How to Eat Yakisoba ...

In this gloomy weather, my princess and I are stuck in the house with nothing much to do except eat yakisoba.... and guess what, she liked it !!!!!

Back To School

In the midst of our legal battle, our lawyer Rene (a good friend of my brothers ) have inspired me to consider taking up law especially when he commented " I should pursue law bec I can be one hell of lawyer".

Taking up law is one of my frustrations.... being a daddy's girl of one of the great corporate lawyers Philippines has ever had (daddy was former sec chairman during my highschool .days) I've imagined following his footsteps but along the way i got sidetracked and pursued writing instead. From time to time this idea crossed my mind but i usually brush it off because i need to earn a bachelor's degree first before i could step into the halls of college of law. So that would mean another year or two in college. And to make things more complicated, it was 14 years ago when i graduated from Miriam with an Associate Degree so i do need a lot of catching up to do.

Yesterday while browsing thru the net i toyed with the idea of going back to school thru open university and started doing research, and luckily came across with PUP's open university program. I wasted no time and gave them a call and guess what, i'm scheduled for an interview next week to evaluate my credentials. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that i can go back to school soon and who knows, a couple of years from now, i'll be signing off with a prefixed/title "ATTY before my name to boast!

JULIA IN THE RAIN

Took advantage of the rains and took Julia outside to experience a quick shower in the rain. At first she was uncomfortable and hesistant but once she got the hang of it, she was literraly singing in the rain.... Good thing her dad is in the office otherwise, we wont be able to enjoy this moment !

Sarap talagang maligo sa ulan :)

Wheel of Justice in the Philippines... A True Test of Patience

Last Monday, we drove 2 hours and a half for our NLRC hearing to submit our position paper which our lawyer and I drafted carefully and tediously. We couldnt wait to hand over said document to our "enemies" see the look on their face especially when they finally see the smart certification. But we were disappointed because after an hour of waiting, they didnt show up and had the hearing rescheduled two weeks after. So we had no choice but to drive back home for 2 more hours......

Indeed the justice system here in our country will truly test one's patience and pockets. We are hoping that this battle will end soon and victory will be ours !!!

JULIA IN JEANS

After 3 and a half years, we finally had my daughter wear jeans for the first time (courtesy of her Tita/Mommy Kathy ) . We usually have her wear skirts or shorts since its easier to put and more comfy. Benjie and I were so proud seeing her in maong and both commented ... " dalaga na ang prinsesa namin !!!"

THANKFUL FOR SMALL VICTORIES

For a year now, we've been carrying on a legal battle versus Benjie's former employer, 22nd St. Its been a long, tedious and not to mention expensive battle. (good thing our lawyer is a good friend of my bro and havent charged us anything yet) Admittedly, that one year has been one big roller coaster ride for both of us, mixture of emotions for both benjie and i ... there were days that we felt angry, disappointed and frustrated but we never stopped hoping and praying that one day this will end victoriously for us.... and we know slowly, we will get there.

Yesterday we scored another small victory when we finally received a Certification from Smart Legal Dept... a documentation we've been trying to secure for more than six months now. We tried several times requesting this from smart wireless center but we were always denied. Finally, as our last and desperated attempt, we tried to pull strings but asking all family and friends for people they know in the legal dept who could help us out. Luckily my sis in law Kathy had a friend who used to work for smart gave us the first lead...... And another schoolmate way back highschool days, Pam whom i havent seen or talk to for almost 20 years now gave us another lead.... Although we were not able to touch base with the people they referred, we were able to contact Ms Patti Aznar of legal department who was kind enough to assist us and finally issued us the much needed certification that will hopefully end our legal battle. For me, these are special angels sent by Above to help us out during these trying times. We wouldn't have gotten this vital document without the help of these friends.

I know its still a long way to go but now we are more confident that we can wrap up all the legal battles triumphantly and live a more quiet and secured life ahead....

And lastly.... God is really good.... in all ways, always !!!!!

PAYDAY TREAT

Last payday I did something for myself for a change... went to Taco Bell and decided to treat myself for working hard for couple of days. So I ordered their Mexican Pizza and cheesy potatoes for a quick merienda. Although i went a little overboard with my budget i left the resto with a smile and I promise that i should do this more often ... Reward myself for a job well done .

