Roz Santos

Happy LOVE Day!

2012-02-13T11:20:00.001-08:00

As nicotine rush through my veins now and as it calms me down after a day’s work,

I remembered its Valentine’s Day tomorrow

Not exactly people’s favorite day *especially to the frustratedly single ones*

but it’s a fun day to just I don’t know, well... Spread some love?

To family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances and even strangers...

It’s not a day just for couples

yet a day for all humans who feel, have felt and still not losing hope of someday will feel love

Come to think of it, it’s actually a day we all can celebrate no matter what gender, race, religion or status in life you’re from...

So whether with or without a partner now, I think I can say I’m in LOVE...

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!

2012: A Year to Own

2012-01-01T05:05:00.000-08:00

It's the first day of the year

and I've decide to get a 90 minute Thai Hotstone and Aroma therapy massage

just to relax, pause for a while and say goodbye to all the stress of 2011 and prepare for more this 2012

I heard it's the year of the Dragon...

It's my year actually, and something's whispering me that I should get a dragon tattoo

I don't know where to put though and I'm not yet ready for the pain, yikes!

I've always wanted to have a tattoo but I'm just a chikensh*t

Right now I feel steady,

not much excited but curious of what 2012 entails for me...

I'm trying not to expect too much,

I wanna be surprised with unexpected things that will happen or hopes and wishes that might come true this year...

I pretty much reached my goals for last year

and honestly, I haven't really written down my goals for this year yet

I've already pondered upon them so I guess this is the best time to write it down since I'm not planning to buy a planner notebook anyway...

1. Spend less on material things and save up more

2. Push through with our house renovation

3. Get a driver's license in Dubai

4. Go somewhere far and nice on my birthday (alone) -for a change-

N'shallah...

2011 was fast!

it's hard to believe that I'm here writing another year ender and welcoming another year

I smile as I write this sentence right now

and memories of last night's fireworks to the fireworks of last December 31, 2011 flashed right in front of me...

last night as I glanced on my watch and as I looked at the people around

old and new faces, strangers, friends and families,

I saw in their eyes the sparkle of not only excitement to see the fireworks but the spark of hope for another year

as the bang of midnight started my heart pounded with amusement and with warm happiness

that I am still here, thankful that another year is yet to come....

Thank you Lord for the unconditional love and blessings...

Hopefully 2012 is not yet the end of the world!!!!! hehe

Anyways, I wish everyone more blessings, success and good health...

Cheers to 2012!!!!!

Christmas Eve Realizations....

2011-12-24T03:37:00.001-08:00

Last night, I attended the last night of Simbang Gabi in the church here in Dubai

During the homily the priest told a story about a mother with her child and a stranger during Christmas...

A mother and his child was in a fast food restaurant queuing to order for their meal

Everyone was so preoccupied minding their own business when suddenly,

all eyes were on the entrance when this one man stepped into the room...

a beggar, poor, dirty and smelly, haven't taken a bath for months...

Everyone stopped and looked at him

some stared in disgust while some with pity

And as expected of any mother being protective of her child,

she held her baby tight, looked at the man with fear and prayed that he will not harm her child...

All the man did was smiled at the baby,

waved at him and made him laugh with his playful hand gestures

After that, he smiled again, went out and sat outside the door

The family finished eating

While on their way out, as the mother held the child in her arms

The child stretched his arms and reached for the old man...

The old man, went close to the child

And as they were closer to each other,

the child hugged the old man

And the old man held him back

Tears constantly flowed from his eyes...

And with tear filled eyes he said to the mother

“Thank you Madam for letting me borrow your son for a second, this is the happiest Christmas of my life...”

The woman smiled and nodded.

As she got into their car, she cried and cried and said “Lord forgive me, Lord forgive me...”

And yes, that is exactly what Christmas is all about...

It’s not about the fancy hotel where we’re having a big Christmas Party at,

The pretty dresses we’re wearing,

the enormous Turkey served on the table

Or the mountains of gifts that we’re receiving

But...

It's about celebrating God’s passion...

This day commemorates the birth of His only son, our saviour...

Despite all our sins God is still there to unconditionally love and forgive us...

The season of sharing and giving as what our Father did is what exactly we ought to do

It doesn’t have to be in a fancy and expensive way but in simple things that you can do for the people you love or to random people in need that you may not even know...

As simple and humble as where Jesus was born, in a manger...

Let’s try not to judge but to accept and forgive our neighbours...

While I was in the homily my heart was then again pinched by the words of the Lord

And I am again most thankful that despite the troubles, worries and problems I am going through now

Come to think of it,

I’m still lucky and blessed compared to the people who lost their homes, loved ones or brutally abused at this point of time

(And so we also should pray for them by the way)

The mere fact that I am here alive and blogging is a blessing

The fact that I was able to walk to the metro going to work, feeling the sun kissing my cheeks and the cool breeze of winter playing with my hair this morning was a blessing

Though I was dead tired from work this week,

I’m still thankful that my colleagues were patient enough to understand that I was having a hard time and stood through my slightly awful mood...

I’m very thankful for today seeing my loved ones back home on Facebook

and hearing their voices on the phone from other corners of the globe...

I know they’re safe and celebrating this wonderful day as I am...

Lord God thank You for giving me a spark of hope for another coming year

Thank You for all the blessings and strength... = )

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

Cheeeeeeers!!!!

= D

Brunei Darussalam

2011-11-08T05:19:00.000-08:00

I flew with Royal Brunei Airlines going to Singapore and I had a 6 hour stop over there

so I was hoping they offer city tours and thank God they did!

As soon as I peeped out the window

my eyes were pleased with the lush greenery below me...

Brunei airport was quite small

I think its just like as wide as the 1st floor of Mercato Mall in Jumairah...

not much to do so I'm definitely joining the city tour before I'll be in coma!

