Random Thoughts

Today is a beautiful day to enjoy a relaxing music like this...

Perfect song, right!? Love, love it! Sweet Disposition by The Temper Trap. Have a nice Sunday, everyone! (*wink*)

We loooove milk teas and guess what, we discovered a new one near the neighborhood.

InfiniTea. You also get to choose what sugar level you would like.

And it's cheaper too! I guess we are adding this to our favorite milk teas! ♥

I came across this nice article in Facebook and I thought it would nice to go back to this article when I'm of old age already.

Read on and be inspired...

Because none of us have many years to live, and we can't take along anything when we go, so we don't have to be too thrifty... Spend the money that should be spent, enjoy what should be enjoyed, donate what you are able to donate, but don't leave all to your children or grandchildren, for you don't want them to become parasites who are waiting for the day you will die!!

Don't worry about what will happen after we are gone, because when we return to dust, we will feel nothing about praises or criticisms. The time to enjoy the worldly life and your hard earned wealth will be over!

Don't worry too much about your children, for children will have their own destiny and should find their own way. Don't be your children's slave. Care for them, love them, give them gifts but also enjoy your money while you can. Life should have more to it than working from the cradle to the grave!!

Don't expect too much from your children. Caring children, though caring, would be too busy with their jobs and commitments to render much help. Uncaring children may fight over your assets even when you are still alive, and wish for your early demise so they can inherit your properties and wealth. Your children take for granted that they are rightful heirs to your wealth; but that you have no claims to their money.

50-year old like you, don't trade in your health for wealth by working yourself to an early grave anymore... Because your money may not be able to buy your health...

When to stop making money, and how much is enough ( hundred thousands, million, ten million )?

Out of thousand hectares of good farm land, you can consume only three quarts (of rice) daily; out of a thousand mansions, you only need eight square meters of space to rest at night.

So, as long as you have enough food and enough money to spend, that is good enough. You should live happily. Every family has its own problems. Just do not compare with others for fame and social status and see whose children are doing better, etc., but challenge others for happiness, health, enjoyment, quality of life and longevity...

Don't worry about things that you can't change because it doesn't help and it may spoil your health. You have to create your own well-being and find your own place of happiness. As long as you are in good mood and good health, think about happy things, do happy things daily and have fun in doing, then you will pass your time happily every day.

One day passes without happiness, you will lose one day.

One day passes with happiness, and then you gain one day.

In good spirit, sickness will cure; in a happy spirit, sickness will cure faster; in high and happy spirits; sickness will never come.

With good mood, suitable amount of exercise, always in the sun, variety of foods, reasonable amount of vitamin and mineral intake, hopefully you will live another 20 or 30 years of healthy life of pleasure.

Above all, learn to cherish the goodness around... and FRIENDS... They all make you feel young and "wanted"... without them you are surely to feel lost!!

Life is so short not to be happy with our lives. Let's make the most out of it! (*wink*)

Hello, JULY!

Happiness is...

1. Relaxing weekend
2. Coffee date with my good friend MM
3. Movie time with the family ♥
4. Man of Steele
5. Chili's Ultimate Burger. Oh, YUM!
6. Shopping, shopping during sale
7. Kids
8. Good health
9. A Cup of Coffee
10. eBooks

To know how this started and credits of the header, click here.

This made me laugh and at the same time brought me to tears. Very touching and very true as well... Read on...

What I'd Like for Father's Day: An Open Letter to My Daughter

No ties, please. No cufflinks or gift certificates. No presents at all, really.

Kid, if you're struggling for some last-minute token for Father's Day, here's what I'd really like — this year and for years to come:

I want you to know there's no end game. The sports you play, the colleges you get into, the accolades you pile up, sure, yes, of course, I'll always cheer the loudest and you'll be like, "I don't know that guy," and I'll be all, "THAT'S MY GIRL!" and you may not speak to me until you're 30, but you should always know you're good enough no matter what.