SPECIAL MOMS ...

Mother's Day have always been a big event for everybody and I dont blame them. For people close to me, they all know that my mom and I are like oil and water but over the years i have mellowed down especially when i became a mom as well. True, there's nothing like being a mom.... you have to be strong to overcome the challenges , yet you have to be gentle to show how much you love your offspring. Being a Mom is a full time job, no subs, no overtime pays or no VL but none the less, its the most rewarding job of all.

In my 36 years of existence, i am lucky enough to be touched by my "Special Moms" who have helped me become what I am today. These are the mothers who were there to guide me when I felt down and lost and never left my side.... and I offer this special day to them....

NANAY HERMIE AXALAN....

Who saw me grow up literally and figuratively along with her daughter, Ate Paz. Their family easily welcomed me in their household when i had problems in the homefront and when i came to their daughter crying in black and blue... (God that was almost 20 years ago!) I stayed with them for almost a month free of charge and later on moved to their apartments and still consider this abode my home for almost a decade now. Nanay have always been very understanding and supportive. To Nanay, thank you for giving me a home to stay with ...

TITA A

My Mother, My mentor.... i wouldn't have fulfilled my dream in seeing my name in the screen without the help of this remarkable lady. The Gabriella Silang of ABS CBN, she is always there whenever you need someone to lean on and need some sense to put in your head. Although she has her own battles to fight on her own, just call or text her and she'll always be there to be your "resbak". My discipline and writing skills are honed by this great writer and i thank her that.... nevermind the long and gruelling brainstorming sessions in her attic, the never ending arguements and crying sessions.... in the end it paid off. And although i am no longer active in the writing scene.... i still proud and happy that i grew up under her wing.

MS SHAI

This is my cool Mom and Mentor. Ms Shai's gentle and loving ways have touched my heart and my life deeply. Just like Tita A, what i am right now as a Writer and as a person is a fushion of their influence and loving ways. My five year stint with ABS was full hardwork, laughter and happy memories because of these wonderful moms.

ATE ELLEN ...

My First EP.... unlike the Ms Shai and Tita A, Ate Ellen is the quiet and gentle Mom every daughter would love to have. Ever patient and understanding, she'll just smile or give out a gentle laughter when she's happy , or cry a tear or two whenever things dont go as planned. I've worked with her for almost 4 years in different shows and i have witnessed how loving and care Mom she is to her three beautiful daughters... I know Ate Ellen is going through a though time right now and i'm always saying a special prayer for her. I hope she'll have the best Mother's Day Celebration today because she truly Deserves it.

ATE SONIA CRISOSTOMO

One remarkable friend/lady i have known and i will be forever grateful for her overflowing love and generosity. She is always there for me during our struggling days as a writer. Through thick and thin, she was there. I just hope she's okay and i truly miss her.

TITA NILS
Although technically, she isn't a mom (yet !) but she's been like a mother to me and to all her pamangkins during our growing up years. She's the cool and understanding mom i had during my growing up years :)

ATE PAZ

My dear sister, friend, confidante, partner in crime (hehehe) .... technically now that she's a mom too, this day is also dedicated to you. I love you Ate Paz, and i'm looking forward to seeing you again so we can talk and have coffee until the wee hours of the morning.

Eight (8) Years After

Today marks a Special Day for Me and Benjie because it our 8th Year Anniversary. Well honestly, we were never into anniversaries , neither did we get a chance to celebrate it but nevertheless, i couldnt help but smile and be awed that we lasted this long and still going strong despite the obstacles and challenges. All my close friends know that our relationship is "not your ordinary love story" and admittedly the first couple of years were really shaky but we manage to survive and be strong. And with little Julia in the center of our lives, that makes the relationship more special.

Here Comes the Rain Again......

For people in the 80's era, you're familiar with this Song I'm sure... i usually sing a line or two whenever the rains (or should i say typhoons) invades the Phil Area of Responsibility as PAGASA would often say....

