LP#18: DALAMPASIGAN

Awit ng mga bangka

Nababalot sa katahimikan
Dito sa aking kinalalagyan;
Tubig sa paligid, iyong pagmasdan
Tila salamin, aninag ang aking larawan.

Padating na ang gabi
Subali't sige pa din ang ani;
Nang kasaganahan ng marami
Aking mapagbuti.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

SLEEPAHOLIC

Hi, I am Maver. And I am a sleepaholic.

Aside from my very apparent adoration of food (and bags, and shoes, and watches, and yada yada yada), I am very much addicted to my snooze time. I can manage to squeeze in a few moments of quality snoozing, just by leaning against a wall, a desk, even a toilet seat. I remember even falling asleep while standing during Mass (parang kabayo. Hahaha!).

And I wouldn't mind working my a** off every week if I come home to a room like this...

From the tasteful beddings, sturdy yet stylish looking furniture, all elements of this room spell perfection. Add a fab tv and tv stand, and you have the makings of my dream snooze space.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

WHAT'S FOR DINNER?

1 pc. Zobrixol
1 pc. Nafarin
1 pc. Vaneular
1 Claricort for dessert(before bedtime)
And a dash of Elica cream

Seems like maver is steps away from being a grandmaver. Kulang na lang ang blood pressure monitor at enervon prime! Hehehe!

It ia indeed a blessing that our company shoulders 100% of our medical expenses, including the "drugs." Nonetheless, I feel really bad because all this just goes to show that I am getting effin old!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

SAAN NAMAN ITRILS?

Maver's off to another escapade this weekend to what is recognized as the "Vigan of the East." Trabaho to, hindi personalan. :D Any wild guesses?

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

OH SUGAR, SUGAR

Here I am, talking about shopping finds, when in fact I have been terribly amiss in my purchasing duties as a daughter. I totall forgot to replenish my Papa's monthly diabetic supplies! Bad daughter, Maver! Bad!

It was back in the 80s when my dad was first diagnosed with the killer disease. Actually, it came as no surprise given their family medical history. And I recall with pride, that I was assigned to test his blood sugar levels, as early as 6th grade. Looking back, I give credit to that responsibility as it trained me not to be queasy at the sight of blood, needles and glucose test strips. It prepared me significantly for the demands of parenthood.

Now if you'll excuse me, I still have to file my orders at Hocks.com, Papa's trusted online diabetic pharmacy for all his medical supplies. For Papa's monthly dose of Glucophage, I am hoping I can make a dash for the nearest drugstore after office hours.

Wish me luck!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

THRILLING TWENTY TAG

Yesterday, my friends and I found ourselves in a fix. With just a few bills in our purses, it was indeed a stretch to get ourselves decent merienda. I was worse of the lot, with just twenty bucks in my wallet. And so I thought of this tag.

In this day and age, a measly P20.00 can be very limiting to the discriminating palate. After all, what can it get you? A pack of smokes? A glass and a half of soda? A turon? A saucer, yes just a saucer, of pancit?

So let's get imaginative guys. Join this tag. I'd love to hear your piece!

The rules are simple...

1. Answer this question--WHAT CHEAP SNACK WOULD YOU BUY FOR TWENTY BUCKS?
2. Take a pic of it and post it on your blog.
2. Link back to Maver's site.
3. Give Maver a shoutout so that she can include your thrilling-twenty in the round-up.

Let me start off. Presenting my twenty-peso-thrill yesterday:

Great conversation + a light drizzle + this...

EQUALS PERFECTION!

I'm now tagging Che, Cez, Em, Farah, Haze, Jeanny, Joey, Mel, Meeya and Munchkin Mommy!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

BEPECTACLED SPECTACLE

Although the results are still inconclusive, Haligilet may soon shift from this...
to this...

Lately, Haligi and I have been receiving comments that our son probably needed glasses. This they say, judging by how close Haligilet would look at his toys and other objects. I remember feeling disappointed even resentful everytime I would hear people saying this. And so, for our peace of mind, we dug up our Health Insurance card, and brought our son to a long overdue date with an opthalmologist.

I gotta hand it to Drs. C and J (Hi Doc J! :D) who were very patient and accommodating despite the extended clinic hours and the restlessness of Haligilet and guest patient, nephew A :D. Although there were some indications that Haligilet indeed had eyesight problems, we were told to schedule another set of tests.

