Random Thoughts

Another favorite tourist spot in Seoul - Bukchon Hanok Village.

While I planned for our itinerary, I made sure that we visit this wonderful place.

Bukchon Hanok Village is a Korean traditional village with a long history located between Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeok Palace and Jongmyo Royal Shrine. The traditional village is composed of lots of alleys, hanok[1] and is preserved to show a 600-year-old urban environment. Now it is used as a traditional culture center and hanok restaurant, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of the Joseon Dynasty. (Grabbed from Wikipedia.com)

The area of Bukchon, which consists of neighborhoods: Wonseo-dong, Jae-dong, Gye-dong, Gahoe-dong and Insa-dong, was traditionally the residential quarter of high-ranking government officials and nobility during the Joseon Dynasty. It is located north of Cheonggye Stream and Jongno, hence named Bukchon, which means north village. (Grabbed from Wikipedia.com)

Inspite of the very hot weather in Seoul, we truly enjoyed this place. Definitely a must-see!

Christmas is just around the corner. I'm thinking of what to give the Hubby in the next few weeks. He is STILL into guitars and music so I'm checking out websites that offer guitar cases and accessories. I found a tkl mandolin case at musicians friend but the case was totally different and Hubby's guitar won't even fit. So I have to let this go. I need to look for more options online so I can order at least 2 weeks before Christmas.

Any suggestions where I can buy good quality guitar accessories? I need a fast transaction, please!

Happiness is...

1. Happy weekend
2. The little girl's first communion
3. Dimsum buffet!
4. Theia's 1st Birthday
5. Ice Jelly, YUM!
6. Christine's 7th Birthday
7. Blessings
8. Dinner with College friends
9. Bonding
10. Abe's yummy food

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

One thing that I also look forward to in Seoul is the food! So for our first lunch, we had to try Korean set of food, of course!

I honestly didn't know what to order so I just pointed the menu and asked for their best sellers. Good thing I ordered the right food. Ha!



...and we were one happy couple! Too bad I couldn't read the name of the restaurant, so I just took a photo of it...


And here's the meal that we ordered...


It was definitely a great Korean lunch. Our first! ♥♥♥

When we were in Gyeongbokgung Palace, I made sure that we went in time for the Changing of Guards ceremony. It was a very nice sight to see.

The Royal Guard-Changing Ceremony is a great opportunity to experience a rare traditional scene in Korea. It is a real pleasure to witness the whole ceremony.



For the performance times it is happening from 10:00-15:00 (6 times a day/ on the hour). The palace is closed on Tuesdays.




Gyeongbokgung Palace is located at 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea. To go there take Seoul Subway Line 3 and exit Gyeongbokgung Station.

Something light for you today...Vanilla Twilight by Owl City. I love this band!

Have a nice Sunday, everyone!

Let us be one as a nation and pray for the Philippines, tonight.

SAMA SAMA TAYO! by Archbishop Socrates B Villegas

This is the time for charity, urgent charity. This is the time for lighting our small little candles together to fight the darkness and gloom. This is the time to spread inspiration, to dig for more hope and to send off more positive vibes in the air.

The government cannot do the relief and rehabilitation alone. The NGO’s and communication companies cannot do this alone. The engineers and social workers cannot do this by themselves. We need to help one another. Those who want to help must help together.

Name calling and blame passing and finger pointing will just increase the damage and add to the confusion. This is the least we need. Let us celebrate what is right. Let us do what is right, the right that we can do no matter how small. Let us not allow the magnitude to overwhelm us. Feed one by one. Help one at a time.

I encourage every church group or religious association to directly adopt one parish community in the Diocese of Borongan. There are thirty two parishes that may be adopted as sister communities. The Archdiocese of Palo in Leyte has sixty four parishes. We can adopt one parish and directly help them with relief now and rehabilitation later on.

In the Archdiocese of Lingayen Dagupan, we have established links with Saint Mary’s College in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. All our relief goods will be repacked and dispatched by the Religious of the Virgin Mary in Guiuan. Hunger and sickness cannot wait. Do not wait for government. We must open all possibilities rather than get stuck at dead ends or road blocks or broken bridges. We must be aggressive and creative in sending charity.

On November 23, 2013 at six o clock in the evening, let us call for a national three minute of silence all over the nation. Let us pause. Pray for the dead. Pray for the living. Atone for our sins. Commit to give. Promise before God to help Samar and Leyte rise up.

Spread the prayer appeal. November 23 Vigil of Christ the King at 6:00 pm let us pause from our concerns and ask God for His blessing. It has been so long since we last prayed as a nation. Let this calamity wake us up to the truth that the city of man is weak and passing. We must set our hearts on the CITY of GOD…

Prayer works. We cannot rebuild our nation without God. We cannot rebuild without prayer.

After a good breakfast near our hotel, off we went to our first stop: Gyeongbukgung Palace. All I can say is that we were mesmerized by the beauty of this palace. Will just let the photos show you. This place is beyond beautiful.

