My Dream Bedroom

http://www.inoreka.com/green-bedroom-designs

A cozy, minimalist style, light green colored bedroom is what's on my mind right now...

Basil, Oregano, Rosemary, Anyone?

Time to spice up your food! A little of these spices can make all the difference in your recipe. Read the back label though before sprinkling!

I love to put these three dried spices on my pasta. I assure, it would taste great, if not better!

Stiletto Must Have!

"Ako ng bahala sa red stiletto mo!" Sounds familiar? Yeah, of course. Who have not heard that line from the movie "No other woman"? But I don't have one. What I have is a GIBI gold and transparent, 3-inch sandals.

I love this brand. It's durable and stylish. I can wear and pair it with any kinds of clothes.

But the thing is, I'm not used to wearing high heeled shoes (hahaha).

A time to give and to receive...and the weather

Did you receive any gifts last Christmas eve? Well, I got some. My two sisters abroad sent me some de latas, cookies, choco spread and some cash (whew!) and I spent my Christmas vacation at home (only two days, sigh!). But it was worth it anyway.

I know most of us, want to spend this holiday season with our family and loved one. For those working abroad, sending balikbayan boxes is their way of showing their love and care. How about those who received the boxes? Of course, not forgetting to say "Thank you" is the best, and sending them holiday cards too!

But what I like most during this season? Gift-receiving part? Nope. It's the weather. It's cold. I could hardly wake up and shower. Especially now that I'm working in the graveyard shift. It's freezing in the shower man (lol)!

The one that got away...

I was 14 when I met this guy,
He's taller than any other guy,
Wearing thick eyeglasses, can't seem to see his eyes.

When he stares at me,
My heart beats faster,
Dancing like a roller coaster.

During the prom we danced,
In that moment, I felt my world stopped,
Don't ever wanna wake up.

And I will remember all that,
That's how you will stay,
The one that got away.

Seriously? Here's Serious Mass

Are you serious of making your body muscles big? Really? Why?

Well, I admire those men, who go to the gym everyday and work their body to gain muscles at the right places. Isn't that sexy? This is no kidding. It really is a hard work. But once achieved, men gain not just muscles and sexy bod, it adds up confidence too!

And most of the time, it gets on their head and flaunt it. That's why there are a lot more half naked men in the beach than women (especially here in our country). Women, on the other hand spend less time in the gym. Why? Lots of reasons why. Well, if you're not an actress or a model, you are not likely too conscious of your bod. And if already married, life is more busier because of the kids and work. For the single ladies, fad dieting is preferred.

Oh well, whatever your lifestyle is, keeping your body healthy is the most precious gift you can give yourself and to your loved one.

By the way, I highly recommend this protein drink because of its high protein content and my boyfriend is a fan.

Product Review: St Ives Moisturizing Olive Cleanser

I'm really a fan of St. Ives products. Now here's a new cleanser that I bought from Watson two weeks ago. What caught my attention is the olive content. Olive is known for its health benefits. So, I expected that this product will really moisturize my skin and not leave it dry.

After two weeks, this product did not disappoint me. I could feel the softness of my skin and I don't even need to apply a moisturizer.

So, I'd say, two thumbs up for this product!

Recipe Experiment 101: Spicy Sirloin Steak

It was a lazy Sunday morning and I don't feel like getting up early, but I'm already starving.

I went downstairs to find my boyfriend in the kitchen pounding pieces of sirloin, I offered some help. As I watched him put all the seasoning, which I'm not even sure what are those, made me more hungrier. Then he started frying the onions, garlic, ginger and siling labuyo. He asked me to get the butter from the ref, as he is busy flipping the spices on the pan. And in less than ten minutes, our brunch is ready.

I don't know, but just after eating a piece of the beef, I said "YUM". Really, it's YUM! I told him, I'll offer some to Mikes, our housemate and we'll see what he will say about our new recipe. Finally, when Mikes went downstairs and ate his lunch, he exclaimed, "PANALO".

So, want to know our secret recipe?