As you can see, no one... *crickets*

Just me in queue...

The 1st place the tour guide took us was this river...

Uhm, well, nothing much to see but the, well, river... (-.-)

It was relaxing though...

You can also see the roof of the Sultan's palace from this area

Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take pictures in front of the palace = (

but it looks beautiful from the outside,

surrounded by a lot of grass and trees...

Then we were off to Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

This mosque was like a gift of the Sultan to the people

in commemoration of his Silver Jubilee

and where he, according to our tour guide usually pray every Fridays...

The domes are actually 24 karat gold plated according our tour guide...

The details of the walls and pillars were mosaic of tiles and exquisite type of granite...

The coolest thing about this mosque was the escalator!

How cool is that?!

Sorry, the Sultan doesn't do stairs... = P

Next stop was the Royal Regalia Building...

Where I get to know more of their country's history as well as the royal family...

Brunei may seem like a quiet and simple country but during special occasions it was colorful and glamorous...

This was the only area where we were allowed to take photos so too bad I couldn't show you guys more of the wonderful things that were inside there...

Anyways, most of it was the royal family's beginning and how Brunei flourished,

Gifts of different countries and kingdoms such as Jordan, Oman, UAE, Saudi and England to the Sultan were also displayed there...

Then we were off to The Brunei Museum...

As soon as you open the museum's door

this more or less 25ft long mosaic will welcome you...

Kudos to the people behind this mosaic

its so precise and detailed

lovely...

This part right here shows the "Water Village"

It's actually a city floating in the middle of the sea

Another than homes there were also schools, hospitals, stores and even a police station!

Cool huh?

And off course their means of transportation is by motor or speed boat

and to be able to own and drive one they should also have a driver's license! Cute = P

There's also a proper sewage system & garbage collection that goes around the village every morning

so don't worry not everything will be fish food! hehe

This was how the people of this country lived before they started life on land...

Inside this gallery was the Sultan's collection of Islamic artifacts

It was really an eye candy for me being a fan of Arabic writing

I saw a Quran as small as I think it was 3x3 and the scriptures were hand painted!

Beautiful...

I may not read and write Arabic that fluent yet but I definitely enjoy looking at it...

It was about an hour before my boarding time to Singapore so I had to go back to the airport

Thanks Diwi for showing us around! = D

She's really cute & nice, I love her energy!

I learned a lot about her country even for just few hours...

On my way back in...

I was so filled with Pinoy gladness!

JOLLIBEE!!!!!

I was so surprised they have it here!

So I didn't let this opportunity pass...

CHICKENJOY!!!!

It tasted exactly the same as back home!

but the JollySpaghetti wasn't, it was a bit spicy = /

Anyways, Yum yum!!!

Then I'm off to Singapore...

----------------AFTER 2 DAYS----------------

After spending the weekend in SIN

I was back in the cute airport

Another 7 hour stop over before going back to Dubai...

I was suppose to take another city tour for a different side of the country

but I was the only to join and they don't do solo tours

so I had no choice but to rot in there...

After getting tired of staring at the the Koi Pond for God knows how long

I decided to stroll around the stores once more for like the enth time...

As I was passing by the last store I noticed this guitar like instrument but more humped on the back inside its bag

To my curiosity I timidly asked this guy sitting next to it

hoping he's open for a short conversation

(coz my saliva is almost spoiled with no one to talk to for hours...)

With a friendly smile he said it was a "Baglama"

It's an instrument from Turkey

So I assumed they were from Turkey but he said no they were originally from the US but resides in Indonesia at the moment...

He just recently got his Indonesian citizenship so mabrouk for you Mustafa! = )

We had an interesting conversation about the funny ironies of life, religion, politics and how politics affect religion sometimes and vice versa...

Awesome guy, he was even nice enough to play for me this Baglama...

I liked the way it sounds...

Then came along his sister Naseem

There was warmth in her eyes and a calmness in her voice

She's also a musician and a designer but a retired Widwife

so we a short yet meaningful conversation about the gift of life

How women should take care, trust their instincts

and be in control of their own bodies during pregnancy

wonderful artists with beautiful spiritualities...

Happiness and soulfulness just radiates from their aura

Steady people...

It was an honor meeting them...

They play for a band called DEBU

In Indonesian it means Dust

Mustafa was thoughtful enough to hand me a copy their album

He explained to me what the meaning of their music was about and I think it was lovely

and being a fan of world music I adored how their melody sounds

To check out more of them, you're welcome to click on the link below...

musikdebu.com

SG DAY 1: Universal Studios & Sentosa

2011-11-08T01:32:00.000-08:00

It's my 1st day to roam around the city

and my 1st time to try their metro...

I think the best part about traveling around Singapore is that it's so easy

Buy an "Easylink"
*the magnetic card they use to swipe for the fare*

and the metro will take you anywhere you want...

It's not a huge country anyway so it's very accessible

Maps and city guides are available everywhere...

Plus they even have an app on i-phone called "Go There"

Just type in where you wanna go and where your coming from

It will tell you what bus or metro station to take

It even tells you not to be lazy and walk if the place is just near! hehe

Cool...

I think that's one good thing about SG

It's a green country

Besides aloooot of trees and grass,

people walk a lot!

even in hills! Ayan oh... Sang ka pa teh....

Gigimmik yang si ate pero naka LRT ayos diba? = D

They ride bikes, jog and walk, walk, walk

very healthy... *So not me* = P

They also don't place Kleenex on tables and give it out that much unless you ask...

That's good = )

One more thing that I like about them is the metro etiquette they have

People actually wait for everyone to go out first before they go inside the train

You wont see that in Manila! Hehe! = P

Sana matutunan din nating maging ganon...

Hindi yung ipagsisiksikan nila ang mga sarili nila sa ngalan ng pag-upo...

