Irish Memories

Aside from Italians, my next favorite nationality is Irish. Well, because Andrew Greeley and the Corrs are Irish and they just look soo good. They're Catholics, familial and are great artists, oh and they love to drink! Anyways, I met an Irish family when I hosted a wedding reception last June 21 where typhoon Frank was at its fiercest. It made me appreciate them even more coz the Cole family are so nice and really aristocratic. Also, I had a crush on Hugh - the bestman who fixed me a gin tonic and talked for hours that night. I met a real foreign hunk!

Wimbledon Sweetie

I knew it! Rafael Nadal was destined to win the Wimbledon..Wahh..I hart this guy. He looked so focused and determined. Those smoky eyes..sexy! Not to mention a striking resemblance with my highlander..

My fixation with tennis started when I was probably 5 years old, just before I went to school, since before "Batibot", tennis would be seen on channel 9 - John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova, the 80's greats..And so I was hooked! This is my spectator sport since I don't play it, and every year I just have to know the who's who. For awhile, I was inlove with Pete Sampras and Tim Henman. And I wanted to be Martina Hingis.

I don't know what it is with tennis, but watching it is so thrilling for me. So it was major major pogi points talaga that he plays it well!

Never Knew Love Like This Before

I never knew love like this before
Now I'm lonely never more
Since you came into my life

You are my lovelight, this I know
And I'll never let you go
You my all, you're heart, part of me

Once I was lost and now I'm found
Then you turned my world around
When I need you, I call your name

'Cause I never
Knew love like this before
Opened my eyes
'Cause I never
Knew love like this before
What a surprise

'Cause I never
Knew love like this before

This feeling's so deep inside of me
Such a tender fantasy
You're the one I'm living for

You are my sunlight and my rain
And time could never change
What we share forever more
Ooooh-whooooa

I never knew love like this before
Now I'm lonely never more
Since you came into my life

'Cause I never
Knew love like this before
Opened my eyes
'Cause I never
Knew love like this before
What a surprise
'Cause I never
Knew love like this before

You are my lovelight, this I know
And I'll never let you go
You my all, you're part of me
Once I was lost and now I'm found
And you turned my world around
When I need you, I call your name

My Best Friend's Wedding

This was the background song of Tzi and Don's pre-nuptial video..Fell in love with it at first listen..

WHEN GOD MADE YOU
Its always been a mystery to me,
How two hearts can come together,
And love can last forever.
But now that I have found you I believe,
That a miracle has come when God sends the perfect one.
So gone are all my questions about why,
And i've never been so sure of anything in my life

Oh I wonder what God was thinking,when he created you.
I wonder if He knew everything I would need,
Because he made all my dreams come true.
When God made you, He must have been thinking about me.

I promise that wherever you may go, wherever life may lead you,
With all my heart I'll be there too.
And from this moment on I want you to know,
I'll let nothing come between us, and I will love the ones you love.
So gone are all my questions about why

Oh I wonder what God was thinking when he created you,
I wonder if He knew everythin I would need,
Because He made all my dreams come true.
When God made you He must've been thinking about me.

He made the sun He made the moon,
To harmonize a perfect tune,
One can't do without the other they just have to be together.
And that is how I know its true,
Your for me and i'm for you and my world
Just cant be right without you in my life

Oh I wonder what God was thinking,when he created you.
I wonder if He knew everything I would need,
Because he made all my dreams come true.
When God made you, He must have been thinking about me.

He must have heard every prayer I've been praying. He must've knew everything I would need

When God made you, He must've been thinking about me.

My Father the Great

Daddy,

Happy Father's Day! Thank you so much for taking great care of me and Rye..

For wonderful childhood memories..
trips to Luneta to see the fishes at pakainin ng fish cracker, tampisaw in Manila Bay when it was still clean and scaring the sea ipis away, strolls to the grocery and buying chichirya, watching Rambo, teaching the value of reading, your yummy sinangag every single morning, hatid sundo until 2nd year highschool, hatid even today sa guard house on my way to work, being with me during auditions, waiting while I took college entrance exams, not saying anything when you disapproved of my exs..because you let me decide on my own. Never ko naexperienced mapalo at all. Hindi ka din sumigaw at all. Where you get the patience and the will, hindi ko alam. Hindi ka ata tao. Alien! Constant. Strong. Supportive. Humble.

Thank you for teaching Rye to speak English hehehe. Thank you for being there. I'm gonna miss you when you go to the US of A.

