memories by jenn

CLOSED!

2008-11-18T08:10:00.002+08:00

This blog is now officially CLOSED!

I moved to a new blog, and if you want to read things about me, please head on to this site: An Autobiography in the Works. If you added this blog in your link list, I would very much appreciate it if you would edit your links and / or add the new one.

See you all there!

*** Jenn ***

In Demand

2008-10-27T07:49:00.002+08:00

Everywhere I go here in the Philippines, I would always notice people in white. Actually, even if you don't look for them, you'll see them everywhere. Nursing has been really an in demand course for so many countries are in need of nurses. Of course some of them aren't assured of great life ahead, but if you already have the knowledge, and as long as you're up to the challenges, I am sure anyone can go a long way.

One of the things people in the medical field can be is to become a medical assistant. Doctors with their own clinics are in need of these kind of employees to help them with the paper works and in assisting their needs. Even if they do office works or interview the patients, it would also be great that the one to do it is someone abreast with the details in the medical field.

There are so many schools offering training, and one of them is the St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants, and in this medical assistant school, a student can earn a certificate in six to eight weeks, and what's even greater about that is that because it's online, students can study in their own mode. So whether they are working or studying other courses, they can certainly be a medical assistant, too.

And not just because a medical assistant only "assists" the doctor doesn't mean that it's just that. The course has so many programs, that are great means of getting knowledge. So if you wanted to become the doctor in the future, you already have some stored knowledge that will help you get ahead.

So if you're looking for medical assistant school, you can try considering this school. This might be the one you're looking for.

*** Jenn ***

Gifts to Match Personalities

2008-10-15T05:40:00.003+08:00

Here in the Philippines, Christmas season starts when September arrives. Since it's now October, people who don't want to be hassled are now preparing their shopping list - for it is indeed hard to go up against people who are also shopping for their presents. Some opt to buy in online stores, so they can do it at the comforts of their own home or office.

Ever since I've visited my aunt and her husband in the fish cages, I have seen how hard it was for them to live in the middle of the sea watching over the fishes. But, I've seen how fulfilled they are, and actually, aside from the fishes they are watching over, they were also able to catch different kinds of fishes that they can cook for themselves, or sell, if they want to.

One of the complaints mom and I had when we were there was that their knifes aren't sharpened and they only own one. Well, it's true that we don't need as much as we want, but in my opinion, we need to have at least two or three. Which is why when I saw this Diamond Outfitter Knife from Thompson Outdoor Supply, I really wanted to have it for them. I loved how sturdy it is and how cool the handle is -- perfect for my aunt and her husband to use. Of course, they might be able to catch a big fish, and they really need a heavy-duty knife for their line of work.

The site has different outdoor knives you can choose from, so if you need an outdoor knife, just go ahead and check it out.

*** Jenn ***

Want a Free Handbag?

2008-09-28T20:47:00.003+08:00

I just received an email from my friend Anne about this Win a Free Handbag over Handbag Planet, and I didn't hesitate to join because it's for free and that all the bags are very beautiful. If you want to want to know all about it, just head on over at the Handbag Planet site for the details.

Wish me luck!

*** Jenn ***

Dianeskie's B-Day Contest

2008-08-29T10:29:00.002+08:00

My dear friend Diane is celebrating her birthday on the 31st, and in celebration of her 25th birthday, she decided to do a contest. Up for grabs are yummy prizes that include 10USD for the first prize and 5USD for the second prize. She will also be giving some of her used scrapbook magazines for some lucky contestants. Well, it's not everyday that a blogger holds out a contest, so might as well join, right?

Please check out these blogs for more information:

All of my blogs are joining, to increase my chances *winks*. Well, like what I have said, it's not everyday that someone puts up a contest, and it's certainly not everyday that Diane gives out contests, so I want to try my luck. In every situation, we have to be "in it to win it," so I say, "Tira Tira!" Hahahaha!

Thanks for the contest, D!

*** Jenn ***

Six Layers Meme

2008-08-13T13:56:00.002+08:00

I was tagged by Vhiel, and since this blog hasn't been updated in a few days, it has been quite sometime that Vhiel has visited my blog, I decided to give this one a go. Thanks for the tag, Vhiel!

::START::

RULES:

1. Add your blog/s to the list. Feel free to add all your other blogs. It’s okey if you only post this questions in one blog as long as you answer them.

2. Get back to Me {YEN} and I’ll add your blogs to the master’s list HERE! Note that you are not ALLOWED to change the link of the here.

3. Copy from Start to End.

4. Tag as many friends online you know. But you don’t need to be tag in order to join.

So here are the questions and answers:

LAYER ONE:

– Name: Jenn
– Birth date: 13 May
– Birthplace: Quezon City, Philippines
– Current Location: Caloocan City, Philippines
– Eye Color: Dark Brown
– Hair Color: Dark Brown
– Righty or Lefty: Righty

LAYER TWO:

– Your heritage: Filipino
– The shoes you wore today: I didn't wear shoes today, I was always on slippers.
– Your weakness: I am so emotional.
– Your fears: Getting sick, dying young, getting old alone.
– Your perfect pizza: The supreme pizza from Sbarro!
– Goal you’d like to achieve in life: Have my own farm.

LAYER THREE:

– Your most overused phrase on AIM: "I see."
– Your first waking thoughts: "Thanks for the new day, dear God!"
– Your best physical feature: My hands - as long as I didn't do the laundry the day before. =)
– Your most missed memory: Having a great laugh and a friendly debate/argument with Dad.

LAYER FOUR:

– Pepsi or Coke: Pepsi
– McDonald’s or Burger King: Burger King. I am in love with their Whopper!
– Single or group dates: I prefer single dates, but I haven't had that for the longest time.
– Adidas or Nike: None -- I don't own any of those.
– Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea: Nestea (four seasons)
– Chocolate or vanilla: Ice cream? Vanilla.
– Cappuccino or coffee: Cappucino.

LAYER FIVE

– A famous person, dead or alive, would you interview: John Lennon.
– Movie can you watch and say the lines along with the actors: Little Rascals
– Name two of your passions in life : My Family and Blogging.
– Least favorite time of day: Wee hours. I always wake up at 2AM and I am having a hard time getting back to sleep!

LAYER SIX

– Use hairspray or gel: Hairspray.
– Your favorite meal: Filipino and Mexican foods
– Color is the inside of your head when you close your eyes: Black with a tint of red.
– Listen to classical music: Used to, when dad was still alive. I grew up listening to classic music.
– Ever said LOL in real life without thinking about it: Nope. Only in chats.

::END::

Tagging: BeeVee, Diane, Eds, Gerlweyh, and Ricka. If you love to join, just feel free to grab this one!

*** Jenn ***

Just So You Know...

2008-08-05T16:05:00.000+08:00

You may have known that I have been writing paid posts, and if you're like me, you will know that PR is very important. Just a few days when this blog was "promoted" to PR 3, Google smacked it with PR 0. At that time, I barely knew the ins and outs of blogging and earning from it, and all the while I thought that as long as you have a blog and you can get to exchange links with other bloggers, all is well.

When I opened three new blogs not to long ago, I realized the importance of blog traffic, and I learned a bit too late and this blog can no longer come out of the hole it has fallen into. I have read in a blog that once Google smacked you with PR 0 and can no longer get back, it's time to open a new blog and start anew. And that's what I am going to do.

Actually, I have already opened the blog that will take over this blog. I am still in the process of putting things together, and hopefully by tomorrow, I can write the very first post there. It will be my personal blog, pretty much the same as this, but this time, I will apply the little knowledge I have had so far. I am not closing this blog, but I am not assuring that this one will be updated like it was before. I will put the new link here once it's done.

*** Jenn ***

The Ups and Downs of Having Four Eyes

2008-08-03T18:27:00.002+08:00

I have been wearing eyeglasses for 17 years now! I have had countless pairs of eyeglasses, and I have tried lots of frames, from plastic to metal, from glass lenses to plastic lenses. Although that's the case, I admit I am still having a hard time choosing which frame I will use when that time come to change eyeglasses again. They say it's ideal to have eyeglasses replaced every year, but because having eyeglasses are so expensive now, I try to hang on to my new set of eyes and wait until the day comes that replacement is really needed.

Let's face it, eyeglasses cost so much, and if you're like me who don't have the luxury to change eyeglasses yearly, I really have to choose very carefully which frame I will choose. Right now, the grades of my eyes are 350 and 375 (I do have astigmatism as well), so choices aren't that much. Choices get trimmed down even further because I have a big face and flat nose as well. Whenever I am at the optical shop, I always choose frames that can be adjusted in the nose area and that the stems have to be plastic. I have tried metallic frames and the stems would always injure the sides of my face because the sweat causes bad reaction to the metal stems.

It really is a bit hard to wear eyeglasses, but it's already there. I opted not to use contact lenses, so I have to live for the moment and adjust. Sometimes, it's just frustrating that choices aren't that much and being fashionable is hard to attain, if you're me. I have heard of Incredible Stylish New Frames From Zenni, and I was really impressed! Well, what's more impressive is that Zenni Optical was on FOX news! Well, I am not at all surprised with that because their line of eyeglasses are just so good, and if I can just own one, I will probably choose this one:

So great, eh? It didn't have the plastic stem that I wanted, but the stem is curved, so it won't really touch the sides of my face. I chose this one because tt also had magnetic clip on shades, perfect on sunny days.Another more impressive thing to learn are the Zenni Optical $ 8 Rx Eyeglasses. Nowadays when money is tough, we really have to choose affordable yet quality eyeglasses. For four-eyed people like me, eyeglasses aren't just tools to see things clearly; it's also a fashion statement. Maybe when it's my turn to replace my eyeglasses, I will take a note of that.

*** Jenn ***

I Will Have it My Way!

2008-07-30T15:24:00.002+08:00

A few days ago, I talked about the Burger King bloggers' event, and last night, I already received a confirmation from Yehey! telling me that I am one of the 50 bloggers selected to take part of the event. Wow! I can't believe I am one of the chosen few! =)

I selected Sunday, Aug 03 Trinoma Branch, but I was given a new list of branches to choose from (Trinoma wasn't listed). I wanted to check out the SM Mall of Asia branch, but brother told me bus fares would be so high, so I selected the E. Rodriguez branch (the one near St. Luke's Hospital). Branches are open 24 hours, so I (together with my chosen "friends") can check out the place anytime we wish. I will drag along my mom and brother because sister won't be home yet - she will be having a school trip up north. I was invited to join CFC Singles for Christ by one of brother's friends, so mom said we will just check the place at 10 or 11AM so we can come back home in time for the orientation at 2PM.

Yehey's Cristina just sent me an e-mail containing the list of the 50 selected bloggers, and I was happy seeing co-bloggers Fran, Jonel, Azrael, and Jeffrey were also part of the list. I wonder which date and branch they chose... Hmmm.... looks like I am going to hop on their blogs to ask.

Glad to know I will be able to satisfy my Burger King cravings on Sunday. Mom and I already talked that on Sunday, we will hear mass at 6AM then travel to the place and go home afterwards. Good thing brother's here so I will just borrow his camera to the event as sister will surely take our digital camera on her trip.

Will be having a fun filled Sunday, so blogs will take a leave on that day. Say what???

*** Jenn ***

No Need to Wait for Four Years

2008-07-29T05:09:00.002+08:00

Students who wanted to earn a degree usually wait four years. Some wait for two years. It really is a bit hard to invest for a good future, and with the prices of goods and services going up by the minute, parents are having a difficult time sending their children to school. Some make the other children sacrifice by sending the elder children first and just wait until the elder children graduates before they can send the other children.

There is now a much faster way to earn a certificate and start working. By becoming a medical assistant, a rewarding career is waiting for you in just about 6 to 8 weeks! Wow, that's even faster than the usual study program of six months! And you don't have to go out and look for some medical assistant school to make it all happen. You can now enroll and study online, and your certificate will be given to you after you finish the program, provided you meet all the requirements, of course.

With this type of program, students learn at their own pace. Since this one is online based, the students can also do other stuffs like take on a part time job or simply just stay home and take care of the family. The program is perfect for stay at home or single parents who wish to study and earn a decent living for their families.

If you're interested in taking on a medical assistant training, just head click on the links to learn more about it.

Weekly Round Up 072108 - 072708

2008-07-28T10:23:00.002+08:00

I am not able to update this blog on regular basis, so I will just run a round up of my week.

Monday, 21 July 2008
The virus in our PC caused a friend of mine to flared up. She was telling me that she cannot understand the messages "I have been sending" on her YM, and I told her NEVER to click on the the link because it's the source of the virus. I tried explaining to her that it wasn't my intention to send the message -- it pops out on its own. She understood it all, but still was annoyed by the messages. This incident caused me not to open my YM (janujennifer) for three days.

I was sad this day, too, because our kitty Danda died. It was a sad thing to happen, but I guess it would be for the better. I just hope none of our cats will die again. Read the whole story HERE.

Tuesday, 22 July 2008
I loaded some credits on my cell phone so I could talk to my brother, but he never responded to any of my messages! Ugh! Now, I don't know just when he will come home! A bit of a lax day, I started on a scrapbook layout, but didn't really finish it. Sigh... when will I get my scrap mojo back?

Wednesday, 23 July 2008
My travel blog's feed wasn't working good, and if not for my friend Laarni it would not have been fixed. She told me to disable the codes from our blog host, and just like that, the feed link is fixed! Thank heavens for a friend named Laarni! Because of her, my blogging life became much easier and greater!

I also learned about the Word Camp Philippines 2008 -- thanks to Laarni again! I got accepted, but organizers still haven't sent the passes. Maybe later in the week, or when registrations ended.

Thursday, 24 July 2008
I opened my YM to chat with my dear friend Stephen, when the pop-up virus message came out again. This time, the pop-up coincided with another program I was opening and the message froze, so I was able to click on the "cancel" button. Since then the pop up message didn't came up, and when I rebooted the PC, the virus alert never showed again. Does this mean PC's working good already? Yey for that! I ran the anti virus and was able to detect 11 more viruses, but all were healed. That's a big sigh of relief!

Friday, 25 July 2008
I did my laundry, so I didn't realize brother had sent me a message that he was coming home today! I already cooked lunch just for me and the cats, so when he got home, there's no ready food for him to eat. Good thing we still have that instant ramen noodles for him to eat.

Obviously, mom was ecstatic about brother coming home.

Saturday, 26 July 2008
Since we're complete, we all decided to eat lunch out. We used the 2 thousand pesos gift certificate sister and I got from the Italianni's bloggers' event. We went to their branch in Gateway Mall, Cubao and ordered our favorite Italianni's dishes -- Spinach and Artichoke formaggio, Sicilian Chicken Salad, and Steaks ala Poivre -- but when the bill was handed, it was 2,495 pesos! Oh man! I paid for the excess 295 pesos, because it was my idea to gather my family to eat out.

After that, we went clothes shopping then dropped by Farmers Market to buy fish and meat. Mom got carried away with the fresh foods that the icebox we bought wasn't enough to carry it all!

Sunday, 27 July 2008
The whole family heard mass at the nearby chapel and we all just stayed home the whole day because of the rains. Sister used the computer all day and all night, hence no bloghopping for me. Just fine, my travel blog eaned a Google Page Rank of 1, so I am soooo happy!

*** Jenn ***

Hoping to Have it My Way!

2008-07-24T09:50:00.002+08:00

When I opened my e-mail this morning, I was surprised to receive an e-mail from Yehey! about another Bloggers' event. After the very delicious Italianni's Bloggers event I attended last June, this is something I really hope would happen, especially that people from Yehey! have told us that there will be another bloggers' event they wish we could be part of.

This time, it's for Burger King. Say what??? BK whopper is something I am craving for nowadays (I had two whoppers last week actually), so most definitely, I wanted to be part of it!

Take a look at that whopper! So inviting, isn't it? I sent my information the minute I received the email. I chose August 3 in Trinoma (because I haven't been there). If I get accepted, I will tag along my brother and mom because sister is still in her trip on that day. I really hope I will be accepted because this is something I really want to be part of!

If you want to try your luck as well, just do what is asked, who knows, you might receive that confirmation. When I tried my luck for the Italianni's event, I just saw the ad from somewhere and sent my information. Hopefully lady luck is on my side again.

*** Jenn ***

Manic Monday 072108

2008-07-21T13:10:00.006+08:00

What's your favorite beach in the world?
>>> I wasn't able to take a dip in a lot of beaches, so I would say my favorite would be the one we last went to - the Patar Beach in Bolinao, Pangasinan. I love that beach because you can enjoy the water as well as the surroundings, and you won't have to worry about the level of the water because the part near the shore is relatively shallow, especially on parts where the seaweeds grow. The water isn't wavy as well -- perfect to take the kids in the beach. Because there are lots of sea weeds and corals below, one is asked to wear slippers of rubber sandals, but the place is great for snorkeling as well. But what I love the most was that it wasn't as commercialized as the other famous beaches. You really can enjoy your time swimming, and at most times it's just you and the beach. It's like the beach is your super oversized pool! =)

What's the next country you want to visit?
>>> I still haven't had the chance to go out of the country, but if there's one country I want to see, it would be India. I am very, very fascinated with this country -- my friend say it's the only country where there's desert, snow, and tropical locations. I am also fascinated with their culture and their traditions. I hope to attend an Indian wedding, I hope to wear a green sari, and I hope to take a dip at the Ganges River, considered as one of the holy places in this world.

However, I just love my country way too much, I don't think I will hope to go out of it, not until I have visited all of its 72 provinces! I still haven't had the chance go to past Tagaytay in the south, so no way in the world would I want to go to another country.

What one thing are you craving today?
>>> As always, it's spaghetti. I miss eating the pepperoni spaghetti I cooked last week, but I wasn't able to buy some last Saturday, so it's back to the traditional hotdog spaghetti for me. =) Which reminds me, it's already 1:30PM and I still haven't had my lunch! Gotta go now!

{picture in this post -- a picture i shot in patar beach at 7am. that's uncle pete and his family on the left side, and mom on the right side. see how shallow the water is? actually, it's only shallow on parts where there are sea weeds. if you want to be adventurous, you can walk up to the break water, but it's going to be really deep there!}

*** Jenn ***

Weekly Round Up 071408 - 072008

2008-07-21T07:50:00.004+08:00

Here's the not so exciting happenings during the past week...

Monday, 14 July 2008
Our PC still has virus, but through the help of my dear good friend Stephen, I was able to download Mozilla Firefox and was able to surf the net again. It's good that YM still works on my end despite the virus, because if not for our YM chat, he won't be able to send the link on how to download Firefox. At first, I was still hesitant to open my sites, but towards the end of the day, I started opening and updating each of my sites. =)

Sister didn't go home again, but I don't care anymore. I just got tired worrying. She's of age now, and she's in her last year in college, I already understood that school projects would sometimes lead her to sleepover a classmate's house to finish the project. If she's doing something fishy, well, that's her life. I am just a sister who will pick her up should she encounter some hurdles in life.

Tuesday, 15 July 2008
Our kitten Danda's cold worsen. She refuses to eat and would only drink milk from her mother from time to time. She's getting thinner and thinner, but I cannot do something about it because I don't know any veterinarian. I am just hoping she will be able to get past through this. I know kittens, like most young offspring encounter health problems and her age is often times considered a critical phase in their lives. Actually, even Pogi got colds now. Oh man!

Sister got home late, all I did was to shrug my shoulders.

Wednesday, 16 July 2008
I was able to text my brother and through him I learned that Aunt Julie already had her operation. She had Myoma and had three lumps inside her. I already knew about her situation before I went in La Union last summer, but back then she only had one lump. Her operation was last July 12 and she got home two days after.

I told brother about our PC and he's the one who knew how to reformat a PC, but he said he cannot be home just yet because he's the one taking care of our Aunt. Aunt Julie is an "old maid," and since she cannot move too much, brother's the one doing most of the chores.

Entrecard just tied up with Sez Who, and I installed the widget on my Travel Blog - Jenn Was Here. I still cannot understand how the whole thing works, but in time I know I will be able to understand.

Thursday, 17 July 2008
Lilith has got the cold virus, too! Oh my dear! All of our kittens are sick now! Well, blame their mom for getting the cold virus. She's breastfeeding her kittens, so obviously all of them will get sick as well! Unlike Danda and Pogi, Lilith is still hyper and bubbly, so no need to get worried.

Friday, 18 July 2008
Had another text chat with brother, and he said Aunt Julie has allowed him to come home. He said he will be home by the end of the month, but sister was hoping he will be home by the 27th because sister will be having an Ilocos Trip by the end of the month, and brother took the big luggage in La Union. Sister said she needed the luggage because they will be staying long in Ilocos. The itinerary and places to visit will be posted in our Family Blog - Le Kulitszie Familie.

Saturday, 19 July 2008
I was supposed to meet up with my co-Hansonites this afternoon, but Aunt Mary called mom to say cousin Joyce will be dropping by and mom cannot leave the house because of it. Mom still has to buy an offering for tonight's mass (she's the treasurer of their group), so she just asked if I could go to the supermarket instead. Sister has no classes, so she came with me. As usual, the grocery shopping was one heck of an experience for us -- sister and I love laughing and making fun of the things we see while shopping. We saw this cart full of small bottled waters and we were making fun of it (the car) thinking maybe the owner of the cart has a camel for a pet. Hahahaha.

Sister and I had snacks at Burger King. I had the whopper meal and she had the double mushroom and swiss cheese meal. I liked her burger because the cheese and the mushroom tastes great, but I found it too salty for my taste. Of course, I liked my whopper because I loved the mix of the flavors in my mouth. I love pickles and onions in my burgers, so I could say the Burger King whopper is my favorite burger so far. And their burgers are grilled, so I am not worried of what I was eating.

