Yey, I'm almost done with the tasks assigned to me. I was on leave yesterday because I was supposed to be in Dumaguete enjoying the summer heat of Pinas. But I had to cancel the trip :( So anyway, while I was at home, I was busy cooking meals for 2 days to make up for those nights that i've been busy, coming homing very late and didn't manage to prepare meals for us. Luckily, our cousin took the initiative to do the job. Thanks Jao!

My days in SG is getting shorter and shorter. I wish I could bond more with bro and friends. I wish I could visit places I've never been in SG and in KL if possible. I wish I could eat local foods more often esp chicken rice, laksa, prawn mee, and prata. I wish it will all happen.... 

Though I wasn't and still not quite busy, I didn't want to revisit this page hehe. I thought of not blogging anymore and instead focus on photography. But because there were new things happening in my life, I feel that I have to journal it here. Even though I know, I'm the only one reading this hehe.

#1 - Someone told me he loves me...happy? not really...flatterred?? well somehow. Anyway, he's the guy I've talked about. I was avoiding him for a couple of months but his persistence moved me to give him a chance. So we continued talking on the phone and ym. Myself knew that i'm not expecting something deeper than friendship because a boy-girl relationship is not my priority now. (well, yeah, sometimes i longed for someone.) What i'm doing now is trying to ignore his calls...i'm hoping to get some strength to tell him what's inside of me before I pick that phone.

#2 - Waiting is over...i will be leaving SG permanently. In a few months, I'll be packing my things and settle to somewhere north. I'm not a nomads anymore. I believe that it will be my last destination. I'll still travel and visit other places, that's part of my life...but 'will always come back to my new place - my new home. AND THIS IS MY PRIORITY RIGHT NOW :)

#3 - Been visiting every corner of Singapore for the last time. Beside being a food addict, I enjoy strolling and taking photos with friends. 
 

Congratulations Josh & Pheb for passing the Nursing Board Exam! We're all proud of you guys =)

http://www.gmanews.tv/examresults/list/35/complete-list-of-nurses-for-2009/surnamem

Whew! Time really flies.February is almost over and we're on the last month of the first quarter. As always, I am very occupied with things and again, I had no time to blog. Well, right now I can afford to relax a bit for i've finished the tasks . *Petiks mode*

Aside from work, I had to fly every other week to Manila and no, it's not for pleasure. I've been going there back and forth to arrange something important, something that will define my future. Amen to that. 

And well, despite the busyness, someone was able to push his way to talk to me. We were getting to know each other ...although I ended it shortly . He was nice but there was no magic. My decision was quite suprising! Ending it sooner was I guess the best thing to do. I've thought this very hard and prayed for it too. I know I've been wanting to have someone to spend my life with (sometimes my patience pushes to its limit) and given the chance, I could have someone. Err logically, he fits on my list. And me being "mind over heart" person, I failed once again to follow my mind. I basically chose my heart since there wasn't any feeling nor excitement when you call me every day considering that it was a long distance (superr haba na dapat ng hair ko). I'm really sorry but my heart belongs to someone else. He may not know it yet but hopefully God will tell him. No, I can't take the risk this time. I've decided to be careful and wait coz to me falling in love is not hard but getting up isn't. 

Let this be your prayer to begin your day...

My Father, I come into Your presence, even as I begin my day. I come to find WISDOM so that today I will not make foolish mistakes, so that I will know when to speak and when to refrain from action.

I come to find PEACE, so that nothing may worry me or upset me today.

I come to find COURAGE, to be patient, not to give up hope, to accept disappointment knowing You will turn all things for my good.

I have come to find LOVE, so that nothing makes me bitter unforgiving and unkind.

I have come to begin this DAY with You and I desire to continue this day with You so that it will be a day with nothing to regret.

Father You are my Provider and I know that You will provide my day's needs.

Father You are my Protector keep me this day free from all attacks from powers of darkness, cover me with precious Blood of Your Son Jesus and surround me with Your angels. I make this prayer in Jesus' name. AMEN. 

~*~*~*~*

Everyday, before I start my work, I pray this prayer. It has been more than a week and my life was way better. My work life has been more relaxing. I can put aside my worries, knowing that trials will come to pass. Definitely, at the end of day, it makes me feel good. Try it, allow God to come in your heart. Listen to what He says. Trust everything to Him. And be thankful for a new day He has given =)

Yesterday, I've committed myself to make Sunday as my rest day. Rest day says no to workout, sweeping of floors, laundry and ironing of clothes. I'm only allowing myself to attend mass, buy grocery, watch tv series, organize photos, sleep, and eat. I can prepare a meal since I dont consider it as a task. I can also wash dishes just to have a fair share of household chores. Other than that, some tasks must be put on hold.

