LUUUSEH!

Sa Martes, mapapanuod natin 'to sa etc.

Hayuf ang mga lalaking ganitez. Double loser with cheese!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

EK, A REPRISE

It seems like summer just passed by in a blur, so Lolo and Lola cooked up one last hurrah before we finally kiss the season goodbye. We are off (yet again) to Enchanted Kingdom!

Tonight, I will do my usual checklist drill. Rest assured, we will learn from our last visit. An early start, we shall have! And, note to self--pictures, pictures, pictures!

Soon, we will begin our countdown to Haligilet's first "official" school day. Sigh! Ang bilis ng panahon.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

FIRST & LAST ON THE LAST DAY OF THE WORKWEEK

Got tagged by Val:

Participants: 1. Me and Mine 2.Creative In Me 3.Little Peanut 4. Pea in a Pod 5. Sugar Magnolias 6. All Things Me 7. Because Life Is Fun 8. Mind Bubbles 9. Something Purple 10. Stripe at Yellow 11. Vanity Kit 12. Em's Detour 13. Big Eyed Gal 14. The Chronic Shopper 15. Vital Sighs 16. Maver

FIRSTS

First real job: Project Coordinator for Hallmark
First screen name: Julia / Claudia at AOL, ICQ, mIRC and my defunct YM account
First funeral: My maternal grandfather's
First pet: Macoy, the Hamster
First piercing: Ears--on my FIRST year in college. Hehehe!
First tattoo: Alaws, save for glitter tattoo at my son's first birthday party
First credit card: Unicard (Metrobank Card now)
First kiss: Ooops, my FIRST amnesia attack! Hehehe.
First enemy: Excess weight, and seems to me, it will be my enemy for life, unless I seriously consider Phentermine 37.5 mg :)

LASTS

Last car ride: This morning.
Last kiss: This morning, from Haligi and Haligilet

You are tagged, Che, Farah (nagawa mo na kaya itez?!?!), Happy, Haze, Jammy, Joey, Kaye, May, Mel, and Meeya!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

LP #09: HANGIN

Ang "Hanging" Hangin...Bow

Ang tangi kong dalangin,

Sana'y iyong dinggin.

Kakayahan mo'y gamitin,

Hirap at init ay pawiin.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

BRAVO!

The SATC viewing experence was every bit as rich as following the series. You get to laugh, jeer, cry and cheer. A roller coaster ride, the movie was indeed. A fabulous one, in fact.

Allow me to share with you one of my favorite scenes.

I will not divulge any spoilers, don't worry. (No, I will not tell you that Carrie gets to marry Mr. Big after everything that has been said and done. Mwahaha!)

Let's just say that Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha are doing fine since the last episode of the series. Charlotte’s married to Harry and they’ve adopted a little Chinese girl; Broorklyn-based Miranda is married to Steve, the father of her son; Samantha shuttles back and forth between NY and LA, as she manages the career of her hot young lover, Smith; and Carrie, looking radiant and charming as ever, is living with Mr. Big, who by the way, is named John James Preston. Whew! What a mouthful.

And the shoes and bags...ooooh-la-lovely! Carrie wasn't lying when she said that women live for 2 Ls--LOVE and LABELS :)

CARRIE on!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

BE MINE, PHENTERMINE?

The search for the best weight loss regimen continues. Yes folks, I am getting THAT desperate.

And then I came across the site, www.21phen.com - buy phentermine online.

Wiki defines Phentermine as an appetite suppressant that aids in weight loss when used short-term and combined with exercise, diet, and behavioral modification. A mouthful indeed.

I am still unsold on the idea of getting anything artificial into my system. However, the site provides valuable and insightful testimonials of happy losers. Maybe it's worth a try.

Your thoughts?

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

TIRSO CRUISE, THE THIRD (INSTALLMENT)

As I had mentioned earlier, Haligi and I were keen on going on another cruise for our 10th wedding anniversary.

