I'm into parks, open spaces and nature. As I grow older, I prefer these getaways instead of malls (gasp haha). Last Saturday, we took a surprise trip to Rizal park. Surprised because it was only that day I planned it and because we had no itinerary at all. Wanted to go to the Planetarium but Sash was with us so it has to be a dog friendly place. Sash was mayabang, she sashayed without a leash and she didn't wander away from us. So cute, so many people wanted to take pix of her even foreigners. We had a picnic at the Chinese Garden, strolled near the Rizal monument. We gazed at the lighted dancing fountains and finally, saw Bayaning Third World in the open air cinema. It was extra special since the film was about Rizal and it was written by Sir Doy Del Mundo. Also, Rye watched the film and whined just a few times. It was weird watching the film about Rizal when the location where he died was just steps away from us. I got goosebumps. There are some new things I learned from the film, about the retraction issue, the Josephine Bracken issue with the female siblings and that he was estranged with brother Paciano during the last days of his life. It was a sad thing because it was he who paid for Rizal's education. That Trining died poor. Bitin for him coz the larger than life Phil map can't be seen anymore since it's dark already and he wanted to go back to see it. It was a great unplanned day. So many more of these would be nice and totally worth it. I want to happily plan our unplanned getaways. Nyeeh. Photos to follow. I'm excited for Rye to visit museums, edifices and other historical places. I want him to be proud of his heritage, of being Pinoy, of knowing his identity. We had NHI markers to celebrate our afternoon of bliss. Yihee! Thank You God.

Shark Tale

I actually held a shark. Well, a baby bamboo shark but still a shark for all intents and purposes. It was surreal. It's like an out of this world moment, how many people can say they were able to feel the rough skin of an underwater predator? Cool. My extreme animal adventure is happening. Haha. Going to Calatagan has been something I've always wanted to do but never had the chance until last weekend. It was work and some leisure. It was walking on seagrass, meeting some cute sea urchins which looked like live rambutans and of course, my favorite starfishies! It was gazing at the starlit moonlit sky and embracing the sea breeze. I missed it soo much. And likewise. Batangas is absolutely beautiful, lots of spacious land and nature. The 4 hour travel time ain't so bad with that kind of view. The bamboo shark release activity was historical, honored to be part of it. The first ever in the country. It was truly inspiring and love for marine life, for the environment is something so inherent in me. This is truly a calling, a mission, not just a day job. Thank You God. I'm still reeling from the experience. Someday it would be great to bring Rye with me in these activities. I could feel the pride in my voice when I say "your mom got to touch a shark". And I could see his incredulous expression, those huge eyes... Ahh, it would be soo much fun to share this tale.

7th Happy

Rye is seven. Seven is my favorite number. He just turned seven 4 days ago. I can't believe it. God is awesome! May is just dumbfounding. We changed location again. Manila is so welcoming to me, embraced me with much fervor. I have a new happy place that is Paco Park. I spent Mother's Day with bestfriend Thelmsky and the kids. Weekend upon weekend of great times. Rye's birthday was a swim party. I had my first ever underwater helmet dive - Aquanaut Voyage and it was amazing! I'm super excited for this weekend. First, it will be my first time in Calatagan which I've been googling last month as possible birthday getaway for Rye. Next is that I'll take part in the first ever baby shark release. Such a cool, out of this world moment. And of course, the best reason is that I will hit the beach after a year. Amidst everything, I got an awesome haircut, bangs! I haven't had bangs in ages. I'm mulling over having a public blog, like in the office what I do there blog, since digital social media is the way I'm going so might as well. But it's still on my mind. Because I missed worship at the office before, God granted me a really nice trade-off which is going to Mass everyday. I passed by Mama Guia shrine everyday and it makes me soo kind. I mean how could you be really cranky when you go to church first thing in the morning...it lessens my foul mood of waking up :) New, new, new. All or naught.

And Then There Were Two

Two meaning just two cousins - Rye and Gab in Manila. Two meaning two left again for abroad. In and out. Someone said airports are the happiest and the saddest place on earth. I definitely agree, so call me a fair-weather friend, family member. Don't make me send you off. I hate it. Hate the feeling of being left behind.

I'm happy that everyone is where they should be at right now. My family thrives in 4 corners of the globe. It's actually amazing. God's blessings in heaps. Being online has never felt more important until now. Skype Christmas. FB party. Twitter hellos.

I'm sad because there's still nothing like hugging or laughing together or experiencing stuff. Virtual banter is not so much fun.

Summer is here! I still don't know what to do. Dad is still here. Yipee.

What's my next project? I think I know but I'm still in denial. Sheesh.

