DPEBLJ84lZPO5O_A4QR9GfdieA6Hjc9h4_7rR7pwhlRl-QBuy1h5Fv0zkc2kAIgV_orq4KYja4UZjYDL9hg/s400/IMG01428-20130421-1905.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shelves of different paper art kits.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuyiSijEiyOKuLa-h1bE_WrYQZ5oXEz2ETlDj-r1E7XZA8ztJyd9z5-1EKNAYc-4FaZARsb9c0ZIqeAP7WDPrMl2bp72BYzdnMuyC8JXPQls1gVKYqnOIGqOwyT6IwqGgUcCoXQ/s1600/IMG01403-20130421-1417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuyiSijEiyOKuLa-h1bE_WrYQZ5oXEz2ETlDj-r1E7XZA8ztJyd9z5-1EKNAYc-4FaZARsb9c0ZIqeAP7WDPrMl2bp72BYzdnMuyC8JXPQls1gVKYqnOIGqOwyT6IwqGgUcCoXQ/s400/IMG01403-20130421-1417.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andee and Diego 'claiming their territory' and working on it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxV55LpeJRGXo6pqt9t9Ja9KWiq8mQh3ChvtRTYFJyCsAbs9lLGqlkATMOUsNH-8jtFF9nN6DRwWrHQ-zQCgt7yCDyrm8Qzo547Uuk-eigPLjDY_aRqgNLj1f-SBKW5e-sR1cqA/s1600/IMG01411-20130421-1903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxV55LpeJRGXo6pqt9t9Ja9KWiq8mQh3ChvtRTYFJyCsAbs9lLGqlkATMOUsNH-8jtFF9nN6DRwWrHQ-zQCgt7yCDyrm8Qzo547Uuk-eigPLjDY_aRqgNLj1f-SBKW5e-sR1cqA/s400/IMG01411-20130421-1903.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half done! We ended up continuing this at home after spending almost 8 hours at Amazing Arts!</td></tr>
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This was one activity that all of us enjoyed doing. I was pleasantly surprised that Andee and Diego wanted to go back. And going back we will :-)<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829001.post-24925853422747475632013-04-16T02:12:00.000+08:002013-04-16T02:12:07.604+08:00Animoto videos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
During training, we were task to create a short video presentation about real estate using <a href="http://animoto.com/create" target="_blank">Animoto</a>, and this has been the most entertaining part of the module. Although the free option will only give you 30-seconds worth of video, it is really worth the time making this. Let me share a 30-second video I made for the kiddos:<br />
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I am now contemplating of getting full version. This will be great for birthday videos! :-)<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829001.post-20882128446590001412012-09-16T23:07:00.000+08:002012-09-22T21:36:54.089+08:00One Tortilla Dinner SundayIt's one of those family Sundays.<br />
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There are some weekends where we just decide to cook something extra-ordinary when we don't have a scheduled family brunch with my brothers and their families. Got started with going to the grocery to get ingredients for home-made tortilla.<br />
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The recipe I followed for basic tortilla:<br />
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2 cups all-purpose flour<br />
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder<br />
1 T shortening (we used canola oil)<br />
1/2 cup water<br />
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Mix dry ingredients in a stainless bowl followed by your shortening, then slowly add water. We tripled the recipe and <i>sa totoo lang</i>, didn't keep track of the oil and water that we used heheh. After mixing, we left it covered in the bowl for about 15 minutes, before we emptied a wine bottle (yup, my rolling pin decided to hide himself), that we used for rolling. Andee helped in dusting the table with flour and rolling the tortilla dough before I 'cooked' it in a heated frying pan. We made about 22 pieces of tortilla.<br />
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I cooked the ground beef as usual, <i>parang pang</i>-spaghetti <i>lang</i>, Although I also added Chili con Carne mix (McCormick's<i> ata yun</i>). Sometimes I use Taco Mix, other wise, you can season it with cumin, basil and Italian seasoning (Italian seasoning?!? so much for mexican flair). And as usual, iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, white onions and grated cheese. We can't find sour cream, and we even forgot to make do with mayonnaise with garlic. <i> Ok pa rin. Swak na swak!</i><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829001.post-68909193794098076122012-09-02T22:17:00.000+08:002012-11-03T22:35:17.860+08:00It's a TVI World<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
September 1, 2012.<br />
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Today I'm going back to the hospital for a follow-up and (at last) get my 'fit to'work' from my doctor. More than 2 weeks ago, I was sent home from the office due to conjunctivitis. Four days later, I was confined, diagnosed with systemic viral infection. To make the long story short, 2 1/2 weeks out of work is such a burden for someone like me: a solo parent of 10 years, with a 14 year old daughter, now 2nd year high school, and a 10 year old son, who now stays at home and is out of school.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDzQKkOXerYH9bFMopS9LDZj1tLLf6PmgDHk-Q_wM3Gxwr-ibF3KiA6yvqpbQXFd-vb6qDLC-IPlocrBSMXkIPjAgjhVypiUFmcCBmesce-D3DwmRYFlX-q8gx0zxJpjEI-FcuA/s1600/tvi-express.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDzQKkOXerYH9bFMopS9LDZj1tLLf6PmgDHk-Q_wM3Gxwr-ibF3KiA6yvqpbQXFd-vb6qDLC-IPlocrBSMXkIPjAgjhVypiUFmcCBmesce-D3DwmRYFlX-q8gx0zxJpjEI-FcuA/s320/tvi-express.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I was getting ready at 8am to go to the hospital when I overheard Nanay talking about travelling and discounts at hotel and resorts.<br />
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With the new 'It's more fun in the Philippines' DOT campaign,<i> nakaka-enganyo talagang magtravel</i> and go visit and experience other places locally. Being a bit of a wanderlust, having to join a travel club at my former work, enjoying team building activities and trips, as well as having to go on road trips with the bf, the idea of getting discounts struck me.<br />