I was dead set on the more popular cruise lines, until I came across an interesting alternative--a Christian Cruise.
A sailing adventure set against the backdrop of historic bible ports like Athens, Patmos, Ephesus and Pergamum, the Bible Cruises or Christian Cruises will surely be both insightful and enriching alternatives. And I'm sure it would be a one-of-a-kind experience to visit one of the most beautiful islands of the world--Santorini!

So what will it be, Haligi? A third cruise on our 15th, perhaps? :)

EKS-OH-EK-OH

ANOBUZZ!

Conservative lang ba ako o senyales na ito ng katandaan? Naiinez ako ditezzz!!!

Anobuzz?!?!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

BE SAFE, BE SMART

As I had mentioned here, crime-fighting would soon get smarter.

And now it can be told...
MPD District Director, Supt. Roberto Lansi Rosales, NCRPO Regional Director, PDIR Geary Lingan Barias, PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, and SMART Wireless Consumer Division Head, Danilo J. Mojica officially launch the "Be Safe, Be Smart" campaign of the Manila Police District (MPD) via the unveiling of campaign slogan materials, to be displayed on MPD patrol cars and in strategic areas in the city of Manila. Citizens of Manila may now report crime with just a few clicks on their SMART mobile phones. To do so, Manileños simply have to key in MPD FEEDBACK CRIME WHERE SUSPECT, and then send to 700MPD (700-673).

Sample:

MPD FEEDBACK (CRIME)May suspetcha po kaming merong mabait, seksi at bibong blogger sa (WHERE)Blogspot (SUSPECT)Nag-ngangalang Maver

Viva Vigilantes!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

ALL ABOARD!

For our honeymoon in 2003, Haligi and I went on our first cruise. It was indeed an opportunity of a lifetime!

We sailed the seas of Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. The cruise provided us with a wonderful chance to experience a medley of sights, sounds, tastes and cultures all in one go. Check out some of our pics!

But that was five years and about fifty pounds ago. Mwehehe.

On our 10th year as husband and wife, we vowed to go on a cruise vacation once again, hopefully with Haligilet and (future) Haligilette now in tow. This time, it would be a choice among any of the following: the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, the Princess Cruise Lines, or the Norwegian Cruise Line.

Wish us luck!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

ITZADEYT!

Sugod, mga kapatid!EKS-OH-EKS-OH

WEIGHT LOSS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

And my obsession with diet pills continues. My neverending saga-slash-battle with the bulge has definitely had me wracking my brains for affordable and at the same time convenient solutions to my weight problem. Read on folks...

Wouldn't it be neat to have the keys to instant weight loss right at your fingertips? To those who are, uh, "physically-challenged" like me, this is indeed a great deal. And while I'm still limbo as to which weight loss regimen to follow, I think the services and solutions provided by The Online Clinic would be a great alternative, and incentive, for those with the same problem as mine.

Just magine, access to supplements like Reductil and Acomplia are just a few clicks of a mouse button away! No more trips to the drugstore. No more long queues at doctor's clinics. No more cancelled appointments. Just premium healthcare where you want it, when you want it.

Owned and operated by UK-based Online Clinic (UK) Limited, The Online Clinic provides a wide range of medical solutions to suit our varying needs. It is also comforting to know that its activities are regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency. This provide assurances that all consultations and prescriptions are under strict healthcare supervision.

Mae-engganyo na kaya ako magpapayat nito?!?! Sana!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

VINDICATED

The van has finally been repaired. And it was a relief to find out that the problem had nothing to do with my "sin of omission." Everything was caused by our car battery long overdue for a replacement. Ha!

Since the van would not budge at all, we had to call for home service. Our good old friend, M, owner of Makati-based Car Shack was good enough to send us his mechanic. And that ain't all. He also sent over the led tail lights that Haligi ordered early this year.

Dada's car is up and running, and spiffy! Thanks to M, that frown has finally been wiped off Haligi's face.

Alas, I have been vindicated.

