Mommy Architect

Just chatted with my classmate and close friend Ivy, she is looking for a civil engineer who will be a site supervisor for her project in Filmore, Makati. I volunteered, but she won't believe me. She said I am over qualified for the position and she cannot pay me salary, haha. I said, I'll take the job even without salary. I am an architect by profession but I don't feel like it anymore. It feels like I focused so much into being a mom that I forgot everything else about me. When I took the job "MOM" I left the rest of "me". There was even a time that I am so contented into being a mom that I don't want to practice my profession anymore. I still work within my profession I'm the Senior Project Architect in our company, that is into outsourcing. Well, it feels like I am glorified draftsman, fine by me as long as I am not paid as a draftsman. I should also be in charge of marketing the company but with the status of our economy, there is really no way into finding a client. Even the almight top Archifirms can't find a project. It has been months since we got a project to do, so office hours is so laid back, pretty much nothing to do.

Meeting my college friends who are mostly architects, 2 went for a different industry. I observed that I am more of a mommy now, and I can't find any trace f being an architect, except for the title and the license that says so. It feels like I have lost touch of that part of me. I can't even remember the right percentage of fee that I should be expecting during contract signing. It feels like I have to be back there, right inside the site, looking at architectural plans, selecting materials and just giving directions to laborers. It feels like I need to be in the wargame to remeber everything. I am dead serious in offering Ivy my service even without salary. It feels like I need to relearn everything again.

The only good thing in this realization is that, I finally admitted that I need a life. A life more than just being a mother to little J. I realized that yes, little J is still my top priority but I can only give more love, if I learn to love myself too. Getting in touch with the architect in me is just 1 step. There is still a lot in me that I should rediscover.

Type rest of the post here

Building a House once Again

I am an architect by profession but I turned away from it a few years ago and thought it is not for me. I wish I can have the same drive as when I graduated. That time I was such in a hurry to be architect that I took the board exam right afrter I graduated. In the Philippines any B.S. Architecture graduate should wait for at least 2years to complete the experience to be able to be eligable to take the board exam. I was wise, I started to work as an aprentice since 2nd year college so, by the time I graduated I was eligible to take it. Can you believe I was already enrolled for Review on February when my graduation is scheduled for April. Luckily, I passed on the first try, even got high grades I'm part of the top 30, but because of a not so nice experience with my buisness partner in a Construction firm that we put up I turned away from it and settled to go back to employment. But with last night dinner with college friends and a chat with a stanger, I feel inspired to be an architect again, to start designing and building structures again. So I now I am trying to lok for clients in blog directory. I actually found one, my classmate back in elementary days. She wants me to design their house in Cavite, I'll email her now, let's see where this "career" goes.

Type rest of the post here

Mommy MOment #5

A smile and a wink!

Little J's First smile taken just minutes after delivery



Type rest of the post here

Dinner with College Friends

Last night I went out to dinner with my college friends. I haven't seen them in a long time, that last time that I saw them was about 3 years ago. It wasn't planned they just texted and I said yes. I had fun, I had one night not worrying about recession or Russian Stock Market. I should go out more now, spend sometime with friends and not worry too much.

Type rest of the post here

Birthday Wishlist tag

I got this tag from Chris and Eds, thanks gals.

I'll be 28th on August. I usually spend my birthday as little J's birthday too.

Rules Of The Tag:

1. Make a list of what you want on your birthday
2. The list should be 10 numbers
3. Post the image of this award in your posting
4. Give it to 10 friends of yours.

Here's my list:
1. I wish to have a stable financial income, may it be as employed or as a self proclaimed "do it yourself income maker"
2. I wish for good health for me, little J and my whole family.
3. I wish to have peace of mind and pretty much contented of what the Lord gives me.
4. I wish that my "self proclaimed business venture" will actually make money enough for me and little J's comfortable lifestyle.
5. I wish to talk to little J's father, talk about our dreams for little J. He is not with us, nor see's little J anymore, but I'm sure, even if he is away he still have dreams for little J. I have my own too, it doesn't necessarily means he is part of it.
6. I wish to have the luxury of be a WHAM and spend more time with waht matters most like little J, family, and friends.
7. I wish for architectural projects. After last nights dinner with my college friends, I realized that I should not let go of my own dreams of being a succeful architec only because I became a mom. I turned away from my profession a few years ago, because of a failed buisness venture with a not-worthy buisness partner. The trauma made me turn away from my career.
8. I wish to find real happiness, may it be on a new found love, a closer relationship to God, or just stopping being so -negative- about everything. As you can see, I don't really know why I am not happy. Hopefully I'll find out what wll really make me happy before my birthday. We'll if not, I'll still continue to live, most of the time sad, but I don't have a choice anyway.
9. I wish for more opps.
10. I wish that I will be able to make enough money to finally afford to move out of my parents place and still have a stable income to support that dream.


I am passing this to everyone in my blogroll.





Type rest of the post here

Think Thin Thursday #5

(click the image to join)

OK for this week, I didn't do well. I resumed into eating rice again. I have sick with colds and flu and as a defense mecahnism I ate. I am always feeling dizzy because of the the sickness so I ate. I ate a lot of rice. I also didn't get to fulfill my goal of staying away from the salt.

I think the only thing I am proud of is that I amanged to exercise. I did a 30 min spinning class last Saturday when we checked-in at Dusit Hotel. I also walked my way to JP Rizal office, then walked to BDO bank in Rockwell and walked back to Prit house office yesterday, which is about 20 mins.



Goals:
1. 1/2 cup of rice in the afternoon and no rice at night.(failed)
2. 10-12 glassese of water.(accomplished)
3. 1 pc of chocolate per day (accomplished)
4. 1 fruit per day (accomplished)
5. new goal 15 mins of threadmill 2x a week. (accomplished) with bonus of Hula Dancing.
6. Lay off the salt.(failed)

I will be reading more of the post in this health blog to learn more from the health fellow. I'd like to learn more ways on how to stay on track with my trying to lose weight goal. For this week, my weight is stagnant on 1*0lbs, I did't lose weight, but at least I didn't gain it back.



Type rest of the post here

Kids Say the Darnest Things #10

This Kids Say the Darnest Things is both funny and tear jerking. Last night little J caught me looking on a blank wall deep in thought so she asked:

little J: Mommy, why?

Big J: Oh, I'm just thinking baby, what if I lose my job?
I didn't think that little J would actually understand what loosing my job really means. She is just 3, and I thought her answer would be just.. "oh, ok mommy" but I was wrong..She immedietly cried, and I mean really cry.. sobbing furiously.

little J: but mommy? that can't be?(crying very with a very worried look)
How can we buy milk? how can I go to school? I want to go to school, I love school. What's going to happen to you? You will not have money? You will be sad.