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<i>"Uy, ano yan, Nanay?"</i><br />
<i>"Ah. ito yung dinala ako ni Tita Sandy mo </i>last night<i> sa </i>Mcdo<i> dyan sa </i>highway<i>."</i><br />
<i>"Ano yung </i>discounts?<i>"</i><br />
<i>"</i>Travel club<i> siya na pag member ka, may mga discounts ka sa </i>hotels and resorts<i> dito pati </i>abroad.<i> And saya nga ng </i>orientation <i>eh. Ngayon lang ako naka-attend ng ganong klase na masaya."</i><br />
<i>"Talaga? May </i>membership fee?<i>"</i><br />
<i>"Oo, 16k ata yun. Pero </i>lifetime<i> na."</i><br />
<i>"</i>Lifetime?<i> parang nag </i>Palawan <i>lang ako ng </i>3D/2N <i>ah?!? Gusto ko yan. Kelan ulit</i> seminar<i>?"</i><br />
<i>"Meron ata mamayang hapon sa</i> Masinag<i> 2:30pm."</i><br />
<i>"Sige, sige. Gusto ko yan! Samahan mo ako, Nanay, ha? Ha? Ha? Hintaying mo ko pag ko uwi galing hospital."</i><br />
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And that was it.<br />
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The bf fetched me from the hospital and I asked him if we could attend this seminar with Nanay. He, being very skeptical in things like memberships, or sales, or networking, had no other choice but to tag along.<br />
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The speaker who talked about TVI at that time was (I'm so sorry, I forgot his name) a Commissary Manager from Jolibee. With his explanation about the membership and the bonus vacations, solve na ako. Then came Pam Apostol, who talked about the business side. I was totally dumb-founded. Was this too good to be true? Oyen Redondo came next and talked about her experience. Wow. Yun lang a ng masasabi ko. WOW.<br />
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<i>"Sali tayo."</i><br />
Huh? I was surprised when the bf whispered suddenly. "<i>Sali tayo</i>." Talaga? Mr. Skeptical wants to join? This must mean something!<br />
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Yup! It's going to be more fun in the Philippines. Gorabels TVI!<br />
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Visit <a href="http://www.andriego.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My TVI World by Andriego</a> as I document my journey with TVI.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829001.post-85632636363222877702012-08-28T19:58:00.000+08:002012-08-31T00:03:01.203+08:00Systemic Viral Infection<i>Many viruses cause systemic infections. A systemic infection is one which may involves multiple systems (organs) in the body.For example the virus may enter the body through the respiratory tract and initially cause some minor upper respiratory symptoms but then it may enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body.
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I am unable to locate an appropriate definition to this culprit that had me confined for 4 days -- after being sent home from work on a Thursday, four Emergency Room visits and five blood tests.<br />
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It started out with conjunctivitis and I was sent home half-day. That was Emergency Room visit #1. Emergency Room visit #2 came a few hours into the same evening when rashes began to appear everywhere-- arms, face, torso, legs. My right ankle began to swell too. Blood test #1. No fever, but a little tired and a feeling of getting the flu. Sent home afterwards, gave me something for the itch. The doctor asked me to come back if I get the flu. Diagnosis was Non-Specific Viral Exanthem.<br />
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That was Thursday, the 16th. <br />
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My 3rd Emergency Room visit was Saturday, the 18th. My right leg is swollen from the ankle up to just above the knees. It is painful to the touch, <i>parang may pasa ang sakit paghinawakan. Parang minamanas, pero siksik siya. </i>Bloodtest #2. They said that they will check for Rhematoid Arthritis. Gave me Celebrex and advised me to visit my doctor on Monday.<br />
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Monday came, the 20th. A holiday. No Out Patient Department, and the HMO office is closed. Went to the Emergency Room for my visit #4. The doctor there remembers me. My right leg is still swollen, and so is my left. Both arms are now numb and my hands are swollen. Oops, so it's not arthritis after all! There goes blood test #3. Guess they found nothing because I made room for blood test #4 on my other arm. Nothing. No fever. Potassium okay. Tests came out negative. Had my liver checked, thyroid... still none. They decided to admit me instead. Okay.<br />
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We opted for a 4-bedroom ward, deciding not to wait for a private room. This was a tiring day. It's a good thing that my bed is on the farthest part of the room.<br />
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The next day, I was attended to by my doctor around lunch time. After that, I said hello to blood test #5.<br />
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I can't remember what tests I've been through as there were a bunch of letters, like CBC, SRA, TFT, ESR etc., etc. Anyways, on the 3rd day, I was given Prednisone. The swelling lessened almost immediately, though I began to experience headaches.--- side effect.<br />
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I was then discharged last Thursday, the 23rd, and advised to visit for a follow-up on Saturday the 25th. Finally I was given a 'fit to work' for Monday.<br />
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Monday morning, the 27th. yesterday. Woke up with an extreme headache with half of my face swollen. So much for 'fit to work'. <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829001.post-11905336357322577042012-08-12T17:42:00.000+08:002012-08-12T17:42:14.999+08:00Lola's 92ndIt was a wonderful Sunday family lunch at the Barrio Fiesta restaurant along Marcos Highway. This is because we are celebrating in advance, Lola's 92nd birthday (Her birthday is August 15). <div>
