Ten Best Things of 2013

1. The 7-day Boracay work and leisure trip courtesy of PowerSchool Users Group, spearheaded by the chairman, Arlette. This was filled with buffets, I achieved a bulging tummy unfit for the bikinis and sand. It was fun to be at the best beach in the world with our Villa friends joining us in the last days of the conference. To my surprise, I even had a salary to top the free accommodations like airfare, hotel suites and all the drinks and food in the island. Thanks PSUG and Arlette.

2. Holidays in the Philippines of my sinister sister, a sibling from another Mama, Prynz. I got to finally meet O, his love.:) How great it is to live two world pole's apart then pick up where you left off with such ease and spontaneity. That is how it is with Prynz.

3. Summer in Hongkong with the Dizon family. WoW!! To hug Edward Cullen is too terrific!!Hahaha! But yes, Sha and I were helplessly giddy to catch up with the most beautiful vampire. Tammy and I bonded well, ate crocodile dumplings, H & M was at its best sale season, and set my feet again at the happiest place on earth, Disneyland.

4. Back at my former workplace, new job description and title, part-time clinical instructor. I am blessed  and humbled to have administrators who genuinely accept the real maarte Mitzi. They simply have no choice.Hihi!!

5.Clear and smooth FaceTime conversations with Jakjak, Kadie and Mykela- my most favorite children in the universe. Their giggle, innocent stories, the latest books they read and poems they recite, Jak showing his new purchase of skinny pants are treasured.

6. Mamang and I are healthily and safely together. We live in a teleserye and sitcom kind of world in our home. Tearjerking moments, aso't pusang away, curfew hours for me. I guess all is part of the package. At the end of the day, I pray in gratitude the two of us are now inseparable, Mamang's frail health notwithstanding.

7. Father Ramil was the former chaplain of our university prior to his assignment as parish administrator of Sta.Ana. Truth to tell, I did not expect that we will be friends, however fate has its plans. Mamang is his kakampi. I like that he also likes the Kcups coffee sent by Koyang Mark, that's why too much caffeine makes us both so jumpy.We may argue on a lot of things yet I know that he cares and prays for us, the hens.:) 

8. No act is too small, no amount is too little. Just like that.

9. I carefully pondered about this. I have been wishing for a flat tummy, toned muscles and weight reduction. Add to that, constant flow of endorphins and illness prevention. I crossed out food deprivation, I will die. I am this type of girl who's savoring breakfast and is already thinking and planning of snacks in between, lunch and midnight food. So the next best thing to consider is to move and shake my body. Gym time inspires me coz it allows me to eat, eat and be merry after.

10. Our Bangkok trip. We discovered a shopping mecca with fab finds at low cost, great food, Dean and Deluca and a comfy PAL flight.

 It is a wonderful and memorable 2013. I am thankful for its lessons, discoveries, bumps and rewards. With deep faith and strong hope, I look forward to the journeys, joy, goals, travels and love of 2014.

A blessed, safe, happy, prosperous New Year to all.

Love.Peace.Happiness.

Mamang's 5th Anniversary

I wrote this five years ago, on the day Mamang was brought to the ICU in one of the hospitals in California, when stroke hit her. It continues to stay on my white board place in my bedroom, serves as a reminder of what is to be done in all weathers of life.

Mamang's celebration of her second gifted miraculous life. I can say now, I never entertained the idea in my heart and mind that I won't be able to see her alive anymore, despite the physicians' declaration of her 20% chance of survival. I was stubborn in wishing and praying we will be together again, both of us breathing this world's oxygen.

Mothering my mother is not the easiest task. I will not trade it for anything else though. When people wonder why I look radiant, pretty and happy in spite of what may seem absent in my life, I think the real answer to that is because I have truly learned to value what and who I have. The petitions that were granted, the wishes that came true, and yes, having Mamang around. That is all that matters.

Pray. Be Thankful. Stay strong.