I never liked the rains coz it makes me sad.... i dont know why but there's something with the rains that make my day sad and gloomy especially now that i'm off for a couple of days, i dont have much choice but to stay home. my little princess and i cant even go out for short walks to the grocery...huhuhu.... so in the meantime, here we are stuck inside the house, doing barney marathon and wishing the rains would stop and just horsing around.....

let me end this blog with one of barney's popular song....

"Mr Sun... Sun.. Mr Golden sun... hiding behind the Tree ..
Wont you come down and shine... shine down on me... "

This is What Rest Day Is All About

Last weekend we got the chance to stay at home and enjoy our rest days with our little princess. This is what Benjie and I look forward to after working hard for five straight days

Kape at Pandesal.. the perfect breakfast

Yup, you read it right... this for me is one of the perfect breakfast, kape at pandesal . And i have to admit, i couldnt help but dip the pandesal in my coffee. You should try it sometimes ... its perfect !

Chicken Joy !!!

Yup, this is Julia's newest fave... everytime she sees chicken on the table (grilled or fried) she would always say Jollibee.... so last weekend we decided to give in to her desires and really had fun watching her munch the chicken away...

Get Together

Its been almost two decades since we last saw each other (HighSchool Graduation to be exact) so when we had a chance to get together for a dinner of fun and chicka, we gamely said yes. We had a lot of fun exchanging stories and tips.... and couldnt believe its been years since we were together. So when we parted ways we promised to keep in touch and see each other in a more regular basis.

Something to Look Forward To

The past few weeks, my hubby joined thousands of Filipinos trying their luck looking for a job. And if you follow the news, you know that everyday the unemployment rate gets bigger and bigger... Each day was a challenge... days when he comes home down and frustrated because you could almost feel that you're in until they give you the "thank you for applying speech."

But finally, after weeks of trying, hardwork, patience and deligence , he will now start working on Feb 3 in the same company i work for but on a different account. Both of us are proud, excited and at the same time a bit nervous. Its like starting a new school during your younger years. We are just thankful for this new beginning ....

And with this, we know good things are about to come our way... something to look forward to this year of the Ox :)

Yearender 2008,,,,, Part 2

The Year 2008 ended with simple celebration with family and friends..... here are some snapshots of said events.

The Year That Was... 2008

I was supposed to publish this post yesterday but i was having problems with my inet connections .... so instead of being a year ender post, let this be my first blog for the year 2009 ... A New Year, a new beginning ... the year that passed was not a very good year... a lot of challenges, problems and tears came our way but we managed to survive... and the bonus part is we have gained true and loyal friends, valuable learnings and the fact that we are surrounded with much love by the people around. Indeed these are the best weapon one can have to welcome a new year .

And so as I bid goodbye to 2008 .. let me list down the highlights of the year that was....

1. Overnight Stay in Discovery Suites during my Birthday.

2. Our first out of town trip in Bulacan.

3. Got promoted but resigned from the position after a few months

4 Our labor problem/case with 22nd

5. Opening of our Canteen that lasted for 6 months

6. Mayeeh's wedding

7. Start up Keai Ora

and

8. Fun and quality family time with Benjie and our little Julia.

Julia's 3rd Birthday

Last Sunday was a special day for our little princess, Julia as she turned big Three! We had a simple get together with fellow celebrant cousin Fiona (who turned 5 as well). Both girls had fun playing with their cousins. And of course, Julia enjoyed her gifts from well wishers as Mommy and Daddy took pictures of her.

Early Christmas Gift

I decided to give my hubby and my princess a special gift this Christmas.... a local dvd player that would read all our pirated dvd so we can do a dvd marathon anytime....

And look who got excited with what Santa brought them a week an half early .... :)

View from the Top

Last Sunday, while in the middle of the call i suddenly grabbed my phone and took a picture of the view from the window where i am sitting... It was literally a breath taking view... a welcome breather from all the calls i'm taking especially on a Sunday while everybody else is watching boxing.... and one thing that made me smile is the thought that how lucky I am to have view like this and to think that i'm far from being an executive...

so for now.. let me just enjoy the view to ward off my mind from calls and the "not so good" people around :)

Deadline Jitters

For the past weeks i have been writing this "special project"... and as always, i crammed until the very last minute... (and calling in sick half of the day so i can beat the deadline).. For a while there i got scared that i might have lost my touch being away for almost 5 years in the writing industry.... but when the adrenalin rush came in.. i started writing away and couldnt believe what i wrote.. I cant say much, yet... but in time hopefully you'll be able to see my work again..I'm keeping my fingers crossed and saying a special prayer that this project will push through

Christmas Giveaways..

