A Girl’s Notebook :)

It’s a good thing that we have technology to use to keeping close to our love ones overseas. Few days ago, ney was able to use one of his colleagues portable. Ney is one of those “pre-schoolers” when it comes to the use of computers and the technology around it. His co-worker taught him how to use yahoo messenger and how to use the webcam. He was so excited about it and he called me first to tell me that he will be online.

I setup my webcam and waited until ney is online. You bet, ney and I chatted for almost 5 hours! I am so happy to see ney. I believe she is happy to see me as well and our daughter Antoinette. He also said hello to my mother and my sister Pau. He said that he will buy his own laptop when he transferred to middle east. He is lucky to be employed at an international company. His immediate superior told him the other day that he will be transferred in the middle east for his knowledge will be used and utilize more in there. From snow to sand. Well, as long as he is okay and safe, then it is fine with me. Besides, he told me that gadgets and appliances are cheaper there because there is no tax. He also learned from his father that during Ramadan, items would really go on Sale. That’s a good side of his transfer!

I am just happy that he was able to learn to use the technology we have today. We may be miles and miles away from each other but the tools we have today made it easy for us to keep in touch and stay close to each other!

Ciao!

I have always loved Chinese food. When, ney was here, we would always go to Binondo to eat some Chinese food. When we’re at the mall, aside from the Jollibee, KFC and McDonald, we always love to it at Chowking. Chowking has a lot of food to offer. But in spite of the food choices, I believe that the quality and the cleanliness of food should matters.

Chowking like other food chains, have different branches in the Philippines. Different branches, have their own manager and people who maintains the quality of food they serve and the customer service they offer to the customers.

In this article I do not want brand bash, Chowking. But I would want to get the owners attention, that whether a certain branch is just a franchise or a company run, the store still holds the name, Chowking.

About two weeks ago, Ate Ness told me her story about her Chowking experience. Like me one of her favorite food shops is Chowking. She was very disappointed when she and her brother Renee, dined at Chowking in Hidalgo St. in Quiapo Manila. She said that they ordered for a noodle soup and was dismayed when she found cockroach eggs from her food. Eewwww!!! She was served with another one, but she didn’t take it anymore. She was not sure, whether the staff took the cockroach eggs only but it was still the same soup.

Another bad experience she had with Chowking was in their branch in SM Taytay. She said that the staff served them with soft drinks with floating fly.

I had my own bad experience with Chowking. This happened in Chowking Eastwood City branch. I ordered for my favorite soup noodles. I was eating with my colleague Judy. When the food was served, I found a fly hidden within the noodles. I called one of the waiters’ attentions and showed them what I found. The store manager went to us and apologized for what happened. My food was replaced and to my dismay, I found a small fly floating near the soup’s veggie. My friend got up and went to the store’s kitchen. She asked them to show her how to prepare the noodles they serve. Finally, I was able to eat a good one.

Well, I believe that not all Chowking branches are like the ones I have mentioned. In fairness to Chowking, so far, their branch at Robinson’s Galleria in Ortigas is the best branch I have dined in.

My intention in this post is to call the attention of the big bosses of the store managers of Chowking in Hidalgo in Quiapo, in SM Taytay and in Eastwood City. Not all people will understand that incidents like these, happened in certain Chowking branch only. Not all people who would know about these things, may not stereotype Chowking.

I still love to eat at Chowking that’s why I believe that certain actions are needed to address these things.

Ciao!

It’s been a while since I tell you stories about life and family. Sorry about that. I got sick last week and I really find it difficult to work then. Well, to start with, I have good news for those kitten-lovers out there. Our baby Tika is now a mother of 3 beautiful kittens. :) I knew that Tika went through a difficult labor. She first gave birth to an orange kitten which we named Chi-chi junior. I have witnessed her pain and stress while in labor. We thought that we would bring her to the vet, but then I realized that God will help her go through the whole process of giving birth. I thought of those cats and dog on the street which were able to give birth without human intervention. I prayed during her labor pains and I also massage her tummy. I witnessed when she gave birth to her second kitten, which we named Tiki.

Tika with second kitten, Tiki

Maybe, she already learned how to breath and pushed her kitten away from her tummy after the second kitten. For few minutes later, the third and the last kitten was born. We named her Miyette.

I needed to touch and carry the newly born kittens in a safe place, because their mummy Tika tends to lay on them. It’s a good thing we put the box near the sinks where I was able to wash my hands right away.