This decision was a result of the fact that no one gets younger everyday and so I have to really take good care of my body. Even God rested on the seventh day so might as well take my day-off seriously. In this world, not everyone are blessed to have a free time during Sunday. Some of my friends work on Sundays even Public Holidays so while I have been blessed with this rare opportunity, I should really enjoy the pleasure of it...Why don't you try it? Monday will never be the same again =)

Yesterday, my sibling and I had dinner at Waraku. I was lazy to cook for New Year's Eve and our friends have their own plans so we went to Orchard instead. It was almost 10 when we arrived at Heeren. Going out that late was better than going early. We missed the long queue and didn't wait that long for our orders to arrive. Before that, I've googled the place to check for reviews of their food. I took the chance to try Cha Soba, Tonpei Yaki, Una Tama Don, Drayaki Ice Cream for dessert. Love the ice cream it was so good. I also like the Cha Soba, I've always been a fan of pasta - italian pasta - and this one gave a new taste on the usual pasta I eat.

     

Then after, we met up with Che and My at City Hall to watch the Fireworks at Marina. It was crowded as expected so we just stayed at Marina Square entrance near Starbucks. Our place wasn't that bad at all and I must say that the performance last night was better than last year. Here are some of the photos of the event.

      

     

The night wasn't very stressful. Actually I didn't plan staying up late as what I've told you from my previous post but they insisted we watch the fireworks. So there. It wasn't that long. Next, we stopped at Starbucks to have coffee and so as to avoid the crowd in mrt. We stayed there for an hour and catched the last train.

I still had the chance to do my reflections last night before going to bed. I've thanked God for all the blessings He had provided to my family. I was also able to talk to my mom. It was her birthday today and everyone is celebrating her day. I love you mudra!

Anyway, Happy New Year to everyone. I wish that love will rule the world. Let's make peace to everyone.

My stomach is in pain since morning, hmm is it because of the apple tea? I’ve recommended it to my sibling. It was a Dilmah’s brand, which tasted good from my previous experience, but the one we bought failed to meet our standard.

Christmas Celebration. Bro and I attended the mass at SPP. As usual, it was a certified blockbuster but we managed to get in front beside the belen and the electric fan. Nice! Except that the choir beside us didn’t sound like angels from heaven. Because they’re voice didn’t blend well and it was bad. Pardon, but the lady should have lowered her voice so that other voices can be heard. Anyway, there was a part in the mass that made my tears fell. It’s when the ambassador and her husband distributed gifts to our fellow sisters. Christmas is a season of gift-giving. It was a heartwarming experience because love was in the air, everyone were smiling with tears in their eyes. It feels good to be Pinoy, keber sa mga problema basta magkakasama.

PARTY @ D' HOUSE…we had potluck of chicken adobo, roasted chicken, pork ribs, dinakdakan, baked mac, pansit, cake, mini-pizza, ensemada, bakwa, Bacardi, sodas and beers. We ate in the living room while watching Sarah and John Lloyd’s flick. Kanya kanyang banat ng mga jokes. Kanya kanyang asaran. Kahit na first time lang magmeet nung iba, it felt like we have been friends for a long time. Stress free. Kahit iwan ko lang sila dun, hindi titigil ang dakdakan. All enjoyed the night.

NEXT MORNING. We were all still laughing. We were louder, good thing our neighbors didn't mind the noise at all. Our charged bodies went off around 4 am. Our friends left the house. After washing some dishes, I went to slumber. 'Woke up afternoon of Christmas day. I clean my room because it was very messy. Past 6, I went out to watch Twilight with bro. I like the movie. Kinilig ako eh!  Sana I’ll meet someone like Edward who loves Bella so much.

Photos...later.  

Rain is pouring overnight and nonstop giving me the feeling of winter in SG. I have once experienced white Christmas in China 3 years ago. But that’s not-so-merry to me so let’s forget about it. Anyway, it’s been my 4^th year celebrating Christmas away from home. Frankly, I’m getting used to it yet I still wish I can make it next year to be with my loved ones (which I already told last year sigh).  But because I just joined in my new company last month, I have no leaves to avail yet. Somehow, I'm thankful 'coz I have my sibling and cousin and some friends with me to celebrate Jesus’ birthday. Kampay later!

After the mass last night, I started slicing the garlic and onions. I wanted not to stress myself today so I made early preparations. I just wish everything will fall into place perfectly tonight and all we’ll be happy…joyful and cheerful. Kampay again! Haha.

Way back in Manila, we normally celebrate Christmas in the province. My family and I would go to Pangasinan after the 9th dawn mass to be reunited with our big clan. It’s the only time of year where we see each other so all really makes an effort to be there. It becomes more special when our relatives from other side of the earth come home. We are more and merrier. BTW, Papa Nelo and Mama Leoning are in Philippines right now. Jao will go home tomorrow.

During 24^th of December, my uncles and aunts would be very busy preparing food from lechon to pansit to ube and suman. But before midnight, we will have our pre-dinner which includes rice, papaitan, dinuguan, bangus, etc so imagine our bellies after =). Sadyang matakaw lang talaga ang mga Mercado. After dinner, some of us will attend Christmas mass. Others will continue cooking for Noche Buena. Sabi nga nila auntie, walang katapusang pagluluto.