This year we're offering a different Christmas giveaway.. its our very special Laing at an affordable price... The food is great, promise ! Its Benjie's specialty and we are hoping one day we can make this a big thing!!!

For orders ... just call, txt or email me...

Happy Holidays

.

SOMETHING TO BE THANKFUL FOR

It was a "roller coaster" type of day ... one moment you're okay and the next you feel drained and lonely, swamped with a thousand and one things to think of....

I went home from work tired physically, emotionally and financially. Stress and finacial problems are again taking its toll... but something jilted me back to my senses... the "thanksgiving" blog entry of my friend who is thousands of miles away.

She wrote ... she was thankful for the colleagues, friends, family , husband she has by her side. But most of her, she was grateful that finally after years of trying she finally got pregnant but unfortunately lost the baby after a week. I admire my friend because despite what she's going through she still manage to see the positive side of things.... which got me to thinking... if only i have half of her optism and outlook in life perhaps i wouldnt be too stressed out and be feeling drained and out...

I've been writing almost half of my life .... I have known great writers from the industry but the best writer of all is the big boss Up there who never fails to open my eyes and never fails to amaze me with the twists and turns in this big drama called Life.

Sinfully Delicious

I am not a " sweets" person and not like others, i dont have a sweet tooth. I can easily exchange chocolates and other sweet stuff for a hot cup of coffee and regular pandesal. But last friday i decided to give in and dropped by the newly opened krispy kreme branch in gateway to check it out. There were indeed a lot of sweet stuff on the shelf but it was the Apple Pie Caramel who caught my attention. It was indeed a wise decision because it was sinfully delicious and went well with my coffee.

Little Miracles

From time to time we experience Little Miracles that touch our lives. It can come in a simple phone call, a simple hi or a simple gesture.... It doesnt have to be grand or something earth shaking.... just something that will somehow wake up your senses and touch your heart...

Little Miracle 01

For the past two weeks, i worked on a very early shift... Have to wake up by 4am, leave the house at 5am so i can be at the office by 6am. Most of time, waking up is the problem, and what pains me most is leaving Julia and Benjie still sound asleep in the comforts of our bed while i had to drag myself to work... As i walk towards the terminal, i would usually pass by my neighbor's house whose helpers would be cleaning their cars as early as 5am. The catch here is as pass by they would warmly greet me "good morning" even if they dont know me. Imagine, two young helpers working before the sun rises and ready to give a smile to strangers. I suddenly felt so little because here i am probably earning thrice as what they're getting, complaining to my boss how difficult it is to report for work early in the morning when some people are already on their feet and smiling !!!!


Little Miracle #02

We have been battling a legal case against Benjie's former employers... nope the case is not yet over, and worse, to get back at us, they filed a case against Benjie for Intriguing Against Honor ( yup, there's such a case !!!) . So to help us clear Benjie's name
we tried to get documentation from Smart Communication but we got declined because they dont issue out extractions of SMS without a court order. We are disappointed because we were requesting for said docs so we can file a motion to quash the said case. I tried to call some friends who somehow would have a connection inside smart to help us sort things out with the legal department. Here's the miracle.... the other night, out of the blue, my former publisher called me after almost two years of silence to discuss a concept i have for a new book. In the course of our conversation, he mentioned Smart Communications and from there I picked up the queue... Lo and behold, he somehow knows someone inside who, God willing, might be able to help us get said documents. Well its still a long shot from here but i am really amazed on how God's hand works. Imagine, its been years since i havent touched based with my publisher and just when I needed someone to help us out, He sends someone to give us hope in our case.