My heart still bleeds at the thought of having my son subject to glasses at a tender age. I think of the opportunities he may miss, the pain he may endure and I feel sad. Really sad. Sigh...

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

MAVER'S MAKE-UP ESSENTIALS

Tagged by Kelly...

I can live without a diamonds and titanium rings, but I can never live without make-up.

My make up kit is a melting pot of brands. I have no brand loyalty at all. My kit is bursting with pots, powders, brushes and glosses even if I usually end up using only 5-6 pieces daily. Call me weird but I guess I find satisfaction in the exercise of choosing. This echoes my (bad) packing habit. As my husband, Haligi, puts it, I am the exact opposit of traveling light--literally and figuratively. Hmmmppph!

Read more...

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

La.Pi.S. WK#05: SOFT

Huli man at magaling, huli pa din :D

I quote from the spiCES blog:

In the tradition of these very successful events, Lasang Pinoy, Sundays or LaPiS if you may, will serve as a GALLERY of the FILIPINO TASTE as it focuses on Food Photography on a weekly themed basis, depending on suggestions from old and new members.

Here's my first entry for La.PI.s.

A favorite of Haligi, the Takoyaki is a popular Japanese dumpling made of batter, diced octopus, tempura scraps (tenkasu), pickled ginger, konnyaku, and green onion. Here in Pinas, it's more often made of octoPUSIT :) Check out what we had at the Sanlo Bazaar just last Sunday, topped with loads of wasabi mayo. Hahahaaay!

Not-so-yucky-Takoyaki!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

THE REMEDY

I called in sick this morning. A virus has been lurking in the household, preying first on Haligilet, our two angels, and then on me.

But I had one powerful antidote...
Kung ito ang gamot, sana lagi ako may sakit. Hehehe.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

LOST AND FOUND

By now, you must have heard about one of the celebrated cases of missing children--Matthew Samudio, who was finally reunited with his parents after going missing for three days.

Mall surveillance cameras revealed that Matthew was led away from his guardian, by a girl in her tweens in a shopping mall in Alabang. Thanks to the internet, Matthew's child ID was plastered all over Multiply, and reached authorities in the nick of time. Matthew was then found begging in the streets a few towns away from where he was abducted.

Being a mother of a son the exact age as Matthew's, this story sent shivers down my spine. Now, more than ever, I worry about child safety. It is no myth. The streets of Manila are no longer safe. How I wish there were child locator systems available here like those being offered in childalertsystem.com. According to the site, the Child Alert System is the most comprehensive parent-controlled mechanism that allows you to activate an alert, sending out a call for help to all of the family contacts stored in the system. Just imagine, a lifeline, with just one click.

I want to get my family one of these. It is the perfect complement to our armor of prayers.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

WEEKEND SNAPSHOT #1

The downside of condo living is that you don't enjoy the luxury of having your own backyard. It was thus a welcome surprise when our building admin worked on a little landscaping project at our roofdeck.

Now, check out my son's new playground. He calls it "Heaven," because, after all, heaven seems to be at arm's length. :D EKS-OH-EKS-OH

LUNCH @ LEGASPI

With gas prices on the rise, Haligi and I decided to let the van rest for the day. Braving the overcast skies, and with Haligilet in tow, we walked to good ole Legaspi Sunday Market to hear mass and to grab today's brunch.Read more...

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

BELT TIGHTENING

We had one helluva nerve-wracking exercise at yesterday. The mission: to reduce operational costs.

It was truly a difficult task, given our carefully laid out plans for the year. After all, we had grand visions for our campaigns, communication programs and corporate gifts. We particularly fancied the items displayed in the Promopeddler.com, a one-stop shop for great personalized giveways and promotional items. the largest promotional products and corporate gifts catalog online, their items are unique and classy. Best of all, they also offer earth friendly giveaways!

However, due to some cost-cutting concerns, there are plans of possibly striking out thematic promotional gifts, promotional items from our communications budget. A staunch supporter of corporate giveaways, I was disturbed at the thought because I firmly believe that giveaways are symbols of the company's goodwill. Plus, they are great bearers of trademarks and/or corporate identities and are effective means of brand building.

I sincerely hope we rethink this proposal.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

BIG FOUR

In a few months, our Haligilet will be turning four years old!

Must. Get. Haligilet. Present.