Pero Hershey's lang katapat ok na ko. :p

My American Sistah

Today I got a long, long-distance call from my only sistah - my love and heroine. She passed the US citizenship interview so she's now officially Fil-Am. I also got to talk to Jocelle, my talented niece who looks like Mexican / Lebanese girl. I miss them soo much. I can't wait to see them again and have that ultimate shopping and dining marathon.

Postcript Sex and the City

The best person to watch SATC with is my other bestfriend last Saturday. So off we went and had a great time while munching on pesto pasta. I used to think I'm
Charlotte and a Carrie mix..Now I'm not so sure anymore..hahahaha (naughty wink)..

So anyway, thanks to SATC - my world got good again. Lately I've been so stressed with my night shift sked that I'm usually a zombie, caught between waking and sleeping plus thinking about stuff..and I'm glad I made that call.

Movie galore nga ko the past weekend. Sunday was Narnia film with Rye, Dad and Tet. Rye thinks the theater is his own playground. Hopping from one aisle to the other. Tsk tsk..

budding artist

Rye can draw a crescent moon,car, elephant and a regular smiley face..pramis! He draws better than me - good enough for a 3 year old. He also has a knack for photography - well, he loves taking photos of himself in my phone.

May is a Busy Crazy month

I can't believe it's been a month since my last blog..Been so busy with lotsa things. Work hours have been crazy, feeling call center na ko (1am to 9am kamusta) and there's going to be some going back to my homey probably next month. yihee!

Rye's bday was low key, at home with pancit, strawberry ice cream, red velvet cake and fried chix. His presents include 1 blue remote control car much like the Dodger in "Cars" from moi and a red Ranger from Ninang G and Ninong Rap, so it's pretty much fast cars on reverse mode all the time kasi hirap syang magforward hehehe. He got clothes from Ate Susan and Kuya Bong and Winnie the Pooh art set from Kuya Jun and Angel. Oh no, after opening it, wla na yung ibang stencil parts..

He was happy! Just running aroung with the cars and his cousins.
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Yesterday I attended my best friend's wedding. It was the most beautiful wedding- great weather, good food, unique program, awesome entourage - me as maid of honor!

Tzi or Tamay as I call her is my best bud since grade 5. She is my anchor, the constant constant friend kaya nga theme song namin is "One Friend" - yes, if I had only one friend left, I want it to be her..

Sa sobrang tagal na naming magksama, wala na tuloy akong kagroup kaya nsa Immediate family table na ko belong. I got sooo inspired, yung tipong cge na nga, what the heck, I want to get married na nga din in...2012! hahahaha..

Proud Mommy

Summer Swim

I spent three wonderful years with this happy bunch of people. On the side shopping trips in Carriedo, Escolta and Divi, siomai eating and other special fun times. Every summer (this is our 2nd year) we have our reunion swim and just talk about everything, particularly those who are absent..hahaha.

This year we went to Taytay,Rizal..ang haba ng byahe namin, parang ang layo layo sa Manila. Then we set up for some serious cooking which lasted two hours. Gabi na when we went swimming. The next day cooking sesh ulet for brunch and super bitin ulet ang swimming. Hay..

Valentine in April

Someone taught me a new sentence last night.

Ay Ayaten ka.

(all together now, with feelings) "Arrgh...!"

Soaking

Last Saturday, para kong nagretreat. Guest speaker is an African American who is a gifted praise and worship leader. He sang for about an hour straight, just letting us feel God's presence. Ibang klase. It's like falling asleep and all stress just floated away. Ang galeng.

Then I got an instrumental Hosanna cd on sale which I kept playing the entire weekend. So, I feel refreshed and just in sync again. Hopefully this will be a Don Moen inspired week for us.

How we Spent Easter

Dreaming of You

Late at night when all the world is sleeping
I'd stay up and think of you
And I'd wish on a star
That somewhere you are thinking of me too

Cuz I'm dreaming of you tonight
Till tomorrow, I'll be holding you tight
And there's nowhere in the world I'd rather be
Then here in my room,
Dreaming about you and me

Wonder if you even see me
And I wonder if you know I'm there
If you looked in my eyes
Would you see what's inside?
Would you even care?

I just wanna hold you close
But so far, all I have are dreams of you
So, I wait for the day and the courage to say
How much I love you(Yes, I do)

I'll be dreaming of you tonight
Till tomorrow, I'll be holding you tight
And there's nowhere in the world I'd rather be
Then here in my room,
Dreaming about you and me

Ahhh...I can't stop dreaming of you
Ahhh...I can't stop dreamin

Late at night when all the world is sleeping
I'd stay up and think of you
And I still can't believe that you came up to me
And said, "I love you; I love you too"

Now I'm dreaming with you tonight
Till tomorrow, and for all of my life
And there's nowhere in the world I'd rather be
Then here in my room,
Dreaming with you endlessly...