Tika feeding her kittens. (L-R) Chichi Junior, Miyette and Tiki

We gave Tika a pat on her back for a job well done. The kittens are 4 days now and Tika is a very protective mother. Tika didn’t grow up with her mother. We adopted her when she was about 2 weeks old. I am really amazed on how God created and designed each and everyone of us.

Ciao!

The world allots every third Sunday of June to remember and to celebrate the day of the first man in our lives, our father.

The last time that I was greeted and kissed my own father on this special day was the Father’s Day in 2006. He died of lymphoma in January of 2007. Since then, I just greet him in prayers, in my mind and in my heart. He may not be physically present by I know that he is watching us from above.

Papa may not be the perfect father in the world, but he was a loving and sweet father. The pain that I felt because of his lost has been healed though, but he is always missed and loved.

If you can still hug and kiss your father, do it now. Greet them Happy Father’s Day. It is not bad to show your affection and make them feel love. I understand that not all fathers are showy about their love for you. You might even get rejections when you greet them, but do not feel bad about your fathers when they do not show affection. Deep inside them, they would really be happy if you remember them on their day!

Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers in the world!

Happy Father’s Day to our Father up above; to my papa and to the father to the sweetest girl in my life.

Ciao!

Last weekend, we had a Harry Potter movie marathon. I was in my fourth year in high school when the Harry Potter mania boomed like a star. To be honest, I wasn’t interested about it then. Everybody was going crazy buying the books, part after part.

I admit that I am kinda “late bloomer” with Harry Potter. I have not read any of the books yet but I have seen the movies. And I loved it! Actually we all love it. Even my 4-year old daughter is interested about it. She wasn’t able to understand it well yet but she knows how the story flows. She knows who Harry Potter is and his friends. Her favorite Harry Potter spell is Wingardium Leviosa! It is a levitation charm and she is fond of pointing her pencil at us while casting that spell!

Daniel Radcliffe

My youngest sister Pauline is actually saving money so she can buy the complete hard bound series of Harry Potter. She wanted the set in a chest box. We saw one online and it cost around PhP 8500. She said that it will be her gift to herself when she graduates in college. She’s in 3rd year college now, and she has this strong will to get that set.

Harry Potter Books

I am really curious about what have become of Harry Potter now. I have seen Robert Pattinson in The Goblet of Fire and he is now the famous, Edward of Twilight. We thought that Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince would be the last to film in the Harry Potter Books. But, November 19, 2010 is the US and UK release of the movie Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 while Part 2 would be released in 2011.

Daniel Radcliffe who is widely known as Harry Potter is currently filming the part 2 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. He is currently filming some parts of The Journey is the Destination movie which will be released in 2011, too.

For those who can afford and for those who are an avid fan of Harry Potter books and movies, then I believe that you would definitely find your way to visit Universal’s new theme park called “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” in Orlando, Florida.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

I hope that one day we would be able to visit and explore the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

Ciao!

On her second day at school, she brought home 3 stars on her palm. We asked her how she got the stars and she told us that when the teacher asked something, she raised her hand to answer. She said that she was able to answer the teacher’s question.

We told her that we are so proud of her. We called her daddy and she told him about her school and the stars she got. Ney was happy to hear that his baby is doing good and enjoying school. Ney told me to do some ab workouts so I would be able to get my own stars from him. Hehehe!

Since Antoinette has three names in her first name, we asked the school teacher that she would be using Antoinette only. When she steps on to preparatory level, then she would add her second name, Ylea. When she enrolls in grade one, then she would be able to write her first full name.

My mother hated me so much for giving her such a long name. I told my mother that it was my dream to have my baby a long name. Oh she really hates me about it!

Well, I believe that my daughter will learn to write her full name. I know that we should be patient as well, as we guide her through her first school year.

Ciao!

Last Wednesday was my daughter’s first day of school. We were all excited about this. My sister Patty filed a leave from her work so she can take video and pictures of Antoinette’s first day in school. Sending a child to school is a milestone for me as a parent. Stepping her feet on the school ground for the first time is a milestone for my daughter.

I left work earlier than usual because I wanted to send Nonet to school on her first day. I was joined by my mother and my sister. She left the house in Sunday dress because she doesn’t have any school uniform yet. When we arrived in her school, there were already students and parents. We saw the shock in her face but we told her that it is going to be fine. Most of the students are wearing school uniforms already. I went ahead to the school office and asked if a uniform is available already. Her uniform size is available so I got one for her. We changed her clothes from Sunday dress to school uniform and I know that she felt more confident this time.

