365/365

It is Finished

Woot! Woot! I made it! To most of us, the year 2009 must've been a blur. Lucky for me, I've got 365 photos to remember it by. Bring it on, 2010!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

364/365

Maver sa Maver

I had back-to-back dates this week. After spending the entire day with my son yesterday, I had another date today, this time, with my dear maver. We started the day really early, with Mommy attending the last rites for her classmate, Chit Gohu who died with her daughter, Trissa, when fire struck their Greenhills home. I then treated Mommy for lunch at Via Mare and coffee at her favorite hangout--the Ayala Museum!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

363/365

Playdate

After being busy with work almost all year round, I finally had the chance to make up for my absence in the Haligilet's life. I had him all to myself today, and spoiled him to death with all the things he wished for--a trip to Jollibee, a book shopping spree, and of course, hours and hours at Timezone! Wish ko lang na pagtanda ko, ako naman ang i-spoil niya. Hehehe!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

362/365

In the Company of Stars

It has been ages since I've last been to an event like this. You see, my father retired from the movie scene more than a decade ago and our interactions with all things showbiz have now been limited to purely broadcast experiences. My father was recently given a chance to renew ties with his entertainment connections and of course, we were there to support him (and make uzi na din, Hehehe!).

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

361/365

Things that Make You Go Mm...

M&Ms are my all time favorite chocolates and it seems to me, the Haligilet is a budding M&M maniac as well. Easy on the sugar, honey!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

360/365

Seeing Quadruple

While undoubtedly cute, I don't think I can ever handle four versions of the Haligilet. Thank God I've only got one. Hehehe.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

359/365

Santa Says...

He's been good. Christmas wish, thus granted!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

358/365

Tsokolate Eh

One of the perks of being in the company of Batangueños (them being one the most generous lot I know--yes, comparable to richard willich philanthropy with no exagerration!) is access to an abundant supply of the native tablea--pure cocoa balls pounded and cooked slowly to yield a rich and aromatic bliss called tsokolate. As in all the Yuletides that I have spent with my ils, my Christmas eve was indeed perked up by this wonderful cup of hot cocoa.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

357/365

Barney's Fingers

As morbid as it may sound, that is what the Haligilet calls this delectable dish from Via Mare. This, by far is the perfect puto bumbong, with generous servings of butter, niyog and muscovado. Yummm!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

356/365

Red Hot Hats!

I was part of the organizing committee of our group Christimas Party. And even if, by industry standards, staging this hat "event" took the shorter route, I must say we were all impressed by the head candy that our colleagues churned out even at such short notice. Career kung career talaga! More photos and anecdotes may be found at Clayman's Blog. Cheerio!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

355/365

The Reveal

Today, my teammates and I revealed the identities of our "monitos" and "monitas." Our weekly team meeting, unlike previous ones, came packaged with Christmas goodies and surprises. It was a great way to give all of ourselves a pat on the back too, for truly surviving a challenging 2009. Cheers team!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

354/365

Run, Maver, Run!

Today, the Haligi and I did our last run for the year. Thank God, we were able to stick to our original race routes--with him finishing his 10k run, and me my 5k route. What a great way to bid 2009 goodbye, indeed! And you bet, our family will be seen in more runs in 2010. I declare 2010, my fitness year!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

353/365

The Wedding

Since I'd rather die than be seen in my ninang dress, I instead opted to take a photo of my son wearing a barong for the first time. Incidentally, that little house of his turns one year old this merry month of this December!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

352/365

Cheers!

Tonight was a night of thanksgiving as our company Christmas party punctuated an interesting year filled with challenges as well as victories. Cheers to a good year, and here's to many more good years to come!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

351/365

THE Dress

After weeks of denial, I finally accepted the fact that I was to "star" as wedding ninang at an upcoming wedding--with upcoming meaning THIS Saturday. Harhar! Yes folks, I only got my dress today--two days shy of the scheduled ceremony. Between you and me, I secretly wished illness or broken bones to befall me, just so I could get myself out of the situation. But lo and behold, not an iota of bad luck crossed my way. On the contrary, I was actually lucky enough to score the perfect dress.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

350/365

Holiday Haligilet

Our son participated in their school's holiday rock concert. That's our son alright, doing his best yuletide wiggle. Hehehe!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

349/365

In Full Bloom

The Kalachuchi Tree is probably the Pinas answer to Japan's Cherry Blossoms. I just couldn't resist taking photos of the tree outside the home of my sib's mil, this Tuesday morning. Tita M, who works at the NAIA, hitched a ride with us to Makati today where she is scheduled to attend an AIM training session.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

AND THE WINNER IS...