Big J: (Still shocked with her reaction) Oh baby, stop crying its ok, we are going to be ok. I still have a job and if ever I lose this one it is easy for me to find another one. If I can't find one, I can sell books or do the internet thing right? I can make houses or be a contractor again. Don't worry baby, we still have a lot of options. It just that, I am so comfortable on how it is with us now. If I change job or do something else, our routine will be a little different.

littl J: (calming down) but what if you really can't find another job?

Big J: I will find one, if not I can do buisness. Don't worry baby, we still have a lot of saving right? We still have money, and mommy always has something that she can do to make money. I'm an architect, I can make houses again. We can go back to Laguna and build houses there, Mommy already did around 20 houses there, and if all things fails Mama and Papa will support us right?

little J: What if Mama and Papa doesn't have work too? (I Have to make a long explanation why mama and papa will not lose their job)

Big J: Baby, don't worry ok? Mommy will do the worrying. You will still get to go to school, I promise that you will have a very nice Birthday Party in school, that's how you wanted it right? A party in school? (trying to turn away from the losing job part, distracting her with the birthday party)

This is the funny part:
little J: Yes mommy, happy nako! kase marami ka ng gagawin.. takot kse ako pag wala kang ginagawa.
If I translat it directly to English it will sound really funny.

wrong translation: Yes mommy, Im happy already, because you still have a lot to do, I am scared when you are not doing anything. (It didn't came out right) It's as if she is telling me I am irresponsible.. haha.. what she is really trying to say is....

Right tagalog="Yes mommy" Happy nko! Kase, alam kong marami ka pang pwedeng gawin, makakagawa ka pa ng paraan. Takot lang kase ako kung wala ka ng magagawa.

Right English translation: "Yes mommy, I'm happy already, because I know, there is still a lot of things that you can do. I will be scared if you really can't do anything about it.

I cried all night when she got to sleep, I cried not because I might lose my job. I cried because she really cares, she really understand. She is scared not just for her own sake but also for me. It feels harder if you are just left hanging, it would have been easier if my boss will just announce it. But I think, he himself is not sure of what's going to happen. He doesn't want to lay off his employees, but the economic stability and recession is really hitting our industry big time.

Type rest of the post here

How do I look?

Have you seen the show how do I look? Somebody will send them a letter that a friend or a relative of them badly needs a makeover. They will then, surprise this someone about it, the one who wrote the letter together with another friend or relative and a professional stylist will shop for new clothes and suggest a make up and hair cutting techniques I am amazed on how the the stylist do their hair cut. Sometimes I wonder if they learn their skills from an advanced haircutting videos. I am amazed on how they handle the hair and it will come out perfect. I once did a fashion show for Wella, it was very memorable because I was asked to wear a 6inch heals and a 12inch wig. Good thing is that I only had to come out twice. I was so scared because the wig is heavy and I might get off balance. They also put "bangs" on me that the British hairstylist called "fringe". She even said that I looked good with fringed and I should try cutting my hair like it. The stylist that did my hair was world renowed, too bad I was still too clueless about them I should have asked for a picture with them. I wonder if they have hair cutting videos. Too bad, my parents wasnt very supportive of me back then, I was later on forced to stop modelling. I could have been one of the very first Cal Carries Models. I was already being offered a contract back then. It was fun doing ramp, too bad I didn't pursue it. I am still thankful that I got to walk on the same runway that famous models like, Tweety de Leon, Sarah Meier, and even Melanie Marquez did, Francine Prieto too, only back then she was known as Ana Marie Falcon. I can still remember how sarah Meier loked back then, I knew her since she was just 13 or 14. I even did a photoshoot in her house and dressed up in her room. My agent is actually her mom, also a famous model back in the 80's, Ms. Josephine Go more known in the modelling world as Elektrika.
Type rest of the post here

Should I go back to Private Practice?

I can feel the pressure now even more, this is not a joke. I might really lose my job in a few weeks time. I talked to my friends for advice and they all told me that I should do Private Practice as an architect. She said, I should be the most aggressive to do this since I am the very first to get a license in our whole batch, and I have done quite a lot of projects already. With experience in all aspects of architecture, design, project management, construction even purchasing, but I don't know why I am so scared. Maybe because I know that I am so stubborn. I don't like being so nice to clients and kiss ass, I don't like dealing to clients who is as stubborn as me... haha.. that's why I never handled clients. I use to do construction too, but I let my partner take care of the clients. All I did was the technical stuff, I designed, planned and handled the construction but I never really met up with them to discuss, I attended meetings yes but I mostly just smiled. I really am very impatient and if a client argues with me, with something I am sure that Im right usually i just ditch the project and move on to the next project. There are just some client who wouldn't listen. I have encountered a few who really annoyed me. Like this one who said he doesn't have much money and he wanted me to designa simle house for him,we ended up with a plan with 8 bedrooms in a huge lot. He said he liek simple but he wanted a mansion, then he got angry when I said that it will cost him 7million to construct it?!! It shoudl cost 12M, but I managed to lowered it down to 7M. I am sure he has the money for it, he is just trying to make a fool out of me, so ditched that project. Then there was this small condo that they want to be layed out fro interior and when I gave them 3 schems of my design they still constructed a bedroom without a window and a toilet who took all the space. Why do they ask for porfessional design and still wouldn't follow it. They should have not asked for the service in the first place. Then there's this 2 story house that I managed to lower down the cost to 1.3M, a very resonable expense for a 3 bedroom house with maid's room and a huge Master Bedroom and a Master bath, complete with walk-in-closet. It shoul have cost them 3M, but I painstakingly designed the electrical and plumbing in such a systematic way that made them construct it in a much lesser cost. They we're still mad because they said it is still too little. We'll if you want a mansion, then prepare a budget for the mansion.

As you can clearly see, I maybe really good in my Profession but I am a person who knows my limitations. I am an architect and clients should know that architects are the ones knows about this things, that's why they asked for my service in the first place. We studied and still continuing to study about it, so please if your architect tells you that you should have a window for your bedroom, listen do not argue. Unless you want to spend the rest of your life with room that you have to turn on the light 24hours and run your aircon 24 hours too.

Type rest of the post here

Are you addicted to blogging?

81%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

MOmmy Moments #3

Here is a photo of little J when she got her gift from Nong-Nang, its a castle. After opening the gift we went to Manila Zoo, she had fun. I have other things planned but I am a very obedient daughter so I obeyed what Papa told us to just go to MAnila Zoo. Then we went to Robinson's to have our birthday lunch at Gumbo. We had more fun there eating pasta, pizza and fries. We lator on played in Timezone.