I like to live day by day. It's so peaceful and I feel so grateful for being alive. Routine is now my friend. After eluding it for the most part of my life, now I'm finally embracing it.

I'm anti-social but I'm handling the social sites, used to interact with guests. That's so weird. But it's me. Ha. I'm asking God why is that? Sometimes i just really want to be left alone.

2012 has began

I welcomed the New Year with fireworks from all corners of the sky up on the roof. It was a beautiful sight! After that, I got drunk over 3 Tanduay Ice and fell asleep. Only to awaken and passed out twice. Not a good feeling. Rhum is not for me. Make that no alcohol for me anytime soon.

My birthday was a 3 day spectacle, with all my favorite dishes shared with the most important people. At work, my favorite lumpia from Mealstop. At Rub Ribs, with to die for babyback ribs and side dishes with Mavic, Thelma, Mina and Rye. Nightcap at Starbucks. Great gifts too! Sunday spent with family at ATC over Shakey's Pizza. I think I gained over a thousand pounds that weekend and I'm trying to lose it now.

Missing my former boss...i really hate goodbyes. It's such a shite experience. But it's part of life. And life goes on whether we like it or not.

Daddy is coming! Such wonderful news after I've accepted that he's probably just coming home by Dec. along with everyone else. So psyched to be with him after two years.

I haven't traveled in awhile. My feet are now itching to step on the bus, anywhere but here mode all over again. But I still have alot of bills to pay and money to save. God is good.

I haven't finished this Brad Pitt film. It's so good, I'm scared of the ending.

I want to write more, but I just don't have the luxury of time. I like that I can now allocate time to workout or just really dance in abandon and sweat it out. Any excuse to burn all I eat. To be healthy and to feel light. and to wear the clothes I love. So far, so good.

My son is almost done with grade one. What?! Soo fast. He thinks he needs an Iphone. really a chip off the old block huh. sssh.

Oh, and my heart is really cute right now. back to highschool thumps but i never had a highschool sweetheart to begin with. so thats not right.

December Reunions

December started awesome with reunions from Thelma and Anne, WHEN - my gradeschool and highschool barkada. Followed by the Legend girls. Now it's with Mavic whom I haven't seen in 8 years. Wow. So much to be thankful for this Christmas.

Also there's a thump thump going on but just your run of the mill crush. Heehee.

Kinda bummed right now at work but hopefully this too shall pass.

Christmas with two less family members abroad. But can't wait for Dad to come home by mid January! Exactly 2 years ago.

Thank you Lord. Claiming Psalms.

My Heart is Full

I didn't get it then. "But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart." Luke 2:19. Now as a Mom I totally get it. When you have this gift of human life growing inside of you, heart beating, feet kicking your stomach, it's just too much to take it in. When he's grown and taking his first steps, all milestones, going to school for the first time and learning to become his own person..you treasure it and seize the moment because everything is fleeting. You just have to remember and smile. Mary knew He'll be gone soon, to ministry, to fulfill His calling and to eventually witness His death. But she was tough and she hang on. Thank you Mama Mary .

Thank You for today Lord. You made it all possible. I'm awed beyond measure. Ur an awesome God!

BFFs

I've been so blessed to have real friends. These are the ones you go to when life is about to fall apart and they're like air, they let you breathe. Or laugh. Or cry. They let you release all those pent-up feelings and frustrations. Until you feel better.

This weekend I'm gonna meet Shei and Jackie. Last week I was with Thelmsky. On a weeknight coffee break, I spent with Thea and Weng. Thank God for them.

Weekend Warrior

I came across the term "weekend warrior" this week and never really knew what it meant. I like it so I'm gonna make my own interpretation. Now that I only have 1.5 days of weekend, I'm practically savoring each and every nanosecond of my weekend. So I'm a warrior in the sense that I only go to places I want to go to, spend it with the people I want to and indulge in the things I feel like doing. That simple. October is kinda full. Birthday weekends. Hospital visit. And one perfect rainy Sunday spent with Rye, Sash and Angry Birds.

I'm super excited for the long Halloween weekend. First, we have an event for children and Rye's going to be in costume for the 1st time. Gotta dig up that Peter Pan costume. Also, we're planning up some beach time with the Tri-I girls and Rye. So begging to go out of this town. Suburbia gets to me sometime and provincial buses are a source of longing.

Been on a slump for less than a week, motherhood issues but God is great and faithful so I bounced back in no time. I'm having Mass almost everyday if possible in Ermita and yes, I feel Mama with me in that place. I also have my devotional time at night. Jesus is such a cool God.

I'm trying to be healthy. Not eating rice at night. I feel lighter. Hope this works.