Okay folks, the moment you have all been waiting for has finally arrived.

First of all, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all of you who joined my blog blowout. I enjoyed reading all your blog entries and I was delighted to discover new blogs and hopefully, new blog friends. I would also like to take this opportunity to explain that I had to exclude contestants who did not leave links to their answers. Maybe next time folks.

Allow me to send my double thanks too for your anniversary shoutouts. Our celebration was fab. But I digress. I will give more details on our anniversary celebration on a different post.

Now, on to the show. Let us hear it for...

Congratulations, Maaauuuuuuu!!! I hope you don't mind me going on stalker mode as I explored your blogs. And it gives me great pride in proving your theory wrong. You are, in fact, lucky in contests! Hehehe!

Enjoy your new planner, Mau. Please send your mailing address to maver@wifespeaks.com. Don't forget to make a special entry on the day you got your first mocha frapuccino for the year 2010. One roast planner, coming up!

As for the rest of you, stay tuned for more of my blog contests. As luck would have it, it seems like I can spare another planner giveaway this month. Teehee!

Have a great week ahead!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

348/365

I Shop, Therefore I am

These flags at Serendra seemed to call out to me this particular Monday, that I just had to make a quick stopover. And I'd have to say that it was a wise decision to do so because I was finally able to jumpstart my Yuletide shopping. It's crunch time!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

STAY TUNED

Posting this on the fly.

The results are in and will be posted later today.

Have a good one!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

347/365

Shall We Cleanse?

In anticipation of the holidays, I thought I'd mix a bit of fiber today, after all the binging I've been doing the past few days. It is the least I could do as I begin my countdown to more binging sessions to come.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

MOVING ON TO BIGGER THINGS

I am guilty of the mortal maverhood sin of spoiling my son and treating him like a baby. Oh yes, I am in denial alright!

But after doing a bit of EHD decluttering, I stumbled upon some pics that made me realize and accept that the Haligilet is, in fact, a big boy already. Case in point, he is exploring "bigger" things. From this...

he will only settle for this (note the same green pail in the photo!)...

May my son not curse me to the grave if he stumbles upon this blogpost x years from now. Hehehe!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

346/365

Double Celebration

We were called upon to stand as godparents once again, this time at a baptism. The celebration was doubly special because it coincided with our 6th wedding anniversary. Welcome to the Christian world, Jayden!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

345/365

Steak Out

On the eve of our 6th anniversary as Haligi and wife, we had a sumptuous dinner at Dusit Thani Manila Hotel's Basix. And lest you be misled that this was all I had, this is actually a snapshot of my 4th helping at the buffet. Hahaha!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

MAVER'S STARBUCKS PLANNER PALOOZA...

Hallloo!!! I am pleased to tell you that I am finally kicking off my December Starbucks Planner giveaway.

The mechanics are simple:

1. Answer this question on your blog: If you were a Starbucks drink, what would you be and why? If you would be kind enough to mention my blog giveaway/mechanics in your entry, I would appreciate it too!
2. Leave a link to your entry on the comments section of this post.
3. Don't forget to indicate your preferred Starbucks planner design. (Choose among the following: Cherry, Espresso, Roast).
4. Deadline for entries is at 11:59 pm of December 12, 2009--my and the Haligi's 6th anniversary of wedded bane este bliss. Hehehe!
5. The results of the electronic raffle will be announced on Monday, December 14, 2009.

I am so looking forward to your entries. It is may way too, of paying it forward after your almost two years of patronage of (or patience with) my blog. Just as I have promised, 17 Starbucks coffee drinks are on me!

So what are you waiting for? Let the writing begin!!!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

344/365

Christmas Tree Fetish

Call me weird, but I have a strange obsession with Christmas trees this season. And while I was out on field today, I just couldn't resist taking a photo (as always) of this majestic symbol of the Yuletide. Christimas, here we come!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

343/365

Running High

Haligilet's temperature that is. I was panic stricken when I saw this on the thermometer display. Thank God, a quick visit to the pedia revealed that it was just something viral, and could go as quickly as it came.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

342/365

Three's Company

The sweet kind. Another one of the long list of reasons I don't mind covering company events: LIBRENG CHICHA! Burp, excuse me. :D

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

341/365

Hey Mickey!

My SIL and her family just came from a trip to Hong Kong Disneyland today. As much as we'd want to have a reprise of our meeting with Mickey five years ago, our family just had to settle for the chocolate version of our favorite mouse for the meantime.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

340/365

The Apple of My Eye

The Haligi gave his Christmas gift for me, a wee bit early. And with it came an incentive (or was it not a challenge?) to take my running seriously. NOTE: Running shoes not included. Hahaha!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

339/365

An Invitation Like No Other

We received an extraordinary wedding invitation today. Why? Well, because the invite bore our names as Haligi and wife, both on the outside AND inside of the invitation envelope. We have been invited to stand, not just as guests, but as Principal Sponsors as well. Definitely a first (at sana naman, last) for us--at least, for now. Hehehe!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

338/365

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas!