Unexpected

Here it is again, the third in my timeline. A friendship gone, in a way I never imagined it to happen. It is sad, as I considered this person a real real friend, an older sister even. No concrete turn of events transpired that is why up until now I wonder how on earth this meltdown of friendship occurred. As I value this person much, I made an effort to save what we had and what I thought we still have. Sadly, my plea fell to deaf ears.

As always, we are hurt by the people we love. I am in pain and sadness now because a person with a place in my life and heart chose to not include me in her world anymore. I may not understand the whys and hows nonetheless, I accept with humility her choice. I have a limited number of true friends and I consider them to be very significant part of my existence and  key source of inspiration.

"The only people you need in your life are the ones who need you in theirs."  Inside me, I still wish we can laugh out loud the way we used to do. However, if sooner I get used to the absence, then maybe it is all for the best.

Apologize.Pray. Accept.

Steady Week I Wish

Hello, my blog site!!! I miss scribbling my thoughts and photos on this corner. "I have no time" will sound lame I know so it is safe to say, I simply had various things in my hands,updating my blog needed to take a backseat.  It is second semester in the university and I have a part time teaching load albeit it is quite a bulk of task as I need to prepare and study. I am still the lab-in -charge full time of the Nursing Arts Laboratory.

The Bangkok travel with cousins, squeezing limited minutes for treadmill and cardio exercises plus Mamang's demands for me to arrive home earlier than the sun's disappearance had me wishing for extended hours for a few days.

My birthday week simply passed. I am grateful for the 36 years and counting. May I continue to appreciate all that I have. I felt loved by many and it brought wonderful feeling.

Today as I joined the mass, I prayed for a fruitful, quiet and steady week.  May I be productive in my two worlds of work, have quality time with Mother and hit the gym, do core work-outs and shed the pounds I gained because of the too often food explorations my cousins and I did.

Lord, please bless our week.Thanks.

Breathe. Run. Breathe.

An Apple a day Keeps the Boredom Away

Photo from Rappler Instagram

Quote to live by. Jobs may not be the most ideal person to look up to but his life continues to vibrate with Apple products' innovation and his words that surely thug a piece of within us.

Two Weekend Good News

Written on my Starbucks journal for October 5, 2013 was "Learn something new today." As the day rises, I idly wondered what would it be for me. A new word? Or a new core workout?  Saturday progresses and I was off to hit the gym after lunch. As I was to park Kobe, a tiny voice inside me encouraged me to do reverse parking.To give a background, I am  far from being an excellent driver , I still consider myself a newbie on this field. Hanging roads and unfamiliar streets and curves continue to make me quite apprehensive. With regards to parking, I simply do the forward manner and if ever you caught Kobe parked reversely that's because no cars were in front and there are multiple gaps of parking spaces in between.

Back to yesterday, as I listened to the voice, I opted to give it a try. I tried to stay calm and very very carefully maneuvered the wheels. There were two cars at my opposite sides and there is no room for extra space across my chosen lot. And to my surprise, Kobe was quenched in between the two sedans successfully. Oh my gosh!!! Inside the car, I really gasped with amazement with what I just did, I screamed with delight. My first time to hit such move and hopefully this will continue.:)

Still giddy with my parking skills, soon as I entered the gym, I asked Elai, my former trainer to please check my weight. I keep mum about it but I noticed remarkable looseness with my jeans. Elai took the data and yippee, yippee!!! I lost 2 KILOS, from 49 kg to 47; my muscle mass increased; fat mass decreased by 22% and this I love- my metabolic rate before hitting the gym months back was for a 29 year old lady. Now it's for a 23 year old one!!! Clap, clap for me.!! Haha! Iam now more motivated to step on the treadmill, lift some weight, perform planking though it still makes me blush. I will continue to dance to Dennis' Zumba steps,  and play badminton at the university.

I will still not put myself on a rigid and bland diet. Food remains to be a constant love. I however vow to keep on creating smoothies. I'm smug with the changes, I can't help but say I'm sexy and I know it!!LOL!! Truth to tell, there is still a lot to be done to achieve my desired body figure. Besides what is more important is I remain to be well and fit. Never mind the Victoria's Secret models and show biz lasses.