By midnight, my cousins and I would grab the roasted and crunchy skin of the pig. Agawan. Although not served yet, but you’ll see that the pig is little by little getting naked. On the dot of Christmas, you won’t notice that he was actually roasted ‘coz there’s no skin left on his body. It all went down to our tummies. Watch out for cholesterol.
 

It’s the last day of Simbang Gabi tonight. Final stop is at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, our former parish when we were staying at Kembangan. Lord, thank you for the grace and for arranging my schedules. Completing the nine-day novena makes me feel good. I’ve heard Mama and Gibong haven’t missed it too. And Aldrin really had made an effort to complete it this year. Kudos bro!

We have a Year-End party today after office. I’ll be attending but will leave early for the mass. I saw our fridge, and drinks are there from sodas in cans, bottles of corona (wow), etc. I was introduced to corona when we were visiting a Filipino family in Ohio. Ate Malou mixed it with lemon and ice. Ang sarap! I never thought beer can taste that good. But I think I’ll pass this time. Hopefully, there’s some booze tomorrow =)

Speaking of tomorrow, I’ve decided to prepare the baked mac though time-pressured. Bahala na. Since there are other foods to be served, I can still bake it after the mass.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas…cheers for peace and love around the world! Mwah :*

Baked Mac. I’ve been figuring out since last night how will I manage to cook the baked mac on Wednesday. I still need to go to work half day. Afternoon is gonna be short, I think, because the Christmas Eve mass is at 7pm and for sure it's jam pack. Plus this is the final leg, can't miss it. So how? Either I cook other dish or keep on figuring out how. Sigh.

Busy Lad. For 2 days, I’ve been very very busy - bank transaction, gym workout, remittance, PSS certificate, Simbang Gabi, sleepover, household chores, facial, etc – that even my sleeping time was stretched 'til 3 am. My eye bags are becoming very obvious more than ever. Grrr…

Morning Disaster. I hate being late to work. But I was late for 10 minutes today! I woke up early even though I can stay for few minutes more because I’ve decided last night that I’ll skip breakfast at home to have more time to prepare for work and yet…when I left our house it was 5 before 8 already. I was wearing a new shoe. I tried to walk as fast as I could, tried to go down the stairs from 5^th floor as fast as I could but after 30 more steps on the ground I gave up and walked my way back to our house. Is it too big not to hold my feet? Anways, I realized if I keep on walking with those shoes I might have reached the office lunch time! Sigh.

Christmas Gift. I planned to bake food for the gods and give it to my friends instead of buying gifts. In times of this great depression and being away from the Philippines, I have to be more practical. Well, food seemed to fit in my budget and my friends wouldn't mind being my guinea pigs 'coz it'll be my first time to bake it. So I bought the ingredients yesterday but the baking will be done this weekend though. Post Christmas present it is.

Christmas Wish. During Christmas, I make list of wishes and offer it to God. But this time, I let go of other things to make room for a very special wish. A wish that I know every single person is hoping to have also. I wish to meet my better half next year. God knows what kind of man I’m looking but I’m open to what He has prepared for me because He knows what’s best.

Happy lunch!

God's grace is pouring. I haven't missed any Simbang Gabi. Since Monday, my workload was lighter as compared last week. My deadline has been extended 'til end of this year but luckily I completed the task last Tuesday. Thus, I can leave the office earlier than I used to and with no guilt-feeling because I know I have no deadlines to meet.

Normally, I associate simbang gabi with sacrifice, abstinence and fasting. Sort of Holy Week to me. Somehow, a very good preparation for the coming of Jesus. What are those things that I'm missing and new things i'm doing beyond my usual routine? Hmmm...

1. Missing workouts at the GYM.
2. Eating heavy meal during dinner because masses are followed with fellowship. Arrozcaldo, nasi lemak, pancit, etc are prepared. I don't normally eat this during dinner...In a way, im abstaining from eating light meals haha.
3. No more HOUSE marathon for the meantime.
4. Bedtime at 12 instead of 11 because mass usually ends past 9 giving me only 6 hrs of sleep. Sacrifice indeed.
5. Standing or at least not seating on a decent seat for 2 hours or more. This is Simbang Gabi and the crowd is like those in Greenhills tyangge, Divisoria or Megamall during Christmas Season. Certified Blockbuster...

So this is real...and im happy =) love ko na nga eh. Blessings are really pouring. I get to see long lost friends and ex-officemates, eat arrozcaldo for free, sing Pinoy Church Songs...somehow everything here makes me feel at home.

Tonight the mass is at Novena Church. Hope to see you there...AND Be inspired and blessed =)

I'm on the blog, again...after hibernating for quite a while. I've been thinking of restoring my former blog long ago but due to work and personal interest I opted to keep everything inside of me. But I so miss writing and posting photos and sharing my recipes online...so here i am, back in the world of blogging!