Type rest of the post here

Scary Stories

I stayed up last night doing pop-art and chatting with my family. It has been a long time since we did that. We had so much stories to tell, our subjects range from work, life, jokes and even The Occult, some horror stories. We waited for Papa to come home, he brought us Siopao and we all ate Siopao and Siomai until the wee hours of the morning.

Type rest of the post here

New Pop arts! Up for Grab!!!!

For YAnix and Mira, your pop-arts are now up for Grabs. Please notify me my leaving a message on any of my blogs if your done with copying the html codes. I will remove it as soon as your done. Please do grab them now and install it on your sidebars. Just copy the codes inside the scroll bar and insert them as new gadget/wideget on your sidebar. I hope you like it!

This set is for Mira and Yanix. I still have to do 3 for Niko, 3 for Eds, 3 for Mitch, 1 for Chris and a little revision for Jes. I love doing pop-art and I love that more and more bloggers are loving it too. I am still offering my services for FREE, so leave a message now, because this work of art will not always be free. I am planning to charge a little for it next month, but I assure you it will be priced very, very low. For now its still FREE. Leave me a message and I'll do one for you, I might even do 3, one for each of your blog.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcz-LmCjYzPy17KQ8KXsKBwI19RVQdVQa_fMsmEsvj3rEPC21xaL0A7_yzXKGHgBthdaV_1p-v9SoDdE8COA-qWsnYRZmWlvVN7m7o93Ka2PVKxLAi4EfO48JwZ72Xig4GA7NCIgwbdPk/s1600-h/mirafinal+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcz-LmCjYzPy17KQ8KXsKBwI19RVQdVQa_fMsmEsvj3rEPC21xaL0A7_yzXKGHgBthdaV_1p-v9SoDdE8COA-qWsnYRZmWlvVN7m7o93Ka2PVKxLAi4EfO48JwZ72Xig4GA7NCIgwbdPk/s200/mirafinal+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294297931261703538" /></a>

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1i708ZKByUU5uq9ZL5DOBnAAQlC9FJvOJaRsObZ6pojLds3-0kfjmt2OJEYl8-ZOkyDNWRpxTZpfwh9-z1EQ1aXpRe7sInC9jKF5HVyuOeDmP_dgCZ6zwVPOiDWmV-MJUkCVDP1XbJyw/s1600-h/yanix+pop+artfinal+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 176px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1i708ZKByUU5uq9ZL5DOBnAAQlC9FJvOJaRsObZ6pojLds3-0kfjmt2OJEYl8-ZOkyDNWRpxTZpfwh9-z1EQ1aXpRe7sInC9jKF5HVyuOeDmP_dgCZ6zwVPOiDWmV-MJUkCVDP1XbJyw/s200/yanix+pop+artfinal+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294298245682904114" /></a>

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpx7enT_-gjZhZWUdcI6VE525fXHM9yCXij-lfJsY-LyuTimYZQWTkuti0YNPomViMocDVievA3hqFo8mlrn5_bTmI4XyXMx1Y3QaYotkFuIDRuomPymh2dNReO7GFH0R3SFpXyh8HxU/s1600-h/yanix+2+popart+final.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpx7enT_-gjZhZWUdcI6VE525fXHM9yCXij-lfJsY-LyuTimYZQWTkuti0YNPomViMocDVievA3hqFo8mlrn5_bTmI4XyXMx1Y3QaYotkFuIDRuomPymh2dNReO7GFH0R3SFpXyh8HxU/s320/yanix+2+popart+final.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294300428048556338" /></a>

Type rest of the post here

Recession affecting Filipinos

Recession is really obvious part of life today, Filipinos are now feeling the effects of recession. I for one is one who will be affected, I am in the verge of loosing a job. More and more people are looking for alternative ways to earn money. I hope Multi Channel eCommerce solution. I am willing to try anything to make sure of the stability of my daughter's future. I believe this is common to all mothers who wants the best for their kids.I might need achannel advisor custom store to put up a business. I will be using etsy and ebay to launch my mini business. I should be looking in some ebay store design site for layout and design. I need it to be eye catching so that more buyers will be interested. The channel advisor-custom-store can really help me. As of the moment I posted a few in my http://www.sweetytots-booksale.blogspot.com store, its is not really a store just a blog of the books I am selling.Soon, I'll put up an ebay store, hopefully I'll earn more here.

Type rest of the post here

Letter to Sasha ad Maila- Bush Twins

Clockwise from top left, President George H.W. Bush reading to granddaughters Barbara and Jenna, 1989; the twins at an inaugural ball in 2001; with their father at an Ohio campaign stop, 2004.

Sasha and Malia, we were seven when our beloved grandfather was sworn in as the 41st President of the United States. We stood proudly on the platform, our tiny hands icicles, as we lived history. We listened intently to the words spoken on Inauguration Day service, duty, honor. But being seven, we didn't quite understand the gravity of the position our Grandfather was committing to. We watched as the bands marched by -- the red, white, and blue streamers welcoming us to a new role: the family members of a President.

We also first saw the White House through the innocent, optimistic eyes of children. We stood on the North Lawn gazing with wonder at her grand portico. The White House was alive with devoted and loving people, many of whom had worked in her halls for decades. Three of the White House ushers, Buddy, Ramsey, and "Smiley", greeted us when we stepped into her intimidating hallway. Their laughter and embraces made us feel welcome right away. Sasha and Malia, here is some advice to you from two sisters who have stood where you will stand and who have lived where you will live:

Obama's Inauguration
Complete coverage, including live reports, video, photos and more.View Full Image

Getty Images
Jenna (left) and Barbara arrived on the South Lawn of the White House Sunday after spending the weekend at Camp David for the last time with their parents.
-- Surround yourself with loyal friends. They'll protect and calm you and join in on some of the fun, and appreciate the history.

-- If you're traveling with your parents over Halloween, don't let it stop you from doing what you would normally do. Dress up in some imaginative, elaborate costume (if you are like us a pack of Juicy Fruit and a Vampiress) and trick-or-treat down the plane aisle.

-- If you ever need a hug, go find Ramsey. If you want to talk football, look for Buddy. And, if you just need a smile, look for "Smiley."

-- And, a note on White House puppies--our sweet puppy Spot was nursed on the lawn of the White House. And then of course, there's Barney, who most recently bit a reporter. Cherish your animals because sometimes you'll need the quiet comfort that only animals can provide.

-- Slide down the banister of the solarium, go to T-ball games, have swimming parties, and play Sardines on the White House lawn. Have fun and enjoy your childhood in such a magical place to live and play.