With these two great discoveries, it is indeed a good good weekend for me!!:)

How's your weekend?:)

Run.Lift.Drive.

Caring for Our Heroes' Children

Excerpts lifted from the Philippine Star, September 01, 2013

The Help Educate and Rear Orphans Foundation, Inc. (HERO) is perhaps one of the least recognized yet unquestionably significant legacies of former President Cory Aquino. Along with retired General Renato De Villa and Don Jaime Zobel de Ayala, with the dedication of its original board of trustees, who all came from the private sector, HERO is a concrete message of support and esteem to the Filipino soldier.

HERO revolves around the philosophy that when a soldier dies, he should be replaced with a fully educated and productive citizen. Each of the scholars is a hero standing as a memorial to his or her father who is the real hero.Another goal of HERO is to boost the soldier's morale. It is one meaningful way of telling the soldiers that their sacrifices are not in vain.

HERO grants educational assistance in the form of stipend, fund-raising activities and vocational courses for the children and dependent siblings of fallen or completely incapacitated soldiers due to enemy action or a s result of their participation in disaster and rescue operations. 

You may offer SMS donation:
              Text HERO<space> <amount> and send to 2899
              (Globe and TM subscribers only) Amounts: 5, 25, 50, 100, 300, 500, and 1000
Visit the website at www. herofoundation.com.ph
Facebook: Hero Foundation, Inc.
Instagram: @HERO_Phils

Be A HERO to our Heroes!!!

Care. Share. Pray.

10 Things I Want To Share About Koyang Mark

Mamang's 75th Birthday

1. It is obvious to my oldest brother Mark that Family is first. To our Mamang, he has always been the most obedient child and he never raised his voice to air his side. He did not entertain his own whims. He is downright simple he barely cares with what he does not have. I told him few days ago, I will send him a watch because I know he wouldn't even think of buying one for himself. He just smiled and said, "Kasalese na pa ning relo ku keni." And that watch we gave him 15 years past.

Because it's delicious they want me to have a taste of it.

2. Each time he discovers a product that pleases him, he excitedly talks to me about it. Moreover, he always find ways to send it to me so I could try it too. The most recent were the Trader Joe's foodies. He and Ate Arlyn brought me a Keurig coffee maker with Starbucks Kcups para pareho talaga kami ni Ate Kris.:)

C with our Fuertez titos and titas.

3. No matter the fast-paced life they have in West Coast, Koyang Mark would squeeze time to be with our relatives for every invite his family receives. Afterwards, he would call to narrate what transpired in the occasion, who came, and the shared topics of stories.

Koyang Mark's fambam.

4. He is a doting husband and daddy to Ate Arlyn, Kadie and Mykee. He does not get weary setting his feet at Disneyland because it's her daughters' favorite place. He has the most kikay kids and he lets them express themselves be it in song and dance, fashion and sports. It's cute to see Mykee snuggle close to his daddy when we FaceTime. As his girls love to read, he made a pink mini library for them.

Bethlehem at their house.

5. Koyang Mark since childhood has this penchant for building structures, producing something out of the box. In our younger years, he made wooden benches and tables for our "tambayan". In their California home, he assembled a long train station, their Bethlehem was given recognition by their community. For me, the most unforgettable he built when he was in high school was the treehouse above the "mansanitas."

Time with friends, March 2012

6. I would tease and ask him why he has "no friends" from his school days. In high school, he only kept 1, a guy surnamed Hipolito. I know that up till now, they keep in touch. Koyang Mark is way okay with the buddies he has in our place. He's a member of Bagets and Boulevard. He keeps on mind the birthdays of each friend and he is almost everyone's Kumpare.

@ Villa Maria, Porac.

7. His two lines which I remember by heart are hilariously practical. First, each late night I complained to him I was hungry, his perennial advice would be, "Chelle, minum kang danum saka na ka matudtud." Second was one when I was so distracted wishing for a 7 for All Mankind jeans coz I saw on a magazine it was  Ate Kris' favored brand. His brutally honest comment was, "Michelle, i Kris, Cojuangco Aquino ya apelyidu. Ika, Cunanan Del Rosario." Ay oo nga pala!!!Hahaha!!