Since it is not regular classes yet, the school time is shortened. We decided to wait for her in the school’s waiting area. I chose, Our Lady of the Rosary Learning Center because the tuition fee is reasonable and most of all, I personally know the teachers and the owner of the school. Since this is Antoinette’s first school experience, I wanted to make sure that it will be a good experience.

An hour passed so fast and their teacher guided their way out of the room. She played with her new found friends and enjoyed the slide in the school ground. I see the happiness in her face and I know that she will be enjoying school.

God bless her.

Ciao!

I recently purchased a videoke CD of Disney’s famous movies. Since the songs are from Disney’s greatest movies, the background in each song is a Disneyland. It showcases the different rides and sceneries that the theme park has to offer. It shows the different castles of our all time favorite princesses!

I believe that like me, every woman has dreamt of being a Princess in their childhood. Like me most of us girls have dreamt of visiting Disneyland one day. Disneyland in the US may seem very far to visit. But, who knows we might be able to take advantage Orlando vacation packages and visit Mickey and Minnie mouse in their grand castle!

One day soon…

Ciao!

Today is a national holiday in the Philippines to commemorate the 112th year Independence Day. The Independence Day was on June 12 which was last Saturday. The holiday has been moved on a Monday for a long a weekend. We are lucky to be born in this generation for we are already enjoying the sweet taste of freedom.

But in spite of what we have today, let us always remember the bravery shown by our heroes to achieve our freedom. Let us join hands in keeping the liberty that we inherit from out fore fathers.

Happy Independence my fellow Filipinos! Mabuhay!

Ciao!

Yesterday was my paternal grandmother, Lola Ading’s first death year anniversary. Due to financial matters, we decided not to go to Quezon. It’s a good thing we have a credit card to turn to, to buy food for the occasion. My Aunt Evelyn and sister Patty went there instead to join our other relatives for my lola’s babang luksa. It’s been a year since we bid goodbye and gave our last respect to our lola.

My sister, my other 2 aunts and my cousins went to the cemetery to offer flowers and flowers for my lola. They also prayed for the souls of my departed lolo Tikot and my uncles, Rudy and Serafin. My father’s body which lain in one of the cemetery in Pasig is the one that’s missing from the family. Well, we are still thinking if papa’s remains would be transferred to Quezon in 2012.

My lola Ading was one of the reason’s why I love going to Quezon. She’s been a very caring and loving lola. We would truly miss her.

Tisha, Tita Jocelyn with Nicole, Tita Lyn with Ikay and Tabibe

God bless her soul.

Ciao!

I was having lunch at our cafeteria last Friday when my eyes were caught by an advertisement printed on a cardboard which sticked on the table. We have always known the phrase, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away. But that would be the first time I have read about bananas keeping doctors away.

It’s a very informative ad that I wanted to share with you.

FOOD for THOUGHT on BANANAS

Brain Power – Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert. (200 students were sampled and eating a banana during every meal helped them boost their brain power).

Blood Pressure – High in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure.

Constipation – High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without restoring to laxatives.

Ulcers – The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Depression – Bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

Hangovers – One quick way of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Morning Sickness – Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Smoking and Tobacco Use – Bananas can help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Strokes – According to research in the The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Stress – Potassium, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body’s water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

(Source: Villa Socorro Farm; A study from a Physiological Professor from City of New York).

Ciao!

I was amazed how President Elect Noynoy Aquino answers to the questions, asked by the press people during the press conference after his proclamation. I am happy that I was able to cast my vote last national election. One of the question asked yesterday was, what will be the plans of president-elect Aquino for the overseas workers. He mentioned that the different offices such as OWWA(Overseas Wokers Welfare Administration) and POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Agency) will be coordinated to protect the welfare of the Filipinos abroad. But, he said that his priority is to create more jobs in the Philippines. So that working abroad will only be a choice but not a necessity. Wow! What a president! The late president Corazon Aquino and Senator Ninoy Aquino would have been very proud on their only son.

He is very honest and realistic to say that creating jobs for the Filipino people may take time to fulfill. But what is important is that his visions and his aim that many Filipinos may not need to leave their families to work overseas.

With his vision, I believe that in the coming years, as job offerings grow into numbers, we would be seeing more buildings around, steel buildings, perhaps.

When President-elect Noynoy Aquino’s term is over, my daughter will be in grade 6 then. I believe that she will be happy and proud that her mother has chosen a president like Noynoy.

Ciao!