Math

Doritos + Tropicana + Casino Royale + Dirty Dancing = film happy

San Mig Light * videoke + pancit dinuguan + sizzling onions + sisig + video * digicam * laughter * kwento = shot happy

guitar * singing duet * picture taking * snuggling = sound tripping

driving + Ipod + posing + tickling = sound cruising

lake view + pool + garden + dusk = bliss

3 days + 2 nights + 22 hour road trip + 1 calesa ride = best weekend getaway

Being spoiled. I could get used to this :)

Bubbly

Will you count me in?

I've been awake for a while now
You got me feelin like a child now
'Cause every time I see your bubbly face
I get the tinglies in a silly place

chorus:
It starts in my toes
And I crinkle my nose
Wherever it goes
I always know
That you make me smile
Please stay for a while now
Just take your time
Wherever you go

The rain is falling on my window pane
But we are hiding in a safer place
Under covers staying dry and warm
You give me feelings that I adore

What am I gonna say
When you make me feel this way
I just mmmmm

And it starts in my toes
Makes me crinkle my nose

Wherever it goes
I always know
That you make me smile
Please stay for a while now
Just take your time
Wherever you go

I've been asleep for a while now
You tuck me in just like a child now
'Cause every time you hold me in your arms
I'm comfortable enough to feel your warmth

And it stats in my soul
And I lose all control
When you kiss my nose
The feelin' shows
'cause you make me smile baby
Just take your time now
Holdin' me tight

Wherever wherever wherever you go
Wherever wherever wherever you go

wherever you go
I always know
'Cause you make me smile
Even just for a while
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I HEART THIS SONG! thump thump..I love the music video too..

Films

I've been film-starved for ages..why? because I was busy and my Riley just assumed possession of our tv and remote control. It's that simple. But my yearning cannot be denied and so when he's fast asleep, I pounced on the dvd player and watched gloriously. Over the week, I saw "I could never be your woman" - done by Amy Heckerling, the "Clueless" producer and so it was a riot!

I also watched "Bucket List" - great friendship tale

I bought the Oscar winner and "Let there be blood" but haven't seen it yet

For the series, I'm into "Gossip Girl" right now, falling in love with Dan and Blair (nakakatomboy ang beauty nya).

So yes, I'm good and blissful because I outwitted my son even for just a few hours :)

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Something is happening to me. I've been eating right (less rice, less red meat) and exercising every chance I get (go Ne-yo). Maybe it's summer and got a new tankini in my wardrobe. I feel better too. Or maybe it's getting ready to meet...

I love Google. Didn't I tell you how much it loves me back?! It gives me the pleasure of spying, that first glimpse of other people's lives and then influencing my choices. Alright..I'm a certified peeping tammy..so sue me!

Rye 2.10

Rye is a happy, mischievous and uber kulet lil boy. And can be so exasperating!

He loves water, whether it's for bathing or just swimming in it.
Proof: don't leave your glass of water or he'll spill and make an instant pool out of it

He loves to say Mom in every beginning of a sentence
Proof: Mom, baba. Mom, bilis. Mom, upstairs. Mom, ayaw sleep. Mom, eat.

He loves to irk KT.
Proof: Rileeey...umuwi ka na nga! (KT's line)

He's into rap, commercials and cars.
Proof: "I wanna treat you like a... (Rye: queeee.." (should be queen) and sings "me love"

He loves to eat anything..even ampalaya but not a lot(thank you Knorr commercial)!

He's the popular kid on the block ("oh, you're Rye's mom")

He's my favorite dance partner these days.

Reconciliation

1 year and 6 months. The time my soul sister and I did not speak to each other. If you know me, you probably met Thelma. She is my ally, companion, bestfriend and our pregnancies were just 2 weeks apart.

I still recall why we fought but I couldn't justify the reasons. It was too shallow now. Last Saturday night, we put an end to our silent war and emerged victorious. We talked nonstop for 5 hours. I missed her soo much. Life just got better again.
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Why I love Sundays:

waking up late. exercise with Rye. nap before lunch. lunch while watching ASAP. book time. nap before The Buzz. Mass. dinner. listen to Magic or Wave. talk to Pangas. glorious slumber.