I finally got to go to Midas Hotel yesterday. I attended a seminar called "Marketing Rescue" by Mansmith & Fielders. Now I know more of digital marketing and I'm getting it. Some of it though I still have a lot to learn.

Then off we went to PTM at SMX. I saw Legend people - PF, DCC, PEter, Tess, Richard all now not connected. Sa TLP andun si Gilbert. It's just so weird that we're not all working together anymore. But it's moving on and having a blast.

WE had dinner at Yoshinoya MOA with the marketing team. Nice except my feet are killed from wearing the heels for hours. Hayst.

I went home and there's a homeowners' meeting going on and on forever. Wahh..

August is tough

Rye got sick for almost a week this month. It was so excrutiating to see him suffer. It was a very humbling experience to be at the hospital and check ups with doctors. God is soo good. Shaping my character and mothering skills. It is an acquired skill.

Rye and I have regular weekly dates now. Usually it's just the mall, Powerbooks and dinner. He's like a mini me, happy with a pen and paper. But instead of writing, he's drawing. He's also now into crosswords, maze and connect the dots.

I'm learning about patience, trust and that God is in control in every situation. No exception. He's the big One. Amen.

I have Mass everyday now before I go to work. It keeps me sane. and nice. Putol sungay. It's refreshing. I love it.

Long weekend is spent with my besties, Thelms, Tamay, Jensky and Yen. and films. hehe. Soo worth it.

July High

It's nearing the end of July, been pretty busy at work but I think I found my routine. I especially love my prayer time at 10pm. It's a great way to recap the day and thank the Lord for all the blessings He has bestowed or rant all I want about how crappy it was. I still end up thanking Him though.

We have a dog! I thought I didn't have a petting instinct anymore but as soon as I saw this mini schnauzer waiting at the door, not letting herself in..twas too cute to ignore. She's Sashee..I don't know, in an instant I knew that it's gonna be her name.

And I think I have a crush. So my heart is not calloused yet. Faintly. Let's wait and see. I'm a huge wait fan. Ha!

I miss the beach. Just going out of town. I don't have the luxury of time here. Hopefully we won't have Saturdays in the future. Praying...

Mid Year Funk

It's been four months since my last blog. Awesome. I have been busy changing my life, new work and all. Same career but it's more challenging, more upping the ante so to speak. I'm loving it. Everything's new and old after 4 years, been walking around more, my environment has been back to where I've always treated as my home - old Manila and a lot of memories creeping in as days go by.

My Rye is 6 and a gradeschool boy, getting independent by the day. He now eats lunch on his own. Sigh. Sigh. He's also very chatty. If not for him, I would be mute by now. Coz I don't talk much. Haha.

But of course, there are trade offs for a great fulfilling job. That's missing friends, time is always scarce for going out, bonding time is just 1.5 day every weekend. I'm still mastering the time management rationing.

All in all, it's been great. I have a great view of the bay every single day, storms and amazing sunsets. God has given me the gift of having absolutely no regrets in every decision - good or bad. pass or fail. and for that, i give Him all the glory.

1st quarter of 2011

It's been a scary first quarter. Tsunami, earthquakes in the Pacific, wars in MidEast. Is 2011 really 2012? But these are the times to reflect on God and how in a minute, everything can be taken away and there is none left but your faith.

Rye graduated with honor in kindergarten. Glory to God! As always with once in a lifetime events, we had a very comedic-dramatic commencement exercise. I was close to tears when "Farewell" song played in the background. hello grade school!

He's in summer basketball clinic these days with Gab. A hilarious enjoyment for all. Good thing they're related to Kuya Ronnie. :)

Rye will be six this May. To party or to travel. Still thinking. But there's more likelihood to travel. Or to save for one next year when he's seven. Hmm..plans, plans. I'm very organized with travel plans. Tis is all.

Yen and Thelma gave birth to Yliakim and Rovik. Such darlings. Now it's hospital visits instead of coffee dates. Such is the cycle of life. I miss writing. I miss my friends who I have not seen for quite some time. Either I'm busy or they're busy.

My weekends are still sacred. It's still mine. Sunday is for God. Then some for McDreamy, can't get over Meredith and Derek.

Jesus' Age

Jesus' age. Thirty three. He died at this age fulfilling His destiny. I think at this age tomorrow I'm only starting, or just half way there. I have so much to be thankful for and I'm speechless on how or where to begin. I have miracles!

Dayspring - whenever I think of God, I think He really looks like Jim Caviezel. in jeans and white shirt, hanging out at the beach and giving me that sexy lazy grin, that forgiving look everytime I messed up again. Or on a boat in a river like in "The Notebook". My God is a handsome, totally gorgeous guy!