-- When your dad throws out the first pitch for the Yankees, go to the game.

-- In fact, go to anything and everything you possibly can: the Kennedy Center for theater, State Dinners, Christmas parties (the White House staff party is our favorite!), museum openings, arrival ceremonies, and walks around the monuments. Just go. Four years goes by so fast, so absorb it all, enjoy it all!

For four years, we spent our childhood holidays and vacations in the historic house. We could almost feel the presence of all the great men and women who had lived here before us. When we played house, we sat behind the East sitting room's massive curtains as the light poured in illuminating her yellow walls. Our seven-year-old imaginations soared as we played in the enormous, beautiful rooms; our dreams, our games, as romantic as her surroundings. At night, the house sang us quiet songs through the chimneys as we fell asleep.


News, photos and background on key players and issues in the Obama administration's first 100 days from the WSJ and across the Web.

The InaugurationThe EconomyAdvisersForeign AffairsPersonal LifeIn late December, when snow blanketed the front lawn, all of our cousins overtook the White House. Thirteen children between the ages of two and 12 ran throughout her halls, energized by the crispness in the air and the spirit of the season. Every room smelled of pine; the entire house was adorned with thistle; garlands wound around every banister. We sat on her grand staircase and spied on the holiday dancing below. Hours were spent playing hide-and-go-seek. We used a stage in the grand ballroom to produce a play about Santa and his reindeer. We watched as the National Christmas Tree was lit and admired the chef as he put the final icing on the gingerbread house.

When it was time, we left the White House. We said our goodbyes to her and to Washington. We weren't sure if we would spend time among her historical walls again, or ever walk the National Mall, admiring the cherry blossoms that resembled puffs of cotton candy. But we did return. This time we were 18. The White House welcomed us back and there is no doubt that it is a magical place at any age.

As older girls, we were constantly inspired by the amazing people we met, politicians and great philosophers like Vaclav Havel. We dined with royalty, heads of states, authors, and activists. We even met the Queen of England and managed to see the Texas Longhorns after they won the National Championship. We traveled with our parents to foreign lands and were deeply moved by what we saw. Trips to Africa inspired and motivated us to begin working with HIV/AIDS and the rights of women and children all over the world.

Now, the White House ballrooms were filled with energy and music as we danced. The East sitting room became a peaceful place to read and study. We ran on the track in the front lawn, and squared off in sisterly bowling duels down in the basement alley.

This Christmas, with the enchanting smell of the holidays encompassing her halls, we will again be saying our good-byes to the White House. Sasha and Malia, it is your turn now to fill the White House with laughter.

And finally, although it's an honor and full of so many extraordinary opportunities, it isn't always easy being a member of the club you are about to join. Our dad, like yours, is a man of great integrity and love; a man who always put us first. We still see him now as we did when we were seven: as our loving daddy. Our Dad, who read to us nightly, taught us how to score tedious baseball games. He is our father, not the sketch in a paper or part of a skit on TV. Many people will think they know him, but they have no idea how he felt the day you were born, the pride he felt on your first day of school, or how much you both love being his daughters. So here is our most important piece of advice: remember who your dad really is.

Jenna Bush is a writer and educator, the author of the book 'Ana's Story' and the co-author, with her mother Laura Bush, of the picture book 'Read All About It.'

Barbara Bush works for a public health-focused non-profit, Global Health Corps, and previously worked for The Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum
source: The Wall Street Journal

Type rest of the post here

My Dream House

As an architect I have a very high standard for my Dream House. I'd like it to have the comforts of all the ammenities that I will need and yet the homey feel. I also like the ranch feel, it like I am back in the olden days, where life is so simple and quiet.Something like in Wilmington, NC Luxury Real Estate I'd like to have spacious living room and and wooden floors. I would also like to have a porch to put a swing on. Large windows and doors. I would like to have a very high ceiling too, for good ventilation and day lighting. How I wish I can have one like this. I'm sure I'll be so happy to decorate it, paintss, wallpapers and curtains.

Type rest of the post here

Pop-art? Grab it now, while its still FREE!

Would you like one? Just leave me a message and I'll do one for you for FREE.
Dress up your sidebar with this unique site Pop-arts.



See some of my samples that are now gracing Enchie's, Jes's and Chris' sidebar.
I'll be doing pop arts for Mitch, Mira, Yanix, and Eds. and some more additonal pop-arts for Chris and Jes.

So if you want one for your side bar leave a message here, and I'll contact you as soon as I can.

Type rest of the post here

I need to be organized!!!

With all the toys of little J I badly need an rv storage, so that I can organized her things. I already managed to put some of her toysupstairs where I set up the "Chef Sheffy Restaurant", but there are still a lot to clean up. She must have around 100 stuff toys and I am still buying her new toys, even with the "no new toys Policy". That's why I badly need to spare some time to be organized.

Type rest of the post here

Think Thin Thursday #4

(Just click on the image if your interested to join)

I am so happy to tell all of you that for this week I managed to do all my goals and even more and I lost another 3 lbs. I am now 1*0lbs. I lost 5 lbs in just 3 weeks with the help of Think Thin Thursday and some Hula dancing. I am determined to lose 5lbs per month, hopefully even more, if I keep loosing this much I will be able to buy a matching outfit for me and little J for her 4th birthday.

I kept my 1/2 rice diet and drank lots of water. I was able to keep off the chocolates too. Then I did a 1 hour Hula dance class last Saturday and a follow up, Hula teaching to my mom for another 30mins on Sunday. I also walked last Tuesday to work, to that'sa nother 20mins walking. So I am proud to say that I did very well this week.

Goals:
1. 1/2 cup of rice in the afternoon and no rice at night.(accomplished)
2. 10-12 glassese of water.(accomplished)
3. 1 pc of chocolate per day (accomplished)
4. 1 fruit per day (accomplished)
5. new goal 15 mins of threadmill 2x a week. (accomplished) with bonus of Hula Dancing.
6. New Goal: Lay off the salt. This will be very hard for me because I love salty foods. But I have to do this to keep off the weight and be more healthy.

Let's see how I go, hopefully I'll lose some more next week. See my previous entires on Think Thin Thursdays here. For the Task, breakfast menu.

2 slices of papaya or any fruit
1 cup of tee
1 pandesal (bread roll)
2 glasses of water

Kids Say the Darnest Thing #9

We we're all sitted in the dining room, having serious conversation when little J went out from the bedroom and walked towards us in a "Miss Universe" walk. She then said:

Little J: Hi! My name is Jea.
Nobody paid attention to her, we just continued with our conversations.
Little J: My name is Jea...
We can hear her but we are still not paying attention. Then she blurted out......