And with the seats, its designed for one seating only so hindi siksikan...

Like this oh, me mga curves, matutusok pwet mo pagumupo ka sa gitna,

And you will see how their faces get so annoyed if you try to squeeze yourself there, hehe...

They also have a left side policy going on

If your not in a rush leave the right side open for people in a hurry

Anyways, after enjoying the metro ride while chatting with my uncle

Bernard, a good friend of mine back in college who's based in SG and I were off to Universal Studios!

Yey!!!

Exciting...

B shouted: "Ayan na dali! Bilisan mo baka maiwan tayo!"

and we looked like school children running as fast as we could to catch the bus

And right at that moment I knew its gonna be a crazy day! = D

Resorts World Singapore...

It's my first time to go inside a casino but I didn't play

Such a foolish waste of money...

We just took free bottled water hehe ^.^

Let the fun begin! = D

Thank you fans, bow... ^.^

*Filingera mode*

gf ni WoodieWoodPecker! = )

Frankenstein!

I like ta movet movet! Movet! = D

Ops! Wait, mirienda time! = D

Food inside USS was expensive,

a dish would already cost us a meal for two outside so,

we just decided to eat at Sentosa Park so as to check it out as well...

The view from the glass wall of this resto was green and relaxing

You'll see the cable cars passing by...

"Cheng Tng"---not good, the Longgan isn't even sweet = (

1/5 stars

Hainanese Chiken with rice and vegetables

This one is good!

The sauce was a sweet contrast to the chicken and the vegies were fresh

3/5 stars = )

Braise beef noodle soup 4/5 stars!!! = D

It's so good = D

Okay, back inside...

honestly, this ride scared the hell out of me hehe

Can't believe what a chiskensh*t I am sometimes = P

And then came the Roller Coasterrrrr!!!

Fun fun fun ride!!! = D

After the sore throat from an awesome roller coaster to die for ride,

we were just in time for the best live action show everrr

"Water World"

Superb special effects, cool cool cool...

Definitely a must see show at the Universal Studios Singapore

Don't miss this show guys or you'll miss 1/4 of your amusement there

buuut, if you're not ready to get wet, make sure to sit outside the blue/green lane = )

Time for Shrek snack! = )

Hate the chicken---spicy!

Rrrrrrffff! :S

Then off to Donkey's live show...

Fun, it's cool how they got a voice talent as similar as Eddie Murphy...

semi planking attempt wehehe = P

I love you Charlie Chaps! Chupsmuah!

Then the day was wrapped up with fire works... = )

I'm so hungry, off to some food now...

In the foodcourt of Vivo City

which looked like old china "turo-turos"

I searched for tummy refuge... = )

This is my favorite chicken from Singapore,

the taste resembles how my Lola Bella makes simple fried chicken for snacks

Timplado with kalamansi, patis and some betchin...

yum yum! = D

I didn't try this Steamboat thing coz it feels heavy

but looks fresh & good to eat though... =)

Oh hunf, and here we have the "Laksa"

I think it's one of the people's favorites here

but not mine though

I appreciate the presentation and preparation

it smells good really but I hate the fact that it's spicy!!!

Why does everyone try to convince me that the food is not spicy when it actually is?!?!?

It's good though

Its like Sotanghon but with "gata" (Coconut Milk)
*Just imagine how good that smells!*

Too bad I just can't finish or even start until the half of it

I'm such a loser when it comes to chilli... = (

So I gave B the honors and I did the chicken...

Tupok!

yeaaaah... Good eat!

Great food, great laughs,

Universal Studios was sooooo much fun!!! = D

Great time!

Thanks B for showing me around the city!

Till next time!

= D

SG DAY 2: Merlion, Marina Bay Sands, LV Island

2011-11-07T17:18:00.000-08:00

It's Eid Al Adha and we have 6 days off

I'm sure it would be boring in Dubai so I decided to travel and visit Singapore

I wanted to fly somewhere and see new things

I was feeling blunt so I thought it be a little push...

My uncle and his family are there so though it would be nice to visit them

I was so glad to see Lola Nene
*my grandmother's sister*

My grandmother, Lola Bella had 12 siblings and one of them is Lola Nene

who leaves near our place back in Manila

I remember when I was young they would borrow me from my Lola Bella

and my aunts and uncles would play and look after me

They adored my pig-like cuteness = P

They fed me *a lot*, taught me how to play the piano, played games, watch cartoons

and they would tease me that if I wont stop being a brat they will feed me to their pet pitbull

I was a fatso back then hehe

While I was in the plane to Singapore flashes of fun childhood memories made me smile...

So it was really nice to see and spend some time with them again...

but now, I'm the Ate since my uncle has a little girl now

He said I was just like her when I was her age,

cute, chubby and a pain sometimes but still a joy to the family = D

I spent my second day in SG with them...

It's a Sunday so we started the day by hearing mass

The Del Rosario family is so close to the Lord

My grandparents served for the mass

and my uncles & aunts sang for the church choir every Sunday back in Manila

Besides being doctors, dentists and architects all them are musically inclined

Actually one them, my God father, Tito Gary is an International Opera singer/Music professor

Their gifted which outstanding singing voices...

It was nice hanging out with them

I appreciated their warmth, care and sincerity

Now that I'm older I can talk to them about serious matters,

like family life, problems and gave me advices for the future...

Anyway, now we're off to some sightseeing = D

Rectangle ice cream! = D

Saw this group of friends from Bangkok

I like their outfits = )

The first thing that my eyes laid upon was this small Merlion

I thought it was the actual thing and got dissapoited hehe

but off course this is not the one

It's the big one behind it = P

That's the LV Island right there, can't wait to reach that part!

Singapore na Singpore ^.^

We're heeeere! = D

I can't believe I walked that far... *panting*

My feet totally hurts!

but it was fun though, saw very lovely architecture

And took a lot pictures with family

Nooooow....