Sunday, 20 July 2008
Danda's condition hit the worst. She's now having a hard time walking, and we already prepared for what will happen the next few days. Pogi started eating now, so I am already confident he will be healed in time. As for Lilith, well, she's the hyper kitty despite the colds, and although one of her eyes got swollen and she's always crying, she's eating lots and run around the house like a normal kitty, so I know for sure she will be okay.

Mom and sis went to the mall to have some pictures printed. I didn't come with them because I am so lazy going to the mall again. Sister had a new pair of shoes and I didn't get the logic of it, but what the heck. They brought home something for me, and guess what, it's another Burger King whopper meal! Hahahaha! I ate my burger at 3PM, and didn't eat dinner anymore.

Kinda lax week, hopefully next week will be much better.

*** Jenn ***

Tan Lines

2008-07-20T05:32:00.004+08:00

It was just last night that I transferred the pictures from the camera to our PC, so it was just now that I am sharing this picture. Actually, it was the other day when I took this self-portrait. I just wanted to have fun with the camera and have fun with myself because of the sunburn.

So this is how I look like now, so dark! Well, I got nothing to complain because I did this to myself, but of course, the first two days after the beach dip, I could say I couldn't really move good because my back was really burning. I actually let my sister take a picture of my back, but I decided not to post it because it didn't look good.

The sunburned skin is now shedding (did I use the right term?), so my back looks much yucky now. My mom said I should scrub it, but how can I do that if I can't scrub my back well? Guess I will ask her a favor to scrub my back later.

I hope my complexion will get back. I really didn't want to look this dark.

*** Jenn ***

Food Choices - Ultimate Comfort Foods

2008-07-17T07:51:00.003+08:00

First time to join Food Choices meme. I am not much of a foodie like my brother, but I love food as well, so might as well use this blog as a platform to express my love for food. This week is all about comfort foods, and here are ten of mine, in random order:

01 > Spaghetti. Any kind, any sauce (except the seafood ones). Well, I go for tuna, but as far as my spaghetti eating is concerned, I really didn't like sauces that uses seafoods. My favorite would be those with white sauces, and really, I can eat spaghetti every day provided they are freshly made.

02 > Sinigang na Baboy (Pork in Sour Broth). It has to be really hot and really sour! There are so many variants of this dish, but I prefer mine with taro, string beans, and kangkong.

03 > Pineapples. Whether it's cold or not, sour or sweet, I would eat pineapples even upon waking up. When I am a bit sad, a wedge of pineapple is enough to cheer me up.

04 > Chippy, the red one. I am so much into corn chips, and this is my favorite. My week will never be complete without eating a bag, but I only eat one bag a week.

05 > Chicharon (pork cracklings). My ultimate comfort food. This is the one food I cannot resist, but I am trying hard to resist it nowadays. Eating this food brings smile to my face, I just hope my heart is smiling as well. Hahahaha!

06 > Yakult. It is basically a drink and not a food, but drinking one a day comforts me in a way because it has live bacteria (good kind) that promotes good digestion.

07 > Vegetables (except okra). When I have eaten pork or any meat dishes for two days, I would start to worry, and eating vegetables takes that worry away. My favorite is the squash.

08 > Lumpiang Shanghai (Shanghai Springrolls). Ummm yummm.

09 > Pizza. Well, I am at home most of the times so I just make my own pizza to ward off that afternoon weary feeling, I will make my own pizza using loaf bread as my crust! Toppings are usually hotdogs and cheese, but if it's available, I like putting bell peppers, onions, and pineapples as well. It also acts as my late lunch (I don't really eat lunch -- I eat late breakfast and afternoon snacks / lunch at around 3PM).

10 > Barbecue. If I can have it my way, I would prefer every Sundays "barbecue" day, but we usually go out on that day. Smelling barbecue as it is grilling actually comforts me already!

It's 8:30AM now, and writing this list makes me hungry! I guess I will go for an early breakfast today! Thanks for stopping by.

*** Jenn ***

Arte y Pico Award

2008-07-16T07:22:00.000+08:00

Thanks so much Vanniedosa, for passing this award to me and for considering my blog creative & inspiring. I really appreciate it.

This award was created and to be given to bloggers who inspire others with their creativity and their talents, also for contributing to the blogging world in whatever medium. When you receive this award it is considered a “special honor“. Once you have received this award, you are to pass it on to 5 others.”What a wonderful way to show some love and appreciation to your fellow bloggers!!!

The rules for passing this honor on are:
1) Pick 5 blogs that you would like to award this honor to. (This is the hard part–there are just so many good ones around it is very difficult to choose just five.)

2) Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.

3) Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself.

4) Award-winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of “Arte y Pico” blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award.

2) Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.

3) Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself.

4) Award-winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of “Arte y Pico” blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award.

So the award goes to: Lee, Eunice, Rosilie, Ella, and Doorlight.

I'm Back!

2008-07-15T08:13:00.003+08:00

Hello y'all!

Mom and I got home Saturday afternoon, and since I came home problems on top of problems were pestering me -- I am actually happy that I can blog again! Anyway, blow-by-blow account of the vacation will be posted in my Travel Blog. What I can offer right now is a simple recap of the vacation minus the photos because I still haven't transfered the images from the digital camera to the PC.

Tuesday, 08 July 2008
After posting an entry in all of my blogs, I started cooking our packed lunch. With the help of my ever dearest sister, we cooked some fried chicken and rice. We also cooked some for our lunch before we leave.

Supposedly, Uncle Pete and his family would just pick us up here around lunch time and we would just take the road from here to Marilao, Bulacan, but nearly lunch time, Uncle Pete knocked on our gate. He said he just picked us up here because we will drive by their house first. Mom wasn't home yet, so it was already 1PM when we left here.

Uncle Pete's family weren't ready yet and they had so many things to bring, it it was already past 3PM when we left Manila. It was a nice drive -- all of us chit-chatting and sometimes singing along the songs from the CD player. Uncle Pete was rushing the driver, but although he was trying to drive faster, he has maintained the 80 - 100 km/h speed.

The only pit stop we've had was when we had dinner by the gas station in Bugallon, Pangasinan. Actually, we were just there to use the rest room, but seeing that there were nipa huts perfect for relaxing and eating! We just ate the rice and fried chicken we brought and after that it's time to travel again.

We got to Bolinao, Pangasinan past 10PM. Uncle Arthur (Aunt Mary's husband) and son Bige met us up from the shore and using their motorboat, we traveled to the Santiago Island, where mom's family lives. We stayed the night at Aunt Rosa's house, but Uncle Pete and the driver went to stay in the fish cages where Uncle Arthur works as a caretaker. They still have to get back to Manila to fetch Uncle Carlito and wife Aunt Linda as well as Uncle Pete's friends from the US.

Wednesday, 09 July 2008
Mom and I also packed some loaf bread and a jar of chicken spread, so I had chicken sandwich for breakfast. Aunt Rosa served oysters for breakfast and I wasn't really eating oysters, so I was already okay with the sandwich. Obviously, mom had a blast!

After eating, we packed enough clothes to last two days because Uncle Arthur will pick us up from the Macanlaoan Port and we will be staying the whole day in the fish cages. Upon arrival, we started feeding the milkfish while some prepared lunch. We had crabs and milkfish for lunch. Aunt Mary also served pickled bamboo shoots as our vegetables and it was really, really yummy!

The whole day was a bit of a bore because we were out in the sea with no electricity, but I just entertained myself by feeding the fish. Come dusk, we asked Uncle Arthur to take us by the island shore where we - Mom, Aunt Imelda, me and cousins Melissa, Gabby, & Leya took a dip as well as check out the great rock formations near the mountains.

With quite a few photos taken and mom got punctured by sea urchins three times, it was time for us to get back at the cages and prepare for dinner. Aunt Imelda served a different kind of fish which was really delicious. Because there was no electricity, we all went to bed early. Actually, there wasn't any bed! What we did was scatter the sacks of feeds, cover it with corrugated board and blanket. Not a pleasurable place to sleep, but at least I could say I was able to sleep by the middle of the sea!

Uncle Pete and the others arrived 10PM, but I was trying so hard to sleep so I just said hello and closed my eyes again.

Thursday, 10 July 2008
I woke up as early as 4AM because I wanted to see the sun rise. Some of our companions were already awake, so waiting for the sun was a bit nicer. However, there's an island covering the sun so it was already very bright when I got to see the sun peek at that island.

Taking two trips, we all went to the beach house Aunt Mary rented for us to stay the day in. It wasn't as commercial as the other famous resorts in the area, but it was great and very private. Using the snorkel I borrowed from cousin Leya, I had my first real snorkel dive and my first time to swim with the fish. I don't know how to swim, but because the beach wasn't really sandy, we all had to wear slippers. I used my pair of Crocs slippers, and it really helped me float. I had problems letting go of myself but from time to time, I was able to float and see the wonder of the sea down below.

Before sunset, some of us went to check out two different caves -- Enchanted Cave (where the local telenovela "Dyesebel" was shot their cave scenes) and Wonderful Cave. I liked the first cave better and I just felt so bad that we cannot take a dip in the clear water inside the cave because we didn't bring any extra clothes and we didn't want to wet the seats of the vehicle. I guess when we had another chance, we will just drop by there again.

Friday, 11 July 2008
I woke up very early again, but sadly, no nice view of the sunrise because the sun set last night along the beach. I, together with cousin Melissa snorkeled again before fixing ourselves. After breakfast, we all went our way back to the island because there was a scheduled prayer service for grandpa.

I took the first batch back to the port but I asked if I can be dropped off at the church so I can say some prayers and takes pictures as well. Our driver had food poisoning (from eating too many half-cooked mussels) so he was left from the main land and was send off to the hospital.

Back in the island, our other relatives prepared for the prayer service. Some cooked the foods to be served, while the others invited close friends and distant relatives to come and pray with us. After lunch, we went to the cemetery to light a candle for grandpa as well as our other dead relatives.

Mom and I as well as Uncle Carlito and Aunt Linda stayed while Uncle Pete and his family went to the fish cages. Uncle Pete's visitors wanted to check Manaoag Church, so from what I have heard, some of them will come and they will drive back to Manila afterwards while the others will be left to spend the night in the fish cages.

Supposedly, mom and I will commute back home that afternoon, but we decided to stay and commute back tomorrow morning. We all just went for some chit-chats at Aunt Jo's place where we also ate our dinner.

Mom and I walked back to Aunt Rosa's place where we slept. Aunt Jo asked us to stay at her place to sleep, but our things were left in Aunt Rosa's place.

Saturday, 12 July 2008
Upon waking up, mom and I fixed ourselves so we can leave early. Uncle Arthur met us up and through his boat, we met up Uncle Pete's family in the fish cages. We were surprised that they canceled the Manaoag trip, although the visitors still pushed through with it. The four of us from the Island commuted back home because there were no spaces left in their vehicle. We got home 4PM.

Problems fired at me the minute we got home. Because of a virus in our PC eveything is slow and I can't get the invitations done because it was printing just one shade of color. Nevertheless sister and I were able to finish the invitations in time for tomorrow's celebrations.

*** Jenn ***

On Vacation yet Again!

2008-07-08T09:51:00.002+08:00

Later this afternoon, mom and I will be travelling with Uncle Pete and his family to Bolinao, Pangasinan -- hometown of my mom. We will be spending five days of nature tripping and family bonding, so this blog will not be updated until I get back because there's no Internet on the island!

It would mean so much to me if you could just message me thru this post and not on the chat box because I might not be able to read it all. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! See you all on Sunday!

*** Jenn ***

{Picture in this post: mom and me by the shores of Macanlaoan Beach in Bolinao, Pangasinan -- 03 November 2007}

Weekly Round-Up

2008-07-07T09:06:00.002+08:00

First time to join Yen's new meme - Weekly Round-Up. Here are the series of events for the week (30 June - 06 July)

Monday, 30 June >>> Time to announce Pinoy Scrapbookers' Kaya 14 Challenge winners! With the help of my dear friend Stephen, I asked him to pick out a random number, and based on the list of participants, Tin won the traditional layout of the month, while Diane won in the digital layout category. Thanks for the help, Stephen!

Tuesday, 01 July >>> Uncle Pete said he would drop by to ask help regarding the invitations for their despedida party, but he didn't come so I just did the laundry. As usual, my laundry's like the Mt. Everest, that's why I wasn't able to finish it in one sitting. I just soak the whites on some detergent and bleach and will just dump it in the machine tomorrow.

Wednesday, 02 July >>> There was a prayer meeting here, so I cleaned the house and made sure there were no traces of cat's litter inside the house. After cleaning, I finished my laundry and helped mom prepare for the meeting come night time.

Thursday, 03 July >>> Thru sister, I sent my package to Aunt Julie c/o Viron Transit. Sister said he saw "King" there, which made me feel really bad, but then again, I guess it would be for the better not seeing him. I sent one wall clock, a box of Splenda sweeteners, and the pictures from our Road Trip (please check my travel blog - Jenn Was Here for the stories and pictures). I wasn't able to find a copy of DiabetEASE magazine, so I suggested her to let brother buy back issues from the office when brother comes home.

Mom and I watched Pinoy Dream Academy and the foreign singing group, the Lettermen, visited the show and performed some songs. Mom was a bit teary eyed about it because the last concert mom and dad attended was that of the Lettermen, and seeing them on TV just brings back memories.

Friday, 04 July 2008 >>> At long last, my cell phone is okay now! I didn't know what happened to it, but I was happy (very happy) that it's normal again. I just hope that phase wouldn't come again because it's really hard not to have a cell phone. I ate dinner alone because mom and her friends went out to watch "My Monster Mom" on cinema. She said it was okay, but Anabel Rama's shouting and the bickering between the mom and the daughter were stressing her. =)

Saturday, 05 July 2008 >>> I changed the template of our family blog, Le Kulitszie Familie. The first template messed up the whole blog, so I searched for other templates until I settled with its current look. I was also hoping to change the look of this blog, but there weren't so many Blogger templates, and whenever I use one template, all the side panel's information will be deleted. I don't want to re-type all the links, so I guess I will have to settle for this.

Paborito's very okay now, no more sneezes and teary eyes, but it's Mommy Teddy who's sneezing a lot! I just hope the kittens won't be affected.

Sunday, 06 July 2008 >>> Us three girls heard mass in the mall and afterwards did grocery. We bought so many things because mom and I will be going on a vacation / despedida party / prayer service for grandpa in her hometown (Bolinao, Pangasinan). Uncle Pete and his family will be migrating to the United States on 16 July, and Uncle Pete wanted to enjoy and unwind with the family before they leave. My mom's family aren't really rich, and since they live in Santiago Islands, it would be hard to go back and forth to the main island to buy things. With that being said, everything we needed we have to buy now. Mom said she'll shoulder the pancit for the prayer service, so all of the ingredients (even the ground pepper) has to be bought and packed.

Uncle Pete dropped by late in the afternoon to ask me to create invitations for their despedida party and another set of invitations for the baptism of cousin Dennis' son. Uncle Pete decided to shoulder the baptism because he knew the family cannot support a party as of the moment. I am suddenly stressed and pressured to come up with two sets of invitations, but before I called it a night, I already had some things in mind.

My week wasn't that exciting, I know, but I am happy that all went well. Right now, I am starting to pack my things for the vacation tomorrow!

*** Jenn ***

ps -- the last picture was a shot of the dumplings being sold in the grocery. very cute, eh?

Cell Phone Scare

2008-07-04T17:29:00.002+08:00

For about two or three weeks now, I have been having problems with my cell phone. From what I know, I just charged it, and after unplugging it, I left it by the dinner table and in four fours, I heard the "low batt" tone. I was really surprised, and when I touched my phone it was too hot!

The charging time was still the same, but when I turn it on, the cell phone would get hot and the battery would start draining in just about a few minutes. So I had no choice but to turn it off to conserve the battery's power. That meant not loading credits for my phone, too, because it will just go to waste.

When I loaded some credits last week to send a message to my brother, I realized that my phone was having problems with the signal as well. The signal bar would be full, but I cannot send my message and the prompt would say that the message cannot be sent because there was no network coverage. Hmmm....

But still, I didn't do anything about it, I mean, I am not really texting that much, I was basically using my cell phone as my digital camera primarily, so even if my siblings would tell me I need to replace the battery, I kept it as is -- turned off. Another problem I realized was that when I scroll the phonebook, as soon as I scrolled to the last entry, the phone would turn off and turn on again. And when I checked list in my phonebook, one person was listed six times! When I deleted five of the names, I was able to scroll the phonebook until the end.

Normally, it will take 2 days before I would charge my cell phone, so the other day, I left my cell phone until the battery drained. I left it like that until I decided to charge it yesterday because I need to send my brother a message regarding the package I send through Viron Transit (thanks sis). After sending the message, I turned it off and turned it on when I woke up at 2AM this morning because the cats were (again) playing in my head. I went back to sleep and did my routine when I woke up again, and by 10AM, I was supposed to turn it on when I realized that it was still on! Wow!

Messages are coming in easy now and I can send messages fine as well. What a sigh of relief! I really don't know what happened. Since 2AM, the phone was on and no problem whatsover. Welcome back, my baby! I missed my cell phone!

*** Jenn ***

{photo in this post -- my cell phone taken during all saints' day at the grounds of forest lake en cielo cemetery - san juan, la union.}

My Weekend

2008-07-01T15:13:00.005+08:00

I was supposed to post this last night, but we had no connection, so this one's late.

Last weekend was a strain for my feet and legs, really. Last Saturday, I went to the Salcedo Village weekend market for the Yummy Weekend event sponsored by Yummy Magazine. I wanted to be there early, so as early as 7am, I was already out of the house. Sister went with me because the bus will pass by her stop on the way to school.

I have a serious problem with directions, and I took the directions brother gave me wrong. He said I should walk along Paseo de Roxas and turn right on LP Leviste street. I walked and walked.... but I didn't see any LP Leviste street! I decided to walk wherever my feet would take me, and uh-oh, I am already in front of the Mandarin Oriental hotel? Hmmm... I am lost! My feet started to hurt because I wore the wrong sandals, so I just took a cab. The cab ride was short -- pfft, I should've turned left when I saw HV dela Costa street -- and my bill has to be 35 pesos only, but I took the wrong cab, and he's acting as if he doesn't have change for my 50 peso bill. I wasn't going out of the cab until he gave me my change, but in the end, I took the 5 pesos he's giving me.

The market place has changed. Well, it's still the same market, but I still prefer the one I saw when I first went to this place December last year. In one of the booths, I saw this Yummy magazine and one staff was kind enough to tell me how the whole Yummy Event goes. I got to buy 4 food items, and was able to get a magazine and an apron.

My feet hurt all the more because I rounded the market place three times trying to figure which of the Yummy foods I need to buy, and the only time I took my seat was when I ate my corned beef pasta, which basically was my breakfast at 10 in the morning!

I was ready to go home, but as I get my prize at the Yummy booth (located by the gazebo in the middle of the park), I noticed that there was an art exhibit at the other side of the park. My feet were aching, and it's getting hotter and hotter, but I said to myself -- if I let this art exhibit thing pass, I might not be able to have another chance to see a free exhibit! Besides, I've never really been in one, so might as well give it a try.

Tired, aching feet and all, but I still had a great time checking out different artworks done by Filipino artists! I got to have a chit-chat with one of the artists -- dang, I forgot his name -- and even if I didn't buy anything, he was still willing enough to hold an umbrella for me. Hehehehe.

Like in the market, I circled the galleries thrice, and yes, I didn't take my seat because I was just drawn into the artworks, and I was really hoping to have a picture with Robert Alejandro, that's why I was really taking my chance to have a picture with him. And when I finally approached him, he was this very friendly fellow who's very much willing enough to have a snapshot with him, never minding how sweating he was! Hahahaha!

As I walk back to Ayala avenue where I will take my bus home, I realized that if I didn't take the underpass in Paseo de Roxas, I wouldn't be lost in the first place! Well, there were no failures, only lessons learned. =)

Sunday, I checked out the much nearer weekend market -- the one in the grounds of Lung Center of the Philippines. I wasn't really going here had I saw some sausages my mom was asking me to buy in Salcedo Market. Sister tagged along with me because she was hoping to buy a new pair of shoes. We weren't able to buy shoes, but we were able to buy the sausages.

Comparing the two weekend markets, I prefer the one in Lung Center because it wasn't too posh, and there were more items to buy. I got to buy three pairs of shorts for 100 pesos. Yey!!! Not only that, sister and I ate once more at this food stall -- Tita Norma's Bicol Delicacies -- and believe me, they serve real great food! Their prices were just the same with the other food stalls, but what I liked about this stall is that their servings were much more compared to the others. We bought two more dishes to go, so that mom didn't have to cook lunch. We promised to be home by lunch time, so we have to do our business and go home.

I wasn't a big fan of boxing, and I am certainly not into Manny Pacquiao, but when I heard the news that he won, and found out the match hasn't started on the television yet, I decided to watch and see how a historical news was made. It was his 4th title, and I couldn't help but salute Manny Pacquiao! He really is the best Filipino fighter in this generation! He offered his match to the victims of typhoon Frank, and I was happy he didn't let his countrymen down. He deserve a round of applause. Congrats, PacMan!

I received a call from Uncle Pete asking me to have mom return his call so they could talk about the vacation in their hometown (Bolinao, Pangasinan). He and his family are scheduled to leave the country on July 16, and they wanted the family to have a little get together before they migrate. Details will be in a separate post.

Tiring, tiring weekend, but happy!

*** Jenn ***

Feeling Papparazzi

2008-06-29T15:39:00.002+08:00

Yesterday, I was out to attend the Yummy Magazine's "Yummy Weekend at Salcedo Market" in Jaime Velasquez park, Makati City. It was indeed a yummy weekend, and even though my feet got tired from walking around the market, I still had a very pleasurable time. Complete details have to wait because I will feature the story in my travel blog, Jenn Was Here.