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After candle blowing, Lola shared a poem for us as her 'speech', which incidentally, was her speech as well on her 80th birthday.:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">BIRTHDAY MESSAGE TO MY FAMILY</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">By Carolina F. San Juan</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br />
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If you are going to love me, love me now while I still can sense the sweet and tender feelings from real affection flow.<br /><br />Love me now while I'm still living!<br /><br />Do not wait 'til I am gone...<br />to chisel in marble...<br />warm "love" words in ice cold stone.<br /><br />If you have dear and sweet words about me...<br />whisper them to me now..<br />It would truly make me happy<br />and glad as I can be...<br /><br />If you wait 'til I am sleeping,<br />never to wake up again...<br />There will be walls of earth and dust between us..<br />I will never hear them then!<br /><br />I wont feel or need your kind caresses when the grass grow on my face..<br />I will no longer crave for love nor embraces...<br />in my final resting place...<br /><br />So... then... if you love me any, even just a little bit..<br />Let me know... that you love me and care while I am living.<br />So I can own and treasure it.</div>
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Love you, Lola! and Happy 92nd birthday!<br />
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829001.post-48145512970190697762012-08-11T10:14:00.000+08:002012-08-11T22:07:06.364+08:00New look.My Scratch Pad's getting a new look!<br />
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I'm saying goodbye to the old blog layout I made for My Scratch Pad. This is going to be the 3rd time I'm changing the layout.<br />
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Blogger.com has come up with beautiful lay-outs that I've never taken advantage of till now. A lot has changed after almost 3 years (since I last posted), and I'm looking forward to coming back!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829001.post-56706521246224419752012-06-29T23:51:00.000+08:002012-09-01T14:18:17.565+08:00Diego's 10th at Moshi-Moshi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was a fine Friday for 10 year-old Diego. </div>
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Just the day before, he blew his candle on the birthday cake his Tita Angge got for him.</div>
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Because he loves Japanese food, read: Teriyaki Boy, we decided to take him to a different Japanese restaurant along Katipunan Ave., Moshi-Moshi, after we saw them on the Deal Grocer site. We went over for an early dinner. Moshi-Moshi is located at the 2nd floor of the Regis Center along Katipunan Avenue in front of Ateneo. They are of the same building with Gold's Gym. As always, parking can be very tricky. We had to go around twice before finding a great spot (their parking is full). The restaurant's green and cream interiors are very pleasant to the eye.
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Their bento box is very filling, it includes Gyudon, Chicken Karaage, Shrimp Roll, and Takoyaki. With unlimited ice cream, Diego had the time of his life, serving after serving after serving.
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829001.post-44422149712145464112012-04-24T08:34:00.000+08:002012-08-31T08:35:10.482+08:00Senior moments<i>Hanggang iling na lang ako.</i><br />
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While evaluating calls at work, sometimes the system is just so congested that you'll end up 'behind schedule' and 'behind quota'. It's hard enough that my agents now are US-based and you are in the mercy of the tools you have. Unlike my previous job where you have the option to go side-by-side with your agents or remote monitoring when there is an issue with the system, here, you're a sitting duck.<br />
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It was one of those days that there were some Quality Analysts experiencing difficulties with the recordings. No, that should not happen to me. But it did. After my first break, I pulled up one recording after the other. No audio. Hmmm. Reset. Re-launch program. Video okay, but still no audio. I'm now getting irritated because of this, asking my team mates if they where experiencing the same thing. This is about to ruin my day.<br />
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Standing up from my station to report it found me stopping in my tracks and giving me a palmslap across my forehead. <i> Kaya pala.</i><br />
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I found out that I was not wearing my headset. Geeeshh!!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829001.post-33967419670581485302012-02-11T23:51:00.000+08:002012-08-31T13:45:13.637+08:00Fireworks and Jambalaya: PyroMusical Show at the MOAFireworks and Jambalaya.<br />
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We are on a trio trek to the Mall of Asia. Today is the 1st day of the <a href="http://www.pyrophilippines.com/" target="_blank">3rd Philippine International PyroMusical Competion.</a> This Ensogo treat gave me the chance to take the kids out for an experience I'm sure they'll enjoy. We've no ride so we first took the LRT Purple line from Santolan to Cubao, then an MRT ride from Cubao to Taft. From there, we took a shuttle to MOA. We made sure to be early, knowing how the lines would be long. Left Marikina a little after noontime, and had late lunch at Gumbo's. Andee and Diego (and me!) enjoyed trying on their assortment of hats and head pieces whule waiting for our food.<br />