I want you to find a good friend. Someone who will cut someone for you, or at the very least not talk shit behind your back.

Don't let some anonymous asshole with a keyboard determine your self worth. You are always more than a "like" count on whatever social media program happens to be popular at the time.

No, seriously, I mean it. You wouldn't go up to the crazy dude in town square or that homeless lady we see on the street and say, "Do you like my outfit?" or "Do you think I'm hot?" That's absurd, right? Who would do that? Millions of people online, every day. That's who. Your friends and future buds. It's something I never had to deal with growing up, this spotlight of petty strangers, and it scares the absolute shit out of me to think this is the culture you're growing up with. I can only hope to help guide you toward that internal strength that says: "That's just … creepy."

Find a shitty friend. Someone who will get you in trouble — just enough to learn a good lesson but not enough to require bail money or morning after pills.

When you get that urge to scream, "I hate you!" and slam the door, please for the love of god, kid, direct all that noise at me because if you aim that shit at your mother you won't believe how long that door will remain slammed. That will not stand.

Work hard.

Don't let it get to your head when people say, "You're so smart!" Because you have a lazy father who thought that was enough and learned only later that hard work and luck is how good things happen.

Practice gratitude even when you're not around us.

Everyone has a freak flag and the truly cool people of the universe don't wait until they're out of high school to fly it.

When you meet people for the first time and you're awkwardly chatting and don't really know what to say, don't ask: "So … what do you do?" Ask instead, "So … what do you like to do for fun?" You'll meet the absolute greatest people in the world this way.

On that note: Don't let work define you. It's a part of how you live your life. It's not you.

Find a fun hobby or sport or volunteer program — something that makes you smile when you think about it.

Listen to your mother. She knows what the fuck she's talking about.

Try not to swear as much as your father but come slip into my arms after a bad day if you ever want to hear anyone say, "Fuck those motherfuckers. You're the fucking best!"

Know this: I will never call a professor for you. You get a bad grade, that's your own damn fault. Work harder next time or clear away whatever obstacle is in your path.

Don't ever forget how to change a flat tire.

You already know what it feels like when friends try to knock you down for no apparent reason. Don't do that.

Come back to me. When I'm old and gray and can barely get out of the chair and the rest of the old codgers in the home won't let me watch Columbo with them, I want you to bring a good book and we'll sit and talk and read and laugh, and it will be the best present of all if you just grab my hand again and say, "Fuck those motherfuckers, pop. Let's go for ice cream."

SOURCE.

This song is simply beautiful... Sharing it here on a beautiful Sunday.

I looove the lyrics of this song. It brought me to tears...

Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I'm through with playing by the rules
Of someone else's game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes: and leap!

It's time to try
Defying gravity
I think I'll try
Defying gravity
And you can't pull me down!

I'm through accepting limits
'Cuz someone says they're so
Some things I cannot change
But till I try, I'll never know!
Too long I've been afraid of
Losing love I guess I've lost
Well, if that's love
It comes at much too high a cost!
I'd sooner buy
Defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye
I'm defying gravity
And you can't pull me down.

So if you care to find me
Look to the western sky!
As someone told me lately:
"Ev'ryone deserves the chance to fly!"
And if I'm flying solo
At least I'm flying free
To those who'd ground me
Take a message back from me
Tell them how I am
Defying gravity
I'm flying high
Defying gravity
And soon I'll match them in renown
And nobody in all of Oz
No Wizard that there is or was
Is ever gonna bring me down!

Before we finally leave the island after 5 days of enjoying it, we had lunch for the first time at I ♥ BBQ.

The place was packed so we were expecting really good food. It has to be, because the three of us love to eat meat!



The service was really good, our food was served after a few minutes. LOOK!


My sirloin steak was not only good but affordable too. I just love the combination of the steak with egg, onion rings, gravy and rice. Now, I'm getting hungry again just thinking about it.