Anyway, as I was walking around the market trying to think where will I buy my foods, I crossed paths with Becky Kho, the editor in chief of Yummy Magazine. At first I didn't really notice it was her buying some hotdog sandwich, until she and her friends passed by me and I saw her name on the ID. My brother is one big fan of the magazine, and I wanted to have a picture with her, but she was busy with the whole event her magazine was running. Actually, I think the sandwich was just her time to take a break. I was hesitant to approach her and ask her for a picture, so in order to get a picture of her, I just pretended I was shooting pictures of the market when my lens were really focused on her. She didn't seem to mind, really, because lots of people were there to take all sorts of pictures. Truly, the market place is a one great venue to take lots of pictures.

After getting my prize from the Yummy Magazine booth, I decided to go home when an art gallery on the other side of the park caught my attention. It was still early, so I decided to pass by. I have to seize the moment, right? Besides, I rarely chance upon free art exhibits, and here's my chance to take a free look at how talented Filipino artists really are.

While taking a look at the artworks booth per booth, I came to this booth were a crew of QTV channel 11 were setting up for an interview. The interviewer was Valerie Tan, host of the magazine show, "The Beat." Like Becky Kho, she was busy, too, so I didn't take up the nerve to ask her for a picture. And yes, you guessed it, I just shot a picture of her as proof that I really did see her in person. =)

But the most surprising surprise would be seeing the artist Robert Alejandro. I cannot say I am a fan, but I really do admire the way he creates art. I love his drawings, especially those that spoke about Filipino aspects and culture. I actually didn't notice he was at the booth, I was just instantly drawn by his artworks and when I was about to leave, I heard him speak. For a person who has a gift wrapper featuring his drawings wrapped around her computer table, I was ecstatic to meet him in person. Of course, his artworks are expensive so I cannot buy it, but it's okay, I am contented owning all sorts of artworks from different stationeries sold at their family store, Papemelroti. He was busy talking to a lot of people, so I took another papparazzi shot, but when I made my second tour around the galleries, I finally saw a chance to have a picture with him. But, I won't post it here because it would break the topic, right? Just wait for the picture next time.

Oh.... the joys of wandering!

*** Jenn ***

Sat Special 062808

2008-06-28T14:59:00.004+08:00

~Questions, Silly Questions~
1. Who is the last person you talked to?
>>> I am currently talking to my sister, so I could say she's the last person I talked to. If she won't count, then the last person I talked to was Robert Alejandro -- a great artist and tv host. I met him this afternoon at the art exibit in Jaime Velasquez Park (Salcedo Village, Makati City).

2. What is your weather like right now?
>>> Ultra sunny. I was actually bathing in sweat while walking around the park. =)

3. Where will you be this weekend?
>>> It's already the weekend; I just got home from the weekend market in Salcedo Village and passed by the art exibit. Tomorrow, sister and I will go to the Lung Center weekend market.

4. What's for dinner tonight?
>>> I have no idea. If I won't get lazy, I might drop by the market this afternoon and buy some vegetables.

*** Jenn ***

Friday's Feast - 062708

2008-06-27T11:59:00.003+08:00

Appetizer
What is the weather like today where you live?
>>> Right now the sun is up and the skies are clear. No more shadows of the typhoon that ravaged the country last weekend. Although, I am still sad about what happened last weekend.,.

Soup
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how career-minded are you?
>>> Just 5.. a balance between career and personal life.

Salad
What type of window coverings do you have in your home? Blinds, curtains, shutters, etc.?
>>> We have window screens so that mosquitos won't enter the house and we also have curtains.

Main Course
Name something that instantly cheers you up.
>>> My cats.

Dessert
How many times do you hit the snooze button on a typical morning?
>>> None. I am up by 4am everyday.

*** Jenn ***

New Exercise

2008-06-25T14:28:00.005+08:00

My nameless friend (he wants to be anonymous) and I was chatting one night and sent me this comic strip on file:

For foreign readers, the dialogues go:

Doctor: "This is the exercise that will surely make you lose weight..." "Stretch your neck to the left...." (of which the woman on the right did)
"... To the right, to the left, to the right. Just keep repeating it."
Patient: "This is just a simple exercise, Doc. Are you sure I am going to lose weight with this?"
Doc: "Yes...." "Just do that when someone offers you food."

I was laughing hard with this, but it was true isn't it? Sometimes we tend to be impulsive eaters, and although we are eating good foods, it still has some calories on it. Sometimes, we just have to learn how to say no. And yes, not swallowing more than we can chew!

Speaking of which, I seriously need to make a change. I know I keep telling this, but really, I need to get hard on myself. Especially that my friend K and I are planning on a vacation in Bohol and Dumaguete on November, I need to lose as much weight as I can so I won't look as awful as I was in my recent pictures. I am getting tired seeing myself that way. After this post I will write my rules that I need to follow, with the emphasis on "need."

Thanks a lot, nameless friend!

** Jenn **

Music Memoirs - 24 June 2008

2008-06-24T10:57:00.003+08:00

My first time to join Music Memoirs meme! This week's Tuesday tunes go:

What if:
What if a friend took your favorite CD and never returned it. First what CD would it be, and how huge of a row/fight would you have with your friend as a result?
>>> The most important CD I own would be Hanson's "The Walk" album because it wasn't released here in the Philippines, and a good soul went through lots of disappointing processes just so he could give me a copy. If a friend borrowed or took it and decided not to return it, at first I would ask her to return it, and if she would blatantly say she doesn't want to, or would come up with reasons (like I lost it, or I lent it to another friend...), of course, I would be angry. I might start nagging at her, and by the end of that episode, I might decide not to talk to her anymore.

What if you found a mix CD laying on the ground? Would you pick it up and try to play it?
>>> Mix CD meaning....? Anyway, if it's an original audio CD, of course I would pick it up, but if it's just a CD (to burn data to) that anyone can buy at the stores, I might not mind it at all.

What if you somehow ended up having dinner with your favorite recording artist, what would the dinner conversation be like?
>>> Since I talked about Hanson in the first question, might as well "use" them for this question. If I would have the privilege to dine with them (for those who don't know, Hanson is an Oklahoma based band of Alternative genre that is made of of three brothers - Ike (27), Taylor (25), and Zac (22)), the conversation would be very light -- Zac just became a father and Ike will be a father by July (not sure), so the conversation might be around family life and how their own growing families would adjust to their life as musicians.

*** Jenn ***

10 Inventions that Made Life Easier

2008-06-24T09:03:00.011+08:00

Back from a few weeks break from 10 on Tuesdays. As always, this will be a random thing...

1) Cell Phone -- Clearly, anyone is just within reach. I am currently using Sony Ericsson K800i. A cell phone I love so much!

2) Public Transportation -- I don't know how to drive, so this one's the greatest thing for me!

3) Pen and Paper (they go together, hehehe) -- If some idea came to mind, all I gotta do is jot it down.

4) Internet -- Specifically blogging. No need to write individual e-mails to tell friends and family member about what goes on with your life.

5) Refrigerator -- Cold water, please! =)

6) Shoes (or footwear for that matter) -- These shoes for sale are Korean made shoes being sold at a kiosk at the Lung Center weekend Market.

7) Bread Toaster -- It's like getting fresh bread all the time.

8) Medicines -- as long as you don't abuse it.

9) Digital Camera -- No more planning of shots to take because you can just shoot and shoot to your heart's content (as long as you have space left in the memory and batteries, of course).

10) Food Deliveries -- We're not really fond of doing this, but during lazy days, you know that one number to call. =)

I know there are a lot more inventions, but this is the first ten that came to mind. =)

*** Jenn ***

Stormy Weekend

2008-06-23T05:34:00.002+08:00

After reading my Multiply friend Ester's post about the typhoon, I didn't realize that the same typhoon that's pestering their place is already making its way here! Saturday, it started raining, but I thought it was just that -- a rainfall -- until I watched the weekend news telling that the entire Metro Manila was under signal number 2! Really?

I woke up at 1AM of Sunday and yes, the typhoon already started blowing strong winds and pouring on heavy rains. By 4AM, I woke up again because winds became stronger. Not only do most of our things outside were making noise, the wind was howling as well! I managed to still get online -- just checking if our internet antenna's still in our roof (lol) -- but just after an hour, the power went off.

Mom said I should just get back to sleep and not mind the winds. I woke up again at 6AM and seeing there's electricity already, I went back online to post my Camera Critters entry over at my photo blog - Shutter Happenings. As soon as I submitted my entry, the power went off again, and yes, it's back to bed for me. Are you sensing a trend here?

Anyway, I fell asleep and was surprised that it was already past 7AM. I thought it was already Monday, so I went over mom's room to ask her if she's going to work. All of us were in a panic mode for a while until we realized it was still Sunday. Hahahahah!

I cooked breakfast - chocolate rice porridge - to make use of the chocolate tablets we bought from the supermarket last Saturday. It wasn't my favorite food at all (I rarely eat this one), but during cold stormy days, it's great to eat this kind of food, especially with the dried fish that goes so well with it. Even my mom who's not into this food, too, ate quite a lot!

After eating, the rains quieted a bit (but still raining), so I went outside to see our surroundings. These pictures greeted me:

Not really devastating, since there weren't much trees and houses were a bit tall in our neighborhood, but of course the fallen leaves weren't a good sight at all! I still haven't got the chance to go out of the neighborhood, so I still don't know just how extensive the damages were.

It rained all day, and needless to say, we all overslept. Really, if you've got nothing to do on a cold stormy day, you can't help but feel sleepy. We had a late lunch / early dinner at 4PM - mom cooked spaghetti - to make use of the daylight. To save some candles, it was lights off by 6PM, so of course that meant we slept again! =) I woke up at 10PM and there's electricity already. I took all our cell phones to charge it, went online to post another blog entry, while my sister and mom watched TV. They were waiting for the weekend news if there will be classes and work tomorrow. No classes in all levels, but work is still undecided.

I chatted with my friend Claire until midnight. As of this writing, no more rains and winds, but this typhoon killed some 50+ people, and it's still not official yet. It's now making its way north of the country, I hope my brother and aunt in La Union as well as my maternal relatives in Pangasinan would be protected by they storm.

*** Jenn ***

Saturday Special - 21 June 08

2008-06-21T13:03:00.003+08:00

~ It's Perfect ~
~ Fill In The Blanks ~

A perfect day is ______?
-- A perfect day is when somebody appreciated you simply for being who you are.

A perfect dinner is ______?
-- A perfer dinner is when the whole family is in the dinner table sharing stories and good laughter while eating.

A perfect evening is ______?
-- A perfect evening is when my cats go up to my bed because they wanted to sleep beside me.

A perfect vacation is _____?
-- A perfect vacation is when you don't have to worry about the life you left behind. Further more, a perfect vacation is when you don't ran out of batteries for your camera, and you don't ran out of money to buy that item you saw at the souvenir shop.

*** Jenn ***

Friday's Feast - 062008

2008-06-20T11:21:00.002+08:00

Appetizer
If you could live on another continent for 1 year, which one would you choose?
-- I am from Asia, and if I have a chance, I would love to live in Europe. It's a continent full of art and wonderful architecture, and I would love to check out the museums and art galleries. If I had to trim it down, I would love to live in Netherlands (so I could see the Keukenhof Gardens in spring -- or basically just see a realy yellow tulip farm is heaven enough for me) and / or in Ireland.

Soup
Which browser do you use to surf the Internet?
-- Internet Explorer. A lot of people have been asking me to use Firefox instead, but I am used to IE, I feel I am at a loss when I use FF!

Salad
On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being highest), how much do you know about the history of your country?
-- 6. I know quite a lot, but there's still so much more I need to know.

Main Course
Finish this sentence: Love is…
-- unconditional.

Dessert
Have you ever been in or near a tornado?
-- Tornadoes don't happen here in the Philippines. I have heard of a news that there seemed to be a tornado at a beach somewhere south, but in general, tornadoes don't happen here. I have seen little twisters, though, but just small ones -- not destructive at all.

*** Jenn ***

Where I Have Been Lately

2008-06-18T21:04:00.009+08:00

Because I now have a travel blog, I decided not to post the extensive recap of the experiences here. But, this is still my personal blog, so I can still talk about a little bit of those experiences.

Last Saturday, Uncle Pete and his family (plus Uncle Carlito) were here for lunch. Before they leave, a decision was made that all of us would be checking out the Manila Ocean Park the next day (Sunday, 15 May 2008). It was a great, one-of-a-kind experience. But then, I wasn't able to see those mascot-like statues (???) just like the ones in Tanya's pictures. Guess the park made some changes.

Anyway, we were out of the park after eating lunch in Chowking, and since we still have lots of time to spend, we all decided to check out the Manila Cathedral. Actually, Uncle Pete was hoping to show us the "Bahay ng Gobernador," but it seems he and the driver, plus the people we asked for directions were seem to not understand each other. Instead, we just checked out the Manila Cathedral and later checked out the San Agustin Church. The San Agustin Church experience was certainly a wonderful thing.

Tuesday, I went to the Italianni's Bloggers' Treat in their Bonifacio High Street branch. I really felt so lucky to be one of the selected bloggers who took part of their "Extra Mile" promo. After the event, sis and I enjoyed the wonderful the Fort and Serendra. Yes, I have to seize the moment. Actually, we also checked parts of Market! Market! but then it was getting late and the skies were getting darker, so we decided to head home.

My travel blog now has a long list of places to blog about. Not that I am complaining -- I love it actually. I just want to apologize this early if some of the events will take a little bit too long before I could write about it. I decided to post only one entry per day, to allow each post to have some "air time," and should the entries get "stale," I am sorry. But hey, I'd still be blogging about the places I've been to from last year, and last last year, so I guess with the travel blog nothing gets stale after all.

*** Jenn ***

One of My Dream Destinations

2008-06-18T13:14:00.003+08:00

I once watched a documentary about a banana plantation in Costa Rica. While the documentary was focused on the plantation, it did talk about about certain facets about the country that made me wish I was there, too! For one, the place looked great, and the locals are very friendly. I love how they celebrate events that really spells out a feast! But if course, if ever I have the chance to get there, I would really want to check out their churches and learn more about their culture.

I told about this to a friend of mine and she said that when traveling abroad, the first thing I need to do is to find a Money Exchange establishment so I can go shopping the soonest time I get there! Hehehehe... Thanks, friend! Well, I am not yet planning to go there, I am just dreaming of it at the moment.

A little problem I got -- do I have to get another SIM card to send SMS Text Messages to my family and friends? As you know, communication is really important to me, so I this is the part of every trip I do that I don't neglect. As much as I wanted to see lots of places, I also leave a piece of my heart at home.

Hmmm... I wonder when will I go out of the country?

*** Jenn ***

Blue/Green or Red?

2008-06-16T20:23:00.007+08:00

Mom went home tonight and asked me to fit the blouses she bought from an officemate a while ago. It was matching blouses, two were very much alike, and the other one was different, yet alike in some ways. The "odd-blouse-out" was a bit small for me, but the identical blouses fit me very well.

But now the question is, which among the two blouses shall I take?

Shall I take the blue/green, or the red one? The red one looks better -- I feel my tummy fats don't show much if I wear it, but I have so many red / pink clothes already. Mom said I need to decide because the one I didn't choose will be her blouse, and my sister owns the different one.

I don't know why mom bought identical blouses, could it be because my cousins wore the same shirts yesterday? Well, mom and I already had memories of wearing identical clothes. When I graduated in high school, we had the exact same dress, only that hers was red and mine was green.

Anyway, please help me decide which among the blouses shall I take. Any comments and points of view will be accepted. Thanks a lot!

*** Jenn ***

Of Prizes and Prezzies

2008-06-14T13:33:00.011+08:00

Not too long time ago, I posted pictures of my scrapbooking materials as a requirement for Marj's RAK. About 20 scrapbookers won in her RAK, and I was one of those who won. Her package already arrived, so last Thursday, I went over Lee's house to pick up my prizes:

I won an Autumn Leaves' stamp set and a Queen & Co. felt border ribbon. I love the stamp set because I love embellishing my layouts with flowers, and maybe I can create a patterned paper using the stamps, too! As for the felt ribbon, it's so cute because you can cut it to shapes to suit your preferences. Both of these prizes are so great, I really am happy to win! Thanks, Marj!!!

The best part of it all is that Marj also sent in some gifts for me:

Heidi Swapp "love" stamp *** Colorbox Cat's Eye Chalk ink pads *** Heidi Grace alphabet pins

Autumn Leaves journaling stamps and Creative Imaginations Rub-Ons *** Krylon (make it acid-free) spray, flower emboss punch, and Maya Road chipboard pieces

So many gifts, eh? I am so touched seeing all these things and I can't help but be in awe that all of these things were given to me. Words cannot express how happy I am to receive these presents. Big, massive, humongous thank you, Marj! God bless your generous heart. I love you, sis!

Lee said I should make lots of layouts already. Actually, even I wanted to scrap a lot, too, but I get a little lazy just thinking I have to carry all my materials from my room to the living room and carry it back again in the room after. With a growing amount of stash, I hope to have a scrap space so I can just work on the layouts in one place. Even if it gets messy, it won't get really messy.

I spotted this study desk with cabinet/bookshelf in the supermarket, and I am thinking of purchasing that one, but I am shy to ask our neighbor to help me pick it up. Maybe I will try asking Uncle Pete if he can accompany me (they have a car) in buying the desk. I hope all will be well. I badly needed a scrap space now!

*** Jenn ***

Is it Time to Switch?

2008-06-14T11:09:00.002+08:00

I am not the kind of person who's not really craving to have the newest stuffs all the time, but if there's one thing I wish I could own, it would the Apple iPhone. Almost everyone wanted to own this phone and I can consider one of those people because it really is one of a kind and is a jack of all trades, mostly.

I still am not sure if this phone is available here in the Philippines, so I ran a web search to learn more about the phone. I found this safe online store for cellular phones called Tiga Dua Cellular Online shopping store, and I was amazed with the way they presented their products. The information they gave about the cell phone was so nice, it basically provided everything I needed to know about the phone.

Tiga Dua Cellular Online shopping store provides worldwide shipping, so if ever I earn enough, I might actually buy it, that is, if I don't get all too thrifty or if I don't find a cheaper phone within my budget. Besides, I am still loving my Sony Ericsson K800i, so I still am in no pressure to buy a new phone.

If you're someone who's looking for a brand new and unlocked mobile phones, you might want to check out Tiga Dua Cellular Online shopping store now. They have a lot of phones in their inventory and if you have other concerns you can contact the management. You can also leave your e-mail address should you want to be updated with the latest about the store.

*** Jenn ***

Flickr Filler Tag

2008-06-13T20:21:00.004+08:00

Got another tag from Diane. 'Tis the tags like this one that I really love doing! Thanks, D!

The concept:1. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
2. Using only the first page of results, pick one image.
3. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into Big Huge Lab’s Mosaic Maker to create a mosaic of the picture answers.

The questions:
1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food? right now?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. What is your favorite drink?
7. What is your dream vacation?
8. What is your favorite dessert?
9. What do you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. What is one word that describes you?
12. What is your flickr name?

Here is the mosaic and my answers:

1. - I searched for my real first name, Jennifer, and quite a few things came up, there was a surfer girl, a pregnant woman, a doll, and among the celebrities, four Jennifers came up: JLo, JLove, Jen Aniston, and Jen Garner. I chose Jennifer Garner because she looked great in the picture!

2 - My favorite food right now is also my favorite food of all time, the Spaghetti.

3 - Because I studied in a high school that's just walking distance from my home, it wasn't really a popular school, therefore no picture in Flickr. I don't want an incomplete mosaic, so I just chose a picture from where I studied college - PUP Sta. Mesa.

4 - A lot of lavender pictures, but some didn't have URL, so I picked this one. I wonder, when can I see a lavender farm, too?

5 - My celebrity crush is Robbie Williams. I started liking/loving him since 1998 and I still like him now, especially whenever I watch his concerts (I loved the Knebworth concert - so great) on DVD.

6 - If it's available, I always go for Watermelon Shake. I make my own by freezing cut up watermelon slices and thawing it for a few minutes before putting it in the blender.

7 - Dreaming of a Bohol vacation before the year ends.

8 - My favorite dessert is Buco Pandan. If it has tapioca pearls, the better!

9 - I took Mass Communications major in Broadcasting in college, but my dream really was to become a veterinarian.

10 - My family is the one thing I love the most in my life.

11 - I guess the word expressive suits me well.

12 - There wasn't a Janujennifer in Flickr, so I just took one of the latest uploads I have.

Tagging everyone in my roll that has a Flickr account.

*** Jenn ***

More Than Just Neighbors

2008-06-11T14:07:00.004+08:00

I finished a layout last Saturday, but it was just now that I was able to post it because I got sick. Hehehehe. This is just a very simple layout because I got confused with the picture sizes. In Valerie Salmon's original sketch, the focal photo should be 4x6, but the picture I printed was 5x7! So, the pictures kind of congest the layout area. Because of that, I decided to go very simple and just re-create the sketch as it is, although I did flip it because my focal photo is horizontal.

This set of pictures were one of those year old pictures that I need to scrap. At this point in time, I am starting to get drowned in pictures I need to scrap! Believe it or not, I still haven't scrapped my 27th birthday pictures and I already turned 28! Whoa! Anyway, my goal for this month is to finish scrapping all the remaining 2007 pictures so that I can start scrapping the 2008 pictures.

These pictures were taken May 2007, when the close neighbors went our first summer outing. There will be about three sets of layouts for the pictures - one for our personal pictures, one for the random pictures, and this one: the family pictures.