Miracle of Riley - at 5 years old, he's entering a speech contest and quiz bee. He's funny, he's got so much talent I'm actually envious and his charm is infectious.

Miracle of ATM balance - I thought I didn't have enough cash and lo and behold, something is always in it. Praise God.

Miracle of New Experience - I get bored easily, I feel I need to do something new everyday or I'll literally rot and self-destruct. So God gives me some exciting, sometimes scary moments just to make me feel alive.

Miracle of Friends - I have great friends, really good looking, witty, funny ones and importantly, readily available if I need some talk time or coffee time.

Miracle of Family - for two consecutive years, they leave to foreign lands. And I miss them. But as years go by, we actually became friends. I love having them around or in my corner.

I don't know what the year holds for me. I only guarantee wonder, surprise and laughter! In huge doses please..Amen.

Batanes on my mind

Batanes on my mind
Elynor Anne M. Matencio

I wanted to go to Batanes because I've heard so many good things about this place, I don't think it's real. They say there's an Honesty shop where you can go ahead and help yourself without anyone watching, you pay through a coin box. They say there's absolutely zero crime rate and that no one steals your bike when you leave it outside. They say it's like Ireland with just sea, sky and mountain slopes. They say it even has four seasons. It sounds too good to be true.

My fascination with native culture, language and food started when I was young. I have traveled in quite a number of provinces and each one is unique. The Ivatans physically weather the storms. I would like to get to know these people who are so tuned to nature. I might learn a thing or two.

I have seen the movie, surfed many blogs by famous people and read numerous articles of Batanes and I think I'm going insane if I don't go. That is the reason why I'm entering this contest and to make sure that Batanes is not a mythical place in the country.

http://flyseair.com
http://www.facebook.com/flyseair

Wired

We're wired at home starting last weekend. It's weird. I don't really spend much time on the internet when I'm home coz it's my bonding time with Rye. But still the fact that it's there, it's tempting to go online.

The up side is that I got to chat with G in London, Rap and Ayla in Las Pinas and Jundee in Laguna. It was fun with some tech glitches using skype and ym.

Our tv set conked out a month ago. So I haven't seen any soap opera for awhile which is refreshing since I don't particularly like local shows but since there's no choice because we don't have cable (no Skycable allowed, so none at all for me - I
only got it sana for the tennis and Lifestyle channel)..carry na din.

The down side is that I miss my videoke dvd player. I couldn't belt out when I want to.

I also turned to reading for the most part that there's no tv. I got reacquianted with Andrew Greeley and some of the books I purchased that I haven't read. Rye is into books as well. He's fascinated with zoo books and stories.

I love my routine. It's very steady. But I really miss the great outdoors. Nature. Beach. Mountain. Hay, when will I get away from this city?

Christmas is near. Will be kinda sad coz we're two less this year - Dad and G abroad. But there's always skype..

I had a lunch turned merienda turned coffee date with my bestfriend last Saturday. It was fun updating one another after months of not getting together. We're like that. I'm so blessed to have someone like her in my life.

September hurts

Butch Albarracin the President and Founder of Center of Pop passed away last Sept 16. He's my maestro, someone who saw my potential and patiently taught me how to sing well. I and hundreds of popular singers in the country. He was so good and so nice.

CPMP memories flooded my brain. It was magical. I don't know how to describe it.

I now have internet at home. I don't need cable na. Haha. Thank God.

August Already

It's August, It's my bestfriend's birthday, happy bday thelmsky! Love you to bits.
We moved house again. Hopefully this is it. My books are happily displayed on the shelf. Life is good. God is great.

Rye on his exam week - chicken! And he's on a flyer! Mga artista na si Gab and Rye. Cuties. Hunkies in the future.

I miss writing. I just wrote testimonials for Thelma and G-Anne. It's soo touching. at least for me. Hehe. I miss the flow of words and the integration of paragraphs. It's hard to find the time to write but sometimes I just have to let it out.

More of June

Rafa won French Open and Wimbledon. Spain won World Cup. Over the moon sya. Busy with unit fixings and all. Had an enjoyable time with friends, watched Eclipse, spa and food trip. I terribly miss writing. I've finished "Swan", Francis Mayes novel about a family based in Georgia and a setting in Italy. I'm intrigued by these places. Nice. Done with photo shoot.

Rye is obsessed with his yellow frog boots from Ninang Yen. We now established a pattern, we switched watching tv and I read book, him playing gameboy on weekends. He's really my son. We both have our own worlds. Together yet on our own. Great.