EKS-OH-EKs-OH

(BLOGGERS) AND SISTERS

I am a Brothers and Sisters convert--thanks to office buddy, A, who introduced me to the show last year.

I have been a fan since.

The second season, which is every bit as good as the first, is about to close (at least here in Pinas) and I can't wait for the series-ender (NO SPOILERS PLEASE!).

This season, the lives of Nora Walker's (Sally Field) brood, have undergone interesting peaks and valleys after the death of family patriarch, William (Tom Skeritt)--Uncle Saul (Ron Rifkin) has come out, Sarah (Rachel Griffiths) just got divorced; Kitty (Calista Flockhart) is married to Sen. Robert McCallister (Rob Lowe), who just lost the election; Kevin (Matthew Rhys) is about to get married too--to his domestic partner, Scotty (Luke Macfarlane); Tommy (Balthazar Getty) and Julia (Sarah Jane Morris) are a couple again; Justin (Dave Annable) finally has a stable, if slightly incestuous, relationship with (former) sister, Rebecca (Emily VanCamp).

I couldn't help myself, though. I just had to watch these snippets...

A talented acting ensemble, beautifully written dialogue, some of the most interesting (botoxed?) faces on the American small screen...what more can you ask for? Yes, the Walkers have indeed come full circle. Can't wait for Season 3!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

PAY DAY PAINS

Pay day's coming up. What's frustrating about it is that most of my money just shifts from one pocket (mine) to another (all of them cards!). Maver is just a conduit. Poor me (literally and figuratively)!

It would be just fab I guess if I could get hold of some cash in advance that would finally pay off my credit card bills. At least, I wouldn't fall prey to rolling and soaring interest rates. I would finally have that peace of mind.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

ON A RODEO HIGH

A few weeks ago, Cebu City buzzed with the Sen. Juan Miguel F. Zubiri Cup National Rodeo. A first.

This ain't bad for a newbie, huh?

Organized by the Cebu Equine Owners, Breeders and Sportsmen’s Association, Inc. (CEOBSA), over at the Mandaue reclamation area, the Zubiri cup may be likened to the premier National Finals Rodeo (NFR) backed by Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in the States.

Admittedly, we have yet to perfect the "art" of rodeos. But give it some time and, I'm sure Pinoy rodeos may be likened to those abroad, where you may enjoy a host of activities like bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and so much more. One helluva-n experience indeed! And let's just hope ours would be at par.

Keep it up, Pinoy Cowboys!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

MEET ME IN PARIS

When asked what spots in the world I'd like to see, aside from Australia and Greece, Paris is top of mind.

Known as one of the most romantic cities in the world, Paris boasts of the most beautiful and historic landmarks--Bastille, Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, and so much more. Also, while the city is home to some of the most posh and expensive hotels, it also showcases rustic and homey bed and breakfast Paris accommodations like Hotel Paris.

By staying at a bed and breakfast in Paris, I'm sure I could get an interesting peek into the lives of Parisians, savor a fabulous French breakfast, and probably learn a little French too! Bed breakfast Paris is indeed the practical alternative, to get me some "loose change" for a GOYARD. Hehehe!

I hope Haligi gets to read this. Hehehe.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

TO BE OR NOT TO BE...DEBT FREE

That is the question.

One of my resolutions for this year is to be debt-free. And I'm proud to say that I've just made the first step.

I went on leave yesterday to ink a contract with a financial company offering one of those debt consolidation loans that you often hear. A lot similar to nodebttoday.com--a website which provides sound advise and services for debt consolidation, the package I availed of, will render me debt free by 2009. Wuhoo!

You see, Haligi and I have lately been feeling the pinch of a shrinking economy. And while we still consider ourselves blessed compared to others, I'd like to think that the blessings come with great responsibility which is why I made this bold move. I hope I'm right.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

CLOSE CALL

And so it is confirmed...I am positively, negatively preggy. The much-awaited monthly visitor came yesterday, to my relief (and disappointment).