Haligi and I were browsing through Shopwiki and couldn't make up our minds on which of the gazillions of classic kids toys we were gonna get our son. A one-stop (drool) shop that contains anything and everything being sold online, Shopwiki offers a wide array of toys ranging from block, trikes, trains and trucks and everythinging else in between. Haligi and I have become Shopwiki and online shopping converts eversince we stumbled upon the site. I surely hope we can figure out which toy to get Haligilet soon!

While I find myself swearing every year that I wouldn't throw a party, I consistently override that commitment. And so, for a change, I will not swear this year. Hehehe.
This birthday will surely be extra special because it will be a first to celebrate it in school. Lest you be misled, ours is gonna be just a small party, enough for his 12 classmates, teachers and other guests in school. It goes without saying that the little celebration will be themed "Cars," given our son's fascination and/or addiction to all things with wheels. And so, let the party planning begin!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

PASTA MECCA

Awa ng Diyos, natuloy naman ang dinner :)...

Last night, my best friend, A and I met up after months of being away from each other. Blame it on the demands of motherhood, toxic schedules, out of town trips and everything else in between. And what better way for pasta junkies such as ourselves, to catch up on old times, than to have it at one of our favorite restaurants--that little nook along McKinley, with superb food, cozy indoor lighting and wonderful memories...

Located right across Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, it is a quaint 35-seater pastry shop that, to me, serves good and reasonably priced selections of our favorite italian dishes. We never did get to figure out the correct spelling of the place because the two signages right at the facade are spelled differently. Ano ba talaga, kuya?

A, RAO (our other best friend based in Sydney) and I love La Nuova's mix of homey ambience and high-end quality food, sans the expected stiffness and pretentiousness. We've shared lots of joys and tears in this little pasta haven of ours--from RAO's failed relationships, A's (aborted) plans to see a marriage counselor to seek marriage family counseling, and even my occasional senti questions on how to save your marriage. The only drawback is that the place is quite small, so I'm sure neighboring tables shared our joys and tears as well. Hehehe. Despite this, we have since voted La Nuova as one of our favorite hangouts. Missing RAO mode.:(

Read more...

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

J'S PASSION FOR POKER

I just got home from my long overdue dinner with my best friend, A (more on this tomorrow as I have yet to upload the pictures of our meal).

Anyhoo, while driving me home, J, A's husband, tells me that the Mayor's office finally granted them a permit to hold commercial poker games in Makati. Cinareer na ni J ang pusoy. Hehehe! Way to go, J!

J's fascination with the game started with a few harmless games via online casinos, and blossomed (naks, blossomed!) into a full blown passion-slash-career. So much was his obsession with poker games that he got himself an online casino bluebook during their US trip last summer, just so he could get more tips and tricks on the trade. While A frowns upon this "passion" of J's, which comes second to another obsession--horses, she maintains that as long as it keeps her husband busy and productive, then so be it. The primary reason she isn't complaining is because she scored herself a couple of YSLs from J's poker winnings. Ahem, paging Haligi!

I would've wanted to caution J on the downside of gambling, given my father's bad experience but he was rushing off to a poker game after dropping me off. Oh well...

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

RECLAMATION

Thank God, Haligi got reissued another US visa!

To those of you who have been following my blog, you would remember that we lost our passports to that darn travel agency, which included Haligi's and his sister's 10-year multiple-entry US visas. What added insult to injury, was the fact that the agency refused to shoulder the visa reprocessing fees and only agreed to set Haligi's appointment with the US Embassy. These people obviously do not know the meaning of ACCOUNTABILITY.

Anyway, that is water under the bridge. We have been vindicated.

Alas, after weeks of updating our savings accounts and other important documents, Haligi finally had his date with the embassy officer this morning. To tell you frankly, I never realized the importance of taking care of savings accounts until this little "tragedy" struck our travel plans. The embassy officer, must've had a good laugh at our outstanding balance! Hehehe.

All's well that ends well.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

POWER OF PRAYER

This was passed on to me by KellyPrayer for the MV Princess of the stars fatalities and survivors:

Dear God,

We pray that you comfort each bereaved family everyday as they grieved for their loss, we pray that you will supply all their needs, we pray for the survivors that they may have a good life after the tragedy, that you will bless them and let them know in the deepest part of their heart that in spite of what have happened, you LOVE and CARE for them. This we pray in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

I encourage everyone to keep the prayer going. LET’S P.U.S.H. (PRAY UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS).

