Aaaaahhhh...Weddings!

I used to hate weddings. It's long and boring. People are so formal. It requires me to dress up formal attire. And forcing all single ladies to go and catch the bouquet!

But when Hubby proposed and we started doing the wedding preps, I realized how special weddings are (well, at least for the bride and groom!). And knowing how stressful the preparations are, and how much time the bride and groom allots time for weddings, I began to appreciate it. And from then on, I would stay until the end of the reception (I used to eat-and-run before! Bad!).

Hubby and I attended a nice and simple wedding last Saturday of Junes and Joyce at Paranaque City.

What a pretty couple!


As always (since pregnancy), I would get emotional! I was just amazed at how families and friends would bring out their efforts to make the event a success. And how they supported Junes and Joyce all throughout. For me, that's more important.

Maybe that's the main reason why I now appreciate weddings. Because when i was preparing for my own wedding, I knew who my true friends were, who supported me, who were there for me (especially during wedding jitters!), and the members of my family who were really, really happy for me.

Aaaaahhhh...Weddings!

Ishi, the pretty, little bride

Hubby and me, with the bride and groom


Congratulations to the Newlyweds!

Get Togethers are Fun!

Oct. 19, 2006 (Thursday) - I haven't seen my friends (ercs, mage, rica, and farrah) for months already! So, we planned to meet up at my place to have dinner, drinks, and talk, talk, talk.

I really had a great time! Thanks for coming guys!


with Mommyo's Friends


with Mommyo's Friends

Plugging: Native Bags for Sale


I'm helping out my Mom sell these bags. Anyone interested? Send me a private email at michellemagbag@gmail.com. :)

Our Saturday Afternoon Adventure in Bicol

After fetching the rest of the group at the airport (Kuya Mike, Jun, Ate and family - we had separate flights) we were off to Sorsogon. It was an hour and a half drive from the airport. We had fun while in the car and as always, Baby Alex was asleep. :) She really loves to travel!

When we got to Bacon (mother-in-law's hometown) in Sorsogon, we just had snacks, a few chit-chats and then dropped by the Church (the real purpose why we're there), and went to the beach!

I love the seabreeze!
The sea breeze makes Baby Alex smile!


Since, it's getting dark already, and the air is getting chilly, we just took a few pictures then went back home.

What a nice house!
my parents-in-law's house in Bacon, Sorsogon

with Daddyo and Tito Mike
Daddyo, Tito Mike, and Baby Alex


Bacon is a very small town with lots of friendly people. Not much we can do here except for eating fresh seafoods and enjoying the simple life we won't find in Manila. I would love to stay here for a few days then after that, I would miss the "city life" already (even if I grew up in the province of Mindanao). I guess, I am meant to live in the city. With this I would be able to enjoy the rush, the malls that would close at 10pm, fastfood chains open 24 hours a day, and just the thought of being able to go out anytime we want. But of course, a few days or weeks of vacation won't hurt, right? :)

Here's something to remind us of our Bicol trip...

Bicol

Mabuhay ang Bicol!

We had a Blast in Bicol! (Saturday)

The first thing that comes into my mind when I hear "Bicol" is the super looong trip (max 15 hours) and the "zig-zaggy" roads that would make you feel dizzy. I hated it! So, when my parents in-law offered a free trip to Bicol (by plane) to witness the turn-over of my Mommy-in-law as Hermana Mayor, Hubby and I immediately jumped at this offer! But this would mean, packing the stuff (that would be lots!) of Baby Alex and a possible uneasiness at the plane. But, what the heck! This is better than travelling by car in 15 hours!

October 14, 2006 - I woke up around 330am (excited ang Mommy for Baby Alex' first plane ride!). Our flight was 7am. I was just so "praning" about everything. If we would leave something important, what if the water for her milk won't be permitted in the plane, what if we will be late because of the security checks, etc. Then, I realized, hey, this is a vacation, why would I be so stressed out? So, I've decided to just let it be and just go with the flow.

Thanks to Dandy for bringing us to the airport. We arrived there around 545am. We were early, I guess. Hubby went straight to the check-in counter. And then after a few minutes, we were inside the departure area. Everything was a breeze! They didn't even checked Baby's bag for the bottles and milk. And all throughout, we were just calm. And, funny thing is every security personnel would smile at Baby Alex and try to touch her hand. Alex on the other hand, would just look at them with the "kunot" forehead. :) We had snacks/breakfast at Mister Donut (coffee too strong for me!) before boarding time.

We didn't notice that it was boarding time already. Hubby was still buying mamon. But, it's ok since, there aren't that much people going to Legazpi anyway. I was observing Baby Alex' reaction about everything, but, she managed to be calm, quiet, and just observing.

The moment that I've been dreading about, take-off. Luckily, the moment we sat down the plane and the moment Baby Alex held her "lampin" (security lampin), she immediately fell asleep! She was such an angel! She slept almost the entire flight and just woke up when she heard us getting excited about Mayon Volcano.

Mayon Volcano was such a wonderful sight! We saw the whole thing while we were up in the plane and took some pictures. It's really amazing how God created this volcano.

Mayon Volcano - Closer look
what a perfect creation!

Mayon Volcano
amazing!

The plane landed around 755am. Again, Baby Alex' was so behaved. :)

After getting our bags, we saw Joy immediately. Then, we were off to the Ruins of Cagsaua Church. This is so famous in Legazpi. I think everyone who visits Legazpi would never fail to drop by this place.