I was waxing sentimental for a minute. Funny, I had already conjured images of myself renewing ties with my OB, shopping around for fab maternity clothes, and prepping baby stuff for the future HaligileTTE. Crazy huh?

I guess everything will come in His perfect time and obviously, NOW ain't perfect at all.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

TOUGH LOVE

I received a call from Mommy this morning. The wires burned as she ranted about my aunt'sfinancial problems. You see, my aunt's submissiveness to her children's whims has taken its toll of their family's finances.

Now, they can barely put food on the table, all because they have squandered away the proceeds of my late uncle's life insurance. My uncle must be turning in his grave now. The money he carefully tucked away to service his life insurance quotes is now down to nil.

I personally think that it is high time for tough love. While I know my late uncle would deeply appreciate that we look after those he has left behind, I still think that there are times that we should call a spade a spade. No more room for coddling. It simply does not make sense to watch the proceeds of Tito's term life insurance go down the drain all because of unreasonable, unjustifiable, incomprehensible standards of living. It makes no sense at all.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

PASALUBONG FROM PINE CITY

Sermon!!!

Why? Because I forgot to start and rev the van for 2 whole days. Actually, ang press release ko kay Haligi, isang araw ko lang di napainit ang sasakyan. (Secret lang natin to ha?) Now the darn thing wouldn't start.

Eto na tuloy ang tayo ko sa drawing nya ng Dada's car...
In fairness, slightly consistent sa style at form, ha!

Kawawa naman ako, from poon status, tagatulak na lang. Hikbi!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

SA WAKAS!

Hay salamat, dumating din.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

ALL (UN)NATURAL

The biggest challenges of motherhood, is getting rid of the "evidence" of child-bearing.

Unlike some people who breezed to post-pregnancy weight loss, I am one of the unfortunate few who seem to take forever to lose weight. Name it, and I've done it--fad diets, nothing after 6, exercise and so much more. My enemy called FAT, seems to be here to stay.

I have been contemplating on taking diet pills for the longest time but have always been discouraged by friends and family. Sigh! What to do?!?!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

CLOSE TO HOME

I am no Sharonian but I am definitely going to see this...

Fact is, the stage has been set for a Pepper Lunch-Caregiver date with my officemates. Odeva, well-rounded--50% soshal at 50% jologs! Hehehe!

On a more serious note, the deeper reason why I want to watch the movie is because it hits close to home.

Not many of you know that my father, who was well placed in the movie scene, after a series of misfortunes, string of bad luck, coupled na din with his "sins from the past" (which involved, among others, womanizing, and addiction to online casinos, particularly USA online casinos) had to leave the country to embrace the challenge of being a caregiver.

I cannot help but feel a deep sense of sadness over what my father's life has come to. When most of those his age are reaping the luxuries of retirement, my father, who has 3 "additional" children to support, still had to make the biggest and most humbling sacrifice. At 62, he, who should be given care to, found necessity in giving care to others.

But I find no shame in my father's fortune (or misfortune, thanks to them online casinos). His story is fitting testament that nothing is permanent in this world. Our lives are but wheels turning on roads both rough and paved. But no matter where the wheels of life take us, our fortunes may never take away what is ours and ours alone--our dignity.

Papa, you do me proud.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

GET TOASTED

With the decision on our future home still hanging by a thread, I was forced to revisit the wedding gifts in our stockroom over the weekend. I never realized we received so many toasters and coffee makers--the makings of coffee enterprise indeed! Hehehe!

The toasters came in handy given Haligilet's addiction to fruit tarts. The perfect medley of dairy products and toasted fruit tarts drove our worries over Haligilet nutritional requirements away.

Luckily, we enrolled ourselves in a bridal registry and voila, we were able to exchange some of the wedding gifts, toasters included, for much-coveted department store GCs. A little acting was in order because I had to feign ignorance that the exchange policy was good for only a year after our wedding. Ssssh, that's our little secret ok? :D

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

MAC THE NIGHT

Software development thrills me bigtime. I remember, back when I was a kid (yes, a very, very long time ago!), I wanted to be a "test-runner" of games and equipment. That was my dream job. And so, it is just fitting for me to recognized interesting developments in the software scene, beginning with this bit of good news on mac games--Phelios is here!