So that ends our trip to Boracay. It was definitely fun. I was able to bond with my siblings for 5 days.


I was able to catch up on my reading and sleep too. Thank you Lord for the vacation. Now, it's time to go back to my family. I've missed them a lot!

The Hubby's birthday is a few more weeks from now so I'm thinking of what to give him then. He loves playing the guitar with the music ministry now. So, I'm thinking of giving him something that he could use with his guitars. I've researched a bit and came across Amplifiers & Monitors online. It looks like he will love these things. I haven't explored how it works though but I'm 100% sure that Hubby would know.

What I can do is watch him while he practice with his band. Then I would if he needs this amplifiers or not. But nevertheless, I'm still sure that he will love it.

I've been to Boracay for quite a number of times now but I haven't really explored Station 3 that much. All along I thought that the beach in that area was not that good anymore. But when we saw it while I jogged with my sister, I was surprised that it was still a beauty especially very early in the morning.

I can't helped it, I had to stay in the area for a few minutes to relish the beautiful site.


And then after half an hour, I guess I was ready to move on...


Another few minutes to walk back to the hotel, this time, I was so looking forward to our breakfast buffet.

We had another food trip while I was in Boracay with my siblings. We can't helped it, everything we've been craving was in the island!

D' TALIPAPA Seafoods. You can NOT miss these seafoods when in Boracay. Most of them are fresh and the price were very affordable too comapred to the prices in Manila. You buy live shrimps, crabs and fish at the market and then have it cooked in the nearest restaurant. We had quite a feast!

DECO'S Batchoy. My first and I totally love it. Batchoy has been our comfort food ever since we were kids. It was great to taste it again during this trip.


JONY'S Chicken Burritos. This one is just ok. A bit expensive and it didn't exceed my expectations. Maybe I should give this another try when I visit the island again.


MILK TEA. My favorite milk tea is now in Boracay. Woooot!


BACOLOD CHICKEN INASAL. This BBQ chicken is so tasty and tender. Another must-try in the island.


I ♥ BBQ's Steak. Our ever first to try this and we all loved it.


This only goes to show that if you are in Boracay, you won't only enjoy the beach and the sun but you will enjoy good food plus wonderful stories shared while having those meals. ♥

Happiness is...

1. Happy Weekend!
2. Chapter Team Building at Balay Indang
3. Quick snacks at Cafe Breton, Tagaytay
4. Father's Day
5. Ace Water Spa Lunch and Swimming after
6. Family
7. Viber
8. Successful first day of school for our 2nd little girl!
9. Samsung Galaxy S4 (*wink*)
10. Breaky at Figaro

To know how this started and credits of the header, click here.

When I was in Boracay with my siblings, we didn't miss the opportunity of seeing the famous beautiful sunset of Boracay. I guess everyone had the same thought as well...

...because almost all of the people in the island came out just to witness it. As expected, it was breathtaking!



Too bad the Hubby wasn't with me so we didn't have a really good camera to capture it. But the scene was so unforgettable, it will always be etched in my mind. Yes,no kidding it was THAT beautiful! (*wink*)

We booked our stay in Boracay several weeks before our flight so we didn't have that much options anymore. It was a peak season (labor day weekend) so most resorts and hotels were fully booked.

Good thing Real Maris Resort has still several rooms available and the room that we got was even discounted. From the website, Real Maris is in Station 1, I was surprised that it was located almost in Station 2 so the frontage of the resort was crowded. On second thoughts, we realized that the location was good since we didn't have to ride a tricycle during lunch or dinner.

I also love their swimming pool. Whenever we felt like dipping in the pool, we would go, anytime of the day! Who wouldn't? This is definitely tempting!




We all love the service that the Real Maris Resort's crew provided. The room was cleaned everyday. The breakfast buffet was just ok though and it was nothing special. But we will probably go back and book this again when we are in the island.