Little J: Jea, Jea Alonzo!

Everybody laughed, and we are just so surprised on how well she can come up with punch lines. It never fails, she never fails to bring us to laughter.




Type rest of the post here

Worldless Wednesday

This were taken last Holiday during Miguel's Baptism, little J's cousin. We are goofing around while aiting for the celebrant.

Type rest of the post here

Hot tub Chemicals

Thanks to Mama, we are again booked to stay in a hotel this week end . We will be staying for 3days 2 nights In Dusit Hotel, actually we still have 1 more GC which will will not be able to use. My mom might just give it to my Aunt to be used for Valentines. We are very priviledged to always be given gift certificates for Hotel bookings. Every since we are little my mom always gets this perks as part of her job. In fact about 6 or 8 years ago, when the Philippines always experience brownouts we are lucky to have this gift certicates, we are just ranferrinf from one hotel to another to experince the convenience of air conditioned room. We also get spa gift cretificates most of the time, that is why I am used to luxury living even if we are not rich, we always get to be pampered in Hotel Spas and not pay a single cent for it. The food are great too. I remembered our dinner last year for moms birthday, we ate at Dusit's dinner buffet, lots of sea food and yummy dessert. Of course little J loved playing in the tub, which is a regular part of each suite that we check in, I wonder if they put hot tub chemicals in it?

I found this site about hot tub chemicals the site layout is clean and uncluttered. They offer a lot of products from Sanitisers to Jet pumps. The site alos have a 24 hour quick question inquiry form that will reply to your questin within 24 hours via email. What I found most interesting is their Hot tub Spa Multimedia section. A lot of products that I wasn't even aware of, cool stub that will make your bathing at home to feel like in a commercial spa establishment. The Soundz Floating Wireless speaker ans Wireless waterproof 17" LCD, with this gadget I can spend hours and hours in the tub. I believe my daughter will love the floating Duck Radio. This site is well formed, with a no brainer navigation and what's best is that the products they offer are beautiful and reasonably priced.

My mom is going to US

My mom told me a wonderful surprise last night, she is going to United States. She got her US visa approved. She kept it a secret until last night. We are just so happy for her, she got 10 years multiple entry Visa. Her flight is on Feb 17, and she is going to LAs Vegas. I asked her to buy me 7 Cream with Manuka Honey. I've heard it is really good for the skin. Keeps skin well moisturized and have a wonderful scent too.

Type rest of the post here

Triple Awards from 3 ladies

I got this from Sherry, Enchie and Chubskulit.. Thanks ladies.

Type rest of the post here

Some Online loots

I am realy into online shopping now, not only its convinient but there are a lot out there that are so beautiful but are not getting much attention, just like copper jewelry I once saw. I can say that the maker is very creative and talented, I am glad to stumble this site and see the wonderful jewelry creations.

Type rest of the post here

Pop arts Galore!!!

Sorry for the delay Chris, our internet connection at home is having problem. Finally, I was able to upload it now. I also have done 2 pop arts for Jes too. Hope you 2 like it. Please let me know if you want revisions but I believe this will go well on your sidebars.

I will include the html codes to make it more easier for you to put it on your sidebar. Enjoy your pop arts gals!

Do you like this? Do you want one for your sidebar too? I would
love to do it for you for

FREE

just leave a message here.

but if you really, really love it.. and your feeling a little generous you can drop your donations too!

Type rest of the post here

Online Shopping

Since I learned blogging, I also learned online shopping. For the past months I have found lots of interesting site to purchase wonderful things for toddlers and babies. One of which is ShopWiki. It is an online store where you can find all sorts of things for kids and even yourself. There are a lots of toys to choose from, some baby essentials like cribs, strollers, or even colognes. I like that they have a lot of brands listed. There is a lot to choose from.

Since I already imposed a "no new toy policy" for little J. I will not be buying toys for her, I like their selection of childrens books. I am eyeing the "goodnight moon" book, what's nice about it is that their book selection is divided by age so it is easier to select one that is best suited for your toddler.

I know, I am a book addict, but one thing for sure, I will never impose a no new book policy. In fact after Hula Dance class today at Kids Ahoy we will go to WS Publications to buy some more books. I love to nourish little J's interest in books rather than in toys. So got to go blogger friends, we are going to learn to do the Hula in Kids Ahoy, I will also get my online purchased Dora Doll from Mommy Iris too.

What I love about Shop Wiki and online shopiing is that it is very convenient. You can choose from the list of their products online and pay it through paypal. I really appreciate the power of internet now, with all this perks. No hassle in going to the malls and bringing all the kids stuff, I also get to choose what I like without her. hassling with me which or how many toys she wants. I like buying creative toys for little J, it doesn't only make her happy and kept busy, she is also learning while playing.

With 3 year old toddlers, the key is to tap their imagination, it is the time that they like to explore, to pretend. That is why I am very supportive with pretend toys and this is mostly what I buy for her. She loves to pretend to be a chef that's why I bought her the pink Kitchen set. She also loves to take photos, that's why gave her a digital camera. She also loves to dance, that's why I enrolled her in a Hula Dance class. I believe in nourishing the gift, letting them explore the things they love to do, because I believe that kids learn more when they are having fun. I love this architect kit in SHop Wiki, I hope she will also love to pretend as an Architect, jus tlike mommy.

Type rest of the post here

Mang Mel 92-cent retirement pay

As I have posted here a few days ago about Mang Meliton retirement and his CD, I read a different story today. Accourding to the email, it is the unpaid students loan that made Mang Meliton's retirement pay drop to less than a Peso.

It is not because of the student loans. It is because they / the University / or whoever pays him salary did not gave him his full retirement pay because of some alleged sick leaves. Here is some exerpt from Inquirer.net

501 days

Zamora received less than P1 as retirement pay not because many of the student loans he had guaranteed were unpaid, as Rivera thought and wrote in her e-mail, but because of 501 sick leave days.

He insists that he did not avail himself of those sick leaves, but the university’s Human Resources Division Office (HRDO) says he did.

Nonetheless, he is thankful for Rivera’s e-mail because he and his family are hopeful that the publicity it has been generating would prompt the HRDO officials to meet with them.

Zamora had been vainly knocking on the doors of the HRDO for the last two years just for an explanation of why the contested 501 days had not been converted to cash, according to his eldest daughter Kit Zamora.

“No one has met with us, or with my father,” she told the Inquirer. “The HRDO head is at a meeting every time we go to her office. All we want is a clear explanation. If they will be able to show us documents to prove that my father did use all those 501 days of sick leaves, we will accept that his retirement pay for 41 years of service is less than P1.”