Dinner!!! = D

The moment I saw the name of the place

"GLUTTON'S BAY"

I smiled to myself and said

"I so belong here..."

Yum Yum! = D

Happy All Saints' & Souls' Day

2011-10-31T18:25:00.000-07:00

It’s 4am, just woke up for medicine time

I can’t believe I’m writing this blog in total darkness, awooooo!

I’m such a chikenshit sometimes hihi = P

Anyways,

It’s Nov. 1 in our country

"Undas"

The day of the dead...

We usually go to the cemetery to pay our respect to our deceased love ones

It’s a yearly thing we do, more like a family reunion actually ^.^

We would always go and visit our great grandparents grave in the “Garden of Memories”,Taguig or in Pasig Cemetery

Some even pitch tents and spend over nights there...

There would always be well, off course, a lot of food since Filipinos in general love to eat...

There’ll be people selling food as well plus cool stuff like glowsticks, other cute thingies that light up,

Masks to scare other people, to make a statement or just simply have a little fun while passing their time...

A lot of beautiful flower arrangements, lit candles, some bring playing cards and small radios for a bit of entertainment...

Now I saw on the news that other than food, flowers, candles and glowing stuff

There are also services like henna tattooing & face painting offered by some!

Haha! Cool...

What’s this a festival?!

Well, it’s a good business idea coz it would probably sell but I don’t know...

Anyways, just to make it clear, this event is not a festival...

People are just being creative of thinking new ways to make it more fun? I guess?

I think back in the days, like grandparent’s days...

They would go there bring some food and drinks, candles and flowers, celebrate it peacefully and pray

Well, times are changing, we’re in a modern world where people get easily bored so there yah go,

They think of innovative ways on what to make out of their time while earning extra bucks...

I wonder? In few years, will they allow Karaoke in cemeteries?! I Hope not! Haha!

All Souls Day is one the things I miss about home...

There are other countries who commemorate the day of the dead

but I think we’re the only country who celebrate it like this?

Or not? So just kindly correct me if I’m wrong...

Filipinos sure do know how to make everything more fun huh? = p

Anyways, I just wish everyone a safe trip to the cemeteries

or if some of you are not at least light up a candle for our loved ones up there...

Just wanna take this moment to pray for my brother Kuya Peter,

although we didn’t get the chance to spend more time with you,

your still part of the family and our little angel watching over us...

To our great grandparents, Unsay, Santos, Bautista and Buenaobra family,

We thank you for everything, we won’t be here if it wasn’t for you all....

We love you and may you rest in peace

See you on the other side----BUT NOT YET! OKAY?! Hihi = )

I HEART OCTOBER!

2011-10-31T09:45:00.000-07:00

Can’t believe my favorite month is over...

October felt fast but it was a blast! = D

Enjoyed meeting new friends and reconnecting with old ones...

I had a simple yet sweet birthday

Thanks to my Mom, friends and colleagues for all the gifts & surprises

Appreciate it! = )

I didn’t feel as homesick as I did last year,

I guess I just got used to being away from home or I just partied more this time? Hehe = P

Oh and thank God Facebook because twas a really big help in busting the homesickness...

People’s greetings & messages meant a lot to me!

How I wish I could party with you guys back in Manila or where ever you guys are across the globe =)

Anyways, hey, I realized that I am 2 years away to ¼ of my life and I haven’t accomplished much yet...

For some time I felt like I’m losing my spark about life in general...

I felt blank sometimes, stagnant...

And that is so not good

I think I need to move more, really need to find new things to do, hmmm...?

I don’t feel much difference now that I’m 23

But hopefully with another year ahead of me I’ll find more growth & improvement as I go along...

N’shallah! = )

Anyways, it’s Halloween by the way!

Couldn’t go out since I’m sick

so guess I just need to pass this boredom at home then... = P

Thanks to the best dentist in the world---MOM + Ninong Nestor & Ninang Jenny for my customized fangs!

I love it! = D

Cheers everyone! = D

Cute noh?! 'Lika dito, pakagat nga! = P

Gotham Vixen

2011-10-23T13:10:00.000-07:00

Tinge of Tangerine

2011-10-07T11:15:00.000-07:00

Big Baby Bonding

2011-08-04T14:12:00.000-07:00

The people in our family would often times tease and remind me...

“Good thing you’re not getting married yet, that’s good... Married life is reeeeeally hard!”

or

“Tsk, don’t get married yet, it’s hard, very hard!”

And I’m like,

Well... yeaaah... I think I know what you mean...?

I have two sons now... My 2 brothers! = P

When my mom went abroad to work I became the captain of the ship

With the help of our long time Nanny which we call “Nanay” already

I stood as their mother while she was away
and so I learned and understood the difficulties of becoming a mother
and how to raise & manage a family

Although it was hard, it was fun at the same time
because being the eldest I get to bully them Ha-huh! = D

And so I grew closer to my brothers as well...

While I was in Manila my younger brother Kevin was usually in class
so we didn’t get much time to bond than my youngest brother Kian

Kian is closer to me...

He’s our baby, now a BIG baby!

He’s just ten but he's as tall as I am and his feet is size 8!

Look how they grow up so fast!

We look more like each other and more often than not I’m mistaken as his mother when I wear more mature clothes hehe = P

Anyways, so he's the one I grab and go have fun with... = )

The weather was gloomy and rainy most of the time when I was there

and I missed the rain so one time when it was pouring hard

my brother & I looked at each other and told him

"Ligo tayo sa ulan!"

he said "Sure ka? Sige!"

and we did!

Fun fun fun!

Two things that our Kian and I love to do?

Eat & draw...

Oh wait, make it three... We also love to hug each other = )

I took him out for a date...

We ate, went to the toy stores and checked out some art galleries...