We Prayed:

1. Through The Rain 2. God’s gift 3. The Adventures of Dong and Jing 4. Me, Myself and I 5. malditang bunso’s journal 6. Underneath It All 7. 100% Kelly 8. Gossip Gehl

I am now tagging Cez, Che, Hazel, Farah, Joey, Mel, Meeya and Ner.

ADDICTED TO WHEELS

Any of you have leads to the next car show?

As you all know, my son, Haligilet, has this deep and growing fascination, even addiction to all things with wheels.
He enjoyed this first trip of his to the International Motor Show last April, that we're now on the lookout for a similar event. Haligilet loved tinkering with the wheels, the doors, the trimmings, and everything else related to automobiles.

What I enjoyed most about the show was the exhibit of vintage cars. We feasted our eyes on old and new Camaros, Jaquars, Mustangs, even those luxury cars like the new Cadillacs Harrisburg PA. Haligi has always been a fan of Cadillacs for their character. He even has great memories of riding his grandfather's Cadillac when he was a kid. And the most amusing memory of all, was that, he traded the battered and bruised car for a new colored tv when he was 10 years old. Hehehe!

So please, give us leads to the next transhow--for Haligi and Haligilet's sake. :)

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

LP#17: KANLURAN

Tanawing ito'y aking namataan,

Nang kami'y pa-Subic, na gawing Kanluran;

Poong Maykapal aking naramdaman

Sa sikat ng araw na di pangkaraniwan.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

GUESS HOW MUCH HE LOVES ME

Last night, after saying his bedtime prayer, Haligilet gave me his good night kiss.

Haligilet: Good night, Mama. I love you!
Maver: Good night! I love you too!
Haligilet: Mama, I love you THREE, FOUR, FIVE, SIX, SEVEN, EIGHT, NINE, TEN!

Sigh...

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

DRIVE MY MERCEDES, BOY

Because of Haligilet's fete last Tuesday, we decided to bring him to the nearby toy store so he could pick out a "reward." The "Little Helper of the Day" sure helped himself on the wide array of cars on display.

I showed him all the Lightning McQueens that I could find, in every size and style (and believe me there were lots of em!)--but he just dismissed the poor red car!

And then I found him tinkering with a small matchbox that looked similar to this... It was of a Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren, similar to those you could find at the site, New Mercedes DC. Apparently, my son has been watching me surf the site as I windowshopped (more of daydreamed) for my favorite car of all time.

Why the Mercedes you might ask? Well, because I consider it as the ultimate luxury car which provides uncompromising comfort along with power and style. And I love going back to the site because of its wide collection of Mercedes models. Simply put, it is my one-stop drool shop!

Haligilet chose the silver beauty because he probably saw me oggling at the silver SLRs. He goes, "I like this one, Mama. This silver car is for you." Awww. Now who needs an expensive car if you have something as priceless as that?

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

E-JEEPNEY

An interesting "species" of hybrid cars has been plying the streets of Makati. Folks, meet the E-jeepney...

Interesting don't you think so?

Costing P500,000 each and running on batteries charged via electrical sockets overnight, the 12-seater e-jeepneys have been having test runs along Ayala Avenue as part of a study on the feasibility of using this mode of transport on a metro-wide scale. The do not roar, nor hiss nor cough. They have "elecrified" Makati folk the quiet and earth-friendly way.

I first heard of hybrid cars and hybrid parts from Hybridcarblog.com, an interesting site I stumpled upon during my daily research on environmental articles. The site tackles everything environment-friendly, on wheels. It is a vast resource on fuel-saving products that improve vehicle efficiency, emissions and performance.

I do hope more enterprising groups can pool their resources to implement the use of hybrid cars on a nationwide scale. These earth-friendly cars will definitely change the way we think, design, drive, ride, and experience the mode of transportation.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

BAKIT HINDI?

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

TIME FOR THE BIG SWITCH?

Although I am not a "user", I wasted no time signing up for this...

Read more...

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

A BIT OF BREAST BEATING

Haligilet looked like this when he opened the door for me last night. He was, literally, beating his breast, as if to signify some major accomplishment.
Upon closer inspection, may ipagyayabang nga naman!
Maver's little boy was hailed little helper of the day. Hayyy, I wish he'd stay little for a lifetime! :)

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

A YEAR OF CLEAN-UPS

At the beginning of the year, my friends and I resolved that 2008 will be year of financial and healthful bliss. It'll be a year of clean-ups, as we put it--clean-ups of diets, stockrooms, closets, and credit cards.