Unlike three years ago (tourists were everywhere!), we were the only ones who were there. Some shops were even closed. And I haven't mentioned that the whole town of Legazpi (and Sorsogon) is still experiencing brown-out! (It just made me feel blessed that we have electricity at home already)

Anyway, we took pictures of the place. And did a little bit of window shopping.

The whole family
at the ruins of cagsaua church

Ruins of Cagsua Church
ruins of cagsaua church

Since we didn't like the bags sold at this place (kind of expensive, but very cheap compared to Manila prices), we decided to look for the market. We asked around and finally got there after calling up my Mom's friend. There were loooots of abaca bags sold at the "satellite market" and my Mom and I were able to buy little bags for Christmas goodies (yes, I plan and shop early!).

After the market, (and by that time, I was very hungry although forgot about it while shopping) we went to Waway's for lunch. The food was great! But I had to warn you, some are VERY SPICY especially their Bicol Express (which now I call, Sili Express. hehe!).


Waway's
waway's, Legazpi

Chattin' round
waiting for our lunch

Eating time!!
had a great lunch

After lunch, we went to Metro Mall to just hangout before the arrival of Kuya Mike, Jun, Ate and family. We also bought milk and water for Baby Alex.

Well, we already spent our half day in Bicol. Time really flies so fast. But it is only the beginning. I will be back with some kwento on our Saturday afternoon adventure!

What I Love About October

Nope, not OktoberFest!

What I love about this month is that, it's the month of "Lansones". If some of you have read my post about GDM when I was pregnant, Lansones actually was the culprit. This fruit has caused by blood sugar to rise! Of course, I was the one to blame as well since I ate 2 kilos of lanzones in one seating!



I bought 2 kilos yesterday but I promised myself not to finish everything. It was good but some are still sour so probably it's not the right time yet. Probably end of the month or so and it would be the perfect time to buy. Oh, I can't wait! :)

Off to Bicol this Weekend!

Haaaay, I'm almost done packing. I can't believe a 7-month old baby would need a very big bag and lots and lots of things for a 2 to 3-day (only) trip to Bicol. I started packing our things since what, Tuesday!? And still not done yet, well almost!

Here are some stuff that I've included in Baby Alex' bag:


  • Formula/Cerelac/Sterilized Water/Biscuits

  • Vitamins

  • Inflatable Bath Tub

  • Pambahay/beach/church outfits

  • Bottle withDisposable Liners

  • Cotton/Cotton Buds

  • Bath stuff (towel, soap, manzanilla, alcaporado, face towels)

  • Diapers

  • First Aid Kit and Medicines (paracetamol)

  • Toys, toys, toys

  • Vitamins

  • Receiving blanket and lampin (as her security ek ek)

  • Alcogel/Ethyl Alcohol

  • Stroller

  • Car Seat



Well, I hope I didn't forget anything important (even if her bag is full already!).

Anything else?? Haay, I just can't help but feel worried on how is it going to be on the plane. Yes, it's her first time! So, wish us luck! :)

I'll be back with pictures and kwento. Have a great weekend everyone!

The Paradox of our Times

.:. Just want to share this nice email that I got a couple of days ago. It made me think, am I getting the most out of life!? Read on... .:.


GEORGE CARLIN (His wife recently died...)


Isn't it amazing that George Carlin - gross and mouthy comedian of the 70's and 80's - could write something so very eloquent...and so very appropriate.


A wonderful Message by George Carlin:The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.


We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.


We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.


We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.


We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.


These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...


Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.


Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.


Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.


Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.


Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.


Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.


AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Happy Birthday, Dandok!

Oct. 5, 2006 (Thursday) - It was my younger brother's birthday last Thursday. We had a simple dinner at my Mom's place and we had fun!

dandy_bday


Happy Birthday, Dandok! Wishing you more and more to come! ;)

Family's Day Out

Sept. 24, 2006 (Sunday) - It was a family day. Since my friend Norin is getting married in Lakeshore, Pampanga this December, she asked us to go with her and checkout the venue.

After hearing mass we went straight ahead to Pampanga. We were looking for Aling Lucing's Sisig (along riles) but it was closed, so we ended up eating at this Chinese restaurant. The food was good (or maybe we were just hungry!?). After that we headed to San Fernando to checkout what's there. We just drove around the city (nothing special), until finally we headed to Lakeshore.

The place was really nice. We met my friends (Norin, Gian, and Janice) there and did some occular visit. Norin is getting married in an "island".

The Island

The Island (at the background) where Norin is Getting Married

After being in the place I just can't help but feel so excited for her. I realized that this is it! The last single person in our barkada
is getting married. Everyone has crossed the "border" and everyone will be living our own lives, very busy taking good care of our families. No more sleep-overs. No more "biglaan" gimick. No more telebabad until the wee hours in the morning. No more girls night out!? Oh wait, I think girls night out can be negotiable. We can have coffee every once in a while. Right, hon?! :)

Oh well, I can't wait for her big day. I just hope she won't be late on her own wedding! Hahaha!

mosaic6618356
(Clockwise from left - Mommyo and Baby Alex, Hubby and I at the island, my family with the lighthouse, with Norin - "the bride" and Janice on the way to the island)


For more info about Lakeshore, click here.