Real Maris Beach Resort is located in Station 1, Balabag, Boracay Island. For reservations, visit the website: www.realmaris.com.

I feel like dancing today, so here's my favorite song by Snow Patrol...

...Just Say YES!!!

Love it! Happy Sunday, everyone! Happy Father's Day to all the Dads!

Well, I was surprised with myself that my siblings were able to convince me to try Yoga for the first time. Yes, yoga while on vacation in Boracay! But the idea of doing it along the beach shore was so tempting, I just had to try it!

I'm glad I tried it. I had so much fun doing yoga as early as 8AM. And as our reward for ourselves, right after yoga, we had a healthy breakfast...


It was the best mushroom omelette I had in the island! And boy, it was healthy.

What a perfect way to start the day!

Who wouldn't have a relaxing day in Boracay, anyway?

First, we took a plunge into this refreshing pool after breakfast...

Then off we went to Station 1 for my overdue drink of Mango Shake...


Then we stayed in one corner, laid down our sarongs and enjoyed this view...



After a much needed relaxation, we went to have lunch at Jony's while looking at this beautiful view...


Oh, yes! It was indeed another beautiful, wonderfula and unforgettable day in Boracay.

Happiness is...

1. Happy Weekend!
2. The Ate is back to school. So far she is having fun!
3. Travel memories
4. A cup of coffee
5. Videoke with Friends
6. Cheetos
7. MyFitness PAL
8. Family photos
9. Parlor Day for me last Sunday!
10. Three Wishes by Lianne Moriarty

To know how this started and credits of the header, click here.

The trip with my siblings in Boracay was all about relaxing, food trip and bonding. So on our second day, we technically didn't do anything except chill.

But the thing is, Station 2 is a bit crowded already plus the vendors and the boatmen convincing you to do island hopping and other activities. So my sister and I went all the way to Station 1 just to be able to relax.




With one drink or two, it felt like one of the most wonderful days of our stay in the island.


After all, it was such a beautiful day! ♥♥♥

I remember when we got to our hotel, Real Maris, we were so hungry already so the first thing that we did after we brought our stuff to our room was to have lunch. We were probably THAT hungry because we gave in to the first resto that we saw.

FIRST STOP: Lunch at Gerry's Grill

I haven't eaten here for months so I was glad it was the first restaurant we saw.

We had pork sisig, chopsuey and rice. I couldn't remember the third viand that we had. LOL!

SECOND STOP: Big Mouth for Dinner

This is probably one of the most famous and cheap restaurant in the island.


I had the sizzling squid with buttered veggies. Simply because my siblings didn't want squid for our lunch so I had to order it. I was craving for squid the moment we arrived in the island. This one was tasty!

THIRD STOP: Zuzuni

We wanted to stay out more so we decided to have dessert. I heard a lot of good raves about Zuzuni's chocolate sin so we ordered it along with drinks.


They were right. This dessert is TDF! I will never forget the combination of hot chocolate syrup that goes with the vanilla ice cream. It was definitely heavenly!

Here's a wonderful song that you can dedicate to your loved ones.

Tangled Up with You by Staind.

Have a nice Sunday, everyone! (*wink*)

When I learned that my brother in SG is coming home to go back to Boracay, I immediately checked my bank account and see if I could join them. With the pemission of Hubby and a lot of blessings, I decided to go with my brother, his friend and my sister.

We left Manila at 8AM. Thank God our flight wasn't delayed and it was uneventful too.

After an hour, we were at Kalibu International Airport. We got an airport transfer package so we rode the bus on the way to Caticlan. It took us two hours and then another ferry ride to the island itself.

Hello, Boracay!

I totally forgot to post this! The month of May was challenging for us but we had a lot of adventures too...