I took the first step just last month. I availed of one of those no fee balance transfers or 0 balance transfers for my credit card. Not wanting to be deep in debt for life, I strengthened my resolved to provide a safter and sounder financial future for my family. This, of course at the heels of an extravagant bag purchase in HK. Hahaha! Too late, maver, too late!

I am hoping that this 0 apr balance transfer will be my first concrete step towards a bright, sunny and truly debt-free future. Wish me luck!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

A SHAMELESS PLUG

Remember my post on the Fab Series Shirts last week? They may now be customized! Fab Shirts have indeed gone a long way from your usual off the shelf displays at Multiply and bazaar outlets. The Fab Series has now progressed to made-to-order tees, that may now contain the text and graphics that you fancy, alongside the usual tv soap-inspired themes. Of course, the tried and tested statement shirts are still available.

Check out some of the shirts produced recently for a High School Musical-inspired birthday party...
Credit goes to the inspiration, Sonic Shack, an online store specializing in custom t-shirts. The service includes state of the art full color printing directly on apparel. Customers need not worry about minimum order requiremetns because Sonic Shack allows you to purchase just one shirt at the design of your choice. You just get discounts for bulk purchases. Plus, they've got a wide selection of shirt styles, colors and cuts to choose from.

What a FAB shack! :)

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

083008

One brand.

One band.

One night only.

Details here.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

MAXIMUS STRAPPYSHUS

Since their initial foray into the fashion world in 2006, the fierce-looking gladiator sandal is now recognized as the "it" shoe. Gladiator-wearing babes such Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson, Mary Kate Olsen, Jessica Alba & Hilary Duff, have certainly had a huge effect on making it one of this year's must-haves. Fact is, according to the US Weekly edition summer 2008, "Nearly every famous celeb in Hollywood has been seen wearing gladiators......from big chunky platform heels to the casual criss-cross flats." Read more...

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

THE TABLE

And so my date with A, my best fried is set for the 24th. Our dinner has been push back and forth because A has been juggling her running expeditions and decorating her new home.

If you recall, I mentioned a few weeks back that after years of condo living, A and her family have finally settled in their newly renovated Dasma abode. A had mixed feeling about the move (another story) but decided to put her feelings aside for the sake of her children.

Anyway, A tells me that her husband, J finally found the perfect dining room furniture (would you believe they've been eating off those foldables from S&R since their June move?). Judging by the sound of her voice, it probably wasn't "perfect" according to her standards. The reason? The table will double as a poker table during J's game nights. Hehehe!

The dining table (which folds into a square with just a few clicks) of choice will look like this... At the risk of appearing disloyal to my best friend (she knows anyway that I love her to death), I told her that I loved the furniture, most especially the dining room chairs. A's reaction? She called me a senseless, useless turncoat. Hahaha! Some friend huh?!? Eh maganda naman talaga! Tuloy kaya ang dinner sa 24th? Hehehe.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

HOT MEN RIDE PINK

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

FUNNEE TEE

If you would wear a statement shirt, what would yours say?

With a few minutes to spare before I finally call it a day (yes folks, Maver is going home early for a change. Wuhoo!), I came across this funky site offering an interesting array of statement tees. Vintage Tshirt's online store features fun and fab apparel, with a diverse selection of categories. Apart from your usual vintage tees, the site also offers baby, band and music, holiday and family, fantasy and mascot, military and patriotic, sports, funny t-shirts, and so much more.

Just via a few clicks on your mouse button, you can customize your t-shirt size, style, color, design, text and order quantities. Press order, and voila, you got yourself your own customized Vintage Tee! Customer support is also online 24/7 to service your every need. That's service to a "tee" indeed!

After a gruelling selection process (yes, so many shirts, so little time!), I finally arrived at my personal favorite. If I had my way, my funny statement tee would look like this...

Couldn't have said it any better. Hehehe!

Now tell me, what would yours look like?

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

RESURRECTED: THE DOMINO TAG

Tagged by Che, Jody, Jacqui, Em and Jen...

{BEGIN COPY}



Rule
Copy the entire list and add your name at the bottom. And tag at least 5 friends. (But you can tag as many as you like)

Note
Please link the blog where you posted the tag.We appreciate you linking all your blogs but make sure you post the tag in the blogs too.

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