Being in this company is truly a blessing. And receiving this annual stash of Yuletide goodies is just icing on the cake. You bet, I love being here!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

THE LAST HURRAH

My office buddies and I have made a pact. We have set our sights on one final run this year, mainly because it celebrates who we really are...THE CELEBRITY RUN!

Wahahaha, kamusta naman ang confidence level ko davaaa?!?!

Hope to see you guys at the 20th!!!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

337/365

Merry Krispy Kreme-Mas!

It seems like every quarter KK launches interesting lines of donuts to celebrate special holidays or events. And of course, on the merry month of December, our favorite donut factory did not disappoint!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

MAVER'S MEXICAN

When I was younger, I used to marvel at how my own maver seemed like a bottomless pit of energy and patience when it came to my school projects. Be it be a sewing sampler, a crafts assignment or any other artwork, we could always count on our Mom to see each project through.

I realized later on, that every woman actually had a mommy gene just waiting to break free. This gene, discipline, project management prowess, or whatever term you may choose to call it, comes naturally with maver territory.

So, one fateful October, the day before my son's United Nations celebration, the inevitable happened. Break out, my mommy gene did...Hindi na masama, diba? :D

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

336/365

'Tis the Season

...For parties!!! And I attended my very first for the month today. The night was actually a medley of work and play--work, as it involved coverage of a company event; and play because I was witness to great Pinoy talents like Lea Salonga and Ogie Alcasid all in one (free) sitting. This was a snapshot of one of the many grand chandeliers at Makati Shangri-La. Here's to more merrymaking to come!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

THE FAMILY THAT RUNS TOGETHER...

...Gets lost together. Hehehe!!!

Last Sunday, our family finally pushed through with our first run. The New Balance Power Run, which was originally slated for September 27th (coinciding with Haligilet's 5th Birthday), was postponed to November 29th due to Typhoon Ondoy.

The two-month reprieve afforded us time to train (naks, do a total of three morning runs count???) and should've given us the opportunity to review the revised 5K route--NOT! Yes, due to sheer lack of foresight, we never bothered to check out the Power Run site again.

Lucky for Haligi, who was able to run with the pack, he got the race route right. Things weren't too good for me and the Haligilet, however. With only my old race map to guide us, we came in last, clocking in a miserable 1:22:33. But that came as no surprise because we ended up probably running a "hilaw" 10k (around 8k siguro). The red arrows trace the extra meters the Haligilet and I ran / jogged / walked / skipped / crawled through. You be the judge...

Anyhoo, it made our first run truly memorable. It was also a test of my maverhood patience and imagination, as I wracked my brains hard, just so I could keep my son distracted from our long and WINDANG route. He was well-behaved too, considering the circumstances--only requesting to be carried a fourth of the way (well, that was after I told him that Santa would only bring gifts to those who run in the marathon, hehehe!). Here's my tired, weary and thirsty little boy right after our run....

Oo na. Isa akong masamang ina. Hikbi!

But even if things went awry that fateful Sunday, I can shout with conviction that WE DID IT! It's true what they say--Pain is temporary. Pride is permanent!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

335/365

Someone's Having Salmon

And that someone is me! Consistent Conti's rocks! :D

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

FROM NAUGHTY TO NICE

Thanks to my recent reward board acquisition, my quest for deep wrinkle treatment has now been put on hold. You see, disciplining the Haligilet, as of late, has really been a breeze. Last week, for a set goal of 16 stars, the Haligilet aimed for pizza. And since he has been really good the past week, pizza it is...
I've got one happy (and submissive) puppy indeed. But you gotta hand it to him, he really has been good!EKS-OH-EKS-OH

YOU WIN SOME, AND YOU SHOE SOME

Twelve days from now, the Haligi and I will be celebrating six years of togetherness. Our anniversary also marks a decade of gift giving (we culminated our first date on December 12, 1999). Do note too, that it has been ten years of "prosperity" and "productivity" as far as shoes and bags are concerned. :P

This year, the Haligi did not disappoint. And while it may not be a pair of coveted Stuart Weitzmans, my new shoes still tickle me pink, especially since they came from my better (or worse) half. Hehehe!

The new pair, which came two weeks before our actual anniversary, also confirmed that all is not lost between me and good ole Crocs. Hehe.EKS-OH-EKS-OH