Monday, December 8, 2008
Random Thoughts
...The only thing constant is change. In the corporate world, people do come and go. Not so long ago, you are a neophyte. Now, you become a senior of the bunch.
...Why is it that when you have finally embraced stability, it makes you think 'so what's next?'
...Whenever I see Sean and Sophia play together and laugh at each other, it makes me feel how lucky we are to have twins. And especially since we have a girl and a boy which is a rarity (except in Hollywood these days), it makes me feel I have already won the lottery :)
...Whenever I see S&S giggle and make funny faces, it makes me think 'Why didn't I had baby sooner' or 'I want more babies!'. Hahaha..
...Why is it that we are concerned about what other people think about us when in fact we will not change for them. What we want is to be real.
...With the financial meltdown, the only thing certain is uncertainty. We have to hold on to our seats and avoid being a spender as we might be off to a bumpy ride in 2009. I often forget this so I admit I have to remind myself this once in a while :)
...Why is it that our wish list never seems to end? When we have finally achieved or have gotten what we want, there is always something else to add on the list. I guess being consistently contented is an impossibility.
...Sometimes when luck strikes you, it can be over the top. Take Pacquiao's case for instance, isn't he one lucky guy?! I wonder how he spends his millions or billion of pesos. I hope he saves enough for his kids.
...In the corporate world, you have to keep going - keep up with the pace. Otherwise, your career might end up being stagnant. Career is like a pc's storage capacity. You have to upgrade yourself continuously, otherwise you become obsolete.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
A Meaningful Christmas
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Luxury of Time
Anyway, I have random things in my mind right now - work, school related and family life. I hope I had the time to blog all about it but I promised myself to spend 10 minutes max to write this. Haha, I am not making sense at all here..
For a start, I am very excited for Sean and Sophia's birthday party in less than 3 weeks time! Here's the invite made by my sis in law. It's cool!
I haven't blog about this course I am attending at SIMI but it's been an amazing experience so far! It's very tiring and time consuming but it really is a good learning experience. The professors are really good! One is an American - a Harvard alumni and is a professor at Harvard Business School. The other one is French and is a professor at INSEAD in France. The average age of the class is 38, if i remember correctly, so you can only imagine I may be one of the youngest if not the youngest. I have classmates from different companies, from different locations and from different industries so it adds to the learning experience too.
Oh, I also didn't mention that my family went for a 4-day trip to Hong Kong last month! It was a sweet treat from my parents- in- law and it was a blast! Hong Kong has a special place in my heart since I have lived there for 2 years. But since I have been a way for years now (plus the fact that we stayed at Kowloon side and I have lived in Hong Kong side before), I really felt I was a tourist! We enjoyed Disneyland!!! Shopping was ok, not that great as I have expected. I was rather disappointed but got myself some must haves from Mac (something to at least upgrade my make up kit!)
I did it! (In my last trip to Copenhagen last month... )
I think I am getting addicted and want another one! I should stop! Remember Melissa, you have kids, their needs first before yours. Haha!
Below are some pictures of my travel from August. I don't have time yet to upload. Hopefully I will have the patience next time including some travel stories too (before I forget them!)
Below pic in Brugges city center... I adore Brugge! It is really worth visiting! Belgium is really a nice city to go to! I actually did not expected it to be that good, but it really exceeded my expectations. We went to Brussels, Antwerp and Brugge - all of them are must places to visit!
Brugge is like a theme park where the buildings and the sights are so alike. Take note though, we noticed the tourist visiting Belgium are generally from higher age bracket, usually retired Americans or Europeans hehe. Food is also expensive. We spent EUR (Php 1500-1800) on average for a meal!
Below at Brussels. We were lucky to see this flower carpet at the center. Gosh, I forgot all the names of the places. I am bad at remembering those. It's in my tourist guide book though. Haha.
And when you go to Belgium, you'll definitely expect to see chocolate shops in every corner! Of course there are thse known brands like Godiva and Leonida's but I was introduced to this local brand which is equally good. It's called Cote'd'Ore (hopefully I got the spelling right!).