A great resource for mac games and rpg games, Phelios was conceptualized by an independent developer for Windows and Macintosh. The site brings together a wide array of games and applications with exciting sights and sounds. The key to getting rid of boredom is now just at your finertips. Genius indeed!

EKS-OH-OKS-OH

TRUE BLUE (SCREEN)

And the blue screen saga continues...

As I had mentioned yesterday, prophets of doom have already warned me that overloading my hard disk memory with too much files would spell the end of my laptop era.

I guess it's high time to heed their call.

I am now doing last ditch efforts to salvage my HD. My prized files--programs, photos and photoshop layouts have now been stored in a safe and happy place (heaven? hehehe!). Wish me luck.

Blue, blue my world is blue!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

BABY NO MORE

And the spring cleaning continues...

With Haligi out of the house (read as: walang internet pulis!), I afforded myself some time to organize hard disk files. So now clad in my next-in-line favorite oversized shirt (For the record, naligo naman po ako. Hehehe!) I came across this 2007 video, taken a few weeks after Haligilet turned 3...

Malaki na anak ko. Ayaw na magpasubo. Waaah!!!

Kaya lang, slightly jologs ang paghawak ng kubyertos, anak. Kelangan pa natin i-polish! Pero next time na at baka makipag-date ka na! Hindi pwedeee!!!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

WANNA FROM HEAVEN (SOME WANTS)

1. What do you want for your birthday?

Instant weight loss; And now that we're at it, a brand new unlocked phone :)

2. Who will be your next kiss?

Just got one on the lips from Haligilet awhile ago, but woudn't mind getting another one anytime soon. Settled for an over-the-air kiss from Haligi last night :(

3. When was the last time you went to the mall?

Everyday, every time I walk home from work. Both the mall and the condo are a few blocks away from the office.

4. Are you wearing socks right now?

Nope.

5. How did you spend your summer?

Hit the beach for a few days. Hoping to make one final trip before Haligilet's school starts.

6. Have you been to the cinema in the last 5 days?

Been to one in the last 6 days :) Took Haligilet to his first "official" movie--Ironman.
7. What was the last thing you had to drink?

Iced water

8. What are you wearing right now?

Favorite oversized shirt for sleeping. Wa pa goli, yakkk!

9. What was your last purchase?

Go figure :P

10. What was the last food you ate?

Mutton Biryani and Shrimp Curry. Umiindian ang lola nyo.

11. Who would be the person you would call if you were up in the middle of the night and couldn’t sleep?

Haligi, or sometimes another H--HBO :)

12. Have you bought any clothing items in the last week?

Bought Haligi, Haligilet and myself some overruns from my "suki"

13. Do you have a pet?

Hugo, the Minipin
Neo, the Labrador
Rocky, the German Shepherd
Beauty, the Shih Tsz
Homer, the Pigeon
Adopted Pet: Tabasco, the trained guard Labrador for our condo :)

14. What made you laugh in the last 5 days?

Made a crazy, jologs remark about this conference I attended. And the conference organizer mysteriously showed up at my blog doorstep and made a comment. NAKAKAHEYAAA! MWAHAHA!

15. If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?

Anywhere with Haligi and Haligilet :)

16. What is the last thing you purchased online?

Go figure ulit :D

17. One thing you hate about yourself?

My impatience, especially my impatience to lose weight. Hehehe!

18. Do you miss anyone?

Haligiii!!!

19. What are your plans for the day?

Blog
Cook
Take Haligilet to the park
Visit my mom

20. Last person you msg’d?

Haligiii!

21. Ever went to a camp?

Does a high school camping trip count?

22. Are you a good student in school?

I was a N-E-R-D. Accelerated; Member of honor blocks; Received a grant for my thesis; Graduated with medals and honors. Ngayon, T-U-S-O na lang. Mwahaha!