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The show starts at 8pm, and we were in line at 4pm. <i> Grabe. Daming tao.</i> When we got through the gate, it was running frenzy for everyone. Can't stop laughing. You get to make friends with other people whole in line. One family brought umbrellas and mats, and coolers! They said that they come every year and watch ALL of the shows. <br />
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With the long wait, it is really best to have someone fun to spend time with while waiting. Andee and Diego kept themselves entertained watching boats, birds, and ripples on the water.<br />
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For today, South Korea and Malta competes. I just wish that they improve their sound system. It's a totally different experience when fireworks and music synchronize. This is also one instance when you wish you had a really, really, really good camera with you!<br />
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That was fun! Again, again, again!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829001.post-5802948460593474162011-12-03T22:30:00.000+08:002013-05-27T01:13:08.080+08:00Diego's 1st Holy Communion<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Another tearjerker for me.</div>
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Diego's 1st Holy Communion was held at the St. Therese of the Child Jesus Church along Marcos Highway, directly across SM Masinag. We were ushered to our seats at the back of the Church while we waited for the processional to start.</div>
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Here we go again. <br />
At one time during mass, I think it was before or after Offertory, all participants stood up and started to make take a beeline to where the parents are seated. I felt heavy in my chest when I saw Diego coming over and gave me a rose and a letter. <i>Iyakin talaga ako.</i><br />
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After the ceremony, we took photos of Diego at the altar for posterity, and headed home to fetch Andee for lunch.<br />
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We had lunch at Barrio Fiesta SM Megamall, courtesy of a voucher we got from Metrodeal.
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It was for lunch good for 4, consisting of Seafood Paella Rice, Fried Chicken and soda. It was Andee and Diego's first time to taste paella and they loved it.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829001.post-30411862828446305342011-07-30T08:47:00.000+08:002012-08-31T08:57:26.196+08:00Diego's 9th Birthday. Transformers 3D at Resorts World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's a double date!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeYZKSKx2uD4uIevx8TJFg0lrK7_Q_WnVqi-FKrqTeTJjNWV2N8hO0Xi_xV8qVrIf5vHmfh9NNwmOlPPlo49Eqojx_d3e7X87DM4mpk7yQyW7eBGarnyqAaiqd6rq3OI0YNy4BA/s1600/IMG01040-20110629-1212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeYZKSKx2uD4uIevx8TJFg0lrK7_Q_WnVqi-FKrqTeTJjNWV2N8hO0Xi_xV8qVrIf5vHmfh9NNwmOlPPlo49Eqojx_d3e7X87DM4mpk7yQyW7eBGarnyqAaiqd6rq3OI0YNy4BA/s400/IMG01040-20110629-1212.jpg" width="296" /></a>Thanks to Ingrid and Nelson, with their invitation and tickets to watch Transformers 3D at the Resorts World, I went home after my shift to fetch Diego at home for a post birthday treat. It was our first time at Resort World, and WOW. Met up with Ingrid and Nelson and had a quick lunch before the screening.
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There are just a few shops here, or maybe because we didn't really get the chance to explore. (Would like to take a peek at the casino though..).<br />
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Diego enjoying his Starbucks Mocca Frappe. </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829001.post-75230334785502343342011-05-26T01:42:00.000+08:002013-04-16T07:27:01.606+08:00Graduation celebration at the Old Spaghetti House, Antipolo.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Congratulations, baby!</div>
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Andee graduated from the 6th grade at St. Scholastica's Academy. <i> Ganon talaga pala ang</i> feeling. You get teary-eyed all over again. We had an early lunch before I brought her over to my favorite hairdresser, Dante, at Alter Image for her hair. I just had to make sure that she feels special today. <br />
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At the ceremony, I called up the Old Spaghetti House (TOSH) along Sumulong Highway in Antipolo to confirm our appointment, and advise them that we'll be running a little late. Good enough, when we arrived, we were escorted to their original restaurant just below Grilla, and we had the place all to ourselves.<br />
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We took advantage of ordering both from the menus of TOSH and Grilla. Andee and Diego opted for pasta (as usual).<br />
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Okay.. I forgot what this is now...<br />
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We also ordered Grilla's Family Barbeque Feast platter<br />
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And lastly for dessert, Grilla Smores. A hit with the kids!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829001.post-29920145769618646062011-05-16T14:00:00.000+08:002012-08-31T09:14:58.506+08:00Pan de Amerikano merienda<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Enrollment <i>nanaman</i>!</div>
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We started our day early. Andee and Diego tagged along. Was at St. Scho before 9am and finished fast. We took a detour to Pan de Amerikano for a quick merienda before heading over to San Benildo for Diego's enrollment.</div>
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This has always been a favorite breakfast/ merienda hang-out whenever we had to go to Marikina Heights, or sometimes after shift for an early morning breakfast. The kids love pasta and as expected, this is what they ordered. I indulge in my favorite cornbeef pandesal with coffee.<br />