Below is a shot I took in my trip to Copenhagen early this month. It's also the city center just right at the corner of the shopping strip.
Here's a gay parade we bumped into in my August visit in Copenhagen.
Amsterdam is also a nice place! It's an open city so you expect to see a lot of young tourists who go there to have some F-U-N! I find it so vibrant and I love the city life! We got a hop on hop off canal tour which was a nice way to tour around the city!
That's all folks. I hope I can put more 'meat' in my blog next time. But life, so far, has been all good. In fact, it still is blissful!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Good Times


Yes, I consider them my treasure because those were the good times! Good times when I was still maybe 15-20lbs lighter and look a lot younger. Seems like 5+ years ago when it was only taken around end 2005 prior our wedding.
So what now?? Ayokong maging matrona! Gash...
Monday, August 4, 2008
My Mentos Moment
So there...
I sincerely hope the bad luck will go away....
Thursday, July 31, 2008
I am still breathing!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Bunch of Updates!
- Sean and Sophia had their baptism last January 5. I was pleased with everything that I planned. Pictures and supplier's ratings to follow.
- I resumed work since January 18. It's been 2 weeks now. I love working and there are just so many things to do! A challenging change did happen in our organization globally that kept us busy and hanging for a month or two. I am positive of things still though.
- A week before resuming work, I had to call up an agency to recruit 2 yayas (one was experienced and the other one to help out with other chores). We were glad we got them the same day I called the agency. They are still with us though. ;)
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Adobe Photoshop
I am hoping that no one from our guests lists will see this before the baptismal party. Di na surprise. Hehe. I am just excited to post them kasi I basically did it from scratch. And oh, I love our invites too - kahit na nalagay ko sa date eh 2007... I'll post the picture na lang after the party.
Plugging na lang - thanks Mec for all the help! :)
It's extremely difficult to plan a party at this time since I can not simply leave my twins behind. I am glad that (finally!) I was able to pay the church and rental fee sa Montgomery Clubhouse as well as ordered balloon centerpieces. Pending will be the caterer, ordering of mugs, having the tarpaulin printed and ordering of cake. Whew. Need to complete them by tomorrow sana since Che and I will be going to Tagaytay for a stress-free weekend. :)
Chiao!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Reviving my wardrobe
I tried on some of my clothes and I was very disappointed on how unpleasant I look with it. I hate the bulge on my tummy. My jeans also can not fit except for one pair! My hip increased in size! And so, for some weeks, I am using the skinny jeans from Gingersnaps I used during my first trimester pregnancy. My long sleeves I oftenly use in the office were too tight. I expect I would have to buy a few office clothes before I resume work. Good thing I still have P10k GC from IORA our company gave away as clothing allowance.
And so for last few days, I find myself happily shopping for new sets of clothes. At least for now, a new pair of jeans, a few blouses will do... until next shopping spree ;)
Monday, December 17, 2007
Creativity 101



Well, it's basic. it's bland. It needs something to spice it up. Of course, it has to be done in Adobe Photoshop so print quality will be good and size will be just right.
At least I know the basics, right? :)
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Changing the Skin
Monday, October 22, 2007
Our government can actually be efficient
I could say that I now have hope that our government could actually be efficient in the services that they offer to us, Filipinos.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Some Updates
- I think I have already been accustomed to battling boredom at home. I watch TV now, surf the net, call whoever and whatever I think of (stores for stock availability/ churches for baptism schedule and venues etc)
- It's during my last weeks of pregnancy that I am asking Che to buy me pasalubong (something to look forward to at the end of the day). I am fortunate he gladly oblige.
- I already had my steroid injection about 2 weekends ago. I was rushed to the ER due to observation of reduced fetal movements. False alarm lang ako. Nagpapansin sina Sean and Sophia and began kicking vigorously on the way to the hospital. Or was it an excuse for me to see the outside world? ehehehe.
- I am getting nosebleeds frequently. One last weekend where I was rushed to the ER again to check my platelet count, bleed time and clot time. All results were normal. Init lang siguro.