23. What do you know about the future?

I am hopeful that everything will be bright and sunny. LET'S GO and LET'S GOD. Mwehehe.

24. Are you wearing any perfume or cologne?

Ever dependable Clinique Happy

25. Where is your best friend right now?

Sydney

Thanks Em! Had fun doing this.

AFTER THE STORM

Two years ago, Haligi figured in a mini "brawl" involving him and an officemate. It's true what they say, liquor and politics don't mix. Add a dash of machismo, and voila, you get yourself a broken collarbone.

I was really disappointed with the turn of events because 1, I felt Haligi did not have enough sense to walk away from a heated argument, a senseless one at that; and 2, because our health insurance did not cover alcohol-related cases. Luckily, my employer then enrolled us in a group disability insurance plan, which also covered our beneficiaries. Our disability insurance plan, which is inclusive of physician disability insurance enabled us to reimburse most of our medical expenses just this year. A blessing indeed.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

FRANCE FRENZY

My ILs have narrowed down their next trip to the following--Australia, Macau or France.

Since they are leaning towards a trip to France, I helped my mother-in-law surf for great shopping districts in the country. Ever the OC, she has already drawn up a list of fabulous shopping districts and great accommodations in the country like Hotel Paris. Apart from additions to her spoon and souvenir collections (mind you, she has loads of em!), she is also planning to purchase some bags (wuhoo!).

I just hope I am on MIL's shopping list as well. >WINK<

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

ROAR!

Iskeriii...

Funny, I didn't realize chuvaness had the same comment. Okrayers, unite! Hehehe!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

MISSING HALIGI

Ours will be a Haligi-less weekend. My better half is currently in Baguio for an office event.

Haligilet, who is he's father's shadow, was probably given a briefing shortly before Haligi's departure.

Ilaw : Where is Dada?
Haliglet: Dada went to the mountains.

(Naku anak, baka mapagkamalang leftist ang ama mo)

And that's not all.

Ilaw : What is Dada doing in the mountains?
Haligilet: Dada will buy Mama raisin bread... and banana cake...and peanut brittle...and strawberry jam...and ube...and walis...yada...yada...yada...

Remote Haligi bullying ito. Hmmmph!

Happy weekend y'all!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

MARGET, MD

I never realized how serious medical review was until I witnessed Marget at it. Marget is my favorite cousin, eldest daughter of my late favorite uncle, Tito Gene. She has spent almost a third of her life studying and reviewing for what she considers her calling. This, despite witnessing her father succumb to the big C.

She is currently waiting for the results of her US medical board exam last April. It seemed like studying never stopped for her. After a four-year premed course, she then proceeded to 6 years in medical school and internship, and almost 3 years for review and examinations. She tells me that a typical day involves attending review classes, reading thick medical books, browsing through comprehensive online medical resourcesm and familiarizing herself with hifaluting, tongue-twisting medical terms. What a life!

I am hoping and praying that she makes it. Tito Gene will surely be proud!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

YOU'VE COME A LONG WAY, HALIGI

Haligi is seriously considering those 0% APR balance transfers or 0 balance transfers being offered by his credit card company.

With the brunt of Haligilet's tuition fees kicking in soon, Haligi deemed it best to manage our finances. And he assured me that the arrangement he is considering will definitely be one of those no fee balance transfers, to save on unnecessary costs.

I am extremely happy at the recent turn of events. While Haligi's decision will definitely eat into our "dating" fund, I'm proud to say the my better half has come along way from the happy-go-lucky guy I fell in love with. Way to go, hon!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

MAVER'S 10

Tagged by Jammy...

1. Each blogger starts with ten random facts/habits about themselves;
2. Bloggers that are tagged need post these rules amd and their ten things on their own blog;
3. At the end of your blog, you need to choose 10 people to keep the tag going;
4. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged!