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While Andee and Diego were having a quick game of chess while waiting for our food, I can't help but admire the way this place looks. Though I've been here a dozen times, it doesn't fail to leave me just sitting here and silently wishing I had a place like this. Oh well. <i>Taya muna ako s</i>a Lotto.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829001.post-24830223625945624582010-07-15T05:46:00.003+08:002012-08-11T19:13:54.764+08:00Fabulous at 90!I finally finished the artwork for Lola's 90th birthday celebration come August 15th-- took me a week to decide on what to do, but only a second to conceptualize when I saw Mama's rough .odt file design. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sorry nanay..hehe </span>-- it was an inspiring moment for me.<br />
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The decided color theme for her birthday is purple. Color of royalty. Naks! Everyone's excited going home to Palawan. Even the kids and yaya. First plane ride<span style="font-style: italic;"> ba naman eh! </span>Had to write a letter to Diego's school sa San Benildo requesting a special schedule for exam <span style="font-style: italic;">(swak naman kasi</span> for their 1st grading exam). At least Andee will be done with hers (week before). Mama will be leaving one week ahead of schedule to help out with the preparation. On our part, we are still fine tuning the program. The kids (grand apo's) will be dancing to the tune of<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4l0TrlGA2M&feature=related"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> 'Oh Carol'</span></a>; while we, (immediate apo's) will be singing Lola and Lolo's 1940's theme song <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onH-WTVQGsg" style="font-weight: bold;">'Yours'</a>. Mama and her sisters will be singing AND dancing <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2w-_Vtttrfc"><span style="font-weight: bold;">'Sweet Caroline</span></a>'-- now that, I needed to see!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829001.post-62835987864112284672010-07-07T11:06:00.004+08:002012-08-11T19:14:35.675+08:00Fuss over a cellphoneMy recent FB status shows the following:<br />
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<span id="profile_status"><span id="status_text"><span style="font-style: italic;">My Eric died a natural death.. been together happily for almost 5 years. He already hinted last year that he can't be with me any longer. I was stubborn and I won't let go, yet he struggled to stay. A few days ago I reluctantly turned my attention to BB.. and that was when he finally let go.</span></span></span><br />
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Reading it over again made me feel a lump on my throat, heaviness inside.<span style="font-style: italic;"> Akala ng iba, kung sino na yun.</span> Actually, it made me think that I did refer it as if it were an actual person. Am I getting over sentimental with gadgets?!?! My SE810i has been a faithful companion for the longest time. Given to me by my brother, Earl, it has survived a salt-water plunge in Dubai when he was assigned there. Had it for a while then replaced it with an iPhone. So 'Eric' has been with me and recorded a lot of good (and bad) memories.<br />
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Last year, Eric showed signs of slowness and blacks out every now and then. Life expectancy would be less than 24 hours until I revive him. But then sometimes even that doesn't work. Then he'll surprise me one day waking me up from my sleep. Happy<span style="font-style: italic;"> ulit</span>. I was reluctant to replace him mainly because he is all I could ask for. But then there were instances when I needed him the most and he is not there.<br />
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Work finally introduced BB Curve. He catched my eye because he doesn't look too intimidating as his other companions who are too 'Bold'. It took a while for me to decide, and I finally did. After two weeks, I introduced BB to Eric. Their exchange went on smoothly and they got along pretty well. Then last week I began spending most of my time with BB. Eric probably knew that it would be inevitable. The other day when I checked to see how he was doing, he lay quiet. Efforts on reviving him proved unsuccessful. I will miss you, Eric. Thanks for the memories!<br />
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... and thanks for giving me the inspiration to start writing again.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829001.post-36295196532523138092010-01-17T22:17:00.002+08:002010-01-17T22:39:01.337+08:00A year that will be2010. It was a bad welcome for me.<br /><br />New Year's Eve, Andee was taken to the emergency room due to vomiting and loose bowel movement. January 2nd, it was Diego's turn. January 3rd and 4th, I was running a fever. Then now, for 3 days now, my allergies are more like a burning sensation on the skin.<br /><br />But getting that aside, there are major looking-forward-to's for this year. February 20th will be our high school reunion's Silver Jubilee! Wow, 25 years na!!! Our batch holds reunion every 5 years. Each year handled and organized by a specific <em>barkada, </em>then 'assigning' the next barkada-organizer during the event. This time, everyone pitches in. As usual, I get to design the main tarpaulin for the event and take care of the physical arrangements. I will be (hopefully) posting a separate entry for that (fingers-crossed).<br /><br />The next main event will be Lola's 90th birthday on August. It's going to be a grand family reunion, and everyone will be going home to Puerto Princesa. Exciting!<br /><br />The last quarter of 2009 left a 'hole' in My Scratch Pad. After the Ondoy incident, phone and internet access are still non-existent. There were quite a few events that I should be blogging about, and of course, pictures to post. That might need to wait, I'm afraid, as I don't normally visit internet cafes. <br /><br />So here's to 2010! :-)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829001.post-57207636022026892672009-12-26T22:31:00.000+08:002012-08-11T12:37:03.943+08:00Christmas Colored Mung BeansCan't believe that Christmas was just yesterday! <br />