- I had visitors last Friday! Our friends dropped by to have dinner. Boom, who had a vacation from the US gave us the pasalubongs. Our twins got a red and blue onesies from Carters! Also got the Avent pacifiers and Gap dream cologne that I asked her to buy. Also chat with fellow preggy, Leah, who everybody was teasing to also carry twins with how big she carries her pregnancy. We catched up with Maurice, Kaori and their 2yr old son Kenji and their parenting stories.
- I am feeling kinda weird lately both emotionally and especially physically. Am I anticipating labor soon? We'll see..
That's all for me folks. Till next time...
Sunday, September 2, 2007
My top 3 wish list
1. A house

And a patio/garden at the back for an intimate breakfast or a small playground with our kids. I want a dark brown sliding door like this. Oh di ba, I already have a design in mind. :)
2. Cartier Santos
This is my second love while my first love is my two-tone Omega Constellation which I consider as one of my precious possession. The kakuriputan in me tells me not to give in but I am still in love with it after several years of fascination over it. It's classic. Che and I went to a watch shop and while he is fascinated with Rolex, my eye is still on this....
3. Technomarine Technolady
I liked this since I was working in Hong Kong about 4 years ago. It was something that I like and not something that I really love. So instead, I got myself a classic casual watch. I thought it would just be a fad, maybe yes, but I still 'like' it for casual wear. I like it with a black and white leather.
My babies are kicking, it's time to go to bed (again!). :)
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Best Nights of My Life
Rule: Name five of the Best Nights of your Life and then tag four people.
October 23, 1997 - Che and I were officially together. He gave me a smack on the lips inside the car. Very funny and very memorable.
June 2, 2005 - The night that Che gave me the engagement ring in Davao. It was over dinner which he cooked for me.
February 26, 2006 - Our wedding day. Good times.
February 28, 2006 - First honeymoon night at El Nido Miniloc. Imagine, a great resort, peaceful environment and no TV.
I hardly remember dates but I still have some more best nights. But since I only have to choose 5, the fifth choice will be one of my best travels (best travel night specifically!)
Mid 2002 - The night I spent in the viewing deck of the Eiffel Tower together with my friend Anne. We then walked along the park surrounding the Eiffel Tower. There is really something about Paris that makes it sooo romantic.
I am tagging Mec, Marj, Gracita, Nette
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Monday, August 20, 2007
Updates
- We went baby shopping again in Bel-air. We must stop!
- Our household help for about a month now, left us again. She was the companion of the household help of my parents who left some weeks earlier. I thought they wouldn't last long since both of them have kids (youngest less than a year old). I was saddened when she informed me that her father wanted her home although she still doesn't want to go. If she was to decide, she will stay. But I guess her husband was the one who's really eager to have her back. She's now with my parents and she'll be leaving this Friday. So, good luck to me and Che who will have to deal with household chores again. Sigh.
- We have a rat! Oh, not just a mouse, a big rat! Geez... We are sensing that we have a stranger in the house for the last few days and he's always targetting our cabinet full of groceries but I didn't see him only till last night! He left some bad traces this morning eating up part of the cabinet so he can get in. He was successful (despite us blocking the cabinet with the water dispenser)! Wise rat! He ate the spaghetti sauce, catsup and coconut powder in tetra packs. We will be staying at our in-laws till Sunday and I hope he's dead when we're back. As if! But I'm deeply scared to go back home because of that stranger! We will deal with him next weekend! Damn it!
- My pain in the groin/crotch area is worsening lately. During my doctor's visit a week ago, I told her about this pain especially after lying or sitting and she said it's normal and it's due to the weight being pushed down to the lower part of the uterus. Now I do understand why pregnant women waddle. I saw this in the internet:
In early pregnancy, pain in the groin area is due to stretching of the round ligament (the ligaments that anchor the uterus to the wall of the abodmen). In later pregnancy, groins pain or crotch pain is due to the weight of the baby pushing down, the constriction of the uirinary bladder (being pushed up by the uterus), and the stress on the pubic bones.A warm shower, or a heating pad should help.