What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
- Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
- AngelFire Trilogy by Courtney Allison Moulton

What movies and/or TV shows did I watch this month?
- Real Steel
- Princess Diaries 1 & 2

What special days did I celebrate and how?
- Labor Day
- Mother's Day!
- The parents-in-law's 45th wedding anniversary

What gifts did I give and/or receive?
- I got cute cards from my little girls

What illnesses or health concerns did I have?
- I'm very much thankful for the gift of strength and good health this month while we didn't have any house help

What fun things did I do with my friends and/or family?
- Went to Boracay with my siblings from May 1 to 5, 2013. We all had a blast!
- Celebrated Mother's Day with inlaws at Corazon, Shangrila, East Wing
- Went Marti's 7th birthday party at Valle Verde 5 Clubhouse
- Celebrated parents-in-law's 45th anniversary at Misibis Bay
- Went to Zabby's 7th birthday party at Decagon, Silver City Mall

What new foods, recipes or restaurants did I try this month?
- Boracay Restos:
- Gerry's Grill
- Big Mouth
- Zuzuni
- Breakfast at Real Maris
- D' Talipapa's Garlic Butter Prawns and Chili Crabs
- Pizza and Pasta at Aria
- Deco's Batchoy
- Jony's Mexican Food
- Bacolod Inasal Chicken & Batchoy
- I ♥ BBQ's Ribeye Steak
- Share Tea 101 Milk Tea

- Yellow Cab's Dear Darla and Twice Baked Potato Halves
- Mad Mark's Kapitolyo
- Corazon
- Chowking
- Pancake House
- Phoa's Seafood Noodle Soup
- Misibis Bay Restaurant
- Slice's Red Velvet Cupcake + Cappucino
- ChaTime

What special or unusual purchases did I make?
- A couple of dresses from Boracay (*wink*)

What were this month's disappointments?
- The all around help went home without telling us in advance

What were my accomplishments this month?
- We DID it! We survived the no yaya and all around help for 3 weeks. Thank you God!

...of my next posts in the next few days.

Guess where I went with my siblings last Labor Day weekend?

I'm thinking where we should go on Father's Day when I got this email...

PERFECT Timing! Now, which resto should we choose? Nuninuninuuuu...

Happiness is...

1. Survived the 3 week ordeal without Yaya and all around help (thank you Lord for strength!)
2. Books that make me sane
3. Hugs and kisses from the little girl
4. Coffee in the morning before working
5. Viber to keep in touch with friends and family
6. Planning our next getaways for the rest of the year
7. LIFE :)
8. Simple Things that make me happy
9. Pedicure
10. An Hour Massage

To know how this started and credits of the header, click here.

I'm finally done reading the AngelFire trilogy and well, it was just ok.

First there are nightmares. Then come the memories. Now she must hunt.

Ellie can’t shake the terrifying dreams about monstrous creatures that are hunting her, killing her. Then she meets Will and feels on the verge of remembering something just beyond her grasp. His attention is intense and romantic, and Ellie feels like her soul has known him for centuries. When they meet on a dark street at midnight, Will awakens Ellie’s power, and she knows that she can fight the creatures that stalk her in the grim darkness. Will holds the key to Ellie’s memories, whole lifetimes of them, and she can no longer pretend anything was just a dream.

Her role is to hunt and kill the reapers that prey on human souls. In order to survive, she must also hunt for the secrets of her past lives, the dangerous and ancient battle of the angels and the Fallen, and truths that may be too frightening to remember.

Angelfire is achingly romantic, terrifying, and filled with blistering action.

My verdict: The story was good but I got so bored with all the fight scenes that I wanted to end it right then and there.

Now that summer is almost over, our summer activities are ending too. We bid our goodbyes to sunny weather and beach. We or particularly the kids are now recharging for school.

It also means another thing - we can work on our house projects again! While researching for materials online, I came across www.lspceramics.com that offers industrial ceramics. Yes, ceramics! I was quite surprised too that these small things are made of ceramics. Which means these are good choices for the house. Will look into this more but I'm pretty sure we will get one of these for the laundry area which hopefully will be renovated soon!