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Had to rush home from work, got home at around 10am. Caught cousin Angge cooking her specialty "Pad Thai" (she also arrived a few hours before me from work too!); had to gear up as well. My turn to cook (Dory Fillet with Asparagus cream sauce)!<br />
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Every year, Christmas Lunch is tradition for the family. We don't celebrate Noche Buena like what most families do. Normally we'd just spruce up the house, bringing out all plates and utensils, finish our cooking marathon. We'd then open a bottle of red wine and toast at midnight, Christmas Day, wake the kids and open presents! That was then. Sans the wine toasting and gifts opening, this year, sleeping early was the agenda. I was at work when I called at midnight expecting to hear the kid's excitement opening their gifts. Ha! everyone's asleep-- Mama answered the phone, a bit groggy--sorry, woke her up<em> kasi</em>. Anyway....<br />
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Our house becomes the venue for a grand family reunion. I remember about two weeks before. Mama was really down to tears, not wanting to plan the celebration anymore. Mainly because we (literally) have no chairs for our relatives and visitors to sit on! --thanks to Ondoy. And to add to mama's frustration, she has scanned the Marikina Yellow Pages for chairs and tables for rent..but everyone's booked! Good thing Yaya Wilma chanced upon a flier somewhere last week that rents out tables and chairs. Lo and behold! Problem solved :-)<br />
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Like clockwork, our relatives (and my brothers and their families) arrived like, just a minute apart-- and I am not exaggerating! After one family comes in and the beso-beso's were done, the next family arrives. This cycle continued on 5 times! 5 families! Enough to make everyone smile.<br />
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By mid-afternoon, we all went to Loyola Park (Marikina) to visit Papa and Lolo. Our ride has my kids and all my pamangkins. We are the schoolbus. Kids' ride. We call them the <strong>'Retazos'</strong> --hahaha! A strip from the original!<br />
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It was a riot going to and from Loyola. Christmas concert ito. Singing ABS-CBN's Christmas staion ID, "<em>Star ng Pasko, Salamat sa Liwanag Mo</em>"... the '<strong>RETAZOS'</strong> (aged 2-10):<br />
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<em>"Salamat sa liwanag mo.. Muling magkakakulay ang munggo!"</em><br />
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Huh?!?!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829001.post-27635900543106739482009-12-12T17:11:00.002+08:002012-08-11T12:37:41.619+08:00Jacob and Bella<div class="mobile-photo">
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These are my two 3-month old choco point siamese kittens, Jacob and Bella (yeah..New Moon, i know!). <br />
I am also testing the email posting feature.<br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 85%;">Sent via SE810i</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829001.post-74557658672860666332009-12-12T16:52:00.002+08:002009-12-12T16:56:02.590+08:00Sorry....It has been an eternity since my last entry.<br /><br />After Palawan, Andee's birthday, followed by Diego's antics, then finally Ondoy. It has been more than two months now and still, Globe has not yet reconnected our internet. <br /><br />Tahgaaalll ..............Tons of stories to tell, lots of pictures to share. <br /><br />I'll be back.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829001.post-53169558967908746582009-08-17T22:21:00.017+08:002012-08-11T13:04:35.494+08:00Honda Bay Island HoppingSuntan oil and bathing suit? NADA.<br />
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Me and my cousins went on an impromptu island hopping the morning after Lola's birthday. I had no plans whatsoever in taking a dip, that's why I didn't bother to bring anything fit for the beach. *sigh* (next time I'd better pack beach stuff WHEREVER and WHENEVER I go to a place near water!)<br />
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Anyway, headed off to Sta. Lourdes at around 6:30am where we are to take a motorized boat ride through Honda Bay. The banca costs 1,500Php for the whole day. The one we got can accommodate up to around 10 people. Snorkeling gear is rented out at 100Php. Entrance fee to the islands varies from free to 50Php/person. Our bankero asked if we have specific islands that we wish to go to. Cousin Ian opted for Pandan Island first, then Snake Island, lunch at Starfish Island, then the last stop is a new spot for snorkeling.<br />
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Our first stop is<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Pandan Island.</span><br />
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Got its name apparently because the water is green.. not because of a pandan plantation there (LOL) that's what most of us thought. The sand is white and very fine. You'll actually see a lot of what looks like crab skid marks or 'footprints'. And the water is very, very clear. There was a particular section 'buoyed' out for snorkeling and there where like baskets attached to a couple of buoys. This we found out is where the caretakers keep live rock lobsters and squid for sale for grilling!!!<br />
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Ian says that this beach is also operated by the Legend Hotel, so I guess they would have facilities for an overnight stay here.<br />
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Second stop was at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Snake Island</span>.<br />