Little Miracle #03

My bestfriend got married two months ago and since she got married at the age of 35, everybody was asking her and pressuring her to conceive. Now not everybody knows that almost a decade ago, she underwent an operation due to an ovarian mass. It wasnt malignant or something but her OB Gyn Sister insisted on taking out the ovary before it can lead to bigger problems. So at mid 20's she was left with just one ovary. Now with just one ovary, we know its not impossible to conceive however, it may be more difficult compared to others. But this wasnt the case for Mayeeh because last night I heard the good news that she's now on the family way. This indeed is not just a little Miracle but a Special One to celebrate and be thankful for.

Now what have I learned from all these miracles ? No matter how difficult and rough the roads i may be trekking right now, there is always a reason for me to smile because the Lord continues to shower me with his Blessings and Little Miracles to ponder ! :)

Jologs Queen

When i was still writing full time, my friends from ABS would call me the Jologs Queen... Nope, not because I'm a certified Jologs (i'm more on the "kolehiyala" side minus the kakikayan) but because wherever i go there will always be someone that i somehow know or who knows me without me knowing it....... The usually say the the 6 degrees affinity does not apply to me because i easily go beyond the 6 degrees rule .... Classic example.....

An MMK staff/researcher went to Dubai a couple of years ago to do a story research for said show. There they met someone (a consulate staff i think) who happens to be a mom of a former schoolmate .....

My sister in law Kathy went to the first PTA meeting in Holy Spirit where her youngest daughter happens to be a classmate of a former classmate in College


My Bestfriend just got married last September and her husband happens to be a coworker of a former colleague of mine in Aptech Computer School.

A few months back, I went to Smart Wireless Center to request for a legal document needed for a legal suit.... again someone from my alma matter recognized me....

And this afternoon, while depositing a cheque in the bank, another familian recognized me although I have to admit i didnt know her because she was three batches lower....


And the list and the connection continues..... Thinking about it, I couldnt help but smile. I know the Big Guy up there really loves me because wherever I go, there will always be someone who is willing to extend a smile... and willing to help out.

so let me end this entry by saying ... " Mabuhay ang mga JOLOGS !"

My Sunday Routine

After a few weeks, I finally got back to my Sunday Off and first thing in my agenda this morning is my coffee, peanut butter sandwich and my blog entry.... Nothing beats my Sunday Routine when i have time for myself...(well at least until everybody wakes up ... hehehe)

Writing Job

I just got another offer to write for a teleserye a few minutes ago and i have to admit it was really tempting ..... God knows how much i miss writing and seeing your work unfold right before your eyes. But life is different now and much as i want to trade my day job to my old writing job its not that easy because i have my little julia and tons of bills to think of. Although my day job does not complete or fulfill my creative side, at least it brings food on the table and somehow makes me secure and safe because of our health insurance. So for now i would have to keep my pen and paper in the drawer and just take it out when the right project comes.

so as the saying goes.... "abangan ang susunod na kabanata...."

Welcome To the World of Blogging

I've heard of cashing in some bucks while blogging so i told myself might as well give it a try. At least its something i really love to do (blogging that is) and something that i know i am capable of doing....

So the first question is what should i write to earn something ????? I know there are one thousand and one things to write about but doesnt have any idea where or how to start. I usually write about something personal that i dont think most people on the worldwide web would care about but hey, who knows i could be wrong ... and in this case, i hope i'm wrong....
because i would really need the extra bucks and i would really love to write, and write.... and write.....

so as for now, i'm keeping my fingers crossed and hope one day someone will stumble upon my site, would be brave enough to trust my writing skills and make me richer by a few bucks :)

In the meantime, I'll just continue blogging ......

Our Favorite Hang-Out

Yesterday, the sun finally came out in the afternoon so the whole family headed off to UP Campus so Julia can ran around to her heart's content (which she literaly did) !!!!!

Daddy's Birthday

Today is Benjie's 28th (?) birthday again and we had a very simple celebration. Highlight of the day was the blowing of the candle by our little Princess....

Bedscene

My day started really special because my little princess woke up with a smile on her little face and gamely posed before the camera. If only all mornings can start this way than you'll have all the reasons to get up early in the morning