My Random 10:

1. I never learned how to swim.
2. Consequently, I am afraid of bodies of water.
3. I do not know how to whistle.
4. My first stage appearance was at age 8. I was a carabao.
5. I was the tallest girl in 5th grade, and the shortest a year later.
6. I had 3 epidural shots during childbirth.
7. My other term of endearment for my husband is "5'5 with heels"
8. I make a mean adobo.
9. I make mean snoring sounds too.
10. I love to sing but singing does not love me.

Care to give yours--Che, Farah, Haze, Jen, Joey, Mel, Quel, Tin, Toni, Val?

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

UNACCUSTOMED TO THE CUSTOMS BUREAU

My friend M and I had always dreamt of owning one of those home based businesses. And 2007 made that dream a reality. Our small furniture and carpet business was born.

To say that ours had humble beginnings is an understatement. After looking up resources on home based business loans, C&C began after we secured a loan for a home based business and constant prayers.

I have heard hundreds of horror stories on corruption and red type but never did these prepare me for an actual (harrowing) encounter with the Bureau of Customs. I cannot fathom that such young lawyers from a certain Customs section (clue: the section name matches the section personnel and demeanor) actually made a habit out of soliciting cash from accreditation applicants. Do our taxes really go to coddling such criminals? How can these people sleep at night? Senseless. Senseless.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

LET'S GO CAMO

My officemate G's due date is coming up and we're cooking up a surprise baby shower. Since her hubby is working in the military, we thought it we be great to go camo...

Cutie patootie!

The excited first-time mom is almost done with her shopping so she just requested for a fresh supply of disposable diapers. I also think it would be great to get her a baby monitor, which, based on experience, is godsend, especially for first-time moms like me and G.

Let the party planning begin!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

My ILs are toying with the idea of moving. Haligilet is growing by the minute and it seems our one-bedroom "mansion" would not do us justice anymore.

I am now facing a blank wall. I do not know where to begin. With our mind set on enroling Haligilet at the nearby preschool, and with the heaps of clothes and clutter that we have accumulated over the years, I am going crazy.

So will we make that move? You'll be the first to know.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

LP #8: TUBIG

San kami dadalhin ng iyong agos?

Paano na kami kung ika'y maubos?

Tunay kang nagbibigay buhay.

Dalangin ko'y tayo'y di magkawalay.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

BIG THINGS WITH SMALL BUSINESS LOANS

With the Philippine economy showing signs of heating up, more and more people are finding it hard to cope with the rising costs of living. Even the prices of basic commodities such as petroleum, electricity, water, now, even the Pinoy staple--rice, which used to be well within the Filipino family's budget, have all gone astronomical. What complicates the picture is that access to loans and other cash sources.

Consumers are subject to very rigid bank requirements and personal appearances, which may prove to be a hassle and additional complication to the already problematic financial situations of most Filipinos.

It would be ideal to have a facility similar to Nevada-based EZUnsecured.com, an online credit resource for Small Business Loans, known for rendering easy process, fast funding, and excellent service. The site includes a portal where applicants may quickly input their personal information and requirements, and where they may expect quick turn-around-time in addressing their queries and concerns. Imagine, a solution to your financial crunch, right at your fingertips!

I hope the Philippines implements something of this sort, soon!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

PPBC #2: SEARCH FOR A COOL SCHOOL

I hope I don't sound condescending, but I was never an advocate of early education. I felt that kids should be just that--kids. After all, I felt that my son had enough learning opportunities in our current set-up (call it homeschooling if you may), with daily alphabet and number drills care of Yaya M (but with an "accent"); regular trips to stimulating environments, and drawing and reading sessions with me or Haligi every night.

At 3, Haligilet can read all letters of the alphabet, numbers 1-100 (thanks to the numbers on the elevator!), all shapes (even an oval, hexagon and octagon). He can also spell and read his name. He is toilet-trained, drinks from a glass (he was weaned from the bottle at 11 months) and knows how to feed himself. Bopols nga lang sa writing. Hehehe.

However, with the current trends in schooling right now, it seemed logical to "succumb" to the pressure to already send our son off to school. But Haligi and I agreed that it would have to be when Haligilet at least turned 3, and 3 he is this year!