Kit Zamora said that in response to a letter her father sent in 2007, UP president Emerlinda Roman said she had directed the HRDO to look into the matter. But nothing came out of it.

Zamora wrote the Civil Service Commission in 2006 for assistance, pointing out that a utility worker like himself would not have received a total of 12 commendations from the state university if he was always on leave. But there was no reply from that agency either.

According to Zamora, he did have some of his sick leaves converted to cash while he was working at UP. But he said he was certain that these were not the contested 501 days.

So, it is not the students fault it all boils down to poor documentation or simple corruption. These government employees, who couldn't care much about an elderly janitor who served 45 years cleaning floors and helping people. How can they be so insensitive? Read the full story here

Type rest of the post here

Weekend Snapshots

This was taken 2 weekends ago, we went bowling with th res of my cousins. I let little J try 2 shots in bowling and Papa taughth her a little bit of billiards too.

Type rest of the post here
e

Hula!!! Let's Dance the Hula!

We went to Kids Ahoy Hula class today, and it was fun. One thing I didn't expect is that it is a real work out, and truly burns the fat. I thought it would be just a little swying and a little wave of the hands, its easy, just a bonding moment of me and little J. It was easy, basic movements, easy to follow and fun, but its sure burns the fat on your thighs and those belly. Right now, my whole body hurts, my calf, thigh, butt, arms and of course the belly. I am the type of person that has a high tolerance for pain, but its really hurts, in just one session I can really feel the burn.

I had lots of fun, but little J wont even try it, she suddenly felt a little shy again. That's what usually happens when we don't go to Kids Ahoy often. Hopefully this year we will be more on a regular participant in Kids Ahoy class. Since she wont dance the Hula, she took our pictures instead. She later on joined Yona with painting.




Type rest of the post here

J and J Adventure

I realized that for me to bond more with little J we have to have a time alone for eachother so from now on, I declare Saturday as J & j Adventure day. We have a full day today, first stop Kids Ahoy in Aurora Blvd. Q.C., we went to our first Hula class. We failed to join the first class last week because of a lot of chores needed to be finished. We had fun, even if little J didn't dance. I had fun, although my whole body is sore, it was fun doing the Hula. We left Kids Ahoy at around 1:30pm, honestly I am already so hungry. Little J refuse to go, because she is still having fun playing with Yona. Next stop is Jollibee. I originally intended to go straight to WS Publications to buy the books for Jes but I am afraid little J is already hungry, so we had to stop the cab right before we reach SM Sta. Mesa. Little J had fun going up the over pass to cross the street to where Jollibee is. I ordered a kiddie meal, 1pc chicken meal and a slice of Hawaiin Greenwhich Pizza. After our lunch we head to WS Publications, in there little J's eyes twinkled when she saw all the books. She had so much in her arms already when I got back to her. It was just a blink of an eye and she had about 8 books already in her arms, good thing I was able to talk to her to return the others and she obeyed, requesting me to get the rest of the books for her birthday. Books are really at very low prices, we got a total of 15books at Php750 only. Php 350 of which is for Jes as part of her bonus prize. WE had a weekend full of activities, we didn't had time to see BYD Cars that my brother ask me about.

Type rest of the post here

Little J and Tita Aira

Type your summary here

Type rest of the post here

Halloween too Early

I just woke up from a bad dream, in my dream there are monsters all around me. There was one guy in gorilla suit chasing me through the woods. I just kept running and running. I can even see where I am going. The other monsters soon disappeared but this gorilla is still chasing me. We went through waterfalls, some river and it seems like an endless jungle. I just kept on running, but I can't seem to lose the gorilla. Every where I go, he is there behind me. No matter what I do, he still keeps coming after me. I wonder what this dream means to me. If I analyze it further I would translate it that the monsters are the past mistakes I've commited, I got over the other ones already that's why soon after I was running the monsters slowly disappear, but what about the gorilla? Is it something in my past that I really can't get over? Is it a mistake that I am still guilty of? Hopefully all the monsters in my past will be gone. Hopefully I will really get over those past mistakes.

Type rest of the post here

Toy Hunt

This is little J's Vtech Vsmile learning system, my first ebay purchase, bought it cost less than Php1000. She loves it. I did a small booboo when it arrived. Little J's Ninong brought it with him from US, for me to be able to sve for the shipping cost. When it arrived, I was so excited that I immedietly set it up and pluged the power, not thinking it is from US, they have a different voltage. So there, as soon as I turned on the thing, we saw the plug sparked, the adaptor is burning. I was so scared to disapoint little J, she has been patiently waiting for it for a month and I just ruined it, she didn't even had the chance to play it. Good thing, its only the adaptor that got broken, we can still use the video game by putting batteries.

Type rest of the post here
l

Espino Christmas Party- Punte de Fabian Resort

Again, I'll just post the picture and I will edit this post later tonight to tell you the story behind it. Look at little J, giving out "aguinaldo".

Type rest of the post here

Additional New Years Resolution

In my new years resolution, I mentioned about almost all aspects of my life. Relationships towards, God, little J and friends. Lossing weight is also one, but I failed to mention about the way I take care of myself. I am not the "kikay" type, maybe just a few years back in high school, but generally I'm not the sassy one. I know how to put on make up and make myself beautiful, since I was a ramp model, but I just don't have the energy nor the enthusiam to do that now. So I think I should start to make myself beautiful again, get into s little beauty regimen. Nothing to lose just some Natural Skin Care, nothing much. Then maybe I can put a little make up to just to make my self feel good, Natural Skin Care Products can be a start, it will not be harsh on my skin since I'm not used to waering makeup. There are a lot of Organic Skin Care in the market, maybe after the Hula Class today I can get some for myself. Little will really be happy to be in a make up store again.
Type rest of the post here

Some Random Pics Over the Holidays

I'll go back to this post to tell the story behind the pictures but for now, just looks at the cute pics of little J.


Type rest of the post here

Money Analystics Update

I'd like to post updates on how I am going with my financial goals for this year. I really have to save up because I might losmy job. I am happy to say that I am successful with my debt consolidation and I was able to clear all of it last year. The key is really to plan it out, and stick to your plan. Debt consolidation is one of the things that helped me. I planned it out, I was paying my debt evey 2nd week of the month and I am paying little J's tuition fee every last week of the month. I was paying my overhead as soon as I get my salary. Without me even, noticing I'm done with all my payables. Last month was the last monthly payment for little J's school, so that means from February to May I can save up Php5,000, and I plan to deposit that every weekend to her bank account. I am also expecting quite a big amount this month because we are going to recieve our separation pay from SWJT. I plan to invest that to a new buisness, just a small one. Just something to get money from in case I really lose my job. I will be purchasing childrens books and pass it on to cosigners who can help me out do the buisness.