Gyeongbokgung(경복궁), also known as Gyeongbokgung Palace or Gyeongbok Palace -- is a royal palace located in northern Seoul, South Korea. First constructed in 1395, later burned and abandoned for almost three centuries, and then reconstructed in 1867, it was the main and largest palace of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty. The name means "Palace" [Gung] "Greatly Blessed by Heaven" [Gyeongbok]. SOURCE.

In the early 20th century, much of the palace was destroyed by Imperial Japan. Since then, the walled palace complex has been gradually restored back to its original form. As of 2009, roughly 40% of the original number of palace buildings still stand or have been reconstructed. SOURCE.

Gyeongbokgung Palace is located at 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea. To go there take Seoul Subway Line 3 and exit Gyeongbokgung Station.

After a peaceful night in Incheon, we woke up as early as 6AM to head to the city of Seoul. Finally, it was time to go...

Hubby and I were very excited for the city that awaited us. Seoul.


First, we arrived in our "home" for the weekend - "Ibis Hotel".


After settling down, we went for breakfast. It was our first breakfast in Seoul.


YUM!

Happiness is...

1. Mom's box is here! ♥
2. Bonding with my girls
3. 5th birthday of our second little girl
4. KFC!
5. Minions overload :)
6. Coffee
7. For good health and keeping me sane
8. Safe
9. Kids, smiles and laughters
10. Papa God

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

My little girls' favorite show is coming to Manila on December 15 to 16, 2013!

This is going to be fun! ♥

I came across another nice and useful article over the weekend and I would like to share it here.

MANILA, Philippines – Credit card debts, overdrawn checking accounts, missed loan payments – these are costly mistakes you don't want your children to make when they grow up.

Teaching your children about money as early as possible will help them form good habits they will carry for life.

According to Mylene Lopa, chief marketing officer of Sun Life Financial, you should teach your kids about money when they start asking you to buy them things like toys or candies.

Mylene says, “It’s the perfect time to teach them that money doesn’t grow on trees, and that when it comes to buying things, you need to prioritize because they can’t get everything they want.”

Start simple. Expose them to the following basic concepts:

Spending

Prepare packed lunches for your kids in school, but give them money, too. Giving your children allowances is a good way to teach them how to be financially responsible.

“So the small allowance should just be enough to buy them a treat, like a juice or a biscuit. It’s for practice more than anything,” Mylene says.

Make it clear what expenses the money is for. Tell your kids about the rewards of saving some of that money.

As your children get older, they will ask for extra funds for school requirements, extra-curricular activities, and even gimmicks. Mylene recommends setting aside a “discretionary fund” for these, but it should be within your household budget. READ: Creating a monthly budget

Older kids can be trusted with larger amounts of money for longer periods of time. “Teach them how to budget by giving them their allowances for a week or a month,” Mylene says. “Then it’s up to them to learn to use it wisely.”

Should they ask for more, ask them to justify the need.

Saving

Buy your children piggy banks.

Piggy banks are cute and colorful, making saving a fun and positive activity for kids.

Encourage your children further by bringing them to the bank and showing them how to deposit their savings themselves. “It makes them feel more grown-up and they love it," says Mylene.

Once they've saved enough, let them decide what to do with their money.

Earning

For children, earning usually comes in the form of gifts they receive for good grades or behavior. Be cautious and give sparingly.

“Material rewards should be saved for extraordinary achievements,” Mylene advises. “Like if they top the class, or they really went beyond the call of duty to help.”

Mylene adds it’s hard to reward kids for things expected of them “because then they start to have a sense of entitlement.”

Investing

The concept of investing can be introduced to kids by analogy. “Investing is like tending to a plant,” notes Mylene. “You protect it, water it, and over time, it grows bigger and can even yield fruit.”

Teach your children the concept of setting aside money for a bigger goal in the future. Tell them you are working hard today to prepare for tomorrow. READ: The 20-something’s guide to money goals

Along with these basic concepts, the best way to teach kids about money is by being a good example. Avoid borrowing money from other people, and use your credit card responsibly.

It’s hard to teach kids about saving if they see you splurging and borrowing all the time. Inspire them to spend wisely and motivate them to plan for their future.

When it comes to money, it’s ideal to start them young. – Rappler.com

This song has helped me made it while I was in the US in 2001. I'm sharing this song to all my fellowmen in Visayas. We will rise above this. God will make a way.

I WILL SING...

Lord You seem so far away
A million miles or more it feels today
And though I haven't lost my faith
I must confess right now
That it's hard for me to pray
But I don't know what to say
And I don't know where to start
But as You give the grace
With all that's in my heart

Chorus:
I will sing I will praise
Even in my darkest hour
Through the sorrow and the pain
I will sing I will praise
Lift my hands to honor You
Because Your Word is true
I will sing

Lord it's hard for me to see
All the thoughts and plans You have for me
But I will put my trust in You
Knowing that You died to set me free
But I don't know what to say
And I don't know where to start
But as You give grace
With all that's in my heart

...and finally, after a couple of hours, we finally arrived Incheon International Airport.

Now, off to claim our baggages...


We are very excited for this trip. Hubby and I haven't really had an out of the country trip for just the two of us. Yes, this was our first time. (*wink*)

After inquiring at the information desk about our hotel, we were able to contact them and after a couple of minutes, we were already going to the hotel. Thanks to the hotel's quick airport transfer.

It took us only 10 minutes to arrive at the hotel.


The room was just ok. We loved the good location which was only a couple of minutes away from Incheon airport. It was also ok for just a couple of hours stay before we head to Seoul.


Now, it was time to rest. Watch out for more posts tomorrow. (*wink*)

Last August, Hubby and I went to Seoul, Korea and I would say it was one of our best out of the country trips ever. We both had so much fun.

The flight was uneventful and we were even able to sleep for a few minutes. Thank you dear God for the safe flight. ♥

Happiness is...

1. Safe from the typhoon. Thank you dear God!
2. Minions Party over the weekend
3. Rest, rest, rest
4. Shakey's Pizza, Pasta and Chicken. YUM!
5. Leodini!
6. Blessed that we can help.
7. The power of internet
8. Help for the Tacloban, Leyte and Samar.
9. Good health
10. Safe and warm

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

I came across this very nice and touching article by BO Sanchez. Very timely since I've been dealing with a lot of people who tend to make a big deal out of small problems. I love this article!

Let Small Problems Remain Small

Benjamin Disraeli said, Little things affect little minds.

I know of people who treat every little conflict, every little irritation, every little obstacle as a life-and-death emergency. I pity them. Because if we want to win in life, a master skill that we need to learn is the ability to let small problems remain small—and believe me, most of our problems are small.

Wisdom is knowing what to overlook.

Many years ago, before I became a personal finance teacher, a friend of mine asked for help. He was working for a credit organization and wanted me to invest there so that he could earn a little from the commission of my investment. So I liked the interest rates he was giving me and dumped half of my life savings in his company (I repeat: At that time, I still had zero financial literacy.)

One morning, I learned that his whole company collapsed and I saw all my money disappear in a wink of an eye…

That was half of my net worth. Zapped to oblivion.

But I was amazed at my reaction. I sighed and shook my head and said, “Oh well, that’s just money anyway. I’ll earn it back.” I then prayed, “Lord, can I ask a favor? Can you give back to me the same amount sevenfold?” After that, I walked home with peace in my heart and continued to live my happy life.

I could have reacted differently. I could have blown up, focused on the negative, and gone to depression. I could have panicked about my future, punished myself eternally with regret for not being more careful, or stirred up resentment for that darn company. But I chose not to because life is beautiful. There were still so many things to be thankful for!

Has someone criticized you unfairly?


Did it rain during your out-door party?


Has a friend taken you for granted?


Is the office air conditioner conking out again?


Has another car just cut you in traffic?


Did your husband forget to fix the faucet?


Did the washing machine rip your favorite shirt?


You could decide to make a big issue out of it, use it to destroy your day, make it an excuse to be bitchy towards your family, and allow it to complicate your life.


Or you could choose the simple path.


The choice is really yours.


Question: How do you react to problems? Try to think of a current problem now and then look at the bigger picture of life. Ask yourself: Will this problem matter twenty years from now?


Let small problems remain small.


May your dreams come true,
Bo Sanchez

Click HERE for the rest of the article.

Finally, I got to see you again. Hubby and I watched Thor a couple of days ago.

Interested? Here's the trailer.

Don't forget to catch it at the movie house! Oh yes, he was still gorgeous as ever! (*wink*)

The typhoon yolanda left devastating deaths and damages in Eastern Tacloban last weekend. I'm so saddened. I hope we can all do our share.

Here are the ways to help...

For more ways, check it out here.

Prayers and more prayers for the Philippines, PLEASE.

Here's another inspirational and very nice song by my favorite band - Googoo Dolls.

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

Last 2009, exactly 5 years ago, my Mom, sister and I went to Indonesia. We had a connecting flight to Jakarta then went straight to Denpasar/Bali.

It was one of our unforgettable trips. A little short for Bali but we promised that we will definitely go back!

It took me awhile to come up with my second little girl's wishlist because she likes toys so much that everyday she would choose a different toy to play with. The thing is she has a lot of plush toys already (after putting plush toys in her wishlist last year) so will not probably put that in this list this time.

So here goes...

1. Dizzy Dancer. She chose this toy when she went to TK a couple of weeks ago. She said she wants this for Christmas

2. Glitzi Globe



3. Pinypon. We saw a TV commercial of Pinypon and she likes it so much.



Thanks in advance to her "Mommy/Daddy"!