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It was so called because it's sand bar looks like a snake from the air. While my cousin Lala and her boyfriend snorkels, Ian and I went on a hike up to the snake's tip.<br />
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The sand is coarser. There are a lot of sand dollars and other shells, and it was very hot! Mangroves are abundant to the right. There's no crowd too, since it's almost a 20-minute walk from the main beach area. Very ideal for skinny dipping I may say, or nude sunbathing! LOL!<br />
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It's hot, windy, and very tranquil. The wind is all you hear. It's surprisingly very quite..you'll not even hear the waves. At the tip of the sandbar is a house on stilts. You'd imagine seeing just the house during high tide. On our way back to the main beach, that's when I realized that I already have a mean sunburn. OMG. Removing my shirt leaving my bra on should have been better--tan-wise (now why didn't I think of that?!?!)<br />
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Our third stop and lunch destination is at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Starfish Island.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRr64X0dxhD8RDkKjnwGe8vyrFZzFcqSDVIS6sobwBUoMEpAQeB4US8FGZo_NYm3BPXR5fvwEp2yGBbriaF-8kxfC-SakWlvcrtyXg91yey7ZKgsNfncMyKlCY3TMT8ivNc6WT8A/s1600/_grppic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRr64X0dxhD8RDkKjnwGe8vyrFZzFcqSDVIS6sobwBUoMEpAQeB4US8FGZo_NYm3BPXR5fvwEp2yGBbriaF-8kxfC-SakWlvcrtyXg91yey7ZKgsNfncMyKlCY3TMT8ivNc6WT8A/s400/_grppic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Starfish Island has been a favorite destination since I was little. Whenever I visit <span style="font-style: italic;">lola</span>, our beach trip would always be at Starfish. But it has changed a lot! The sand isn't as white as I remember.<br />
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We were halfway eating our lunch of grilled squid (from Pandan Island) and 'pares' <span style="font-style: italic;">--hehe take-out yun...no time to prepare kasi eh-- </span>when it rained. And it rained hard. We were sort of stranded in an island at Honda Bay in the middle of a storm (I swear you won't see those mountains anymore because of the rain), and there was I calling my mom and buddy about it! MAY SIGNAL ANG <span style="font-weight: bold;">GLOBE</span> AND <span style="font-weight: bold;">SUN!</span>!!!! Mama said that <span style="font-style: italic;">lola </span>was a bit worried already because it was also raining hard in Puerto. It's past 3pm already and we have one more destination to go before we head home. There is a second party at Lola's house at 6pm.<br />
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Unfortunately for us when the rain stopped, and our bankero decided that it is already safe to go on, it began drizzling again and we had to fore go the final stop--which is at a location only for snorkeling. I'm hoping to go back especially to Pandan Island. The soonest.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829001.post-6656512142146551722009-08-16T21:21:00.000+08:002014-08-18T01:34:00.253+08:00My Tamilok Experience<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Only for the brave and adventurous. <span style="font-style: italic;"> Sabi nila.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio27gEWV5TmU8ltcGvvnJ41amniUqdIEwnOuqSQzO976yf_XWaJzSQCZXplqwwbmxEYvZvYr1_OSnwX-4ibFJG0Dvh7G9uPSJl5iWQRbuRIHJQesC9EMUP3D5SVs1LO9ml7lWvYA/s1600-h/DSC00214.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio27gEWV5TmU8ltcGvvnJ41amniUqdIEwnOuqSQzO976yf_XWaJzSQCZXplqwwbmxEYvZvYr1_OSnwX-4ibFJG0Dvh7G9uPSJl5iWQRbuRIHJQesC9EMUP3D5SVs1LO9ml7lWvYA/s400/DSC00214.JPG" height="298" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371485789346990466" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt;" width="400" /></a>The <span style="font-weight: bold;">tamilok</span> or 'woodworm' thrives on rotten mangroves. They grow to more than a foot long and are a delicacy in Palawan. Although it looks like a worm, it is actually a mollusk-- like a long, - very looong oyster. At Kinabuch's, in Pto. Princesa, this is one of the best-selling and highly sought after <span style="font-style: italic;">pulutan. </span>After Lola's 89th birthday celebration yesterday, the young 'uns (<span style="font-style: italic;">ka</span><span style="font-style: italic;">mi yon),</span> me, my cousins Ian and Lala, her boyfriend Johann, and my Tito Dante headed over to this famous watering hole. Tamilok is best eaten fresh, according to our family's tamilok-expert Lala, straight from the rotten mangroves, cleaned, then dipped in vinegar-- the ultimate gastronomical experience especially when on island hopping, or on trips to Sabang or the Underground River. Some restaurants here serve it kilawin style-- with vinegar, chilies, onions, and calamansi (that, I definitely know I can handle!).<br />
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Lala would take nearly a foot-long tamilok and eat it. Her boyfriend Johann, who is half-Filipino, half-Belgian, would take a long one and chew it first. "Does it break down to pieces when you chew it?" I asked. <span style="font-style: italic;">"Hindi,"</span> he says. <span style="font-style: italic;">"Buo pa rin siya"</span>. <span style="font-weight: bold;">OMG. </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Parang </span>rubber <span style="font-style: italic;">pa ata</span>. I could imagine why others would just swallow it in one gulp followed by gin or tuba. They pushed the plate in front of me--took a picture of it, photogenic <span style="font-style: italic;">siya</span>! Reminds me of regular oysters <span style="font-style: italic;">lang. </span>Taking a closer look, it does have<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>those two whachamacallit eyes like that of an oyster or a scallop/mussel.<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Kaya ko ito</span>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAiz790R3uov2cvU5yIKuQndZQqV0asqzmgqeMoalDtFePdfXT4RJ20tjHAYxU-SohiQbTPJ3OZr6ePNmnagdb7he8PAWiQvwmMYbEoXF2HVXFO2WswGfBim5BH55pNF5pFkR9yQ/s1600-h/Tamilok.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAiz790R3uov2cvU5yIKuQndZQqV0asqzmgqeMoalDtFePdfXT4RJ20tjHAYxU-SohiQbTPJ3OZr6ePNmnagdb7he8PAWiQvwmMYbEoXF2HVXFO2WswGfBim5BH55pNF5pFkR9yQ/s400/Tamilok.jpg" height="299" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371509812458339522" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt;" width="400" /></a></div>