Look what we found!!!

These are hermit crabs...

I remember when I was in grade school they were sold outside the schools and the vendors would carry them in buckets

but the ones they sold before were not as big as these guys...

Now they're bigger and cooler, they're painted!!!

How cute is that! Yiiieeeeeee!!!! = D

But, isn't that cruel?

'Coz their shell isn't really like that

and I hope they used animal friendly paint so it wont have a bad effect on these cuties... = (

Well, come to think of it, it's like "Pimp my Shell", hehe = P

Another interesting site we found was this art exhibit...

Some people may find it weird and senseless but when I saw this....

You know what I think?

There's really no such thing as "Bad Art"

It just depends on the person's perception about the art...

I remember Van Gogh...

In his time, he was accused of being a lunatic because of his style

but now who would have thought that his creations would cost millions

and would be placed in reputable museums?

For me every piece of art work has a story...

May it be a black dot in a plain white canvass

or an abstract filled with bright colors and elaborate brush stokes...

we'll never know how the artist felt when he was creating it...

Some works may look peculiar to some and fascinating to others so,

we can't really say whether its good or bad...

As what they say, "Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder"...

Then, we were off to the next art gallery...

Art Center in SM Megamall usually features the works of the best artist in the country

so I really like passing by there whenever I have time...

It's refreshing...

And to my surprise, I was glad to see the works of one my favorite local artist

Mr. Carlo Magno...

Yey! = D

Food + Art + Hugs = Love! = )

Sunday Mcdo + Slumber Party!

2011-07-31T11:27:00.000-07:00

07/24/2011

MCDO, SILVERCITY and TOWN & COUNTRY

One of the things I’ve missed while I was away is our Sunday Mcdo

I know I can always order from Mcdonald’s but it’s different when I’m with them

We talk about serious matters, ridiculous circumstances, life, love, failures, frustrations, gossips and everything under the sun, moon & rain

So the Sunday, a week before I left we did... = )

It's good to see an old friend of ours CJ...

since he lives near by we usually bump into him there hehe = )

Just one more year for him and he'll be one of the best chefs in town

Good luck on ya mate! ; D

As usual... burgers, fries and floats and calories and sugar and carbs...

YUM!!!! = D

Signing of the "40k Contract"

Next stop was Kaka's place for slumber party! = D

*testing the camera angle*

Waking up the next morning was hard,

besides the fact that it's 7am and I'm really not a morning person,

I realized that this will be the last morning I'll spend with the girls

since this week it will be very busy for them at work

Kaka has an event and Kristina will tag along with her

and so as Janine, she'll be dead at work...

So Kaka & I just had a small despedida breakfast with sinangag, pritong talong and tinapa

+ our favorite home made brownies

Good morning, good eat! = )

I'm gonna miss these girls again... = (

Santos Reunion

2011-07-31T10:59:00.000-07:00

07/23/2011

JADE PALACE, PASIG CITY

I remember when we were kids we used to go somewhere with our grandparents

and all of us would fit in one Owner type jeep

Now we’re older and bigger in a bigger van

But still we get the same laugh like we used to

I’m glad to see all my cousins on my father’s side

I can see the happiness in our grandparent’s eyes

I’m sure their proud of us wherever or whatever we are now

We may not have achieved that much yet but I’m sure they’re proud that we grew up to be decent and good people

Striving to be better and become good daughters, sons, sisters, brothers and some as mother and father...

Thank you to our Lolo Rolly and Lola Lita for their unconditional love and support for us

Thank you Lord for giving them 70+ years and hope to give them ++++++++ more years with us!

We love you both!

I really felt happy after this.... = )

Another good eat! = D

TK Reunion 2011

2011-07-31T10:27:00.000-07:00

07/22/2011

"TIDES",ORTIGAS & "BALAY NI JUAN",KAPITOLYO

Get together with my high school buddies, some of the craziest people I know

It was nice to catch up on each other

I'm glad to see you guys!

Hanggang sa muli! = D

Silya't Sili

2011-07-31T09:17:00.000-07:00

07/21/2011

Located along Greenmeadows Avenue

Princess, Kent and my brother Kian met up with our good friends Ice and Ina

I heard Ice and his mom opened up a new restaurant so we went to check it out

With their signature native warm & proudly Pinoy interiors

The place was as steady as their home...

The resto was like an extension of the Pena's residence

where back in college we usually hang-out

It was a really chill place...

It was presko and very relaxing specially in the Zen garden area

where I just love to stare at the dozens of Bonsais that they have

I also remember Ice's mom welcoming us for breakfast or lunch with healthy and delicious meals!

No wonder the food was great here = )

Fried Spring Rolls *it was a mixture of meat, fish & vegetable dipped in sweet-spicy sauce*

Sinigang na Bangus *the asim was just right & the vegetables were fresh!*

Crispy Pata *saraaaaaap!!!!*

Binagoogang Rice
*it was not as salty as I expected actually...
It was a good balance of sweet & saltiness of the bagoong
with a tinge sour flavor of the green mango*

It was nice to see our good friend Ice being serious about life now

Being one the happy go lucky guys back then

I'm proud to see how he improved

And I'm proud to see how he was able to manage one of their family businesses which has a very big potential

I'm not saying this because he's my friend but because the food is really good guys

Go try it! = D

Sarap, steady... Silya't Sili! Yum yum! = )

Bebotz Night Out

2011-07-31T05:28:00.001-07:00

07/09/2011

GREENBELT & PALLADIUM, MAKATI

Night out with Toni + Papa Allan, Chunky, Hanna and got to see an old friend of ours Claudio

Too bad Bianca & Anakat are in Aussie now, they left just few days after I arrived...

Sad = (

Sayang ndi na tyo nagkita!!!