A visit at Among Ching's place.

8. Sports is such a big part of his life. Truth be told, I think Boo and Beloy were the better basketball players, he on the other hand was the coach. We still keep on display at home their championship trophies. He's a Ginebra diehard, my gosh, he voted for Jaworski once on a senatorial race. In NBA, he gets depressed for every Lakers important loss and Kobe injury. He can't resist saying, " Ay Chelle, eku mipatudtud, isipan ku pangasambut da." Tiger Woods is his love too.

At their Disney Cruise.

9. This is an odd practice of Koyang Mark yet I do too already. Each chance he has a new stuff, like a shirt or a pair of shoes, he would make sure to wear that thing the first time in a Eucharistic celebration. Maybe it is his way of thankfulness and feeling nya, nabibinyagan ang suot nya.:)

With Kong Joren and Koyang Beloy

10. God is truly amazing He gave him to us as our oldest brother. Koyang Mark was never a spoiled first-born son. I recall how Mamang and Papang encouraged him to buy a new pair of shoes during his college years as he was wearing a  worn-out pair. He casually said no and mentioned "masalese la pa naman." Oh mmm!! When shall I hear myself saying the exact line?  When Koyang Miller has his cervical surgery few years back, he flew to Texas to simply be there. He is the most regular caller amongst all of us. He makes sure each week to give the family members a ring as we are scattered on the world map.

Happy happy birthday, Koyang Mark. Stay healthy and close to God. We wish to see all of you

 soon.:) Thank you for your extreme patience and kindness. Eka sasawa!!!Hahaha! As you do not drink anymore, I'll raise a bottle of San Mig Light for you!!!:) The world is a better place with a good man like you.

Love.Peace.Good health.Generosity.Happiness.

Viva Sto Cristo Del Perdon, Viva Virgen Delos Remedios

The 57th Coronation of the Blessed Virgin was solemnized yesterday at Villa Del Sol in San Fernando. All roads led to the place as people from different parishes of the Archdiocese of Pampanga graced the annual religious affair. It was heartwarming to see handkerchiefs being waved and hear Marian Kapampangan songs as the images of Sto Cristo Del Perdon and Virgen Delos Remedios were paraded during the procession.

Archbishop Paciano Aniceto together with Bishop Pablo David were the main celebrants of the mass. Their flock of priests also joined them onstage. I was proudhearted the UA President's Choir led the singing of hymns and songs.

Apung Ceto shared a truly sincere and well-timed homily. This holy man's passion and brilliance is superb, notwithstanding his frail health and age. Two special intentions for the celebration were cited."First, to pray for peace in Syria. A day of fasting and prayer is encouraged by Pope Francis who is a Pope of hope and solidarity. Syria is a biblical place. " The second is "to pray for justice in the pork barrel scam in our own land."The archbishop's disappointment was very palpable as he's aghast with the oppression of the poor and the cruel exercise of power of some elected officials. Cardinal Tagle describes the Filipinos' sentiment nowadays as a "JUST ANGER"."These are the taxpayers' money, even the janitors pay taxes.Give what is due to them."

The end part of his homily I wish I could share here but I won't coz his reminder was, "Ikayu ng bahala pag medyaryu ku." I tell you this Catholic leader of ours has the COURAGE!

On a personal note, I offered my thanksgiving for God's love and protection and Mama Mary's intercession. I am not a super religious girl, I am not even a very kind one that is why I simply asked I could be a better person today that I was yesterday. I prayed for the special people around me, for the safety and health of my fambam, for a flat tummy( even if I eat all the time I am awake), and for a new crush.:)

God and Mama Mary, thank you po!:)

Praise.Live.Pray.

The TRUEST Quote for the Week

Selfie #001

Skip this post I warn you and I won't mind!:)

This week's selfie photos.On my mind while I capture myself: I am a blessed with a beautiful life and face.LOL!! Peace to all!!

Smile.Love.Help.