Type rest of the post here

Pop-arts Again

I like doing pop-arts, here are some of my samples. If you like me to do one for you I'll be more than happy to do it for FREE just leave me a message and I'll do Photo Pop-art for you. So to all bloggers this are free blog images that you can display on your side bar.

Chris, I'll send your tonight. Im a little busy this morning we're going to Kids Ahoy for some Hula Dance Class. I'll post pictures soon.

Type rest of the post here

Opps are going crazy!

HAve you checked the opps from PPP today? They are offered at $0.50 cents, very low huh. But I still went and grabbed it, just like this ted on twitter opp. No minimum words.. So I guess he will approve this.

Type rest of the post here

We are also going to Macau

I already shared to you my plan of going to Hong Kong for her 4th birthday on June. My parents and Nong-Nang are also coming with us, they said they don't like to go and see Ocean's Park so we are not going there, instead we are going to Macau. I've heard you can go to Macau by just riding a ferry, I would like to see some online casino there. Hopefully, if didn't lose my job, we will really go to Disneyland this June. If not, well I can just plan it again for next year. Little J is still affraid of mascots, even if we convince her that it will be fun to go to see Mickey she is still afraid to see him.

Type rest of the post here

Mommy Moments #2 First Picture

At the hospital... just hours after delivery

At the delivery room.. just minutes after delivery..

my entries are here and here

Little J's new playground

I already mentioned about the New Ford that we got last Christmas. Well after just a month the new card turned into little J's playground. She liked that the new car has 3 TVs inside 1 in front and 2 at the back of the headrest, which means little J can watch all her DVD's too. On our trip to Manaog last month, we watch 3 fairytopia movies during the very long road trip. TV's in car are quite a hit for the little ones, she is so preoccupied with watching it that she is not bothering us with her naughty tactics. When we went to Policarpio with the rest of her cousins, there are 13 or us in the car, 6 adults and 7 kids all below the age of 6. You can just imagine the chaos in the car. So in just a month after we got the car, the interior is already full of little hand prints all over, a spilled milk and a "may I go out" accident. Quite a lot for a new car huh?

Inside,six to seven can sit in relative comfort, as I mentioned there are 13 of us in total but still all are assured a towering view of what’s ahead. All seats now and the center console lining are wrapped in comfy moquette fabric, which touch and feel greatly relaxes everybody inside even after long drives, the only down quality is the color, our seat as well as the mats are in beige color which easily gets dirty. Both second and third rows fold and tumble down for added space, and the Everest’s forward-tumbling third row is easier to operate than the Toyota Fortuner. Speaking of the Everest’s third row, lateral room has improved, but is still lacking in kneeroom.

The cold airconditioning (a/c) has triple zone ventilation for all three rows, but the middle front a/c vents should be bigger, specially when the car is packed with high energy kids. The aluminum-lined, Ford Ranger-derived audio entertainment and a/c controls are a big plus, but apparently they were given bigger priority. The audio entertainment is nice, but its backlighting should be brighter and it needs help at the treble end, stereo sound sourround is not really there, so better sound system is a must to fully enjoy the DVD, entertainment system. I just love it because I can watch my favorite TV show even on the road.

Type rest of the post here

Think Thin Thursday #3

(Just click on the image if your interested to join)

I forget to weigh in last night so Im not sure how much I exactly weigh now, but I did get to weigh 2 nights ago and I didn't lose anything. I stayed with the 1*3lbs, but at least I didn't gain right. Since last week, I kept my goal really realistic, which in turn didn't make any progress in my "trying to lose weight goal", I think I should go one step higher so my goal for the 3rd week is to start with some form of exercise. For this week, I want to schedule 15 mins of threadmill on Sundays and Wednesdays. Im crossing my finger that I can do this. I took a little more of chocolates this week too, because 2 of my cousins sent chocolates.. haha.. excuses. Hopefully next week, I will stick to my program.

Goals:
1. 1/2 cup of rice in the afternoon and no rice at night.(accomplished)
2. 10-12 glassese of water.(accomplished)
3. 1 pc of chocolate per day (failed)
4. 1 fruit per day (accomplished)
5. new goal 15 mins of threadmill 2x a week.

Let's see how I go, hopefully I'll lose some more next week. See my previous entires on Think Thin Thursdays here. and my favorite blog that helped a lot with my weightloss goal is no other than The Not So Blog and 2 Shrinking Sisters.

HSBC-Sun Cellular Promo Don't be deceived!!!!!

Ok, I am going to rant and pour all my anger here. I avail of the promo from HSBC card, that if your get a new card you can also get a new phone the only catch is that the phone is bundled with Sun Cellular service with a post paid line of Php350. Not bad, the phone is free and my monthly phone bill will be auto debited from my credit card HSBC. Since I already made a pact that I'm not getting a credit card as long as I live my mom volunteered to get the credit card for herself and just give me the phone to use, I will jst pay my monthly Php 350 to her, good deal. So I had my phone for months, the only problem I had was that the phone doesn't record "sent" messages. No problem, its an itsy bitsy flaw that I can live with. So I've been using it as my main phone,I gave my old smart phone to little J's yaya long ago that she took when she left. But here's my problem, last December I've been receiving messages from sun that I have to settle my account, I didn't bother checking because i know my phones billing is directly paid by HSBC and I just paid HSBC so maybe its just a wrong sent, some mis documentations. THen, last Christmas Dec 24, my service got cut off. So I checked my billing statements with my mom, it is updated. My total usage is 366.70 minus the Total Discounts and Credits of 513.76, so that will zero in my account right? In fact they even owe me 200plus, haha. My Sun Cellular billing also states that I have a credit limit of 1,500 and my due date is Jan 19, 2009. So if for some reason that I miss read their billing and I that stupid, and I owe them something they still should not cut off my service because

1. I still have 1,500 credit limit and I don't get pass that limit.
2. My due date is stil Jan 19. 2009 - that means I should still have my service until that time.

They should not cut off my service because I don't owe them any money, my payment with HSBC is updated and it is on auto debit, that means Sun Cellular is already paid every month even if I didn't use my phone and for the followinf reasons above. Now they are telling me to settle my account to Sun Cellular over the counter?!!!!

Are you kidding me? I already paid for it, through HSBC, if I pay over the counter the payment will be doubled. For the record, the HSBC billing states that my sun cilling is PHP350 and I paid Php400, just to be sure, since I always get my Sun billing late. Again, I will clear I didn't go more than the limit and I don't have to pay extra, so payment for HSBC alone is more than my actual billing, now they are still asking me to settle it over the counter?