- Because of the round ligament pain, I would prefer to always sit down or lie in bed. Lazy me! Last night, Che massage my feet and it was such a relief having my feet elevated on top of his leg while he massage it with my favorite foot lotion from Body Shop. I asked him to do it everyday. Spoiled.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Peso appreciation against the US Dollar
What to do? What to do?
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Less than a week of help
THURSDAY - She arrived Manila.
SUNDAY - We picked her up at in-laws place. We went to the mall to buy her beddings and went grocery shopping (mostly canned goods as our fridge was not working properly). She did some cleaning. We had some of our clothes picked-up by the laundry shop to ease the load for her. I noticed she don't know how to iron clothes especially barongs - still crumpled. Thought this will be a problem and a lot of teaching and guiding to do. We heard mass together and had liempo and chicken for dinner.
MONDAY - She waked up early and prepared breakfast. I was having headaches again! I didnt go to work. I took a rest for the entire day while she did some cleaning. We had our fridge repaired (home service). I asked her to clean the bathroom - not exactly my standards of 'clean' but i told her to scrub the tiles further to remove the dirt. I told her to do the laundry (1 laundry basket left) but she chose what to wash (less than 10pcs of shirts i believe -due to the limited drying area). She went to the garage and did some gardening at her own initiative. I had food delivered for lunch (KFC) since fridge is still not working. In the afternoon, I asked her to go to the nearest wet market and she returned home safely. I cooked sinigang for dinner. It was the easiest viand i so far cooked. Before dinner, she begged to take a rest as she is having some stomach aches. Gave her medicines and gave her a cup of hot tea. We washed the dishes.
TUESDAY - First day she'll be alone at home so i listed down things for her to do. I asked her to fill up the biodata required by the village guards to secure her ID. When we arrived home, we had dinner. Then she delivered the news ... 'Ate/Kuya, may sasabihin po ako sa inyo.... Kelangan ko na pong umuwi kasi inaatake na naman daw po ng high blood nanay ko....Babayaran na lang po ng tatay ko ung pinamasahe ko (his father is working in Valenzuela pala)'. We were stunned. I went upstairs and see if she finished ironing clothes when i was pissed to see 1 barong (still crumpled), 1 longsleeves and 6shirts of my husband that were ironed. That was it?! After dinner, i saw her did some ironing.
WEDNESDAY - As usual, when i woke up, she's already preparing the breakfast. I still did some ironing. When i thought she continued ironing, she finished about 2 pieces i believe.
THURSDAY - She prepared breakfast and we asked her to pack her things. Che will bring her to my in-laws.
That's how short we had some help. There were good and bad things about her. I think it is better said in tagalog. Good: Mabait, May kusa, Mukhang simple - di mukhang malantod (sorry for the word hehe), Marunong magalaga ng bata (based on previous work experience). Bad: Needs some guidance on ironing and washing (skills to be learned).
Whew! I hope we can find a good replacement soon. I am just hoping it is a blessing in disguise.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
How vain am i?
| You Are 77% Vain |
Ok, ok. I think here are the things that make me vain:
1. I have tried different kinds of diet. Kankunis when i was in college. Atkins when i worked in Hong Kong (definitely effective!). In fact, i do have 3 books on Atkins. I also tried Xenical (consumed 2 boxes) before the wedding combined with low carb diet and it really worked!
2. I do have quite a number of moisturizers and beauty products although i never end up finishing the bottle especially if i find a new one.
3. I had my braces months before the wedding but have it removed 2 weeks prior the wedding. I also underwent teeth whitening (Zoom) weeks before the wedding so i will have a perfect smile in the photos. I find it all worth it. :)
4. I like bags, shoes and clothes (who wouldn't?). I think one would never go wrong with a wardrobe from Mango and shoes from Charles and Keith. A bag from Mango or Nine West will complete the look. That, i am already happy.
5. If i haven't decided on what to wear, it will take me an hour to dress up, sometimes trying on 4 to 5 different attire before i finally decide on what to wear.
6. I change bags everyday depending on what matches my shoes and clothes.