And for Ibay, Foxy, Maggie asan kayo non ndi ko ren kayo nakasama! huhu

Anyways, next time okay? = )

Sam ang cute mo! = D

Incubus Live in Manila 2011

2011-07-28T17:20:00.001-07:00

First and foremost I would like to express my deepest disappointment and frustration to Ovation Productions

Your seating lay out sucks!!!!!!

I did not fly 4,500++ miles just too see Incubus and pay for the most expensive ticket just to be put on the court side!!!

The set up was so unfair!

Imagine you paid for the most expensive ticket and your placed on the court side of Araneta which is far from the stage and the Standing Patron ticket which is cheaper than what you paid for gets the privilege of being right in front of the stage!?!

I thought the arrangement would be like the last time where Rows A & B will be right in front of the stage and the Standing Patron would be at our back

Ang panget, nakakainis talaga!

Too bad I was out of the country and reserved the tickets on-line and on the Ticketnet website there was no layout of the stage

Nakakainis talaga!!!!!

Badtrip pre… Sobra…

Anyways, so here’s how the day went….

I met up with my Incubus Concert buddy Liz at Robinson’s just to check if we can hopefully get a glimpse and snatch a photo with them like last time

But the problem was their hotel sponsors were not in the posters nor in the advertisements on TV and radio so we don’t have lead on where they could be

So we just took our chance and checked out Crowne Plaza and EDSA Shang but sadly…

No sign of the Incubus Street Team in the lobby = (

We ended up seeing Jon Santos, Lovi Poe & Benji Paras instead of Incubus

*Mission Failed! (-.-)*

So we just decided to go and buy some stuff and eat a really good meal to cheer ourselves up hehe

We ate at C2 a Filipino resto on the 6^th floor

A dish called Fried Kare-Kare caught my attention

I found it interesting plus the picture looks really scrumptious and so we tried…

Tada!

This...

paired with Buko Pandan Shake was heavenly!

Good eat! = D

It’s actually 2 meals in one coz it's Crispy Pata with Kare-kare sauce on the side and the waiter was nice enough to give us Suka-Toyo which is a sauce for Crispy Pata so we can taste it as such as well...

It was goooooood!

The serving was good for four so the other part left we decided to keep and give to the street children we might come across later…

*I missed doing that also by the way = )*

So there we were standing in front of Araneta felt like ages since we saw them last but the excitement was as hardcore as always…

Off course come on, it’s Incubus! Brandon! Wah!!!

We went inside at tumabad sakin ang malaking galit ng makita ko na ang binayaran ko eh gilid lamang! Pucha…

This is how far we were! Darn it!

But, let's keep ourselves calm & positive... Brandon, Brandon, Brandon!

Anyways, Oyo Sotto and Kristine Hermosa was right behind us and further back was Eula Valdez, Gretchen Fulido was in front of us, inside the pen of Standing Patron area...

And to my surprise! My long time crush since 1^st year college was there! Wah! Kilegs…

He’s a doctor now and he’s still cute, it’s fun to find him there, he likes Incubus den pala = )

And then the lights were off.... *Che-je-jen!*

The front act was Franco...

A powerhouse mixture of Franco Reyes of Inyo on vocals, Paolo "Otcho" Toleran of Queso on guitar, Buwi Meneses of Parokya ni Edgar on bass, Gab Alipe on guitars & JanJan Mendoza on drums from Urbandub...

Franco was hot I have to say and he has good voice quality

Very nice choice of front act indeed = )

Then the lights went off again... *Che-je-jen!*

Figures of 5 men walked on the stage and the crowd came alive...

The lights beamed on Brandon and the crowd went wild!

It felt so good hearing them play live right in front of you...

See them move, strumming the guitar, hitting the drums, turning the table...

Brandon's voice felt like cotton buds tickling my ear

It sends shiver down my spine as the music take control over my hands & feet

Anyways...

Here are the photos we've taken

These are from Liz's camera coz my zoom sucked...

Here you go ladies, feast your eyes! = D

Yeah yeah yeah... I know, he did not take off his shirt

It's okay same disappointment a lot women felt at that time hehe

I don't know, he looked rather thinner now I think?

I can see his ribcage from a far!

Is that the Vegan effect? well, as long as he's healthy that's fine...

Liz said they played more songs now than before

I don't know, I was not counting but it felt short for me...

Parang biten?

They played I think 4 or 5 songs from the new album

If Not Now, When?, Isadore, Adolescents, Promises and I can't remember the other one,

Just correct me if I am wrong please...

Even after the bad vibes I felt, I'm still glad to see the boys play live again...

It's like seeing old friends, getting together and just having fun = )

After the gig Liz and I met up with one of my good friends Venus

As we talked about how hot still Brandon was and how the band still rocked Manila

We saw a street child whom I can finally give my binalot a while ago

I like her hair, she was so cute! = )

It's funny how she posed for the picture as well hehe

Not catching the band and getting a photo with them,

the seating arrangement that sucked

and Brandon not taking his shirt off made me hungry...

*this was the closest he did from taking his shirt off*

Sooooo.... Ha Ha! Bjan & I decided to munch this bad vibes away

and end the day with a good old midnight junk snack... hehe

It's located in Ortigas Home Depot the street on the left if your facing Starbucks

Hoola Hoops

Furious Wings *Spicy*

Turbo Steak Fries *to die for*

Laid Back Wings *sweet & crispy*

It's good guys, try it!

= D

Sunday Fun

2011-07-17T22:01:00.000-07:00

07/17/11

It's Sunday and my brother needs to attend their class mass at 3pm

Which usually is the time for "Misang Pambata" (Mass for Kids) at the Pasig Cathedral

He'll be helping with the offerings for today so we can't be late...

So, right after Kaka's house blessing

We went off right away to the church...