I don't have service for more than 3 weeks already, that means naperwisyo nko ng more than 3 weeks, which I am still obliged to pay even if I didn't get to use the phone and they atre asking me to pay for something that I already paid for, more than what I should pay for. Now I have to go personally to a sun shop to "settle" my account, that I already paid for?!!! So where will my money go? Even if I do have a account to settle which I am sure that i don't since I already PAID!!!!! I still have Php42,000 credit limit on the credit card and Php1,500 credit limit on Sun line, that means they really don't have the reason to cut my line!!!!

I know, its really confusing, but to make it simple. The Sun billing is paid by HSBC and I already paid HSBC more than the amount I should pay, I don't have any other outstanding balance than the SUN billing. My sun billing doesn't have an outstanding balance, so there is really nothing to pay for and that "zero" billing is till not due, so why did my service got cut of?????!!!!!!!!!

Type rest of the post here
,

Are you from UP? Do you know this man?

I recieved this email from a friend, although I am not form UP I was touched by this email. I can't even imagine how, students from UP just forget about the man who helped them through College. So, I am posting this in the hopes that students from UP will cirulate this so that people who owe this guy will be touched by an angel to pay him his money for his retirement. If your one of those who owe him money, please do pay hi a visit, if not it wouldn't hurt to help him out and buy his cd, it wouldn'y be the best to hear unlike those well produced albums, it will surely make your heart sing, knowing you helped a very good man.

For all my readers, you all encouraged to grab this post and ciculate it too!

Meet Meliton Zamora, a retired University of the Philippines janitor and my hero.

For forty-five years, he swept floors, cleaned up trash, watered plants and did odd jobs at the University.

I met him when I was active with the UP Repertory Company, a theater group based (then) at the third floor lobby of the Arts & Sciences (AS) building. He would sweep and mop the hallway floors in silence, venturing only a nod and a smile whenever I passed him.

Back then, for me he was just one of those characters whom you got acquainted with and left behind as soon as you earned your degree and left the university for some big job in the real world. Someone whose name would probably ring a bell but whose face you'd have a hard time picturing. But for many UP students like me who were hard up and had a difficult time paying their tuition fees, Mang Mel was a hero who gave them the opportunity to finish university and get a big job in the real world.

The year was 1993 and I was on my last semester as a Clothing Technology student. My parents had been down on their luck and were struggling to pay for my tuition fee. I had been categorized as Bracket 9 in the recently implemented Socialized Tuiton and Financial Assistance Program (STFAP). My father had lost his job and to supplement my allowance, I worked part time as a Guest Relations Officer at Sam's Diner (back when the term GRO didn't have shady undertones) and took some odd jobs as a Production Assistant, movie extra and wardrobe mistress.

To be eligible for graduation, I had to enroll in my last three courses and pay my tuition fee. Since my parents didn't have enough money for my matriculation, I applied for a student loan hoping that my one of my Home Economics (HE) professors would take pity on me and sign on as a guarantor for the student loan. But those whom I approached either refused or were not eligible as guarantors. After two unsuccessful weeks of looking for a guarantor, my prospects looked dim, my future dark. And so, there I was, a downtrodden twenty year old with a foggy future, crying in the AS lobby. I only had twenty four hours left to look for a guarantor.

Mang Mel, with a mop in hand, approached me and asked me why I was crying. I told him I had no guarantor for my student loan and will probably not be able to enroll this semester. I had no hopes that he would be able to help me. After all, he was just a janitor. He borrowed my loan application papers and said softly, "Puwede ako pumirma. Empleyado ako ng UP." He borrowed my pen and signed his name. With his simple act of faith, Mang Mel not only saved my day, he also saved my future.

I paid my student loan the summer after that fateful day with Mang Milton and it has been 15 years since then. I am not filthy rich but I do have a good job in the real world that allows me to support my family and eat three meals a day. A few weeks ago, a friend and UP Professor, Daki, told me that Mang Mel recently recorded an album which he sells to supplement his meager retirement pay, I asked another friend, Blaise, who's taking his Master's degree at UP to find out how we could contact Mang Mel. My gesture of gratitude for Mang Mel's altruism has been long overdue. As fate would have it, my friend saw Mang Mel coming out of the shrubbery from behind the UP library, carrying firewood. He got Mang Mel's address and promised him that we would come over to buy his album.

Together with Blaise and my husband Augie, I went to pay Mang Mel a visit last Sunday. Unfortunately, he was out doing a little sideline gardening for a UP professor in Tandang Sora. We were welcomed into their home by his daughter Kit. As she pointed out to a laminated photo of Mang Mel on the wall, she proudly told us that her father did retire with recognition from the University. However, she sadly related to us that many of the students whose loans Mang Mel guaranteed neglected to settle their student loans. After forty-five years of service to the University, Mang Mel was only attributed 171 days of work for his retirement pay because all the unpaid student loans were deducted from his full retirement pay of about 675 days. This seems to me a cruel repayment for his kindness.

This is a cybercall to anyone who did not get to pay their student loans that were guaranteed by Mang Mel. Anytime would be a good time to show Mang Mel your gratitude.

Mang Mel is not asking for a dole out, though I know he will be thankful for any assistance you can give. So I ask those of you who also benefited from Mang Meliton's goodness or for those who simply wish to share your blessings, please do visit Mang Mel and buy his CD (P350 only) at No. 16-A, Block 1, Pook Ricarte, U.P. Campus, Diliman, Quezon City (behind UP International House) or contact his daughter Kit V. Zamora at 0916-4058104.

Type rest of the post here

Wowzio Widget

I can really say WOW! to Wowzio widgets, I love it! I already included 3 widegets on both Sweet..Pretty..Naughty and Sweetytots blogs. They have 6 options Panoramic Slideshow, Line Activity, Photo Gallery, Tag Cloud, Feed Content and Slidewhow Slideshow.

They are very easy to install just choose whichever widget you want to use then, you have an option to put in your contact details, in my case I opt to skip it and whooolaa.. your html code is ready for you to copy and paste to your blogs. If you are in blogger they make it even easier for you, just click the blogger icon and choose your blog and there, it done. Your widget is autimatically placed in your sidebar. All of their widgets may be helpfull for you to attract more visitors or make them stay longer in your site, what's best is that all of your blogs can be "feed" in 1 widget, so if you have 5 blogs your can also see them in 1 widget. This can make your readers hop from one of your blog to the other one in just a click. If you want to know more, on how Wowzio widget can help bloggers click here.

Type rest of the post here