The friendship started when we moved in this neighborhood back in 1985. At that time, the places is still developing. I think we were the fourth family to move in here, and the Raboys welcomed us the very first day we got here. As years passed, the place developed people started moving in. The Jacelas we met next, then the Villarandas. There was a moment that the Jacelas went back to their province, but when they got back, that's when we all started bonding. Actually, Mr. Jacela is my dad's best friend here.

Their friendship is what sparked the bonding between us all. One time, Mr. Jacela was here asking if he could watch this certain TV show because his wife was watching a different show. He said, we've been neighbors for so long now, why the need to be shy? So if dad wanted to borrow something, he would just go there and borrow. They started doing it to the other neighbors, too, so all of us became closer to one another.

Supporting pictures, clockwise: Mr. and Mrs. Jacela (their kids are all not around that time), Us, Villaranda Family (they only have one child - Marife, the two kids are Marife's daughters), and the Raboy / Garro Family.

More Than Just Neighbors 12x12 060708 ~~ Materials Used: Patterned Papers - HOTP Sarapapers, DCWV, Cherry Arte * Tag - K&Co. * Pen - Sakura Pigma Micron * Others - crochet lace, flower charm

*** Jenn ***

10 Things That Annoy About Work

2008-06-10T19:59:00.003+08:00

It has been a lifetime since I last hit my finger on that biometrics thingy to time in for work. I have been spending a lot of time home -- not really the very best times of my life, but I don't have any problems about it. Because I am technically unemployed, I will answer this topic thinking I am still in the last company I worked in.

Here's my list, in random order:

1. Having to wake up very early. Because I live so far from my workplace, I had to wake up at 4AM so I could leave the house an hour later. I have to be on the road by 5:15AM or else I could risk myself getting late for my 8AM work time. At most times, I got timed in as early as 6:30AM (the earliest time in I had was 5:50AM) and as late as 7AM (still very early for work). The company's guard would always ask why I go for work so early and the reason was this: from home I would pass by three major traffic roads - Commonwealth Avenue, East Avenue, and EDSA. If I leave the house at 6AM, I would be in the road with all the people going to work, and not only will I be stressed, I will also be probably late for work. I might get in for work very early, but at least I could have enough time to prepare myself for work, and I could catch up on some naps while I wait for my co-workers.

2. Very short breaks. Imagine eating lunch and/or snacks at only 15 minutes -- and you have to brush your teeth, too, after eating!

3. Forced Overtime. Not that the company forces you to spend more time at work, but being a team player, you have the responsibility to stay at work and help with your teammates. Because it's a personal thing, of course there is no extra pay.

4. Cold Treatment. The company only cared about you being at work and do your task. They don't care if you are sick, or one of your family members died. The only reason they can accept for you not to time in for work is if you're in the hospital or you're already lying in your coffin.

5. Very low pay. Not only it is low in figures, considering the everyday stress you go through, it's definitely not worth it.

6. Travel time. Because the company is so far from our house, I was spending most of my day on the road. What's annoying is that there are times that traffic was so heavy, my bum's already burning in that bus seat and I can't even move!

7. Demanding bosses. I know it is just right for them to stress you about giving more than 100%, but there are times they get a little unreasonable and unrealistic.

8. Not having time for family and friends. I was working even on Sundays, so I don't get to spend much time even with my own family. I would get up early and get home late, the only time I got to talk to my family is when I had my day off, but it was mid-week, it's just me and my dad at home on my off days.

9. Unfriendly co-workers. I don't know what's wrong but in any job I enter, I would always ran into co-workers who really stress the heck out of me. Not only do they bully me, they would also gossip and treat me quite unkindly.

10. Crab mentality. I guess all companies have this one. Ugh!

*** Jenn ***

When Sickness Strikes

2008-06-09T20:42:00.004+08:00

Yesterday, sister and I went to the weekend market in Lung Center because I was hoping to buy a pair of Crocs slippers. What should be a short visit to the marketplace turned into a field trip for more than four hours -- all because of me.

Sister and I didn't eat breakfast, so we ate the minute we got there. I ordered Pancit Malabon at this Bicolano food stall and had carrot juice (four seasons flavor) for drinks. We roamed all over the marketplace (for pictures, yes), and when we got to the plants section, sister said she would let me do my thing and will wait for me at the entrance of the place. I was walking and taking pictures, really losing track of time. When I met sister she said I was gone for more than an hour! Really?

Mom had asked me to buy some things, so I left my sister again to buy what mom asked me to buy. There I was walking again. It was so hot -- the sun was so bright and although there were tarps acting as roofs, I really broke lots of sweat there. With that being said, I was really drained, and I found myself drinking lots and lots of drinks.

For breakfast it was the carrot juice, then after picturing the flowers I had a glass of pineapple juice. Sister and I were ready to leave when I checked the time and it was a little past lunch time. For sure mom didn't cook lunch for us because we told her we would be home after lunch. I asked sister to wait for me again while I go back to that Bicolano food place to buy some lunch (they serve great, affordable food). I was going around the marketplace and I cannot find the food place! I was eating lots of time and got thirsty again. I bought a glass of mango shake and while drinking it, I could feel my body shiver from head to foot and back. The ice in the shake certainly clashed with the heat I was feeling.

Sister and I walked from the marketplace to the Quezon City Hall to take a bus home. I was carrying so many stuffs (heavy at that, too) and I walked without any head gear. We took an airconditioned bus and we got home just fine, although both sister and I were having headaches. I didn't eat lunch (normal lunch), but I did had a bowl of guinataang halo-halo, which I bought from the marketplace, too!

I woke up at 3:30AM because my tummy was rumbling so bad! I went to the toilet and oh my gosh, it's like I was a human faucet! LOL! I didn't sleep anymore because my tummy kept rumbling, and whenever I drink, I would find myself sitting in the toilet again. I finished typing my blog entry for Jenn Was Here, and at 6AM, I slept again because I was already chilling and my muscles and joints were aching bad. I was sensing a flu coming up.

I was so angry and disappointed because I was supposed to meet up with the photo enthusiasts of "Litratong Pinoy" for our Kalayaan (freedom) photoshoot in UP Diliman. I already RSVPed to the organizer, but I had to cancel it the last minute. Ugh! I got more angry because I cannot come with my mom and sister. We knew from last week that there will be a long weekend, and we planned to go clothes shopping today. Of course, I cannot come with them, to! Double ugh!

I got up again at 11AM just before mom and sis got out. I posted two more blog entries in between trips to the toilet. Mom told me to cook oatmeal and eat soda crackers for lunch but I didn't want that, so I cooked my comfort food - spaghetti. It was way too salty, though. Sick people tend to lose their taste, and while eating, I found it too salty. Gave it to the cats instead. =)

Mom and sister got home at 1PM and handed me my "presents" -- two new blouses and a Jollibee Hotdog meal! Wow! Ain't my mom the sweetest? I wasn't actually the baby type when I am sick, but at times I do throw some tantrums, just for the sake of it. Hahahaha. I went back to sleep again, and was okay as of this writing, but there are times that my head aches and and I would feel a little tired. I started breaking out lots of sweat, so by tomorrow, for sure I will be okay.

**** Jenn ***

Saturday Special 07 June 08

2008-06-07T15:22:00.002+08:00

~Favorites ~ What's Yours?~

1. Favorite Outfit To Wear?
>>> I always go for blouses and blouse-like shirts. I rarely wear the typical T-shirt because I look bigger in it. When at home, I always go for tank tops.

2. Favorite Hair Color & Style?
>>> The layered type. For some reason I don't like having straight cut hair.

3. Favorite Kind Of Shoes?
>>> Flat shoes. May it be sandals or closed shoes, it should be flat. Because of my weight, I tend to get tired feet if I wear something with heels, even if it's just an inch.

4. Favorite Way To Relax?
>>> Looking at pictures. Back when we still don't have digital camera, and I still haven't discovered scrapbooking, we always have a roll of film developed and place them on photo albums. Now, my mom still has new photo albums (she prefers to have pictures in photo albums rather than stocking the digital images in computer), which I love to go through over and over when I feel stressed, sentimental, or nostalgic.

*** Jenn ***

So Near Yet So Far

2008-06-06T15:43:00.004+08:00

Once upon a time there was a princess who, in hopes to explore the kingdom, broke her father's orders and and went out of the castle. She had carefully planned this -- she took one of her helper's clothes, and on her way out she made sure no one would realize that she was missing. She just left a note in her bed saying she would be in her "sanctuary" and wished not to be disturbed. Seemed like a good plan.

She knew which places to see: the market place, the farm... her list of things to check for is endless! She did have a great time, after all, no one didn't notice she was the princess. She had eaten what normal people would eat, and for her, her experience was some sort of an awakening. She knew time will come she might rule the kingdom, and even though this was meant to be a fun trip, she had also thought about her future obligations.

She had wandered far from the kingdom, and had to take a public carriage to get home. She had already used up most of the money she brought, so she took the normal public carriage. Next to her was a fine looking man, probably more than 10 years her senior. It was an awfully long ride, and time came when they started talking to wind off the time.

At first she was having problems stringing lies about herself, but she did well. They talked and talked, and soon she found herself interested with the man. Must be love? She could only hope so. She was sure the man was interested with her, too, if he was not, then why would he asked her for her address and say he hoped they would talk again? Clearly, she cannot give the palace's address, so she gave her helper's address instead. When it was time for them to go separate ways, the man assisted her out of the carriage and even kissed her hand.

The princess might have planned the ins and outs of this adventure, but she surely didn't realize she could be interested with a man. They exchanged mails almost everyday, and day after day, she found herself slowly falling in love with the man. In his last mail, he asked the princess if they could meet again. On the day of their meeting, the man admitted he wasn't what he seemed he was. He was actually the king of the kingdom next to the princess' and he already had two young princes. The princess wanted to get angry, but she can't, for she too, had a lie of her own. It was their last meeting for sure, and it seemed it was, for the letters stopped coming in. The princess was sad, but she had to brush off her feelings aside.

The princess continued on with her usual wanderings - still dressed as a normal person. Time has passed, and just as when the princess had already forgotten about the King, their paths crossed again. The princess knew for herself that she still has feelings for the King, but had to keep it for herself. They took the same carriage just like before, but even if the King would look at her from time to time, he didn't really talk to her they way he did the first time she had met him. She wanted to touch him, talk to him, but she simply just can't.

The princess realized that even if she's a princess born with a silver spoon in her mouth, she simply can't have everything she wanted in life. Soon, she said, she will learn to forget about the King. How soon? No one knows.

*** Jenn ***

ps -- let it be known that this story is just a product of my imagination, and was written directly from my head. if there are any glitches, please don't hesitate to inform me. =)

My Summer Vacation P2

2008-06-04T04:06:00.007+08:00

24 May 2008 (Saturday)

After a few minutes of stretching and eating some snacks, it's time to hit the road again. We've been told that San Jose City, Nueva Ejica is where we could buy some onions, but at midnight, of course all stores are closed. By 2AM, we are already in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, and we had to stop in a gas station and stay there for a while because the driver was afraid to go on with the journey. The roads are deserted, very few lights, and he feared there might be "nice people around." We continued with the journey at about 4AM, and by sunrise we were already in Banaue! Seeing the wonderful Banaue Rice Terraces is indeed one of a kind! After the picture taking, we went to the market and ate breakfast at the Sanafe Lodge's restaurant. Then, back on the road again - this time we're travelling to Cagayan Province!

I was so overwhelmed with this roadtrip because I was seeing lots of places! Even if I was inside the van, I could say I got to be in lots of places within the span of about six hours! We took another break to eat lunch in Roxas, Isabela, and mid-afternoon, we're already in Cagayan! We went to Callao Caves in Penablanca, Cagayan. From what I remember, I got to see this place in a TV clip and hoped to see it, too. Now I am there! =)

There were miscommunications between Mrs. Paraiso and their another classmate who lives in Tuao, Cagayan. They thought we would meet with the classmate in Tugegarao Church, so we went there. A good opportunity to take a picture of the church. Hehehehe... travelling to Tuao took long - we thought because it's two town away from Tugegarao, it'll just take us about an hour, but it was already around 7PM when we got there! We were served goat dishes, but I didn't eat much. =) 8:30PM, it's already lights out for us, because we still have to wake up at 3AM.

***Pictures: Banaue Rice Terraces - Banaue, Ifugao / Me by the terraces / Callao River - Penablanca, Cagayan / Inside Callao Cave - Penablanca, Cagayan / Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral - Tugegarao, Cagayan ***

25 May 2008 (Sunday)

Aunt Julie woke me up at 3:15AM and I immediately took a shower. An hour later, it's time for us to hit the road again. We heard the first mass at the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Piat in Piat, Cagayan. Driving back home will be very long, so as soon as the mass finished, we continued on the journey. Cagayan is one big province, and we've been on the road for half a day and we're still within the province! There was this so beautiful bridge in Lal-lo, Cagayan, but sadly, I wasn't able to take a picture of it in its horizontal form. Anyway, that one started a series of little dissapointments, but in the end, it's basically how you perceive it. Anyway, we ate lunch in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. It wasn't in the picturesque beach side, believe it or not, we had lunch in this waiting shed! We saw a table and some chairs in the shed so we got off and ate lunch there. =) There were talks of dropping by Laoag City's market, but all were getting tired and cranky, so we continued. Aunt Julie bought some garlic in Pinili, Ilocos Norte, while I bought mine in Sinait, Ilocos Sur. In Vigan, they bought longganisa and bagnet, while I bought some empanada. Exactly 9PM, we were home. Wow... 48-hour road trip. Sweet!

*** Pictures: Me by the altar of Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Piat - Piat, Cagayan / Aunt Julie with friends in Magapit Bridge - Lal-lo, Cagayan / Beautiful beach scene at Claveria, Cagayan / Overlooking the wonderful beach in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte / Cloudy view from the Bangui Windmills Viewdeck - Bangui, Ilocos Norte / Garlic Lady in Pinili, Ilocos Norte ****

26 May 2008 (Monday)

I told Aunt Julie that I would visit daddy's grave before I leave, so I decided to visit him today. Of course, I tagged brother along with me because right after the visit, I want him to take me where the surfer people are at. Normally, when we go to San Juan, we always check out the view from Puerto de San Juan resort, and I would always complain why I cannot see any surfers. Turns out, the surfers are in a different location, and that's where brother took me. Seeing the sunset there was so magnificent there! Now I know which part of the beach to take the next time we're here!

*** Pictures: A candle for daddy - Forest Lake en Cielo (San Juan, La Union) / Sunset by the beach - San Juan, La Union ***

27 May 2008 (Tuesday)

I am scheduled to leave tomorrow, so I woke up early to do my laundry. I told myself today is going to be photography day - I will walk around the town and take pictures of flowers and anything that fancies me, but brother texted me asking to meet up with him by the bus stop because he has to go to San Fernando City for a meeting with her Singles for Christ superiors. I went with him, and although it was a bit dissapointing that there wasn't really a meeting at all, I took the opportunity to revisit Saint William the Hermit cathedral. So, all in all, this day was still good, too!

*** Pictures: Facade of Saint William the Hermit Cathedral - San Fernando City, La Union / A macro shot on a flower in San Fernando Town Plaza ***

28 May 2008 (Wednesday)

I asked brother if he could tag along with me in my last vacation day. We decided to drop by Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur first to visit the church. The first time I was there (back in 1999) we didn't have any camera, and everytime we pass by this place to go to Vigan, we always wanted to check it out, so why not check it today? Happy that the church is still open when we got there. =) From there, we head straight to Vigan. After eating lunch, I went to revisit the Vigan Cathedral for some pictures. Supposedly, we will do museum hopping today, but we got in Vigan late, so we only got to check out the National Museum (Father Burgos' house). Brother and I got nothing more to do, so we just lounged in Calle Crisologo again. We took the 8:30PM bus ride to Cubao - he got home in Bacnotan, La Union at about 11PM.

*** Pictures: Overlooking the Bell Tower of the Church of Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion - Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur / Inside the St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral - Vigan, Ilocos Sur / Me inside Father Burgos' room - Vigan, Ilocos Sur / Calle Crisologo - Vigan, Ilocos Sur ***

Twelve days of vacation! What a summer this year was! But, my summer's far from over yet. I am still looking forward to going with my family in Bolinao, Pangasinan, and another our of town with my co-scrappers later this month.

*** Jenn **

My Summer Vacation P1

2008-06-03T13:52:00.006+08:00

I got home May 29th, but it was just now that I will run the recap -- big apologies to that. Anyway, I will run the summarized version of the recap here, and just check my other blogs for the detailed version of the recap. Okay?

17 May 2008 (Saturday)

I was told by brother that the good looking buses leave the terminal quite late, so instead of leaving 5AM for the 6AM trip, I left the house at 8:30AM, in hopes to catch the 10AM trip. However, the bus I took was so slow and seemed to stop at everyone he (the driver) sees on the road, so I got to the Cubao station of Viron Transit at 10:15AM, and I could see the tail of the bus! It just left! I was told that it was okay even if I missed it because the bus was full anyway. Yeah, right... I could just wait for the next bus and I could get to choose where I will sit! The bus left at 11:30AM, and it started raining as soon as we reached Bulacan. In Pangasinan, wind was so strong, and I was happy that as soon as I reached our house in La Union, the rain fell hard. There was a brown out at 8PM, so all of us just slept. Supposedly, I should be sleeping in my dad's bed (which is now my brother's), but because there was no electricity, I slept in the middle room with my brother. That room has two single beds joined together, so brother and I weren't really bickering with the bed space.

*** Picture: Viron sub-terminal in Pozzorubio, Pangasinan (As you can see, there were so many leaves on the ground... I took the bus on the middle, by the way -- so bad that there were no TV or radio on board, but happy to be sitting on the front row, so seeing the view is entertainment enough for me) ***

18 May 2008 (Sunday)

I supposed to meet up with my co-scrappers Lee, Candy, and Nita for the scrapbooking tutorial for the Carmelite nuns in Sta. Ignacia, Tarlac. The plan was, I would meet them in Tarlac City, but then typhoon Cosme was in my part of the country, so even I wanted to meet up with them, I just can't. News said lots of places were flooded and I figured it's much better to stay home. Hopefully, there will be another chance to go to Tarlac. From time to time, the sky would get tired pouring rain on us, so I was able to take some pictures of the flowers in my Aunt's garden. A major change as far as the waking up in concerned; I was so used to waking up at 4AM, so I had to adjust myself to sleep two hours more. Anyway, electricity came back at noon time, and because it stopped raining come night time, the planned trip to Manaoag, Pangasinan pushed through.

*** Picture: A macro shot of the lobster claws flower. ****

19 May 2008 (Monday)

Aunt Julie and brother didn't wake up at 5AM, so I know that the trip to Manaoag has been cancelled. Turns out, half of Pangasinan was devastated by the typhoon, and the town where we will take the bus going home from Manaoag was flooded. So, we just celebrated Aunt Julie's birthday by having a little feast for lunch. Aunt Julie cooked pancit bihon+canton while brother grilled some pork and fish. By sunset, we went to Paratong Beach to watch as the sun bids farewell. When it was dark already, we went to Hen Haw for some club sandwich and Halo-Halo... our dinner. =) While watching the news as we got home, we were informed that skies will be clear the next day, so the trip to Manaoag will definitely push through tomorrow. ps - I received a text message that our cat, Teddy, just gave birth.

*** Picture: Lunch feast to celebrate Aunt Julie's 53rd birthday / Aunt Julie and I playing poses by the sunset in Paratong Beach***

20 May 2008 (Tuesday)

I heard some people talking, so I got up. It was still a bit early -- 5AM. Aunt Julie was talking to her friend and seeing her prepare some things, I knew for sure that the trip is good to go. =) We all missed the 6:30AM bus, but happy that we took the 7:30AM bus! Anyway, we were able to hear the last mass (11AM) in Manaoag Church, but we were already late in checking the church's store and the Rosary Park. I insisted that I wanted to see the Rosary Park, so instead of going to Urdaneta (next town) to eat lunch, we ate at Chowking just across the church. The Rosary Park wasn't that good looking because the typhoon did wear some trees down, but I still enjoyed it. In Urdaneta, we went grocery shopping for the road trip this weekend. We took the ordinary bus ride back home and finally reached home a 7:45PM.

*** Pictures: Me by the facade of Manaoag Church / Aunt Julie and I with the Halo-Halo in Chowking / Me at the Rosary Park / Me with Lucky, the dog (we met him and his owner on the way home at the Pozzorubio sub-station) ***

21 May 2008 (Wednesday)
I let Aunt Julie check my blood sugar. It was still within the normal range, nothing to worry about, what it got me worried because it was up 10 notches compared to the one I had August last year! Well, of course, I am to blame for all of it -- the lack of sleep, the skipping of meals and binging out, plus the Halo-Halo I consumed this summer really contributed to the result. I sat down on my thinking chair again and started writing things I needed to do. Hopefully, I can keep up with this. I noticed I am gaining weight again; I am back to my sooo chubby cheeks, and I am starting to get panic attacks again. Ugh! Anyway, there are only two stations on our TV so I wasn't able to watch the final showdown of the American Idol. Mom said both Davids did good. I wonder who will win? Brother went out on a meeting and Aunt Julie left the house at 5:30PM, so come dinner, I was alone. A butterfly visited me again... could it be dad?

22 May 2008 (Thursday)

I asked brother if we could church-hop today, and I am glad he went with me. I paid for all the fares since I asked him to tag along, but he paid for his food. We first went to Agoo (read: Ago-o) first to check the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Charity then proceeded to check the Museo Iloko and Imelda Park. Sadly, these two places aren't really that existing anymore -- the Museo Iloko is now closed and all the contents were transferred to a remote place. After eating lunch in Jollibee, we went to check this huge eagle monument along Aspiras Highway, then took the bus going to Bauang (read: Baw-Wang). We waited until 2PM to enter the church because preparations were under way for a wedding at 4PM. After Bauang, we went to San Fernando City to buy some things for Aunt Julie and I withdrew money from my EON account because the money mom gave me for this vacation is already running out (she only gave me 3000PhP). While brother and I were walking from the highway to our house, we saw two rainbows next to each other, and took a picture of it. It was the first time in the long time that I saw a rainbow. =) ps - While on the way to Bauang, brother also was able to take a picture of the church in Caba because the mini-bus took a long break there. Mom and sister texted me, too, that David Cook won American Idol. Wow!

*** Pictures: Me by the altar of Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Charity - Agoo, La Union / Me by the altar of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Bauang, La Union / Rainbow photo-op ****

23 May 2008 (Friday)
Preparations are made for our Roadtrip tonight. The Sagada part of the trip is still undecided up to this moment, so I will just let them decide on it. One thing's for sure, though -- all of us will check out the Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao. Oh my gosh! I never thought I could see that wonder! Anyway, Aunt Julie and I left the house at 9PM, and met up with her friends in Mrs. Paraiso's house. Initially, 24 classmates / batchmates signed up for this trip, but because of the unpredictable weather and work schedules, it all went down to 9 people: six classmates and three next of kins. Instead of taking the normal route through Urdaneta, we took the other way - turned left in Sto. Tomas, La Union and passed by Umingan, Pangasinan. We took a little break come midnight in San Jose City, Nueva Ejica. The road is still long...

*** Jenn ***

ps -- continuation tomorrow.

Perk Up Your Internet Life

2008-06-03T04:38:00.002+08:00

I am never really an avid fan of shows related to men's lifestyle, but just this morning, I was searching for a game review, when I spotted this website that although focuses on men's lifestyle, it has lots of funny videos and articles that'll sure to perk up your boring online routine. Truth be told, it was videos like that these that lighten up my internet life! When I am swamped with lots of things to do, I just watch funny videos in between emails and bloghopping to break the monotony and have a great laugh, too!

What I love most about the website is that is that you can embed the videos in your site. I actually just finished watching a video - a video about the game review I was searching about (click here to watch -- my blog can't accept the embed code for reasons I can't understand). Back to the video... isn't it so amusing? I mean, who can do that? 24 hours of gaming? I am addicted to the Internet yet I can't sit 24 hours straight! =) I wonder if their eyes are still seeing clear? Hehehehe.... But the beauty of this website is that, apart from the funny and crazy video, there really is a serious review of the game. So even if there's a funny thing going on, you still can get something educational in return.

If you want to check out the videos and other funny articles, just head on to bush league now.

*** Jenn ***

PreacherTV.com

2008-06-03T04:18:00.002+08:00

It's really wonderful that more and more websites are available to the public that caters to spirituality and overall wellness. I am a Catholic, but I am going to share with you this wonderful website called PreacherTV.com, a website where you can hear and watch sermons online at the comforts of your homes or offices. I find it great because even if I am a Catholic, I am a child of God, too, and hearing the wonderful words of God and applying it in stories anyone can relate is just so great!

This is still a new website, I guess, but go ahead, check out the video in the website. Another great thing about it is that not only can you upload sermons yourself, the video also has an embed code that you can place in your website. Great isn't it?

Go ahead, check it out now. I am sure you'll like it, too!

*** Jenn ***

A Treat for Mom?

2008-06-01T18:37:00.004+08:00

Every year, my Aunt Julie visits the Manaoag Church in Pangasinan. When I heard about the roadtrip she and her former high school classmates are having, I went to La Union to come with them. I decided to come a day before her birthday for I also would like to come with her as she visits the church. It wasn't my first time there, but the last time I went to the church August last year, I didn't know there's a part in the grounds called "the Rosary Park." That's what I wanted to check.

We arrived in the church grounds pretty late, and the park was closed during lunch time, so instead of the usual lunch at the mall in Urdaneta, we all decided to eat at Chowking, which was just across the church, so we can check back the park after lunch. Thinking what to order was a bit difficult at first, and brother made a joke and asked Aunt to order the salu-salo treat for mom instead. You see, Aunt Julie is still single at age 50+, so we (her nephews and nieces) always tease her (all in good fun, though). Anyway, at first Aunt brushed off the idea, but when I saw that the meal package includes free Halo-Halo for the mom, I told Aunt maybe they won't really require people to have a "mom" before you can order the meal. And if they ask, for sure they won't doubt that either is of us is a mom since there are 16 year old young ladies who are mothers already. Whew, we were stressing so much about the food! =)

Journaling reads, "Neither Aunt Julie nor I were mothers, yet we opted to order the Salu-Salo treat for moms when we went to Manaoag Church in Pangasinan. Actually, it was the free Halo-Halo that we (or I) wanted to have. And why not? With the summer's heat, I am sure anyone would opt to have at least one serving of Halo-Halo, regardless if you're a mom or not." - Manaoag, Pangasinan 20 May 2008

By the way, if you say this layout looks familiar, then you're correct. This one's a scraplift of my last layout before this, "When You're 64."

"A Treat for Mom?" 060108 12x12 ~~ Materials Used: Patterned Papers - DCWV, Miss Elizabeth's, and Cherry Arte (among others - some of the papers were given as prizes and I don't know their labels) * Others - cardstock stickers (Basic Grey), cardstock button and embossed corner (bought at Simplejoys), Flowers (Prima), blings.

Post Birthday Gifts

2008-05-30T20:42:00.011+08:00

lMy 28th birthday may be over now, but the gifts kept on coming. Just while on vacation, I received three more gifts, making this year the time when I received the most gifts on my birthday next to my 1st birthday, of course.

This blush-on wasn't really intended as a gift, but when brother and I went to check out the churches in Agoo and Bauang, I asked Aunt Julie if I could borrow some blush-on to give a little life to my cheeks. Aunt Julie handed me her itty-bitty kikay kit containing different blush-on for me to choose from. All were still unused, all were given by Aunt's friends working abroad. I chose this particular blush-on, not because of its color, but because of its label. When I returned it, Aunt asked why I was returning it right there and then; she thought I was going to borrow it the whole day. I took it back and as I put it in my bag, she said I can have it because she still has a lot to use, and I can just treat it as her belated birthday gift. Brother said Aunt Julie doesn't really lend cosmetics because she has sensitive skin. When someone borrows cosmetics from her, she would always hand unused cosmetics so that the borrower can just have the cosmetics. Hmmm... maybe when I ran out of lipstick I will ask if I can borrow one from her, too!

This Hanson "The Walk" CD was given to me by my American online buddy, Ken. He stopped by this blog one time and heard a Hanson song and sent me a Private Message saying that I have a nice song in my blog. As a Hanson fan, of course I bragged about the song and he said that he know the band, it's just that he doesn't own a CD. He purchased this CD thru eBay, and after all the problems with the bidding and paying and shipping of the CD (you just have no idea), it finally reached me! I am so touched with the gesture.

Lastly, this gift came to me as a surprise. My brother was taking an afternoon nap when the delivery man knocked on our gate with a package for brother from his friend Emmy. In her message, she said that the tarsier keychain was her birthday gift for me, so I immediately took it from brother. Hehehe.... isn't it cute?

To Aunt Julie, Ken, and teacher Emmy, thanks so much for the gifts. Words cannot express how thankful I am for the stuffs. I appreciate the kindness and generosity. Thanks, thanks, thanks! May God bless you all!

*** Jenn ***

Will Never Miss it for Sure

2008-05-30T05:32:00.003+08:00

I know its still far too early to talk about this, but then, I would just like to say that I am already excited for black friday sale this year! For those who doesn't know about it, black friday sale comes every year in the US the day after thanksgiving. It opens up the Christmas season, and is considered the time to start on buying gifts for Christmas. I know I am not from the US, but there are some stuffs that are not available in my country that I want to get, and with the exchange rate still doing okay, seeing items on sale is something I am looking forward to. Last year, I missed the big sale and never will I let this one pass, for sure.

The one thing I want to acquire from this year's black friday sale would be scrapbook materials, of course! Some scrapbooking stuffs are expensive when bought here, and since I have some relatives living in the US, I can opt for free deliveries into their homes and they can just send it to me together with their other packages for their families. Cool, eh? If you're also looking forward to the black friday sale, head on the website and enter your e-mail address so you will know when there are any updates. Each time an ad is posted, you will be notified. Who knows, it might be the one item you're looking forward in buying!

I am so happy that Jo-Ann Fabrics is one of the merchants here, as a scrapbooker, I really love to have all the materials I can get. Scrapbookers from here in my country know how some materials can be a lot more expensive here than in the US, and some of us really opt to buy in some US-based online stores. Right now, I am looking forward to buying stamping materials, but papers would be hard to resist, too! Hmmm.... hopefully I can buy all the things I need before I can buy the things I want.

The site has a lot of merchants posting their black friday items, so head on to the site now. Check for the merchants - it might be one of your favorites, and don't forget to enter your e-mail address, okay? Some of the merchants include: JC Penney, Home Depot, Macy's, Tommy Hilfiger, Toys R Us, and ACE Hardware. You will now have no excuse for not buying gifts this coming Christmas. All the things you need and want to buy might be included in the sale, so go and start listing now!

*** Jenn ***

Tagged by Donna

2008-05-27T15:13:00.002+08:00

Another tag from Donna

Guidelines:
Link back to the person that tagged you.
Post these rules in your blog.
Share six unimportant things about yourself.
Tag six (6) people at the end of your entry.

* I am afraid of big birds because I think their beaks are going to kill me (I am also afraid of bird mascots).
* I love the colors lavender and pink.
* I only have a few pairs of footwear -- I only buy when it is needed.
* I am also afraid of moving dolls.
* I rarely use cardstocks on my scrapbook layouts.
* I can walk for three hours straight if I have to.

Thanks for the tag, Donna.

*** Jenn ***

"First and Last" Tag

2008-05-27T14:50:00.002+08:00

I was tagged by Diane... I was supposed to do this when I get home, but since this is just a Q & A tag, might as well do this now, just a little something to cut the long hiatus from posting here in my blog.

Participants: 1. Me and Mine 2.Creative In Me 3.Little Peanut 4. Pea in a Pod 5. Sugar Magnolias 6. All Things Me 7. Because Life Is Fun 8. My BIG Picture 9. A Handful of Surprises 10. My Paper Scraps 11. Digitally Diane 12. Somewhere Over the Rainbow. 13. Memories by Jenn 14. Shutter Happenings 15. Le Kulitszie Familie 16. Jenn Was Here 17. YOUR BLOG HERE!

First
* First real job: Production Assistant in ABS-CBN
* First screen name: margarita_ole
* First funeral: My grandmother on father side. I was only one year old back then.
* First pet: A puppy I named, "Prince." It was given by my godmother Baby.
* First piercing: Ears.
* First tattoo: None yet.
* First credit card: I didn't own a credit card
* First kiss: My first bf - Chris Principe.
* First enemy: I forgot.

Last
* Last car ride: Last Sunday.
* Last kiss: It was with "bf." -- March 17.

Tagging ... anyone who wanted to join the tag roll!

*** Jenn ***

Update, Update

2008-05-22T15:21:00.003+08:00

I am on my sixth day here in La Union. Everything’s good, happy that my dad’s hometown (Bacnotan) wasn’t part of those damaged by Typhoon Cosme. I was blessed that I was already here just before the typhoon landed, and even though it’s been raining for about two days and there was a day without electricity, it’s been blue skies now. Yey!

So where have I been lately? Hmmm… we checked the sunset in Paratong Beach (just walking distance from our house) last May 19, a beautiful cap off to Aunt Julie’s birthday. Yesterday, we (me, Aunt Julie, her “bf”, and brother) were in Manaoag Church, Pangasinan. I looked awful in pictures, but of course, when I get home I will share all the stories and pictures from my recent trips! Our computer here isn’t working — so all the pics are still in our camera.

We did some church hopping today -- we just visited the Basilica Minore in Agoo, La Union then checked the church in Bauang, also in La Union. Tomorrow (Friday), Aunt Julie and I, together with her high school friends will go to Cagayan and Laoag in Ilocos Norte. The Sagada part of the trip is still undecided, because the roads might still be unpassable because of the typhoon. Aunt Julie and I are still hoping, though, that all will be well.

Just a short update, will be back when I can to update more. Thanks for dropping by my blog.

*** Jenn ***

On Vacay

2008-05-17T05:36:00.002+08:00

I might not be able to update this blog until the end of the month for I am now about to leave for La Union for some vacationing. If you have a message, please just comment to this post, because I might not be able to read it in the chat box. Thanks peeps!

I will try to update this blog if I can, but I am not promising. =) See you all in June!

*** Jenn ***

My Japanese Name

2008-05-17T05:29:00.004+08:00

I was tagged by Vhiel on this one and this one really makes me laugh. I have to do my real, nick name and my daughter's name on this one.

This explains why Japanese have a short name. For the instructions, add your name on the list and simply spell out your name using the given Japanese letter- translations below. Tag your friends and let them know they have been tag. Have fun.

TRANSLATION:
A - ka G - ji M - rin S - ari Y - fu B - tu H - ri N - to T - chi Z - zi C - mi I - ki O - mo U - do D - te J - zu P - no - V - ru E - ku K - me Q - ke W - mei F - lu L - ta R - shi X - na

1. Oswald - moarimeikatate (sounds like american and states har....har...har...)
2. Junelle - zudotokutataku (Thank God I’m a Filipino! sounds like sadako. nyay! hehehe)
3. JACQUELINE - zukamikedokutakitoku (Ayay!! Unsaman ni perti mang taasa..wa ko kasabot nyahahaha)
4. LIRA LUZ - takishika taduzi ( sounds like a title of an anime show) it's cute!
5. NOVA JOY - tomoruka zumofu [nakakaluka, ano bang sounds ito? parang ang bantot naman..
6. Rosemarie - shimoarikorinkashikiku ( Yay, parank bastos yata and sounds ng name ko..)
7. Jonalyn - zumotokatafuto (my name read to me it means like eating too much puto busa sumo, hahahaha ako pa basta puto wa tawon koy balibad unsa naa ba dha inyo?)
8. Mari-Dee - rinkashikitekuku ( sounds like cashew, kiti2 at kuku..ang sarap sa cashew pagdating sa kiti2 at kuku and pangit.)
9. Rowena - Shimomeikutoka (ano daw may kuto ako, LOL! ano ba yun)
10. Villa - rukitataka (lol - rookie daw ako tapos nakapagtataka.. it sounds stingy to me...i just have to do my nickname)
11. Vhiel - rurikikuta- it sounds like nakita kita ( transalation: "i saw you")
12. Isabella - kiarikatukutataka (Oh my goodness, I don't think my daughter can pronounce this...)
13. Jennifer - zukutotokilukushi (wow, that's a mouthful!)

I just have to pass this on to the people who wanted to put their Japanese name in their blogs, too! Thanks for the tag, Vhiel!

*** Jenn ***

Friday's Feast - 16 May 08

2008-05-16T11:35:00.003+08:00

Appetizer
What is the nearest big city to your home?
>>> That would be Quezon City. It's just (I think) 3 kms. away, and they say the city is bigger than Singapore.

Soup
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how well do you keep secrets?
>>> I keep them well there are times I already forget a friend told about a secret. Hahahaha!

Salad
Describe your hair (color, texture, length).
>>> It's medium length, very limp and dry. =)

Main Course
What kind of driver are you? Courteous? Aggressive? Slow?
>>> I don't drive.

Dessert
When was the last time you had a really bad week?
>>> Hmmm... I guess it was one of those bad weeks in the office, can't remember anymore.

*** Jenn ***

I am 28 Now!

2008-05-14T07:18:00.008+08:00

Oh man... am I really? Wow, I really am old now! Hehehehe... Kidding aside, I am happy to be 28! Gone are the days that I am worrying about aging... now I am so happy to be getting older one day at a time. My goal in life is to reach 80 years old, so I have a lot of decades more to catch up! =)

Celebration was just simple, we (mom, sis and I) ate lunch at Pizza Hut. We had regular supreme pizza, spaghetti meatballs (for me and mom), and lasagna (for sister). For desserts, we had their dessert sampler -- a plate of three desserts: sundae, chocoloate lava cake, and mango pannacotta. Yum!

Mom still has to go back to the office so sis and I stayed in the mall for a while. I bought myself a ticket for the Ironman movie, but sister and I lounged for a while because I still have 30 minutes before the next showing. When it was time to go inside the cinema, sister and I bid bye-bye for she still has classes.

The movie was great! First of all because Robert Downey, Jr. starred the film, of course it is great! Heheheh.. I am biased, he is my ultimate favorite actor! I remember one time I was probably the only woman inside the cinema watching his "US Marshals" film! Anyway, what I loved about the movie was that it showcased the makings of a superhero. I love that aspect. Ironman is now my man of steel! Hehehehe.... By the way, did you the teaser at the end of the film? Good thing I really finish all the credits before I leave the cinema! If not, I won't be able to see that teaser!

Just one question about the film... will Pepper be the next Money Penny? Hmmmm...

I bought a petit cake at Butterkrust and dropped by the market to buy some ground meat, carrots, and spring roll wrappers for the dinner celebration. Mom cooked the spaghetti, while I cooked the spring rolls. We gave the Raboys some food, just to show appreciation for the gifts they gave.

Speaking of gifts, the Raboys were the only ones who sent me gifts. 'Te Indang gave me a pack of squash seeds, 'te Cindy gave me chopsticks which she bought from Thailand. I received this cute purplish pink bag from Albay given to me by Charm and her bf Jay, which I loved so much! It was so coincidental to the blouse I wore! But the best gift I received for this year was my two wisdom teeth, which are now starting to come out -- I hope. My gums are now swollen and has a little wound, I hope my wisdom teeth come out now!

May this year be a good one for me! To all those who greeted, biggest thanks from the bottom of my heart!

*** Jenn ***

Marix's RAK

2008-05-12T20:57:00.007+08:00

About a month ago, one of my scrapbooking friend Marix hosted a RAK (random act of kindness) in celebration of her Blogoversary. The mechanics were simple, just comment on each of the entries she posted during the RAK period to earn points. On her blogoversary, one winner will win this pack of different scrapbook embellishments, and that lucky winner turned out to be me.

Marix also gave out an extra prize to two other scrapbookers - Chipmunk won a prize from the random picking Marix made (just to test out the program she used for drawing the winner), while Sandra won a prize as a "runner-up" in the whole RAK thing.

Her package arrived on our doorsteps 9th of May. I was really happy that the mailman hand carried the package instead of giving me a notice to pick up my package in the post office. I saw a stamped thing on the envelope saying, "Bureau of Customs - forwarded (small packet)." Hmmm... does the customs really forward bulk mails now? Great! Kisses to the people in the Customs department! =) Well, how could I not thank them? The package was a bit heavy and quite bulky.

I forgot to ask Marix to just send the package c/o our neighbors since they went to Singapore just a week before Marix sent the package. Had I didn't forget, she would have saved 13.80SGD (more than 300 pesos) in postage delivery. Truth be told, just sending the package is already a prize in itself! And I was even more surprised to see a little more items in the package compared to the original image I've seen on her RAK announcement. Oh dear, big thanks to you, indeed!

May God bless your generous heart, Marix! I am sure you will receive lots of blessings in the future because of your kindness and generosity. Love yah, friend!

*** Jenn ***

ps- The cat wasn't included in the package, okay? My cat Paborito was one nosy cat, from the moment I was opening the package up to the time I am arranging it for some photos, he was there, acting like one nosy kid who's very curious about what's happening. =)

When You're 64

2008-05-11T12:55:00.004+08:00

I finished this layout by the end of April, but due to many, many things, it's just now that I was able to share this one. This is originally for the Kaya Challenge Lee posted in the Pinoy Scrapbookers' Challenge blog. Tough challenge, but still happy I was able to finish it.

The challenge is to write a letter to one particular person to be read in the future. When? Well, that's up to you to decide. I decide to write a letter for my mom, which she has to read on her 64th birthday. Yes, I based it on the old Beatles' song, "When I'm 64." I was listening to my Beatles' MP3 tunes when the song came up, and then I thought, "Why not?"

Doing the whole layout wasn't hard at all, because I just made it as simple as it is. With the beautiful Basic Grey papers, I want to show as much designs in the paper as I can. It's time for me to go back to a scheme I loved so much, monochrome.

Journal on the layout reads, "To my mom (age 58), This picture of us taken in Villa Escudero last 29 march 2008 is certainly my current favorite. For someone who doesn’t really smile in pictures, I am happy to see you smile here even just a bit. I am happy, too, that we looked so sweet in this picture. I guess time has certainly changed us a lot. I hope that the closeness we are now sharing will remain forever. I love the fact that we are real good friends now. This layout may have been done in 2008, but I inserted a hidden letter for you, which you can only read when you turn 64, six more years by now. I got it all sealed, so don’t waste your time and energy trying to peek on it, okay? Don’t worry, as long as we live our lives a day at a time, we will just be surprised that six years have already passed. Do come back on this layout in year 2014, on your 64th birthday. And yes, this one’s based on the old Beatles’ song. Love you mom. Your Daughter Nene (age 27)"

It's a rule to include the ages of the sender as well as the receiver, and added to the rule was to embellish the layout with a button. Now that's a part in the rule I really didn't notice, so yes, this layout wasn't qualified for the raffle by the end of the challenge. Pffft! Bad Jenny! =) I could try to add even just one button here, but I decided not to anymore. I will just leave it as it is.

My hidden letter can be pulled on the lower left part of the layout. Another mistake I did was that I closed the letter even before I encoded it! Well, I wrote my letter impromptu using my own handwriting, and as soon as I signed it, I sealed it off in fears my mom might read it! My mom's a bit nosy about some things, and I don't want her to read the letter before the right time is up for her to read it. I also decided not to open it anymore because if I post the letter here, then everybody can read it -- including her, should my sister read it and tell her about it. =)

Sorry for the poor image in this one, our scanner's not functioning good, so I took a picture of this one using my cell phone.

"When You're 64" 12x12 043008 ~~ Materials Used: Patterned Papers - Basic Grey (thanks to Nina for giving me this one), DCWV, Teresa Collins, Imaginisce * Tracing Paper - Canson * Flower - Petaloo * Pen - Staedtler Triplus * Others - trim, mini brads

*** Jenn ***

... On that note, let me greet my mom a Happy Mothers' Day to you! I love you mommy. And to all mothers out there -- my hugs and kisses to you!

Saturday Special - 10 May 2008

2008-05-10T16:03:00.002+08:00

First time for this blog to join Saturday Special! My answers are underlined ones.

~Creative Adventure XIII~ Fill in the blanks~

1. Walking along a wooded side road, I see the cabin ahead. I approach the cabin and on the rocking chair by the door I spot a key that looks like it fits the door lock. I unlock and open the door slowly and saw that my family is already there, waiting for me.

2. In the cabin by a window there is a window seat chest. Walking over to the chest, I slowly open it and find that most of my treasured items from my childhood is there.

3. I suddenly hear a noise coming from the outside, and quickly close the chest and as the person enters the cabin, he says "I've always kept that for I know this time will come for you to see it."

4. Laughing I leave the cabin along with my favorite childhood toy and thinking to myself, "Nice to see you again, buddy."

*** Jenn ***

Metamorphosis

2008-05-09T20:06:00.006+08:00

It's not a secret that I have been struggling with weight loss ever since I can remember. I admit, it was all my fault, for instead of using all the negative criticisms as a leverage to transform myself, I just sulked and sit on my corner and cry. The ending? I am bigger than ever, and the problem just never ends.

About last year, I started having paranoia and started doing something to improve my health, self-esteem, and physique. There were slight improvements, but keeping up with it has been my biggest struggle. Now I am once again crumbling into pieces. My metabolism has always been so slow, and if I just knew how will I increase that, I will surely try it.

I am one of those people who could say, "Been there, done that, it didn't work." Believe me, I have tried a whole lot of approach to this problem, but I always go back to square one. I was once told to stop eating carbohydrates and concentrate more on doing liquid diet, and since I still haven't tried that one out, I am interested.

I saw this website called New Lifestyle Diet that promises fast weight loss thru their different products. These products range from Shakes/Puddings, Hot Soups/Cereals, and Nutrition bars/snacks to name a few. I think I already heard something about doing liquid diet and how easily it is to be absorbed by the body, therefore it is one powerful tool to achieve the weight people wanted.

I just checked the website, and I like that they have different programs for men and women. Seeing all the pictures and reading the testimonials really motivates me to try it, but I guess I still have to read more about it. I don't want to end up where I started, so I have to fully understand what I am getting into. If you're like me who needed a new lifestyle, why not check the site, too? Maybe you will be motivated in changing yourself for the better.

*** Jenn ***

Friday's Feast - 09 May 08

2008-05-09T17:19:00.003+08:00

Appetizer
When someone smiles at you, do you smile back?
>>> Of course. Often times, it is I who smile at people first.

Soup
Describe the flooring in your home. Do you have carpet, hardwood, vinyl, a mix?
>>> We have marbled floors. I was 11 years old when we had it -- at that time it was the in thing -- most houses here have marbled floors during that time.

Salad
Write a sentence with only 5 words, but all of the words have to start with the first letter of your first name.
>>> Hmmm... this one's tough because my name starts with "J." Okay, my answer would be: Jack jokingly judged Jill's jokes. (Harharhar...)

Main Course
Do you know anyone whose life has been touched by adoption?
>>> Yes, our next door neighbor.

Dessert
Name 2 blue things.
>>> Spotless summer skies and Sesame Street's Grover.

*** Jenn ***

10 Places I'd Love to Travel To (That I Haven’t Gone to Yet)

2008-05-06T13:21:00.003+08:00

Wow, a subject I really wanted to answer! I don't want to break copyright rules, so if you want to take a peek how these places look like, just run a search thru Flickr. On second thought, just click in each of the places to take you to the set of pictures. Here's my list:

1) Sagada, Mt. Province
2) Batanes Islands
3) Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
4) Bohol Province
5) Malapascua Islands, Cebu
6) Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
7) Camiguin Island
8) Boracay Beach, Aklan
9) Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental
10) Palawan Province

All these places are located here in my country, the Philippines. Aren't all these places so wonderful? Hopefully, I can go even just two of these places this year. Thanks for dropping by my list. I love this week's topic - I was able to proudly show just how beautiful this country is.

*** Jenn ***

WS - Happy B-Day, Tita Flory!

2008-05-05T04:46:00.004+08:00

A few minutes after coming home from the mall, I received a phone call from our neighbor tita Flory checking if we already arrived. She said she will drop by the house - at first I thought maybe she would ask a little favor (maybe asking me to encode something for her), but when she showed up with a plate of pancit and puto, I realized she just celebrated her birthday.

The puto (rice cake) is one of the foods she cooks that I love to eat. She's one great cook -- even my dad asked her once to cook kare-kare for him because dad said her kare-kare was the best he has tasted. As for me, my most favorite dish cooked by her would be pancit malabon.

Anyway, as always, the pancit is ever present in every good celebrations here in the Philippines. This one is the pancit bihon. So many ways to cook pancit, but this one has shredded chicken meat and some chicken internals (liver, gizzards, and heart). Mom, sis, and I divided it in equal parts, and this one secured me my dinner. I ate my share at 4pm, and no more dinner for me.

Thanks for the foods, tita Flory! Happy birthday!

*** Jenn ***

Under the Weather

2008-05-04T22:01:00.002+08:00

Been lazy blogging for four days now because I got colds and minimal coughs. It's really irritating to sneeze over and over, and wiping my nose from time to time. The sweets I ate from the fiesta I attended (details next post) and the weird weather were all to blame for this, but I am taking necessary actions to get well the soonest possible time.

I really hope to be well in the coming days as I have to leave for La Union. I am planning to attend the last days of the Dinengdeng Festival in Agoo and the Basi Festival in Naguilian before celebrating my birthday in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. Well, the Pagudpud trip is still undecided. It'll be very boring to be alone, and if I tag my brother along, I have to pay for his expenses, and somehow I am thinking twice about it. I guess I will have to make my final decision once I am there.

I will sleep this colds off -- I did get hot this afternoon. Hopefully by tomorrow I will be well to type all the stories I needed to post. I don't want to have that much backlogs because when I go to La Union, I will have very limited time to go on air and blog.

Good night now, see you all again tomorrow.

*** Jenn ***

Wiped Out!

2008-05-03T19:22:00.006+08:00

I was invited by Charmy last Tuesday to come with them to fetch her sisters 'te Cindy and Czarina from their week-long vacation in Singapore. I didn't pass that one up because I know it'll be a free ride to the airport. We were stuck in traffic and the heat was really irritating. But happy that we reached the airport a few minutes before the plane from Singapore arrived.

From the airport, 'te Cindy treated us to lunch in Chowking. Supposedly, she wanted to eat in Jollibee, but Charmy, Jay, and I just had some Jollibee foods while waiting for them to come out of the airport. =) We had a feast of different foods ('te Cindy ordered their group meals) - fried chicken, chopseuy, pancit canton, and dumplings. For dessert, we had a petit serving of halo-halo.

We were on our way to Tondo, Manila (to drive their aunt home), when we pass by Roxas Boulevard. When we saw the Manila Yacht Club, 'te Cindy asked us if we wanted to go to Manila Zoo. All were up to the idea, so on we go to the zoo. Charmy was my gracious photographer. In every part of the zoo, if I wanted to have a shot taken, she'll be the one to take the shot. I was really thankful that I don't have to ask if she could take a picture of me, she would automatically ask for my cell phone so she could take a picture.

By the end of the tour around the zoo, we spotted this huge python, which you can freely touch, but you cannot take pictures of. It's part of their fund raising thing - if you want to have a picture with the snake, you pay 100 pesos for the 5R size picture or 3 pcs. wallet size pictures, and 150 pesos for 8R picture. It was my first time to touch a snake, so I told Charmy that I wanted to have a picture. We thought about it for a while, then she called the rest of our companions to meet us so we can all have a picture. 'Te Cindy opted for the 3pcs. wallet sized pictures, so we can divide it. One for me, one for them (the Raboys), and one for tito Euling (the one who owns the service and the one who drove for us). There were two shots, and when we were asked which one of the two we wanted to print, I told the staff I will take the other shot. So instead of having just 1 copy, we can have two copies.

The snake was heavy. I didn't know why the staff put it over my shoulders, but all in all, I found it a good experience because it's not everyday that I can get to have a huge python in my shoulders, right?

So... I guess you were wondering why I've been talking about trips and pictures, yet no picture yet in this post. The reason was this. After the trip, I met up with mom in SM Fairview. After eating dinner, she asked me to wait for her because she will get the pictures she had done in the shop. When I browsed my cell phone for the pictures taken earlier, it said: "No Files." Oh man! The memory card went berserk! What's irritating was that I gave up the 2GB one instead of the 1GB, and still, it didn't function good! All the pictures (more than 100 of it) were gone just like that. Pfft! Well, the capacity wasn't a problem at all -- the pictures were merely 100KB all in all -- so there's still about 800KB space in the memory. I don't know what caused all the files to be wiped out, but no more reason to sulk about it. No matter how hard I cry, it won't bring back the pictures.

Every cloud has a silver lining, they say, and I am happy I could get these pictures as souvenirs:

(standing, l-r: czarina, 'te cindy with nephew hero miel, nanay sanse, tito euling

seated, l-r: me, charmy, 'te indang, jay)

... the only proofs that we've been there. hahahaha. I am just happy that I was able to upload the swimming pictures and my cousin's wedding pictures, because it's something you cannot do all over again. The Manila Zoo trip I can certainly do all over again.

Now, I don't know if I will still go back to the store and have the memory card replaced...again. I think the problem was my phone -- because every time I try to reformat the card, it always fail. I bought the phone September last year, that means no memory card for six months. I guess that caused the problem.

I am about to embark on a trip north in the coming days. Without a memory card, my phone can take about 60 pictures in the biggest resolution. The mid resolution can be printed to 5R, so I guess I will go for that, but just about 100 pictures. I am still thinking if I will borrow a digicam, but I will be gone for a month, I don't think it's possible that I borrow. Sigh.

Any solutions other than buying a new digicam?

*** Jenn ***

Celebrity Speakers

2008-05-02T15:42:00.003+08:00

When I was in college, I remember being tasked to report about Communication Campaigns. In that report, I learned that in doing campaigns, or even as simple as doing symposiums, or something that requires speakers, it is always best to invite a spokesperson who is either knowledgeable about the topic or a celebrity who is also associated with the campaign.

For instance, if you're doing a campaign about rags to riches aiming to motivate people to do their part and to never gift up whenever there's an adversity, you can invite entrepreneurs who have overcome poverty and are now calling the shots. And yes, you can also invite celebrities who are once in the brink of poverty. Having these people speak for your campaign is such a powerful tool because they are sort of a public property, and people have seen their lives rolled out. Celebrities are credible speakers, and of course, their status can bring in people to hear what your message is all about. No matter what the topic is, celebrity endorsements is really the number one thing to do. As long as you have the budget and you know a place that holds celebrity bookings, you're good to go.

If you have a campaign that needs celebrity service, you can check out Celebrity Connection. For more than 25 years, they've been associated with celebrity coordination. They've worked with big time companies and has had very popular celebrities in their list of endorsers. Check out the site if you have need a celebrity booking for your next campaign. Guaranteed, your campaign will be a very big hit.

*** Jenn ***

Friday's Feast - 02 May 08

2008-05-02T13:32:00.002+08:00

Appetizer
What was your favorite cartoon when you were a child?
>>> Donald Duck's my favorite cartoon character. He's still one of my favorites 'til now.

Soup
Pretend you are about to get a new pet. Which animal would you pick, and what would you name it?
>>> I would want a big Persian Cat. If I am to name it, hmmm.... I think I will know once I have it.

Salad
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you enjoy getting all dressed up for a special occasion?
>>> 7. I know it's important to dress up for a special occassion, but the hassle to shop and wear it sometimes sucks.

Main Course
What kind of music do you listen to while you drive?
>>> I don't drive, but I love to listen to music and songs I can sing with. That's usually the power ballad songs and the pop ones.

Dessert
When was the last time you bought a clock? And in which room did you put it?
>>> It was near Christmastime -- I bought a wall clock which I altered (put a family picture) and it's in our living room

*** Jenn ***

Bernal - Sandoval Nuptials

2008-05-02T05:02:00.006+08:00

I was out the other day and yesterday, so it was just now that I was about to blog about this. Last Monday, we attended cousin Nharlyn's wedding. It was a civil wedding - there were actually so many reasons why they chose to go for civil wedding first - 1) Nharlyn's in-laws will be returning to their hometown and they wanted their son to get married first before they leave 2) Nharlyn's brother just had a baby - if she doesn't get married now, her brother might get married first 3) The baby is born premature and most of their funds were being set aside for hospital bills 4) If Nharlyn doesn't get married now -- not only will her brother will be next in line, but her other sister as well (she's the eldest, and aunt Rosa wanted her to get married first before the younger siblings).

We were asked to wait in front of the city hall, but we waited so long before the ceremony started. Actually, the waiting time wasn't the only thing that's so off about this wedding - I was a bit disappointed that the city hall didn't have a nice place to hold civil weddings! We were escorted in this house-like remote office that's not really pleasing! I was telling my sister that I don't want to get married this way! Anyway, the reverend who will officiate the ceremony didn't show up! We waited nearly two hours for a reverend that didn't show! In the end, another person officiated the ceremony. Well, I do applaud my cousin for being graceful under pressure -- being in that situation is surely irritating, but I am happy she's smiling all the way. I guess what's most important is their happiness, not ours.

Even if most of us were getting so pissed, we were a bit teary eyed once the ceremony started. I guess there really is something emotional about getting married -- and I loved that "pre-destined" thing said in the ceremony. I do agree with that - that there's someone destined for us to marry. Actually, the challenge is not finding the right person for you - but how to make the relationship and the marriage last a lifetime.

Good thing their reception was just walking distance -- I was really starving by the end of the ceremony (I didn't eat much breakfast, that's why). They chose to do a buffet style reception, a very smart choice to do a reception. They reserved a small room in Kamay Kainan (Kalayaan Ave., Quezon City) where we will eat, but then, we got our foods in the main table along with the other customers of the restaurant. I tasted itty bitty servings of lots of the dishes, and i loved the Dinuguan the most. I was just so disappointed that it's mostly pork fat in the dish! I hope next time people would cook dinuguan using lean meat!

Very few people were in the reception -- Nharlyn said that because it's a Monday, most of hers and her husband's officemates cannot take a leave from work. But they did have another reception come dinnertime in their house, so the other visitors may just drop by their house after office hours.

To Sandy, please take good care of my cousin, okay? I hope you two respect each other and let God be the center of your relationship. Do know that we all love you so much!

*** Jenn ***

Do You Have That Look?

2008-04-30T04:59:00.003+08:00

Since the fashion related shows came up on the air, models have been in demand. It's summer now here in the Philippines, and for sure, many beauty contests will come out, especially those Bikini Opens. More and more women have been noticed, and some of them even made it big in the modeling world. If you think you have what it takes, why not join the Look of the Year contest? It's open for young, beautiful women all over the world. Prizes at stake are 10,000USD and a chance to get spotted to be the next "it" model in the fashion capitals of the world - New York, Milan, and Paris! If you're interested, just head on over to their website - http://www.lookoftheyear.com for more details.

This might be the opportunity you've been waiting for. Go and get spotted!

*** Jenn ***

Weekend Dip in the Pool with the Neighbors

2008-04-28T20:15:00.011+08:00

I was a bit disappointed when the service stopped so soon. I thought all along the neighborhood association (as coined by Charmy) will be going to Pulilan in Bulacan. I even googled that Pug Pog resort so I can condition my mind, but when the service just stopped, I knew we were no longer going to Pulilan. I don't know why the sudden change of mind, but I guess all's good. Not being able to go to Pulilan surely saddened me, but then again, we might waste a lot of time travelling, so all was still good.

All the families were incomplete - the Raboys didn't have 'te Cindy, 'te Charo, and Czarina for they were in Singapore, their eldest sister 'te Cielo cannot come because she's five months pregnant and her eldest son just recovered from an illness - her husband decided to pass up this one. The Villarandas didn't have MaFe for she's also in Singapore looking for a job. The Jacelas didn't have any of their children, but they brought their two grandchildren. As for us, we were incomplete, too, for dear brother's in Ilocos. He's been very busy with the Gawad Kalinga thing, and I give him the two thumbs up for the dedication.

Anyway, mom decided to shoulder the entrance fee of all, plus the cottage. Wow, very generous mom, huh? She said it's just fine, after all, tito Euling drove the service and he shouldered the gas, too! Maybe the next time we all go out, the other families can shoulder the entrance fee! Hehehehe. So sad that the Rama family cannot come with us. Hopefully we can bond with them next time.

It was a bit too early when we got there, so the kiddie pool was the only one open. It's about I think 3 feet deep, so most of the time it's either I was sitting or kneeling on the pool's floor! Of course the kids loved it! Tita Flory's granddaughters, Caelyn and Chloe needed some time to adjust, but once they started enjoying the waters, no more convincing needed. After an hour, they opened the much deeper pool, but it's 6 feet deep, and when I tried getting on it, my feet cannot touch the floor! I admit I don't know how to swim, so I just contented myself with the kiddie pool.

For the potluck lunch, mom cooked ampalaya con carne (so there will be some veggies) and she also brought some uncooked marinated pork chops, which she grilled in the resort. We also brought in some chips and a loaf bread for snacks; the Raboys brought vegetable salad (lettuce, cucumbers, and carrots), menudo, and egg sandwiches for snacks; The Villarandas brought chicken adobo with hard boiled eggs, a piece of bangus to be grilled, and gelatin for desserts; and the Jacelas brought pork adobo and paksiw na bangus. They also provided a can of pineapple juice for each and everyone of us. Sumptious lunch, indeed!

By lunch time, they opened yet another pool. It's just the right one for us dippers - the water's cooler, cleaner (the kids' pool got "infested" by kids and their parents), and we don't have to kneel to get our chest area wet. When we got to this pool, there weren't much people, but after 5 minutes, people start to dive in. Good thing they found the pool a bit boring, so most of them went back to the other pools.

Sister wasn't able to enjoy the outing because her red flag was up. I just asked her to be the photographer, and at one time I could tell she got pissed. But then, sister's just like that - the more you console her, the more she feels so helpless, thus making her feel pissed all the more. Just a few shots of her brings her back to her old self. Besides, if I console her more and more, I might end up getting pissed myself, so I just shrug it off and let it be.

One of the things I loved in this resort was that there were a lot of fruit bearing trees. What got me so interested were the duhat fruits, for they were so big compared to the normal duhat fruits I see in the market. Sadly, no one's allowed to pick fruits, so we just content ourselves taking some photo ops!

One of the bad things about visiting a nearby resort (it's just an hour away) was that we spent so much time in the resort. Well, for some that might be a good thing, but sometimes that's not always the case. Well, I guess it was just a slow day, for it was only 10AM and we felt as if we've been there the whole day! We actually ate early lunch at 11AM, and by 12NN all of us were feeling so sleepy! Good thing I saw a stall that sells halo-halo, so even if it costed 25 pesos per glass (or per plastic cup), I still bought myself and my sister a cup!

By 2PM, clouds started to darken, so we decided to leave. As soon as we got home, we just hang the clothes and put all the dishes in the sink we the three of us dozed to sleep. I got up first at 6PM, and no one's really in the mood to eat, so we watched some TV and head on back to bed. I don't know why we were all so tired and sleepy, to think we didn't really stay long in the resort, and we didn't travel far. I guess the filtration / shower in the pool caused me some body aches, so I felt as if I was so tired. I was supposed to blog this by Sunday, but Sunday's still a lazy tiring day, all of us pretty much slept the day! Oh well.

*** Jenn ***

The Merlin Club Articles 042708

2008-04-28T05:49:00.003+08:00

The Merlin Club is on its 3rd week! Here are the best articles of Merlin Club week 3:

The Incoming Freshman and the Sorting Hat from The Silent Sage
Sticky Post: Mother’s Day Contest from Can of Thoughts
The Old Spaghetti House from Memories by Jenn
Pool Fun from Le Kulitszie Familie
Restroom Vanities from Shutter Happy
My Own Words ..Yum from Muni Muni sa Tuktok ng Meding
Federal Republic of the Philippines from FLIPNIDUS: The Reborn Moron
Chorva in Everything from Crumb
Kenny Smith Does A Kobe from PaoloMendoza
Corals - Models of Celibacy from BacklineMedia

Please take a moment to read each of the posts (we would appreciate it a lot). If you wanna join the club, just visit BacklineMedia and submit the link of your best post for the week.

*** Jenn ***

Currently Browsing...

2008-04-26T04:19:00.004+08:00

I got to buy this magazine last Saturday (a week ago), after I went to the shop to have my cell phone's memory card changed. The booksale store is just next to the shop, so I asked sister if we can drop by and browse some magazines.

Sister told she saw a Creating Keepsakes magazine in the same store last February, but didn't buy it because she wasn't sure if I already have it. At that time, I was a bit disappointed at her, but there was nothing I can do, so we just checked if it's still there. No more of that magazine, and we were about to leave the store when I spotted this magazine. I was so happy to see this one!

There were two covers for this magazine, and the other one I got to see already (two different covers same magazine). Happy to be having this magazine, it's filled with lots of layouts and ideas, no wonder it's called the biggest scrapbook idea magazine. It also had layouts from the Philippines' own Iris Babao-Uy, so you bet I was proud to have that. The Philippines is now in the scrapbooking map. Yoo Hoo! I still have to read it thoroughly, because I know I can pick up a thing or two from it. I am thinking of bringing it to me today, but I guess I won't. Hehehehe.

I will be cutting this post short - I still have to prepare for our neighborhood outing. Wow, another dip in the pool, this time in Pulilan, Bulacan. Gotta go now. Bye guys!

*** Jenn ***

Old / New

2008-04-24T13:10:00.006+08:00

At long last, a new scrapbook layout posted! I do apologize for that - with so many changes in my life lately, I have less time scrapping my memories. Part of the reason is that most pictures were still in digital form - I still haven't printed any, and those I wanted to scrap were in negatives, which were in La Union. I wasn't able to do any layout last March, with the travelling, and the new Internet connection, as well as the room going through a big change, my scrapbook materials seem to be all over the place! Just looking at the materials here, there, and everywhere drains all my mojo away!

I did see a picture waiting to be scrapped, so it's what I did - my first for the month of April. Yeah, the mojo still hasn't come back, but I am in the process of organizing all the pictures, and once I have organized it all, I can do a timeline which of the pictures will be scrapped first. It's funny I still haven't scrapped my 27th birthday pictures, and already, I will be celebrating my 28th! Huh... where did time go?

About the layout... this is my friend Charmy - our next door neighbor. Their family's the very first friend we've had since we moved here, I think I was just 5 years old back then (she's 4). Because we're next door neighbors and we're just a year a part in age, I do consider her to be one of my friends, although we were not close. We don't share personal stories, we don't talk much, and we don't spend time together (other than commuting together sometimes from home to school or school to home - she and I both took the same course in the same university). But we do call each other friends.

Since she and I are both home-based, we became close when I told her about my paranoia. A new found friendship was developed in between our walking sessions every morning. Now, even though we don't walk every morning, we are still close to each other. Although, we still have to talk personally one of these days -- so many things happened to both of us, and we needed to catch up on one another.

Journal reads, "Charmy and I have been next door neighbors and friends since we moved into the neighborhood in 1985, but it was just 2007 that we've been really, really close. So close we can tell what it's our minds right on. I'm glad we've rediscovered the friendship. For sure, there's no turning back now." {photo 03 September 2007 / journal 14 April 2007}

This layout is based on a sketch from Stuck Sketches. A very simple take on their sketch, with mojo still hasn't visited me, this is all I can make. But don't get me wrong, okay? I love this layout. By the way, the title is from a Sizzix die-cut, but I don't own the machine and the alpha die-cuts. When I attend the post Christmas scrapparty at Candy's, I used Candy's Sizzix machine and Lee's alpha die-cuts. I cut all the alphabets, pasted them on a 12x12 cardstock and if I need a letter, I use tracing paper to trace the letters and transfer it in the patterned paper of my choice and hand-cut each letters.

Our scanner suddenly became dysfunctional, so I took a picture of this layout using my cell phone. Yeah, the colors are a bit bland, but I hope it will do for now. I have a layout in the works, I will post it as soon as I finish it.

"Old / New" 12x12 041408 ~~ Materials Used: Patterned Papers - HOTP Sarapapers, DCWV, Love Elsie * Pens - Sakura Gelly Roll, Staedtler Triplus * Flowers - Prima * Others - foam double sided stickers, plastic bling

*** Jenn ***

WW - What a Mess!

2008-04-23T12:51:00.003+08:00

This is where I scrap - the living room couch. Before, when I still don't have the paper trimmer, I do my layouts in our dining area because our table has a glass top. I really am messy when I scrap, actually, this wasn't all there is to it - believe it or not, this one's a bit tidy compared to my other mess when scrapping. The biggest mess? My cat. LOL. My cat loves to be where I was, even if he get piled up with papers, he would still lounge near me when scrapping. =)

*** Jenn ***

Custom Dissertation Writing

2008-04-23T06:47:00.004+08:00

I know one of the things a student really dislike to do (but have to) was to write their thesis. I was a college student once, too, and if I can skip one subject in college, it would be this. Nah, it wasn't really that tough, but thesis writing was really strenuous, and eats so much time, effort, and it drains your social life altogether. But of course, I am speaking from personal points of view.

Well, if you want to earn your Masters and PhD, of course you need to write your thesis, or disseration, if you're taking up your PhD. From what I know of, most people taking up their PhD do have busy lives and that they can't be full time students, thus less time to write their dissertation. Some resort to paying someone to write their dissertation, and I see nothing wrong with that, just as long as you can defend your paper in front of the dissertation committee.

Finding the right Marketing dissertation topics for your paper is really important because you're about to get your PhD, for sure your topic doesn't have to be shallow at all! It should be something you can relate at and something you're very much interested in so you can defend it well. If you're someone who wanted someone to write your dissertation, you can check out PhDWorks.org now and check the different options for dissertations online. I am sure you can find what you're looking for in that website.

If you have some questions, don't forget that you can contact them - you can send them an email and they offer live support, so if you're if you're interested in what they're offering, just go ahead and ask them about it. They are having a discount now, might as well grab that chance, right? And you will also have free plagiarism report, so you'll be sure that you won't get some borrowed materials.

The best part? They do have money back guarantee. Now, isn't that good or what?

*** Jenn ***

10 Things I Love About My Life

2008-04-22T16:42:00.005+08:00

Yano said, "Sometimes we’re so busy moaning and groaning about the stresses in our lives, wishing for things we can’t have or the life we should have had that we forget to appreciate how lucky we are to be alive. So what makes your life wonderful?" Here are my answers:

1. My family. Sure, dad's no longer with us, but I am still blessed that I have super cool mom and siblings who are more friends than family.

2. My real friends. I don't have that much friends, but the ones I have are all real. I love them all and thankful that I have crossed paths with them.

3. My cat. This cat never ceases to amaze me, and I love him so much to a point that I am treating him as if he's my child.

4. My neighborhood. We've been living here since 1985, so we've come closer with the people in the neighborhood. Without them, this place would have been so boring. Not only that, there is a mall, hospital, market, and school nearby, so all the basic necessities are within reach.

5. My internet connection. It's my gateway to social life, and it's through it that I earn money.

6. My cell phone. I seriously wouldn't be able to capture life's simple moments without it. Because of it, I now have my own photo blog.

7. My scrapbooking. Because of this hobby, I was able to preserve my memoirs in a very fashionable way, and I have also met ultra talented and friendly scrapbookers here in the Philippines.

8. My many talents. I can sing, dance, cook, play guitar and multi-task (it's a talent, really). Although I am not that good in those talents, still, they are my talents, and I am happy I have discovered them.

9. The fact that I can travel even though I don't have that much money. Oh I truly love it!

10. And lastly, my communication with God. I love that I can talk to Him about anything!

These ten things are all random -- if there's any I forgot, I will just run a postscript in this. Thanks for dropping by!

*** Jenn ***

Tags Tags!

2008-04-22T12:48:00.002+08:00

Got this tag from Vannie! Thanks Vannie....

Here are the rules:
1. Mention the person who tagged you and create a link back to them.
2. Copy-paste the traits for all the twelve months (see below).
3. Pick your month of birth.
4. Highlight the traits that apply to you.
5. Tag 12 people and let them know by visiting their blogs and leaving a comment for them.
6. Let the person who tagged you know when you've done it!

I cannot tag anyone (I can't think who to pass this tag to because seems everyone has done it), so I will just let this be.

My birthmonth - my comments are those in italics:
MAY: Stubborn and hard-hearted (I am stubborn yes, but not really hard-hearted. Although I've earned a reputation that I sometimes don't care). Strong-willed and highly motivated (Not really, positive motivations work for me, but negative don't. I am strong willed, but there are times I easily give up). Sharp thoughts (I don't know what does this mean exactly). Easily angered (I am very sensitive, moody, and easily hurted, but it takes a lot to make me angry). Attracts others and loves attention (lol. No comments). Deep feelings (very). Beautiful physically and mentally (I don't know about the physical aspects, but the mentally, I agee!). Firm Standpoint (I believe yes. My dad walked out before because I was so firm with my stand). Needs no motivation (So-so). Easily consoled (Yes!). Systematic (Very). Loves to dream (Oh yeah!). Strong clairvoyance (Not so sure). Understanding (True). Sickness usually in the ear and neck (Hehehehehe...stiff neck?). Good imagination (Oh yeah, I am good at that). Good physical (Hmmmm...). Weak breathing (Another hmmmm....). Loves literature and the arts (A bit). Loves traveling (Heck, yeah!). Dislike being at home (Wrong). Restless (I don't know). Not having many children (I have no children yet). Hardworking (Guess so). High spirited (Very). Spendthrift (A gazillion times true).

The Twelve Months
JANUARY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Ambitious and serious. Loves to teach and be taught. Always looking at people’s flaws and weaknesses. Likes to criticize. Hardworking and productive. Smart, neat and organized. Sensitive and has deep thoughts. Knows how to make others happy. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Rather reserved. Highly attentive. Resistant to illnesses but prone to colds. Romantic but has difficulties expressing love. Loves children. Loyal. Has great social abilities yet easily jealous. Very stubborn and money cautious.

FEBRUARY: Abstract thoughts. Loves reality and abstract. Intelligent and clever. Changing personality. Attractive. Sexy. Temperamental. Quiet, shy and humble. Honest and loyal. Determined to reach goals. Loves freedom. Rebellious when restricted. Loves aggressiveness. Too sensitive and easily hurt. Gets angry really easily but does not show it. Dislikes unnecessary things. Loves making friends but rarely shows it. Daring and stubborn. Ambitious. Realizes dreams and hopes. Sharp. Loves entertainment and leisure. Romantic on the inside not outside. Superstitious and ludicrous. Spendthrift. Tries to learn to show emotions.

MARCH: Attractive personality ( Ehem) Sexy (Ehem) Affectionate. Shy and reserved. Secretive. Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic. Loves peace and serenity. Sensitive to others. Loves to serve others. Easily angered. Trustworthy. Appreciative and returns kindness. Observant and assesses others.Revengeful - Mmm,Nah! Loves to dream and fantasize. Loves traveling. Loves attention. Hasty decisions in choosing partners.Nah! Loves home decors. Musically talented. Loves special things. Moody. BINGO!!! Most of these traits are true for me .

APRIL: Active and dynamic. Decisive and hasty but tends to regret. Attractive and affectionate to oneself. Strong mentality. Loves attention. Diplomatic. Consoling, friendly and solves people’s problems. Brave and fearless. Adventurous. Loving and caring. Suave and generous. Emotional. Aggressive. Hasty. Good memory. Moving. Motivates oneself and others. Sickness usually of the head and chest. Sexy in a way that only their lover can see.

MAY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharp thoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deep feelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm Standpoint. Needs no motivation. Easily consoled. Systematic (left brain). Loves to dream. Strong clairvoyance. Understanding. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Good imagination. Good physical. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts. Loves traveling. Dislike being at home. Restless. Not having many children. Hardworking. High spirited. Spendthrift.

JUNE: Thinks far with vision. Easily influenced by kindness. Polite and soft-spoken. Having ideas. Sensitive. Active mind. Hesitating, tends to delay. Choosy and always wants the best. Temperamental. Funny and humorous. Loves to joke. Good debating skills. Talkative. Daydreamer. Friendly. Knows how to make friends. Able to show character. Easily hurt. Prone to getting colds. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takes time to recover when hurt. Brand conscious. Executive. Stubborn.

JULY: Fun to be with. Secretive. Difficult to fathom and to be understood. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Takes pride in oneself. Has reputation. Easily consoled. Honest. Concerned about people’s feelings. Tactful. Friendly. Approachable. Emotional temperamental and unpredictable. Moody and easily hurt. Witty and sparkly. Not revengeful. Forgiving but never forgets. Dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. Guides others physically and mentally. Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. Caring and loving. Treats others equally. Strong sense of sympathy. Wary and sharp. Judges people through observations. Hardworking. No difficulties in studying. Loves to be alone. Always broods about the past and the old friends. Likes to be quiet. Homely person. Waits for friends. Never looks for friends. Not aggressive unless provoked. Prone to having stomach and dieting problems. Loves to be loved. Easily hurt but takes long to recover.

AUGUST: Loves to joke. Attractive. Suave and caring. Brave and fearless. Firm and has leadership qualities. Knows how to console others. Too generous and egoistic. Takes high pride in oneself. Thirsty for praises. Extraordinary spirit. Easily angered. Angry when provoked. Easily jealous. Observant. Careful and cautious. Thinks quickly. Independent thoughts. Loves to lead and to be led. Loves to dream. Talented in the arts, music and defense. Sensitive but not petty. Poor resistance against illnesses. Learns to relax. Hasty and trusty. Romantic. Loving and caring. Loves to make friends.

SEPTEMBER: Suave and compromising. Careful, cautious and organized. Likes to point out people’s mistakes. Likes to criticize. Stubborn. Quiet but able to talk well. Calm and cool. Kind and sympathetic. Concerned and detailed. Loyal but not always honest. Does work well. Very confident. Sensitive. Good memory. Clever and knowledgeable. Loves to look for information. Must control oneself when criticizing. Able to motivate oneself. Understanding. Fun to be around. Secretive. Loves leisure and traveling. Hardly shows emotions. Tends to bottle up feelings. Very choosy, especially in relationships. Systematic.

OCTOBER: Loves to chat. Loves those who loves them. Loves to take things at the center. Inner and physical beauty. Lies but doesn’t pretend. Gets angry often. Treats friends importantly. Always making friends. Easily hurt but recovers easily. Daydreamer. Opinionated. Does not care of what others think. Emotional. Decisive. Strong clairvoyance. Loves to travel, the arts and literature. Touchy and easily jealous. Concerned. Loves outdoors. Just and fair. Spendthrift. Easily influenced. Easily loses confidence. Loves children.

NOVEMBER: Has a lot of ideas. Difficult to fathom. Thinks forward. Unique and brilliant. Extraordinary ideas. Sharp thinking. Fine and strong clairvoyance. Can become good doctors. Dynamic in personality. Secretive. Inquisitive. Knows how to dig secrets. Always thinking. Less talkative but amiable. Brave and generous. Patient. Stubborn and hard-hearted. If there is a will, there is a way. Determined. Never give up. Hardly becomes angry unless provoked. Loves to be alone. Thinks differently from others. Sharp-minded. Motivates oneself. Does not appreciate praises. High-spirited. Well-built and tough. Deep love and emotions. Romantic. Uncertain in relationships. Homely. Hardworking. High abilities. Trustworthy. Honest and keeps secrets. Not able to control emotions. Unpredictable.

DECEMBER: Loyal and generous. Sexy. Patriotic. Active in games and interactions. Impatient and hasty. Ambitious. Influential in organizations. Fun to be with. Loves to socialize. Loves praises. Loves attention. Loves to be loved. Honest and trustworthy. Not pretending. Short tempered. Changing personality. Not egotistic. Take high pride in oneself. Hates restrictions. Loves to joke. Good sense of humor. Logical.

Thanks for the tag, Vannie!

*** Jenn ***

Wining Lottery Number

2008-04-22T05:42:00.002+08:00

If one would be asked of his / her one wish, I am sure that person would wish of winning the lottery. And why not? With so many people wishing to win, it would be one sweet victory if you have bidded on the set of Wining lottery number, and get all the pot money. Of course, even I dreamt of that, too.

There is now a web-based lottery draw called Dream & Win, and if you want to try your luck, just go and check it out. Registration is free, but of course you have to be at least 18 years old to join. You can learn more about this in their Terms and Support sections.

I find the simplicity of the website very attractive. I am speaking on personal terms on that because I really do think that less is more. What I love more is that they have a timeline when the next draw will be. That is something very useful for all those who wanted to join. Reading the testimonials helped in promoting the site as well - of course, if I want to join, I have to at least be sure that someone have won already.

So, if you think you have the Wining lottery numbers, why don't you try your luck? Who knows, your Lottery numbers may be the next jackpot winner. You see that very gorgeous car on the website? You might win that, you know?

*** Jenn ***

WS - Cooling Down

2008-04-21T07:48:00.008+08:00

Summer's really wearing each and everyone. If not drinking cold water, I see myself always in front of the electric fan or under the shower just to beat the heat. With temperatures rising up to 35*C, it really was hard to cope up.

Whenever I am out of the house, I resort to buying fruit shakes and smoothies to cool me. And last Saturday, when sister and I went to Cubao to have my memory card replaced, I went to the Fruitas kiosk and bought myself a 16-oz. cup of smoothie. I ordered melon-watermelon smoothie. My sister bought herself a cup, too, a 22-oz. of mango-apple smoothie. I didn't like what she ordered (I am not much into mangoes), but it was delicious still.

With more than an hour bus ride to Cubao, these smoothies really helped us to cool down. By the way, my smoothie costed me 50 pesos (a little over one US dollar), while my sister's cost about 60 pesos I guess.

*** Jenn ***

The Old Spaghetti House

2008-04-20T13:10:00.010+08:00

The first time I heard about "The Old Spaghetti House" or TOSH, it was I think one year ago - when people in the scrapbook e-group I belong to talked about it. Back then I just dream of eating there, for I know I can't really afford it. Hey, TOSH and posh sounds alike, so there. =) It was a forgotten dream after a year, until last March, when I met up with my friend Ahdz. We were walking around the newly renovated -- or still renovating Ali Mall in Cubao, Quezon City when we passed by the place and when I checked that the food they serve were very affordable, I decided to plan on eating there.

Since I have to get a new memory card for my cell phone yesterday, I asked my sister if we can eat lunch there, but we have to pay for our own food -- been treating her to lots of foods lately and I think I've spent quite a lot on her anymore. Upon seeing the prices, she agreed, there we were - embarking on another food trip.

It was already past 1pm when we got to the place so it was a bit deserted. I loved the ambiance inside -- not too bright, not dark either. The bricks and the nice lighting made the whole place close to home. Not to mention that you can smell the foods being cooked! There's a lot to choose, but for this time I ordered something I haven't tasted yet:

Pasta Negra with Crispy Squid >>> Believe it or not, this one only costed 90 pesos! Just smelling this one is already Cloud 9 for me, and when I tasted it, oh my goodness! So delicious. It was squid, but it didn't have that seafood taste that I often don't like. I am so loving this one, I was trying my best not to eat it all at once! Hahaha.

My sister opted for something that she's familiar with:

Baked Zitti >>> I asked sister how she found the dish and she said it was good, but she still prefers the one in Sbarro. Actually, no point in comparing, because this one's in pomodoro sauce, and the one in Sbarro's in white sauce. But sister said it was good, maybe she just wasn't used to red sauce.

Best thing about the whole eating experience is that you can have as much parmesan cheese as you want - you have the whole bottle in your table! Sadly, no desserts for us because we're not really big dessert eater, and we wanted to save as much money as possible. Sister said she wanted to eat here again, so for sure we will eat again one of these days.

My tummy's full again. I love it!

*** Jenn ***

The Merlin Club Articles 042008

2008-04-20T11:56:00.002+08:00

The Merlin Club Articles is on it's second week now, and happy that the club is getting bigger now! Here are this week's articles, please drop by on each if you have the time.

C and Taste from Memories by Jenn
My Thoughts on Unplanned Pregnancies from Hit or Miss
Making the Wise Choice from Silent Sage
Poverty: The Cycle of Suffering from Changes.. Life.. Revelations..
Supercharge Your Technorati Favorites: Technorati Fave Link Exchange from Can of Thoughts
This is Long Overdue from Muni Muni sa Tuktok ng Meding
My Take: Arnel Pineda New Lead Singer of Journey from d’Musicbox
Overdosage of Drinking Water from Zhoewynz
Caluerega (Philippines) Weekend from Crumbs
Mindanao: Threatened? from FLIPNIDUS: The Reborn Moron
Kevjumba Plays With Baron Davis from Backlinemedia
Hellboy 2 Pre-Review from The Fishbowl

If you want to join the club, just head on to: The Merlin Club and submit your best article you've written this week for next week's articles. And of course, don't forget to comment on each post if you do drop by.

*** Jenn ***

PH - Thirteen

2008-04-19T10:23:00.004+08:00

I wasn't able to join Photo Hunt in the last two weeks, I guess, and I thought I can't join this week as well because the topic was a bit difficult to "hunt." I was organizing my pictures, when I saw this one. Counted, and there it was: my photo for this week!

This one was taken last March 29, when mom and I, together with her officemates went to Villa Escudero in San Pablo City, Laguna for some R and R. Since we went there on a weekend, there was a cultural show at 2pm, and in this show, they showcase different cultural dances from different parts of the Philippines. This one is the singkil, a folk dance from the southern part of the country (Mindanao). I loved watching the show as it made me learn more of my country's very rich culture, and what's so amazing was that these performers weren't professional dancers! They were staff and crew of the villa -- some were maintenance people, some were ushers and usherettes, and when you see them perform, you'll really think they were professionals because they can dance so well.

Now, if you count the people in this photo, you can count thirteen performers, but only twelve can be clearly seen. One was partly hidden, just spot him if you can. =) Thanks for dropping by my post, please leave a comment if you want -- I will just get back at your posts as soon as I get home this afternoon. Take care y'all, and happy weekends!

*** Jenn ***

At Last, A Dip in the Pool!

2008-04-19T05:42:00.007+08:00

My summer for this year started last March 29, when I went with mom and her officemates in Villa Escudero. However, I wasn't able to take a dip in their pool because I was having my monthly Martha thing. Mom had invited me for some pool fun in Dream Land Resort (Camarin, Caloocan City) with officemates last Friday, but it was cancelled, because the one who initiated the event had something came up.

At long last, they decided to push through with it. Of course, I could never pass that one up because I still haven't been in a pool this year, and what's summer without water? Besides, there's so many reasons why I wanted to come - 1. My mom will pay for my entrance fee; 2. It would be a great bonding moment with her; 3. I can test if wearing swimsuit won't be awkward; 4. I still haven't been in that resort; and 5. It's a good opportunity to take pictures for future scrapbook layouts.

Mom asked me to be in the office by 5pm, so we can go to the place asap. We will only be there until 10pm, so mom wanted to make the most out of it. Since she asked me to cook rice, I was a bit behind with the schedule. Good thing traffic was light, and just 5 minutes before 5pm, I reached their office. Mom's officemate, Ferdie, drove us all to the place. All in all, we were 14 people, some due to arrive later.

The place was nice, but they really need to make changes. I didn't feel that the money mom paid was worth the experience. But then, the 5 reasons I cited were met, all's very good. It wasn't all awkward tagging along mom, because some of her officemates also tagged along their kids, although I was the eldest among the kids there. Hehehehe.

Taking pictures were a bit hard - because I have to rely on self portraits. Thanks to Joseph, one of the kids, my cell phone was able to capture some group images. Wearing a swimsuit wasn't awkward, too, but of course there were some head turners. LOL. As for the food - they took care of that. We had pork barbecue, pancit bihon, and pancit canton. Joseph also brought some foods from their house - fried danggit, a bottle of burong dalag, and some chocolates. Of course, the moms loved the danggit, they even ordered coffee to go with it!

The resort was a bit far from the highway, so when tita Au said that they're going home, mom had also asked me to change clothes so we can take a ride in their car. They're the only ones who will pass by our place, so instead of commuting back home, we just asked if we can tag with them. We were supposed to leave at 10pn, but tita Au's daughter-in-law was pregnant and her granddaughter's just 2 years old - they can't stay outdoors that late. So by 9pm, we were already home (the resort wasn't that far from our place).

Summer's still far from over. I wonder where will we go next?

*** Jenn ***

Friday's Feast - 18 April 2008

2008-04-18T13:22:00.002+08:00

Coming back from a long hiatus from the Feast.

Appetizer
Name a color you find soothing.
-- I would say it's lavender. It's my most favorite color, and just like the flower, this color calms me.

Soup
Using 20 or less words, describe your first driving experience.
-- Truth be told, I don't know how to drive.

Salad
What material is your favorite item of clothing made out of?
-- Definitely cotton. Living in a tropical country, it is a must to wear clothes that can breathe, as they put it, especially during hot summer days.

Main Course
Who is a great singer or musician who, if they were to come to your town for a concert, you would spend the night outside waiting for tickets to see?
-- Hanson, most definitely! They're my most favorite band and even if I have seen them perform here in the Philippines, I still hope they would come back. Another would be Robbie Williams. I have a huge crush on him since I've seen him perform with former group mates (Take That).

Dessert
What is the most frequent letter of the alphabet in your whole name (first, middle, maiden, last, etc.)?
-- It's a tie between letters E and N.

Thanks for dropping by my feast. Do come back again next week!

*** Jenn ***

Blogcandy Winner

2008-04-18T06:31:00.008+08:00

It was March 28 when my scrappin' friend Marix posted a blog entry about giving something back for all the blessings she has acquired as part of her blog anniversary. The rules are simple: just comment on each of her blog posts until her blog anniversary comes up. She provided an image of the prize, and since I don't own any of the items in the "basket," I decided to join. I admit, it was a bit selfish at first (commenting just so I can win the prize), but then again, I guess all those who joined have the same purpose. But digging deeper into that, commenting on Marix's posts came out naturally, and whether I win or not, or even if there's no prize or not, I probably would still be commenting on her posts.

I have commented on each of Marix's posts, but I was always a little behind. Whenever I go to her blog to check what's new, her posts already have more than 10 comments. If I remember, at times I've been the 17th person to comment, and each time I comment, I say a little prayer hoping I would win. We may be just 17 people who commented religiously, but then, it's a raffle, anyone could win.

What's sweeter about the whole BlogCandy RAK Marix had was that she kept on adding goodies to her prize. Some of those prizes she gaves as teaser prize, and some for the "runner-up" winner. Marix decided to just give embellishments as prizes, for she knew that as a scrapbooker, it was a staple to have patterned papers. A very great point she had.

I was out all day last Wednesday, and wasn't able to check back her blog in time for her blog anniversary, and the announcement of winners. It was yesterday morning when I check the e-group when I found out the winner. I saw Sandra's name first, so I thought she won, until I read the message further. I was really surprised to read my name as the winner of the BlogCandy RAK! Here's what I won:

... and here's the additional prize:

Yummy yummy goodies, eh? I love it all! Thanks so much Marix for these wonderful items. May God bless your very generous heart. Happy blog anniversary. Here's to more years of blogging and scrapbooking.

You can read the announcement here.

*** Jenn ***

What a Long Day!

2008-04-17T07:13:00.012+08:00

Since the memory card sister bought for me cannot be recognized by my phone, I had no choice but to personally go to the store to have it replaced. Since my friend Rhodz was here in Metro Manila, I decided to meet her as well before she goes back to Cebu City, where she's working as a teacher. She was here for a week long training/seminar, and I just don't want to miss the opportunity of not seeing her.

I asked sister to take me to the shop where she bought the memory card. I was a bit disappointed that the shop has no more 2GB card in stock, but they asked me to try the 1GB card and it worked. Now I know that the card my sister purchased was not working. The staff asked if I just wanted to take the 1GB one. It was 350 pesos cheaper than the 2GB one, but they said they can't refund because an official receipt has already been issued. Instead, I can take other times to suffice the remaining 350 pesos. I started voicing out my disappointment, but the staff said the new stocks will be available by Saturday. After talks with sister, we decided to just wait for the new stock, after all, it's already Thursday. Imagine, 350 for another 1GB of space? I guess I can wait for that.

After that, we ate lunch. I was still a bit full from my late breakfast, so I just ordered takuyaki while sister had a sizzling salisbury steak at the Steak Escape in Gateway mall. Sis had to attend a class (her school's just near the mall), so I stayed in the Food Gallery of the mall to wait for her. I just wrote thoughts on opening up a travel blog (hmmm....) and played games on my cell phone.

By 4PM, we made our way to Makati City. I told my sister I wanted to take pictures in Greenbelt, so we have to rush. We took the MRT ride from Cubao Station to Ayala, just to stay away from the traffic. We've made several stops as soon as we got out of the station - we went to SM Makati supermarket to buy water, we checked out clothes and shoes in Landmark (no purchases though) - before we get to Greenbelt.

Actually, it's not the Greenbelt mall I am after, it's the park that's next to it. Being there is like being transported to another country. Sister and I checked out the spherical chapel, chased the ducks in the pond, until we cozied ourselves near the fountain. Rhodz will be out from training by 6PM and since she's not that familiar with the place, we decided to just meet by the fountain of the Peninsula Manila hotel by 6:30PM. Sister and I started walking towards the hotel by 6:15PM, and since it's not that far, we got there earlier. Of course, we didn't waste time taking pictures while we wait for her.

Rhodz came a few minutes later and I also got to meet her friend. This was the first time she and I met personally, and as a person who's a bit shy, I am glad I didn't get all speechless. I've known her for years now (she and I both love Hanson), but it was just late last year that we started being really close. we posed for pictures, and we're supposed to take more pictures, but her friend's having tummy aches and asked if they could go back home so she could rest. It was more like a "hi, hello, goodbye" meeting, but I like it. Maybe next time, we can talk more, and get to know more of each other.

I promised my sister I'd treat her to Sbarro for dinner, but sadly the one in Glorietta mall's closed already. The other food shops in Glorietta's not fit to our taste, so we decided to go to SM Megamall instead. It was time for employees to come home from work, and Makati being the central business district of the country, for sure there were so many employees in the MRT station. Sister and I just took the bus.

We reached SM Megamall by 8PM, and I immediately ordered our food. I had spaghetti with meatballs in white sauce (as always), and she had baked zitti. It has been nine months since I last had spaghetti at Sbarro, so imagine how heavenly that felt. As soon as we were done eating, we decided to come home because mom's alone in the house. We left SM Megamall at 8:30PM, and got home by 1oPM - all thanks to the driver who drives like a mad man. It was a very bumpy ride (it's like being in a roller coaster), but happy to be home earlier than the usual.

More related posts to be written in the other blogs.

*** Jenn ***

(Pictures in this post: Mandarin Oriental Suites (Gateway Mall) - Cubao, Quezon City *** Fountain by the Park - Greenbelt Ayala, Makati City *** With Rhodz - The Peninsula Manila - Makati corner Ayala Avenues, Makati City *** With sister Jesselyn - Sbarro - SM Megamall, Ortigas Center, Pasig City)

The Rewards of Blogging

2008-04-16T04:59:00.005+08:00

The very same day that I got Verified in PayPal, I immediately withdrew money. I didn't withdraw all the funds that I have - I just got enough so I won't have to pay any other fee. I did it Friday night, and because of the long weekend, the money was transfered to my bank account Wednesday night. I was supposed to withdraw it the next day, but I decided not to because I might do some impulsive buying and that would hurt a lot.

Last Friday, I went out with sister to get the money and I treat her to lunch at KFC. I guess that's probably the first I did with the money I got from being an intermission writer. Now I know how my friend Diane feels - she's been doing this for more than a year already, since I read her blogs I started hoping I can do what she's doing, and now that I am doing it, it's sweet!

I only spent 250 pesos for our lunch, so the big purchase I have had would probably be these two:

A Sony M2 memory card for my cell phone and a pack of Lapid's Chicharon. Since my bro's digital camera's dysfunctional now, I have to rely on my cell phone to capture life's moments. My cell phone has an internal memory of about 50+MB, and although it can take about 66 pictures in hi-res, it seems that 66 pictures aren't enough especially when you go to some place you've never been before and you want to seize the moment. With the help of our neighbor Philipp and my sister, I got to find a 2GB memory card for my phone. My sister bought it for me, but it wasn't working well - so I have to personally go to the store today to have it replaced.

As for the chicharon - lol - I just missed eating that! It's the one food I can never get tired eating of, but because of my health problems, I have to resist eating it. No worries, it's been months since I last ate chicharon, so I think I deserve some reward, right? Of all the chicharon I've eaten, this one's my favorite -- the brown Lapid's chicharon. It's not the popular Lapid's brand, but this one's more delicious and I could tell that it's real pork. Hahahaha.

I still have lots to pay off and it wouldn't be long before the money I withdrew will be drained. But it's okay, I am just so glad to be earning money just by blogging. So sweet, indeed!

*** Jenn ***
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Blog Award

2008-04-15T12:19:00.005+08:00

My blog mate Lena (aka the Desperate Blogger) sent a message in my chatbox about an award she's giving me. I was excited to check out the award, but I got caught up in some things that it was just now that I got to share it with you guys.

The award she sent is called the "5 Star Blog Award," and I am not sure why she sent me this award, but I am definitely very happy about it. Thanks a lot, Lena! I do appreciate the award. Thanks for thinking that my humble blog is one deserving of the award.

I don't know how many people I should pass this on to, but since she tagged five bloggers, I will tag 5 bloggers, too! I am sending this blog to:

>>> Marix - Her blog anniversary's coming up, and with the great projects and scrapbook stories she has shared, she definitely deserves the award.
>>> Malyn - I love reading travel blogs, and through her blog I get to see parts of the world that I seriously cannot see for real.
>>> Laarni - The ever kind and wonderful friend that I have, how I wish I can have even a little of your writing and social skills.
>>> Ricka - Her blog about her life living in a foreign country with her family is something I always love to read.
>>> Praveen - Its through his blog that I got the idea of doing a photo blog myself.

Go ahead and snatch the award guys. You're all deserving!

**** Jenn ****
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Be Acne-Free

2008-04-15T10:33:00.005+08:00

When I was in high school, I had a classmate who had such severe acne that most of our classmates would tease him endlessly. Some were so nasty, that it got him into fights with those guys teasing him. I guess as adolescents, people are really a bit hyper about lots of things, and not only do attitudes change, we also go through physical changes, and that includes having acne.

My cousin also went to the same phase, and he was extremely uncomfortable with it, because he liked this girl and he cannot express his feelings because he was afraid to approach the girl! Having acne really brings down the best in some people. I am not sure if he's okay now (we lost communication already), but I really am hoping he's doing fine as of this moment.

If you're having acne problems just like my classmate and my cousin and would like to learn more about Acne Treatment and all things related to acne, just head on out to acne-treatment-answers.com now. All the things you need to know about acne is just a click and a read away. In this site, you can also read about Top Acne Products so you will know different types of medications suited to your skin type.

Now, if you have blemishes, you can also check the site for some information on Blemish Treatment that might help you answer your burning questions about the topic.

*** Jenn ***

Spam Attack

2008-04-15T05:36:00.006+08:00

Ever since I've been verified in PayPal, I have received about 5 spam e-mails claiming the message was from PayPal. Being new to this thing, of course at first I was shocked and worried. And being the super ignorant that I am, I admit at first, I was too quick to respond to it.

Here's the mail that I received:

If you're me -- who just got verified and received an email from "PayPal" saying my account is limited, how would you feel? Bad, right? So, the stupid me clicked on that link. Good thing my anti-virus was so good, instead of going to the link, I got a message that something's attacking my system and I need to close the window asap. So I did.

I went over the PayPal website to check my account, and it was sitting nicely there. I read an article in their site about fraudulent emails, and one lesson I have learned is that if the alleged message from PayPal didn't indicate my full name, it's definitely a Spam. I went back to my email's inbox and flagged the message as Spam.

I thought no more messages from the Spammers, but yesterday I received this:

First thing I noticed aside from my full name was not present, the logo seemed a bit off. With this one, I could say I have learned my lesson and I quickly click the Spam button. Ugh!

Aside from this, my inbox is filled with lots of emails from Nigerian Banks asking if I will be willing to be next of kin to this deceased person who had a fat account in their bank. What's up with that? As well as those charity sweepstakes and British lottery. With the amount of emails I've received with this nature, I can only wish it was all true. But yeah, it's not. Dang!

*** Jenn ***
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WS - It Won't Do it on It's Own

2008-04-14T07:16:00.008+08:00

Of all the household chores, the laundry is the least thing I wanted to do. If I can do it my way, I would never really do laundry. I hate all the things that come with it - from washing, to drying, to folding. As much as I can, I always put off doing this chore, until the time comes that I really need to do it.

What I do is wash only a few items and tell myself I will do the others tomorrow. But tomorrow comes and I get lazy doing it, until I realize it's mountanous amount of clothes already. Then I repeat the cycle. Yeah, I am so lazy when it comes to doing the laundry!

Last Saturday, mom went out and sister used the PC in the morning, so it left me with nothing to do. So, I decided to wash some clothes. Yes, just some of it - repeating the cycle. What I normally do is segregate the clothes into three piles: tops and bottoms. If I see that I have enough in the pile, that's what I will wash and each of the pile I divide into two. When I put the first batch, I realized that I was left with little clothes on the next batch, so I went back to get more. After three hours of washing, this is what shocked me:

Seems as if I washed a closetful of clothes, eh? Even I can't believe that. LOL. To non-Filipinos, it's normal for us Filipinos to hang the clothes to dry. Our machine does have spin dry, but it doesn't really makes clothes dry -it just takes off excess water. Anyway, my sister was teasing me endlessly about this, she said I could open a boutique with the amount of clothes washed. I can't help but to laugh about it, too! Yes, it certainly won't do it on its own. Happy to be laundry free now!

Thanks for dropping. If you have time, please check out my other Weekend Snapshots here, here and here. Have a great week ahead.

*** Jenn ***
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Just One More Month

2008-04-13T08:10:00.005+08:00

Exactly a month from now, I will be 28 years old. In my 2008 goals layout, I pointed out that I want to celebrate my birthday out of town. Reason for that is because every year, I am celebrating it here in our house, and if worse comes to worse, no family dinner! My birthday last year was a great one, so I want to top it up this year.

My main plan is to backpack up north. Here's my tentative plan:
May 09 or 10 - leave for La Union
May 11 - Vigan, Ilocos Sur to stay all day. Come night time, will take bus to Laoag.
May 12 - Laoag, Ilocos Norte to stay all day. I will be going into a hostel or an inn to tidy myself and freshen up, and maybe take a nap, and come afternoon, I will check sights in Laoag and nearby towns (that windmills in Bangui, Ilocos Norte is a must see). If I can do this all day, I will take the bus going to Pagudpud.
May 13 - Celebrating birthday in Pagudpud and sleep over at a resort there.
May 14 - after lunch, back to La Union.

Yeah, far fetched dream eh? But I am sure it's reachable. If my brother won't be available, then I might do it alone. Sister still has summer classes until May 17, so it's impossible to tag her along. If this one's not good, I still have another option - asking my friend LJ to gift me with a round trip airline tickets to Dumaguete. Truth is, I only have 5 thousand pesos budget and if I go to Dumaguete, I won't have money left to pay for accomodations! I cannot stay in LJ's place because he is a male friend -- it won't look good if I stay in their house.

If these two plans will not work, maybe I will just go to mom's hometown in Bolinao, Pangasinan and check out the great resort there - Puerto del Sol. I still haven't seent the place, so this will be my last resort. The thing of it is, I just want to celebrate my birthday out of town - even if I will be with someone or alone. But then, who would want to celebrate a birthday alone? That surely will be boring! Of course, I do hope I could be with someone to celebrate my birthday with. I will be in talks with my brother - hopefully he can come with me, too!

By the way, if any of you are going on a summer getaway during this date (13 May) or, if any of my online buddies living in the provinces are having something planned on that date and would like to adopt me even for just three days, please don't hesitate to inform me and invite me. I really need company, but no worries, I will cover my own expenses. =)

*** Jenn ****
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Your Link to Shopping

2008-04-12T12:32:00.004+08:00

One of the memes I answered last week posted a question, "If given the money and the time, what would you repair or change in your house?" If I remember right, I answered ten items I needed or wanted or hoped to do. Some are doable, the others seemed to be a far-fetched dream. But the fact lies clear: there really are so much things needed to be done here in our house.

Now that mom and I agreed that my bed will be given out and my sister will just share a room with her, I am left with a rather hallow room that's waiting to be fixed and organized. In my list of to buy list is a bookshelf that's big enough to hold my 12x12 inches scrapbook patterned papers, and a desk so I can have a legitimate scrapbooking space in my own room. I know how messy scrapbooking can be, and I think it is much better to do it in my own room than create a big mess in the living room - which is what I've always done since I do my layouts in the living room.

But while my plans are good, the problem is that we don't have ample time to visit different furniture stores to scout for the best deal. When it comes to things I like these, I really rely on my mom because she's the one who bought all the furniture and other home fixtures in the first place. And since she's busy even on weekends, we always put off the plans of shopping for house stuffs. I know that even if we can set aside a day of scouting around, for sure it's not enough for we still have to compare one to the other.

Good thing there are now online shopping stores that can help consumers take all the hassles of shopping. But then another hassle comes in when you search for different sites that sell the things you wanted. Wouldn't it be wonderful if there's one site that actually lists down all the stores that can help you the things you need? Fret not, for this a site like that.

Enter, the ShopWiki, where you will find an extensive choices in home and garden stuffs on the Internet. Here, not only will you find furniture and appliances, you can also check for garden stuffs. No more excuses not to shop, eh? Yeah, that's what I thought, too, when I saw the site. You can even buy plants there if you want!

The ShopWiki actually is not an online store, but a website that sites a lot of links from online stores, so you won't have to go back and forth into the search engines. Just type in what you need, and the shop wiki will locate it for you. So brilliant!

So, going back to the ones I am looking for. I searched in for "desk," and oh my! There are so many choices - all of which are beautiful! What I like more about the ShopWiki is that you can narrow down your choices based on the price, brand and color. So if you already have a specific item that you would like to buy, you can use this tool. Another cool feature is that when you see a thing you like, you can hover your mouse into it and see all the available stores that sell the specific item. From there, you can see which store has the best price for your budget. A click on the link will then guide you to the online store that sells it. What's more is that on the side part of the screen there are helpful links related to what you searched for. Since I searched for a desk, on the side panel are links that will lead me to desk lamps, computer and office chairs. No more typing and searching again - the link is already available.

So, if you need to shop for any home and garden items, I suggest you check on the best guide for online shopping that is, ShopWiki. You will be amazed, too!

*** Jenn ***

The Merlin Club Articles 041208

2008-04-12T11:21:00.003+08:00

It was sometime last week when I received a message in my chat box from Paolo telling me that he found my blog great and that he wanted me to submit a link of the best article I've written in my blog because he's organizing this club that collects the best articles in different blogs.

I submitted my article "Verified!" because I wanted my fellow Filipinos who wanted to become "intermission writers" ( you know what I mean guys, I am a bit paranoid to use the words that would make the bot crazy). My journey as an intermission writer was a very interesting one, so for those who wanted to become one of the writers, just read the article I've written. Maybe you can pick up something from it.

The first list of articles are now published, and here are the links of the best articles written from the Merlin Club. Please take a while to click on each link to read the articles:

Help Philippines Through Ethnocentrism from Hit or Miss
People’s Irony from The Silent Stage
Verified from Memories by Jenn
My Greatest Fear as a Mother from Gandacious
Repost Again from Spontaneity
How Long Do You Want to Live? Approaching Methuselah from Can of Thoughts
Adarna: More Than a Mystical Bird from Crumbs
Echo from The Fishbowl
To Cook from Harsh Poetic Chaos
Merlin Club from Online Business Magazine

Everyone is free to join the club. To know more, please head on to this site. Now, if anyone would excuse me, I will just read the articles. Thanks for dropping by my blog today. Please come back again.

Happy weekends and God bless to each and everyone!

*** Jenn ***
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