This is the church that molded me

Beside this church is Pasig Catholic College,

the school I attended since Kinder 2 until the last year of high school

In this church I had my 1st Communion, Confirmation, Baccalaureate masses

and countless masses throughout those years

Being inside there brings back a lot of memories of the good old careless days

There I also met up with one on my closest friends back in high school

Reina has been my batchmate since K1

and it's cute that our youngest brothers are batchmates as well =)

After the mass...

Night swimming!!!! = D

Poo-poo! = P

Kakatakot shot! Ahahaha! Epic toh Kas!

Scary legs Bia! = P

Pak!

"Susuntukin kita" shot...

Fun fun night = )

Detoxify in Tagaytay

2011-07-16T08:49:00.001-07:00

07/15/11

Tagaytay...

One of our favorite getaways

Where we usually attend retreats and recollections

I actually miss those spiritual journeys...

The weather was sunny but the cool breeze makes it refreshing

We started the day with a breakfast at Bag of Beans

It's like Sonya's Gardenish but the food has more variety I think...

The place was cozy,

sort of like your Lola's backyard that you like to hang out as kids

to take an afternoon nap or play with your kalaro late in the afternoon...

There were birds, cats, ants, flies, other crawling and flying insects

wind chimes, fountains...

trees, plants and flowers...

Very maaliwalas...

I broke this... I'm sorry = )

Dinner...

Midnight Snack...

My first Isaw after a year and 4 months! Yey!

I Chicken Nuggets+PeachMango Pie+Sarsi Float=LOVE! = D

Full body massage...

Good morning Tagaytay! = D

Breakfast again...

View from the roof deck

More sun...

More water...

More fun! = )

Lunch...

Boom! = D

So, it was really not detoxifying hehe = P

the fact that I pigged out on these junk basically

but I think it was the fresh air

the cool winds and water

the greens and the Taal volcano

Not have to worry about anything

It was mentally detoxify...

Yes, it was a great weekend indeed = )

Lola Day

2011-07-16T04:12:00.000-07:00

07/14/11

Lunch date with my Lola Bella

at The Promenade, Greenhills

With Butotoy and Nanay Ikay

Kare-kare with Bagoong+Baked Scallops+Crispy Pancit+Crab Fried Rice+Sisig=Waaaah!!!

I missed her so much...

Her smell, hugs, kisses and cooking...

So I just wanna spoil her now like how she spoiled me when I was a little brat hehe

It's gonna be few more years before I will see her again

so I'm loving every minute of this...

I often times tell people that she's my real mom and not my mom hehe

I got my legs, dimples, eyebrows, smile

and some of my surliness from her hehe = P

She took care of me while my mom was in Dent school

I've seen how dedicated she is on taking care

and protecting her children and as well as her grandchildren

She maybe loud and embarrassing sometimes

but for me she's not Bella if she's not like that

That's why we love her more...

She's funny, cute and silly most of the time

but can be a fire breathing dragon from time to time = )

So you don't really wanna mess with this Mama Bear hehe = P

She's just LOVE!!!

After the lunch date I went out to celebrate Princess & Kent's monthsary at Reserve

These were really yummy California Maki...

One of the best I've tasted!

The Salmon Sashimi was good and fresh as well = D

HAPPY MONTHSARY LOVE BIRDS! = D

He's Chuck Bass! (-.-)

Bicol Trip Day 3: CAM SUR (CWC)

2011-07-13T10:13:00.000-07:00

07/13/2011

We're back CWC!

Here we ate our lunch and mirienda

and contemplated whether to ride or not

since our skins were soar from sun burn

but what the hell,

we're already here and it's not everyday that we can visit Cam Sur

so yallah!

Let's ride! = D

Time for our flight...

Huhu, we're leaving Bicol...

Biten ang 3 days pala...

Bye Naga!

See you again Bicol!!! Love you! = D

Now, back to reality! hunf! =' S

Bicol Trip Day 2: CARAMOAN!!!

2011-07-13T09:21:00.000-07:00

07/12/2011

It's the break of dawn, 5am and there we were on a boat to Guijalo Port

The sun is starting to smile and I smile...

Looks like Haring Araw heard my prayers = )

After an hour and a half boat ride we were there...

Guijalo Port! = D

Kuya Lito our tour guide,
*and we have to say the best tour guide eveeerrr!
Here's his mobile number if you guys need his help in Caramoan
(+00639124105841 LITO ARCILLA)*

greeted us warmly and helped us with our bags

We then had a 15 minute tricycle ride to the town proper

and ate our breakfast at LUTONG BAHAY eatery

just next to the main office of our accomodations REX INN

There, we wasted no time, dressed up and off to island hoping!

Kuya Lito showed us their new extension of the Inn

It was beautiful and serene with grass and trees around

Mountains as our veiw

and in the far end of the resort

there's a kubo with the view of the Nipa river

It was wonderful and relaxing!

Too bad the whole place was reserved for the staff of Survivor India

Hunf!

but, luckily we got transferred there in the end

coz their flight was canceled as well

Hihi = P

Now, start of island hoping! = D

So, we got our own bangka...

We had a hard time going out of the dock area because it was low tide

but while we were still there I can already see the richness of their ecosystem

There were a lot of Mangroves which is a very good breeding site for fishes

and big white birds around
*I can't exactly identify what bird, but big white ones hehe*

It was lovely...

And when we were getting a bit far,

the waters were so clear that I can see a lot of sea grass...

On our way to the islands we were greeted with songs of crickets and birds

with the peak of the islands filled with plants and trees...

Oh it was so lovely!

On this rock island the nets that you can see

were built by the crew of Survivor for one of their challenges

Isla # 1: CAGBALINAN

The water was unbelievably clear!

I don't even have to dive in to watch the fishes!

We snorkeled around the corals

which were very healthy and happily roamed around by fishes and jelly fishes...