For photo-op, I took a long one-- all smiles pa ako. <span style="font-style: italic;">Panay kantiaw na ng mga pinsan ko</span>. Summoning all my strength didn't do me any good. Despite the eyes, it still looks like a worm.<br />
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I settled for a two-inch long instead. But what happens next is priceless---. When it touches your tongue, it does have a feel and texture of an oyster-- but the difference is that it's slimy and you'd immediately taste the smell of seaweeds and mud (that's my opinion). There's a feeling of gag-reflex (if you'd term it that way), which may be one reason why tomadors wash it down with gin. It's like eating a very, very slimy, and thickier fetuccini and it gets stuck half down your throat. And to think I just tried a measely two-inch one. If you like oysters, you'll like this :-)<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829001.post-59021286347599533602009-08-16T21:00:00.002+08:002012-08-11T12:42:46.241+08:00Lola at 89...and still looking fabulous!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYGJAwoXJO5fY8qv4FvAiCjqL6xVvkpnD8X37XMynXpSX_0xM8jYPxTozqCOiTdxVDfUMEMs-YHf3SxwcCPcZqydU7jvIZEpoKnRXu9IitibycjamEPbfuNUgpQdug8YK7zz0ag/s1600/withlola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYGJAwoXJO5fY8qv4FvAiCjqL6xVvkpnD8X37XMynXpSX_0xM8jYPxTozqCOiTdxVDfUMEMs-YHf3SxwcCPcZqydU7jvIZEpoKnRXu9IitibycjamEPbfuNUgpQdug8YK7zz0ag/s400/withlola.jpg" width="296" /></a><br />
The party was held at the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Fresh Cafe </span>along J.P. Rizal Street in Puerto. It was a party for around 25 people, mostly close friends and relatives. The food was spectacular! Two of my favorites are the tinolang manok with coconut meat (reminds me of the pumpkin soup at Crescent Moon Cafe--they also use coconut with the recipe), there is a slight taste of coconut in the soup, yummy! There's spicy seafood curry, forgot how it's named, where the curry sauce can stand alone on its own--sans the squid, shrimp, fish meat, eggplant, and sitaw. <br />
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A light moment was during the blowing of the birthday candles. We laughed when Lola took he numbers 8 and 9 and inverted it to look 98. "Royal bloods have long life!" my Lola Au, her sister said afterwards. Lolas' cousins lived to be almost hundred, and that's no joke. A few years back they attended the 94th birthday of one of her cousins. And what a sight! Seating beside the celebrant are his siblings, also in their 90's! Now that's life worth it!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829001.post-26602239932415364492009-08-13T20:25:00.004+08:002012-08-11T13:05:11.982+08:00Palawan: Back after 11 years<div>
Finally. 2 days off and 4 VLs.</div>
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Last April, we (fortunately) chanced upon Cebu Pacific's promo for just 975.00 Php (you read that correctly!) for Pto. Princesa. <em> Palalampasin mo ba yun?!?! </em>It was actually a good thing because Mama is planning on visiting Lola on her birthday and also would be planning a grand reunion next year in August. It will be Lola's 90th birthday! <br />
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It has been 11 years already since I last visited. The city has changed so much since then. There are more tourists. Lots of good places to eat! There are now minicabs for transportation. Tricycles still rule but now they are color-coded, alternating from white on certain days, to blue. Looking forward to a relaxing vacation! </div>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14829001.post-57914525700906357902009-07-31T01:26:00.004+08:002012-08-11T13:07:10.161+08:00Frustrated and GladWhy is it easier to train 20 sales staff about retail operations and product knowledge then to train my 7 year-old possessive nouns and vowel diphthongs?!?!?!!?<br />
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Not only that... their spelling list includes: AUTHORITY, DAUGHTER, and POISONOUS, among others. I don't remember 1st Grade spelling to be this 'advanced' already. Well...then again, I'm thinking of decades-ago-1st-grade-spelling. Anyway....back to..<br />
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Diego has already (good riddance!) somehow developed his study habit at home. Thanks to his Lola. (read: <em>"Si mama hindi marunong eh!"</em> Hehe oh well! ) Diego would dutifully show me his assignment for the day and seatworks done at school. Because of my new schedule at work, I arrive home at around 3pm and find him at the terrace-- books and notebooks out, with his Ate Ana (his Yaya's niece) and of course, his Lola. There will be short bathroom breaks or snack breaks in-between, then homework and study commence again after Diego shouts, "<em>Lola</em>, study <em>na tayo</em>!!!!". The San Benildo Integrated School may be giving them endless homeworks and projects that may spell 'nightmare' for most of us comparing 1st-grade school life more than 2 decades ago, but then again, it does 'force' you to develop your child's study habits.<br />
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"Mama! finish <em>na</em> homework! <em>Pwede na ko magcomputer</em>??!?!".<br />
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Hmmm....Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0