Finally agreeing to send our son to school was mainly because we wanted to provide him some semblance of routine and an opportunity for social interaction. And so the search for THE preschool was on.

Our criteria consisted of 5 Ps --

Profile--meaning the methodology of the school. We preferred those adhering to the progressive method where learning was through
play and experience;
People--pertaining to the teachers and administrators, and even owners. We also took into consideration, the student-teacher ratio (we preferred a class with a maximum of 8-10 students);
Personality--which refers to the overall "look-feel" of the school, and if the atmosphere and facilities were a good complement to our son and his character;
Purse--covers tuition and miscellaneous fees for supplies and textbooks; also includes addtional school bus expenses, if need be; and finally,
Proximity--which is self-explanatory.

We looked at about 5 schools, interviewed the teachers, inspected the premises, and had trial classes. To tell you candidly, I was not really that "OC" or particular about the choice of school. I just trusted my gut feel that our choice was the "perfect fit" for our son, for us, and for our pocket. To us, pre-school would just be a great place to learn new things in a new way and most especially, meet friends. We just want our son to have fun!

Later on, I firmly believe that it will take a lot more than the 5Ps (maybe 50!) to guide us in our search for the "big school". Ask me again later. :D

Right now, I'd like to bide my time. Mom-zilla I am not :D

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

RULES OF (DIS)ENGAGEMENT

For the past two days, I was given the chance to attend the Social Networking and eBusiness Conference Philippines 2008, dubbed as "a pioneering and leading edge event for sharing and exchanging information about social networks (SNs)."

This came at a very opportune time. As part of our company's web team, I felt the conference would be a great way to increase my knowledge on the exciting and ever-changing landscape of the internet and search engine marketing.

Just like what I had mentioned during my stint at iblog4, a lot of internet jargon (a.k.a geekspeak) were thrown here and there--app, avatar, machinima, metaverse, octale, twitter, widget, yada, yada, yada. Since the conference brought to the fore an impressive lineup of internet experts backed by their experiences with Friendster, Groovenet, Chikka, Second Life, and what-have-you, I was hoping to pick up a thing or two on the tried and tested principles of web marketing, or the valuable lessons on the SNs rules of engagement. Sadly, the conference failed to do just that--ENGAGE me.

What transpired was, by and large, a series of mini-presscons, sales spiels, shameless plugs of the speakers' applications or businesses. Save for the insightful speech of Yehey's Donald Patrick Lim, and the very cool and impressive virtual presentation of Avatrian's Rodion Herrera, I generally felt I was held captive by salesmen delivering their standard elevator pitch. Sighhh.

My most valuable take-away from the conference was this...

Panalo-pe Cruz talaga ang bogchi sa Intercon! Sorry, Maver is on jologs mode again. Hehehe.

On a final note, I couldn't help but wonder--with this fascination and uber involvement in online social networks, may mga (physical) social life pa kaya ang mga tao? Ano sa tingin nyo?

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

RENEWAL

A lease renewal that is.

Alas, our ILs have decided to renew our contract of lease. That was indeed a close call! Now, I can finally confirm Haligilet's pre-school slot.

I consider myself extremely blessed because I have really generous ILs who shower Haligi and me with all the support one can imagine. Unlike some newlyweds who had to independently apply for home improvement--an unsecured home inprovement loan, or otherwise, Haligi and I were blessed with a cozy abode which we have called home for the last five years. And while a may not be a total impossibility in the (remote?) future, I really feel extremely fortunate to have a place to call our "quasi" own at the very beginning of our marriage.

If and when, I'd like to work with an institution like Accommodative Financial Solutions, a great home assistance program, which offers home improvement loans sans the collateral, hidden charges and long processing time.

But I am perfectly happy where I am now. Without any monthly amortizations and utility bills to think of, saan ka pa diba?!?!

Pero...baket wala pa din kaming ipon?!?! Hehehe.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH