Random Thoughts

As I've posted yesterday, we had a very adventurous trip! Our flight to Cagayan De Oro (CDO)was at 8:10 AM. We were early actually and we were (I think) 15 minutes early to the scheduled arrival time. But when we got to CDO airport it was so cloudy and windy. The pilot tried two attempts to land the plane but it was unsuccessful. The first attempt was so scary, the plane almost touched the ground then he realized that he will go overboard (since the runaway of CDO airport was so short, he suddenly realized that he was in the middle of it already), he then made the plane go up again which was a very scary experience. We were praying the whole time! He did another attempt but it was too cloudy that he decided to re-route the plane to Mactan, Cebu.

We waited in Mactan for several hours until we decided to go down and take the boat instead. Because the pilot said that he will try another attempt but doesn't really guarantee that he could land. And if not, they will go back to Manila. So this means, re-booking our flight which means we will be chance passengers and if we won't be able to take some flights we won't make it to Alex's birthday on Sunday!

It was a difficult decision because I know that MIL is not fond of boats. (Oh by the way, we were 7 plus 1 (Alex) so it was really hard to make a decision.) Boat is another alternative which is safer because there was no storm that time but only strong winds which is why the plane couldn't land.

Anyway, after waiting for so looong (the crew got our baggages from the plane after 1 to 2 hours! we had 15 baggages!) we were able to deplane only to realize that it was raining so hard! Good thing they had umbrellas but the plane "parked" very far from the terminal so we had to walk! I thought that Alex wouldn't like what was happening (it's not that she could understand it...) but she was having a time of her life! :)

We immediately went to the Cebu Port to purchase our boat tickets. Then we left our 15 baggages there so we could go visit Cebu City for awhile. Actually we just went to SM Cebu and stayed in Starbucks to rest. :D My Mom, Hubby, and Alex went to Sto. Nino Church to visit. Check out Hubby's photos of the Church...

Lola and Alex visiting Sto. Nino



At around 5PM we met again to have dinner and decided to have it at Gerry's grill. We were too tired to check out some other restaurants so we opted to somewhere familiar. Since my brother from Macau was with us, we ordered some food that he missed a lot like sisig, squid, pinakbet, and pancit canton. We had a great time eating there and were now finally relaxed after what we've been through in the morning.


Lolo and Alex


My sister and Mom



After dinner we then went to Cebu Port again and went to the boat. The trip was from 8:10PM up to 5:30AM the next day. At first it was a breeze but there were times that the waves were too big that I could hear the sound of it bumping the bottom of the boat. I thought there was a storm coming but my Mom said that it was usually the place where it's really wavy. Oh well, at least we finally got to CDO safe and sound. Alex slept soundly during the trip and I just realized that it was actually her first time to ride a boat! and I'm glad that she enjoyed it. :)

Coming up next, our second day in Cagayan De Oro. (*wink*)

While we were traveling I completely forgot to get some travel insurance for us. That's why when I knew that our plane isn't going to land on our destination, I was praying that the weather would cooperate while we look for another alternative. individual health insurance would be a must when traveling. Not only you will feel assured that you are in good hands but also hospital expenses won't be a problem too.

When I was back in my hometown I realized that cars were a necessity because houses were too far away from each other. Like for example my Dad's house which is located in the middle of the farm, if he needs to buy some stuff downtown he would definitely need a car.

But the thing is, cars were over used there because almost all the roads were rough and bumpy especially during the rainy season. Unlike the cars in midwest auto recycling wherein cars are good as new. They actually specialized in used engines and transmissions and has one of the strongest warranty nation wide. If I were to buy used cars and live in the United States, I would consider them definitely.

Hello, hello everyone! I'm finally back home and to the blogging world. After a very adventurous trip (read: plane didn't land because of weather conditions that we ended up landing in Mactan!) we were all so tired (but happy!). I have so many stories to tell and photos to share but please give me time to upload everything and unpack too. Alex had a wonderful party in my hometown too! The kids loved it. Will definitely post about it soon. Now that I'm home I will have to deal with weight loss because after eating a looooot there (we had parties everyday since Friday to Sunday) I have definitely gained weight! Anyway, have a great week everyone! Thanks for dropping by! I promise to be back with stories and photos and will visit your homes too! (*wink*)

Yes, you read it right she is turning two in a few days! I just can't believe it! I felt like I just posted her 1st birthday supplier ratings and here I am preparing another party for her (And getting stressed out because we still need to do more and so little time!). Where did all those days go? What happened to that one year? I felt like it just flew by and here she is, already a toddler!

Anyway, I guess I won't be able to stop the time. She is now officially a toddler and my baby has REALLY grown up and by next year she will be a PRE-SCHOOLER. Oh, I don't want to think about that yet (read: tuition, selecting school, progressive? traditional?)! Naaaah, I still have a year for that I guess. :)

Again I will be very busy for the coming days. But I will definitely be back with a lot of stories! (*wink*) So, for the mean time, I would just like to post some photos during Alex's first birthday (Hawaiian) party.

Have a great week everyone!

We had a relaxing Sunday even if we had to prepare early for another baptism of Hubby's highschool friend in Gateway. We were early (again) when we arrived at Max's Gateway. The celebrant and his parents weren't there yet! The thing is we didn't go to the church anymore. :D Anyway, they got there around 12:30pm so since I was waaaay too hungry to wait for them (read: getting dizzy and felt that I was having hypoglycemia!) I ordered soup and potato salad. It also helps to finish 2 glasses of water! LOL! Since I ate too much the previous night I didn't eat a lot for breakfast and decided to have coffee only. So, there. This will be a lesson learned for me! Hubby was even shocked when I finished the potato salad after 1 minute. :D Look...

Anyway, the party at Max's was a bit crowded. We were elbow to elbow when we had our lunch but Max's is Max's, the food was great! I also loved the way they setup the "stage". Even if I was too hungry I did notice it.




I love the tulles of the ceiling...


Thank God for high chairs!


We were supposed to watch movie after lunch but decided to just go home and rest. I still felt dizzy so I guess I was not only hungry but sleepy and tired too!

We dropped off Alex at my Mom's place then headed back home to sleep. It was a wonderful 3 hours of sleep that when I woke up I felt recharged. I also felt ready to go out again so I convinced Hubby to push through with our movie date.

Before the movie Hubby and I had dinner at Cibo first and ordered some pasta and pizza. It was yummy! The iced tea and red grape shake that we ordered goes with it so well too. It was a sumptuous dinner although a bit expensive, but since this date doesn't happen all the time it was ok. :)

So now for the highlight of our weekend - My Big Love movie! I loved the story the moment I watched the trailer of the movie. And so I've been looking forward to it for weeks! I love, love it. (Note: I'm definitely not a Sam Milby and Toni Gonzaga fan! Not until this movie! LOL!) My sister described it as "too cheesy" but for me it was perfectly the right movie. I'm so glad that we watched it. It was a definitely feel-good movie! Hubby loved it too. And would you believe that he is now planning to sing "If Ever You're in my Arms Again" on our next videoke date? LOL!

Anyway, both of them sang the song very well too. Yes I can attest to that because I've been watching their music video for like ten times already. LOL! Yes, I'm a hopeless romantic!

If you're curious about the song and their music video, check this out...



It was indeed a relaxing Sunday. Even if we started early, we ended the day with a smile. Sorry folks, I can still feel the kilig from the movie eh! LOL!

I can't believe I forgot to post this!

What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
- Good Housekeeping and Smart Parenting magazines

What movies and/or tv shows did I watch this month?
- Charmed! (i've been watching it from Velvet Channel, I so love this show!)
- Ratatouille (love it!)

What special days did I celebrate and how?
- Vday with Hubby and Alex
- Lola's Death Anniversary
- Aisha's 1st birthday
- Farrah's birthday
- 3rd Anniversary in Palawan

What gifts did I give and/or receive?
- I got a wonderful dinner (setup by Hubby! Thanks again Hon!)

What illnesses or health concerns did I have?
- headache and colds as usual

What fun things did I do with my friends and/or family?
- Hubby and I went to Palawan for our 3rd anniversary

What new foods, recipes or restaurants did I try this month?
- Fresh seafoods in Palawan
- Asturias Hotel

What special or unusual purchases did I make?
- I sent Hubby flowers as my vday gift

What were this month's disappointments?
- none

What were my accomplishments this month?
- I was able to plan Alex's birthday while Hubby finished the invite and thank you card!

It was a busy month for us and we had so much fun!

Can you imagine living in 1955 as a wife!? Me, never!

*Photo forwarded through email

Thanks for this Kelly!

You Are 32% Bitchy

You're a pretty sweet person, and you're definitely not prone to bitchy outbursts. Sometimes, though, you can't help thinking mean thoughts about people. But at least you don't act on them!

Eds and Jona, want to know the results too? :)

As I've mentioned on my previous post, we had a busy weekend! Our Saturday started with a very early baptism/birthday party of Bela and Maia at Harbor View Bistro in front of SM Mall of Asia.

The breakfast started around 9AM. We were a bit early so we were able to explore the place. We didn't know that the place was already developed and we realized that it was a nice place to be in an early morning weekend with Alex. So Hubby and I promised that we will go back to this place hopefully on the weekend before the Holy Week. You see, I love to sleep late on weekends so this plan is still under negotiations. LOL!

It was just a simple celebration. We even had to order for our food. I had tapa while Hubby had his all time fave tocino. It was a beautiful morning and it was a nice way to start the day!

Here are some photos...

After the party, I then went to the parlor to have my hair treatment. This time I was with my sister. Hubby on the other hand went home to fetch Alex and then brought her to her Pedia for her vaccine.

Hubby said that Alex was so brave she didn't even cry after the vaccine! We were so proud of her! :)

My hair treatment lasted for almost 3 hours! I was able to read 3 to 4 magazines already! But I was happy with the result and it was all worth it. My sister had her hair cut and then some treatment too. By the time that we were done, Hubby and Alex were ready to fetch us. We then went home after our late lunch and took a nap for a few minutes then prepared for my dinner with my sister.

My sister invited me for a buffet dinner at The Manila Penn. She said that it was seafood night! Of course how could I pass on a free dinner buffet? I got so excited that I've been looking forward for it for days!

The food was great! I especially like the international cheeses and some appetizers. I wasn't impressed with their main courses though but I loved their steak. There were not much desserts too compared to Spiral and Circles but it was easy to choose and you would know immediately what you want.

As always I tried to taste almost all the food there. I just had to get a few servings of each. I was too full after, that coffee was a must! Their coffee was so bitter though (but I liked it!) that my sister didn't even dare to finish it. We were at the hotel for three long hours just talked about anything and not to mention eat anything! LOL! Haaay, it was such a relaxing and yet fulfilling night for me.




Trying to hide my bulging arms! arrrrgh!









Thanks again Yang for the dinner. I loooooove it! (*grin*)