No one messes with my sacred day.

Push

Sarah Mclachlan

Every time I look at you the world just melts away
All my troubles all my fears dissolve in your affections
You've seen me at my weakest but you take me as I am
And when you fall you offer me a softer place to land

You stay the course you hold the line you keep it all together
You're the one true thing I know I can believe in

I get mad so easy but you give me room to breathe
No matter what I say or do 'cause you're to good to fight about it
Even when I have to push just to see how far you'll go
You won't stoop down to battle but you never turn to go

There are times I can't decide when i can't tell up from down
You make me feel less crazy when otherwise I'd drown
But you pick me up and brush me off and tell me I'm OK
Sometimes that's just what we need to get us through the day

online friends

I'm friends with famous people though they don't know it. I know their thoughts, habits, favorites, values and I could give them my own two cents' worth. Thanks to blogging.

I have access to Lea Salonga, Agot Isidro, KC Concepcion, Patty Laurel, Ala Paredes, Bianca Gonzales and others.

They lift me up when I'm down. They inspire me to be a better person.
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3 days to Valentine's Day..my dream of singing during this occasion in front of a small crowd will finally come true. Overtime nga lang. Pero pwede na rin. Parang lounge show na rin. hahaha.

I'm actually looking forward to it this year. Weeeh..
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Funny, it was the first time to set foot on Muntinlupa. Alone. I always thought Alabang was part of it and that's that. I hitched a ride with the sales people since they were going south and they dropped me off to Muntinlupa. It looked provincial to me. Super traffic.
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Last November, I purchased Frommer's Guide Book to Paris and Italy coz it was on sale..Like from P1,000 down to P100! I can say that I've been to these countries in my mind a thousand times over - the only thing missing is to be physically THERE.
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Walking in a Field of Daffodils

These bright yellow flowers cheer me up today. I wish I could grow these gorgeous blooms...I'm taking it soo easy this time.

My Philippine Travel Map

My Lakbayan grade is C-!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

Created by Eugene Villar.

Next stop: Palawan!

No One

Alicia Keys

I just want you close
Where you can stay forever
You can be sure
That it will only get better

You and me together
Through the days and nights
I don't worry 'cause
Everything's going to be alright
People keep talking they can say what they like
But all i know is everything's going to be alright

No one, no one, no one
Can get in the way of what I'm feeling
No one, no one, no one
Can get in the way of what I feel for you, you, you
Can get in the way of what I feel for you

When the rain is pouring down
And my heart is hurting
You will always be around
This I know for certain

You and me together
Through the days and nights
I don't worry 'cause
Everything's going to be alright
People keep talking they can say what they like
But all i know is everything's going to be alright

No one, no one, no one
Can get in the way of what I'm feeling
No one, no one, no one
Can get in the way of what I feel for you, you, you
Can get in the way of what I feel

I know some people search the world
To find something like what we have
I know people will try try to divide something so real
So till the end of time I'm telling you there is no one

No one, no one, no one
Can get in the way of what I'm feeling
No one, no one, no one
Can get in the way of what I feel for you

Just the Two of Us

I see the crystal raindrops fall
And the beauty of it all
Is when the sun comes shining through
To make those rainbows in my mind
When I think of you some time
And I want to spend some time with you

/ Cmaj7 B7 Em / Dm7 Cmaj7 / B7 Em7 - / :

{Refrain}
Just the two of us
We can make it if we try
Just the two of us, just the two of us
Just the two of us
Building castles in the sky
Just the two of us, you and I

/ Cmaj7 B7 / Em7 Dm7 / Cmaj7 B7 Em - / :

We look for love, no time for tears
Wasted water's all that is
And it don't make no flowers grow
Good things might come to those who wait
Not to those who wait too late
We got to go for all we know

{Refrain}

I hear the crystal raindrops fall
On the window down the hall
And it becomes the morning dew
Darling, when the morning comes
And I see the morning sun
I want to be the one with you

{Refrain}
...Building big castles way on high...(up north hahaha)

Just the two of us
Just the two of us
We can make it, just the two of us
Let's get together, baby
Just the two of us
Just the two of us
We can make it, just the two of us
Just the two of us
We can make it, just the two of us
{Repeat last two lines to fade}

Theme song..:)

You Make Me

You make me wanna get up in the morning
You make me wanna stay up all night long
You make me wanna get up to the dancing
You make me wanna reach up to the sky
I feel so high

When I first met you, I read in you
Something special happened I never knew before
Was it in your eyes, feelings you can't disguise
Something's telling me that
Destiny knocked on my front door

It's better to believe that to let by
The happiness I feel inside
Don't let go
I know that you feel safe
Let passion grow
And this better day by day
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Is 2008 such a hapeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee new year?