Stand while you wait in line, only at BDO

We hurriedly entered the BDO bank in MOA last Saturday, December 17, around 1pm to send money. I was ushered by the guards inside to get in line. I was the last in line. My feet aches and about to pee. The number of clients lining up is growing like you are ordering meals in Jollibee or McDo.

My feet was really aching wanting to take a seat. My mind was focused in the nearby black leather cushion, dreaming it was me who is seated while I wait in line. Then somebody pat me on the back, 'hey, miss move up'. Alright, thank you for waking me up!

Now, what's my point here exactly? Poor service? Nah! Come on, BDO is the fastest growing bank in our country now. BDO's everywhere. Meaning. they have millions of clients. Then why chairs aren't around? Seriously, how much does a monoblock chair costs? 250 pesos? Tell you what, I've been to a BPI bank along NAIA road, and seats were offered while I waited in line. I mean, it would be great if BDO would do the same, right? Especially in SM MOA where millions shop everyday.

Hatag ug Wish (Make a Wish). It's Misa de Gallo!

It was 4am when I turned off my alarm clock. December 16, it's the start of "misa de gallo". These 9-day midnight mass has been a custom for us Pinoys and to other countries. But what's really with this mass that many of us sacrifice to wake up as early as 3am to go to the nearest church.

Was it just a hearsay that, if you completed the 9-day midnight mass, your wish will come true? That's great! Right? So, I should make a wish now (in Bisaya, "hatag ug wish").

Back in December 2009, it was my first time to complete this 9-day midnight mass. Honestly, I did not make any wish. I just tried if I can make it to the 9th day and amazingly I did. I couldn't believed it myself actually. Because I'm not even a regular Sunday church goer or do I pray regularly or even read the Bible. During the 9-day mass, I just pray for "happiness" for my family, friends, and to my self. Amazingly true, on 2010, more happiness came to my family, friends and of course to me!

Now, I'm back hearing mass at 4:15 in the cold morning. Praying for more happiness again! Because I believe that if you ask, it will be given to you; if you seek, you will find and if you knock, it will be opened to you (Mathew 7:7).

Relationship Advice 1004: Chemistry vs. Compatibility

Sometimes, I can't explain why, when he'd put his arm around me, it just worked. And when we finally kissed, I couldn't believe how right it felt. Is that chemistry? How about compatibility? Likes and dislikes?

This a very broad topic, I think. But hey, I just wanna share my opinions based on my own experiences.

They say opposites attract. Really? At first maybe, you'll experience the excitement of having a partner whose ideas and hobbies are different from yours. But how long will the excitement lasts? Two months, three months?  How about having a partner who has the same ideas and qualities as you? IMO, I find that boring enough and I honestly won't stay in a relationship with someone so identical to me. No challenge!

You know what? They say find someone who is your complement. Someone who has the qualities you don't have, but admire. I agree on that. Because qualities makes a person. Well, my current boyfriend can keep a conversation going, his views and opinions on anything are so vast, his sense of humor and his level of intellect, aside from his being generous, forgiving, compassionate and a great cook are all keeping me interested. Of course, we have differences. But we were able to sort it out.

But then again, the success of any relationship do not depend solely in chemistry and compatibility. It is how two people involved would work it out.

Company Xmas Party: Hyped?

December 10, 2011, Saturday. SMX, MOA. SPI Global's venue for our Christmas party! The Theme? 2011 Infinity Awards!


I like the theme. It means endless awards and prizes for us employees. Good reason enough not to miss the party, right? I might be one of the lucky employee who will win the grand prize (whew)! That euphoric feeling of winning something was great enough to stimulate my senses to get ready for the party. The last time I won was about a decade ago, a 500-peso gift certificate (hahaha! Well, I really felt so lucky that night, maybe a lucky charm was with me that time c",).

But this isn't just the price, it's the winning feeling, the prestige. It feels great to win, small or big.

Party started at 6pm. Hundreds of employees are already lining up at the Photo booth to have their pictures taken and printed. And so did I (aside from it's free, another keepsake to keep). Anyway, I'm not that hungry yet so I patiently waited in line in the photo capturing machine that was set up, with a back drop of the party's theme. After an hour, it was my turn. Voila! I didn't like much my center photo, and the other 3 photos in the side are too small. Damn! Anyway, it was fun.