It was soooooo nice!!!! Love love love!

Isla # 2: VOSDAK

The sand of this island was a bit greyish in shade

with sharp big blocks of rocks surrounding the shore

We ate our lunch there...

home cooked fresh fish, enormous shrimp and fried chicken

This is how enormous the shrimp was!

Good eat! = D

*From here our camera battery was blinking red = (*

Off to the next island! = )

Isla # 3: MATUKAD

The sand was soooo white and fine!

According to Kaka the sand was as fine and white as Boracay

The waves were a bit strong here so there were some sea grass on the shore...

Here we cooked our tan = )

The sand was so white with crystal clear waters and behind us were trees and wild plants

Devastatingly...

Our camera's battery died here...

before we even reached the really undescribably amazing islands

GRRRRR!!!!!!

It's just the 3rd Island come on!

I prayed hard and tried my best but no, it's really dead!

Anyways, It's a good thing come to think of it

because if I took a picture of all the islands we went to

You guys will know it already & I'll be spoiling the "WOW factor" when your there...

It's one of nature's best kept surprise trust me...

So, it's for us to discover and for you guys to find out! ; )

Next!

Just relax and bare your imaginations with me...

Isla # 4: LAHUS

The island has off course, white sands but a bit coarser than the 3rd

We were able to dock there by 3 noon when the Survivor staff finished shooting

Good thing there was no one guarding the island so we were able to check out their props and flags installed there

Too bad no camera = (

Kuya Lito said it was a rare chance to get there without guards...

but anyways, fine... *sigh!*

off to the next!

Isla # 5: TINAGO

This is the island!

This is it!

This was the highlight of our day!

Oh my good Lord!!!

It was freakin'-I can't explain-goosebumping-awesomely-BEEYOOTEEFOOL!!!!

The water was so calm....

Sooo blue...

Sooo clear...

Birds singing and coming out from everywhere...

Symphony of crickets...

Its like a movie scene that I just don't wanna get out off!

Looking down from the boat I can vividly see the corals

and happy colorful fishes swimming around

When we docked I felt peace...

It was a serene paradise hidden in the heart of Caramoan

This is my favorite island...

I just wanna be stranded and stay there forever...

when I sat down on the shore,

as the waves softly caressed me

and the warmth of the sun embraced me,

I felt the sand so soft with bubbles coming up...

The sand underwater was the softest I've ever felt

It was close to magical...

The time felt slow and nothing else mattered

I know this sounds wired and barbero

but I felt that there's a good force watching at us behind the trees and plants

Wait, while writing this now I'm getting goosebumps by the way

True...

It's a place where it feels like Diwatas are just around

and there's something inside me that I don't know why but liking it...

Sounds a bit freaky but when your there,

you just wanna thank God for having this wonderful experience

and words are just not enough to express the peace and happiness that I was feeling at that time

I was actually waiting for dolphins to maybe arrive...

and probably rest there but well, there's none hehe

Kuya Lito said some tourist go for an over night camp there

but he really has to look after them

because there are a lot of Sea snakes which are venomous

*Photo taken from google*

They are attracted to light so it's dangerous for campers with night lights...

While bumming there we talked about anything under the sun

from dirty politics to the funny past, surprising present and promising future...

Kuya Lito mentioned that he read in a book before

that the name CARAMOAN

Came from the word "CARA" which means Pawikan or Sea Turtles

It was said that there were a lot of them there back in the days

but now it's very rare in their waters

Maybe they migrated elsewhere

The water was getting higher

so we have to move out of there before high tide or else we'll have some trouble...

As much as I don't wanna leave...

Off to the last...

Isla # 6: MINALAGOS

It was the last on our itinerary for today

A small island with white sands as well

but the sad thing about this one is that

there are vandalisms of stupid and careless tourists on the rocks

So sad they spoiled the natural beauty of the rocks

This is actually one of the reasons why I like Caramoan

It's not yet commercialised

You wont see souvenir vendors bugging you

No clubs, restos...

Which is good because less of that equals less garbage

and less harm to the natural environment

A total nature trip indeed!

I remember what our Lakbay Kalikasan tour guides told us back in my highschool days:

"Take Nothing but Pictures.

Leave nothing but footprints.

Kill nothing but time."

There were more islands to go to actually but since our flight was canceled yesterday

A whole day of itinerary was lost

So, we weren't able to reach the sand bars and other beaches further from where we were

Next time... Next time... = )

After the island hoping on our way back

we passed through Bulangbugang River rich with Mangroves and Nipa trees

It's beautiful...

We then docked at the Kubo of REX TOURIST INN

There we had our fresh and delicious dinner

and retired for the night...

by 6am we got our breakfast call...

We tried our best to wake up ourselves while enjoying our meal

We had the place to ourselves and it was indeed a lovely morning...

The view in front of us was superb!

Trees, mountains, fresh air...

It's just so hard to bid farewell to this place

I'm gonna miss the fresh air and rice fields....

Before we move to the town proper and jump in the boat to Sabang Port,

we offered our salute to the great Father

Caramoan is really something...

Pristine crystal clear blue waters,

Fine white sand,

Lush greeneries...

Oh gaaaaaah!!!

I apprecate the efforts of the local government of Caramoan to preserve it's beauty

I hope they will continue to do so because it is indeed a Paradise on Earth!

And for other tourists that will go or come back there,

please, please, please, please do your best to take care of it...

We would like to thank Tito Rex his wife Tita Rose

the owners of REX TOURIST INN

for the warm welcome

Such lovely and humble people = )

We will definitely go back there!

To Ms. Theresa Cruz of Skyhigh Travel & Tours (09175944870)

our travel agent, thank you for taking care of all our travel worries

She's very accommodating, helpful and gave us a very good deal

We totally recommend her = )

What an awesome nature trip

Just exactly what I was looking for... = D