You betcha.

I met Bo Sanchez last Friday. It was a great post bday surprise! Nagpa autograph pa ko and photo op and my hands were cold. Grabe. He has been a great spiritual mentor and I'm so glad he has inspired me to do my Life Wish List notebook. Been writing since last weekend. And will continue to enumerate the dreams of my life..

I can't believe I'm gonna quote Ferdinand E. Marcos but here it goes:

"Take me to Paoay!"

(pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee or Laoag :)

2007 in Retrospect

2007..drenched in utmost grace. New friends, experiences, places, renewed faithwalk. Dizzying pace and yet filled with serenity. Iam so, so amazed!

toured the country - Ilocos, Cebu and Davao for free..and there are fringe benefits ha..nakakatuwa. Now ko talaga narealized na pang countryside ang beauty ko. I think I'm gonna retire in the mountains or the sea, simple living with nature and my beloved family (Rye and soon to be chenes).

met a lot of people from different places - for an introvert and a self-proclaimed cloistered nun, that is a HUGE improvement. I've never smiled so much in my life..and it felt soo good

knowing my place in the sun - i now have a clearer picture of what I'm good at, of what I can offer the world (ano ba, kaweirdohan..)

more responsibilities on my lap - aba dapat lang kasi 3 decades na ko in just a few days noh..pero hindi naman masyadong halata kasi nakakabulag pa din ng bata..(ano ba, subplot itoh!)

enjoying friendships, family - dahil super busy ako, the quality time i spent with each important person in my life increases in value kasi todo kwento, todo bonding pag nagkita kami.

Rye surprises me no end
(mommy, ayaw ok - meaning he's not ok)all his sentences begin with "mommy"
he can sing! he really can carry a tune singing "beautiful girl" - suicidie (so double dead na)
he's funny..he will mimick what i say and then laugh at me!
he can manipulate kids except KT
he will charm you till you obey all his whims
he can create a flood in the house..thanks to the water dispenser
he will kiss you immediately after doing a bad deed

gratitude and love for the Lord - He has always been my Dayspring - the One who refreshes my soul and I will always be in the shadow of His wings

I'm sooo excited for 2008!

Going North

I will have my 1st Northern Exposure! Hello Laoag and Vigan..Naimbag nga aldaw yo, apo.

Excited na ko makabili ng sangkatutak na chichacorn at makatikim ng bagnet..Goodluck sa hiblood ko..

This year God has blessed me with trips in Davao, Cebu and now Luzon naman. I met a lot of new friends, became sociable again, enjoying my job to the highest level. At mas nachallenge ako to do better. Hindi ko namalayan matatapos na ang 2007, it was all soo fast..napakabuti ng taon na ito, lahat ng bagong experiences sobrang saya.

Ang aking Christmas gifts hindi pa nabibili! Yikes, panic mode na. I was teaching Rye to say "Merry Christmas" over the weekend and it sounded like "Pahimas". Pwede na rin di ba. Pahimas or touch in english..Touch others with love and joy. Hmm..pwede nga.

My and Rye's 1st Kiddie Mass at St Jo

I was excited to go to the Children's Mass yesterday. Rye was just an excuse to go. Hehe. I was tired of the usual adult mass which makes me want to sleep sometimes and late na pag Sunday night kaya the 3pm sked was just right. Ayun, Rye slept on the first half and was groggy awake the rest of the hour. But it was fun! May action songs yung Papuri, Santo and Kordero..lahat! And the gospel was explained simply and the priest was acting the part of the bible characters..the kids can participate in the question and answer portion during the sermon..There's also something so spiritual listening to a children's choir. Mas nafeel ko ang presence ni Lord.

Dati ko pang iniisip if I wanted to convert into a baptist Christian. Because there are certain beliefs that I really don't practice like regular confession, novenas and others. But then I love the Mass itself, the good rituals like Baptism, 1st communion and the devotion to Mama Mary. And Andrew Greeley always remind me through his books just how great it is being raised as a Catholic. It's also something that Mama passed on to me which made me who I am now. It's not just a religion. It's a way of life. Although maraming imperfections, I've come to terms with it.

I taught Rye how to do the Sign of the Cross. He wants to say "..and of the Son" only and "Anem". He Calls Jesus as "Jushush".

Anem.