So as the party goes, and the boring emcee continued to host the party, my friends and I are busy taking photos everywhere. Taking photos is much more enjoyable than just sitting on those white cloth covered monoblock chairs listening to the again, boring emcee.

People watching is also enjoyable at this time as you will see how your co-employees dress up. Well, there a lot who really made an effort to look their best (Am I one of them? hehe), but others are just plain and simple, and the worst that I've seen, those wearing dress that really made them not just old, but crappy! (Please don't get me wrong if I'd say this). Hey, contact me if you want to consult a fashion guru. I know one!

To make this story short, I did not win any prize. But, that didn't make me feel sad or happy either. The best part of attending this event, is being with my friends, chatting and enjoying the picture taking moments, then uploading it to the now number one social networking site!

Photography, my hobby. What's yours?

Aside from reading novels and self-help books, writing poems and blogs, facebooking, drop-dead internet browsing, and window shopping (or mall touring according to my boyfriend!), I engage myself in photography. Though, I'm not yet a pro, not yet...

Sometimes, I go to different places alone to explore, and capture it's beauty. These are also the times, that I could get in touch with my inner self, soul-searching and at the same time, allowing myself to be spontaneous and creative. There maybe a lot of rules in photography, but sometimes breaking them could result to a more dramatic photos. A photo with a story, with a soul. Of course, I let my photos be criticized, so I could improve more on my next shots. My boyfriend is my number one critic, and I take it whether positive or negative, 'coz it really helps.

How about you? How do you spend your leisure time or alone time?

Relationship Advice 1003: How's your relationship?

I have been thinking to write on this topic for so long now. But my ideas before doesn't seem logical enough, until I have experienced it.

Now, I want to write on this topic based on my own experiences, observations, continuous reading and research on my own.

When I was young (yeah, I'm older now and loving it), I have this belief that compatibility is not an issue to have a harmonious relationship. I was lure into thinking that love is all that matters, those butterflies in your chest every time you are with your partner, sweaty palms when he smiles at you, as exactly seen and portrayed in the movies. How hypothetically movies are created sometimes! Though, it felt really good to experience all that, because not everyone has gone through that during their teenage life.

When you're young, you are carefree, fun-loving, free-spirited and your way of thinking about relationships is still too shallow. It's like, if it's meant to be, then it's going to be just fine and end up happily ever after. I was wrong.

Now that I'm older, my views about relationship has dramatically changed. I admit, I have failed in the past, but it had taught me lessons in my life that made me more wiser, if not better. It had taught me to be more kinder, to take everything slowly, no rush. After all, it's your happiness that's at stake.

So let me share these to you. First, a relationship will work if both are willing to work on it.  Communication is the key. Those annoying habits that your partner has. Instead of acting on it negatively, take it on a positive way. You think, this is a hard thing to do? No, it's not really. Learn to communicate it with your partner in a more loving way.


Second, attitude! Got one? No one can change us. That's a fact. They can only motivate us, inspire us. And it's up to you if you want to change yourself. Finding the right partner, without the right attitude is not easy. It can be stressful. So, who you truly are will show up if you are not compatible with your partner. Kindness is one of the key.


Third, stop reading and believing in those horoscopes and paying your fortune tellers to tell you who you are most compatible with. Before I was a fan of this Horoscope comics and websites that sometimes, my time is consumed in researching instead of getting to know my partner more. Compatibility is a big issue in a relationship, but is not measured by the astrological stars you are born with. Those are simply guidelines for general patronage. Not for individual. Also, stop believing that you just have not met your one true love yet. Maybe you did, but you have ushered him/her away because of this damn horoscopes! (Imagine,  6 billion people?) Still want to follow it? Up to you, but I won't. Unless, you want to end up not experiencing what "Love" truly is.  Come on, take a risk in love and get to know yourself in your own way and through your partner. It's still the best way to experience love and life itself! Taking risk is the key.

Lastly, to maintain a harmonious and loving relationship, respect and trust each other. Continue and never get tired doing small/big things, little surprises, saying those magic words "i love u" and believing on it, continue fighting for it, when you know in your heart, if it's worth it.

So, these are what experiences have taught me, and everyday is a continuous process of learning about love, about life, about my partner, and about myself.

Product Review: Burberry, The Beat

It was a gift from my dear sister who is based in London. I don't wear perfume daily. Just the smell of my St. Ives body wash and that very distinct smell of my blue Cream Silk conditioner are enough to get by my day and of course my apple-scent lotion from Bath and Body works.

But it has changed when I got this perfume. It has a rich scent that is womanly. Not so strong, not so subtle either. You can wear it by day and to evening parties. The scent lasts long, so it's economical. Yeah, these days expensive buys should be used in moderation.

I don't buy expensive perfumes, so I would definitely love to have another perfume as a gift. =)

My Bohol Adventure

It was January 12, 2010, our next stop, Panglao, Bohol.

The weather is gloomy and a little rainfall while we tour the island.

The island is very peaceful. The water is so calm as I watch the sun rises in the early morning of January 13th.. The Boholanos are so warm. They even helped me when I got stung by a black sea urchin while swimming. I was in panic that I didn't go back in the water because my left foot felt numbed (Sigh).

Good thing, I have my DSLR camera, I still enjoyed the view while photographing myself with the help of my tripod!

One and a half day of stay was not enough to tour and explore the island. Wish I could go back to this beautiful place one of these days... c",)

Oh by the way, my boyfriend is a Boholano! =)

Product Review: Celeteque Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15

Are you one of those who loves to pamper your skin and get moisturized (like me!) or just one of those who just don't care and too lazy to put some?

Well, this moisturizer is water-based and is good for oily skin and combination type.

I use this in the morning after my bath and in the evening before I sleep. It leaves no residue in the skin and I don't get breakouts.

Not too expensive either. Been using this for less than a year now and so far, I'm quite satisfied.

But my thirst in searching for the best moisturizer doesn't stop here...

My Boracay Adventure

It was January 9, 2010 when I first rode a plane! (and also my boyfriend's birthday!) It was scary actually! All those plane accidents that I've seen on tv keep flashing in my mind! hahaha. Anyway, our first stop, Kalibu, Aklan.

While I was carrying my luggage going through the beach house that we rented for two days stay in the beach, I was awed by the great view right infront of me. The clear beach water reflecting the blue sky is totally refreshing. It makes me want to jump into the water even with my jeans still on! Exaggerating? No, I'm not! (See that picture of mine?)

Boracay beach is one of the country's best beaches and most visited by foreigners all over the world.

Our two nights and two days stay in the resort was wonderful and unforgettable. I would like to visit the place again, once I have the chance, and of course, money! Although, it's not that expensive, still need to save some.

Increasing AIDS cases in the Philippines: Who's to blame?

Why is it increasing? Uneducated? or simply promiscuous? Imagine, if your son or daughter got infected with the virus? How would you feel and react as a parent? Sex education should start at home and not from anyone else. Hard to think that most of the Filipino families are conservative, but outside their homes, they're very outspoken and liberated. The increasing homosexuals in our society is alarming, but they are not to be blamed either. How about the advertisements? The drug dealers? and our government's lack of fund in controlling the spread of this incurable disease?


Come on guys, let's not blame anyone for this! Start educating yourself! and help STOP in spreading it!

Read more at http://ph.news.yahoo.com/philippines-struggles-aids-203739631.html

The Beauty Department: Your Daily Dose of Pretty. - about us

The Beauty Department: Your Daily Dose of Pretty. - about us

Product Review: Diana Stalder Whitening Cream

As I've said in my previous blog, I really go gaga over whitening cream products in the market and I regulary visit my facial salon for facials. At least once or twice a month. A way to pamper myself!

And this product is my favorite! It doesn't cause any breakouts or oiliness. It does really whiten your face in just a few weeks. Any blemishes will fade like pimple marks and scratches on your face. Except freckles! Yes, I have freckles on my face, but I'm loving it...