blue law by anna

SIONY'S SHAWARMA

2012-01-27T13:39:00.007+08:00

27 January 2012

Shawarma cravings. Search is over - the garlic sauce is NOT sweet, ladies and gentlemen. Thank the good lord. Eaten with grilled tomatoes and ox brain on the side! Teehee. House blend iced tea is Strong. And the place is a bit Too Dark for my liking. But can't beat the meat! Yum.

Persian Square, Ortigas Home Depot, Pasig

EVALUATION: 2011 MORNING SKINCARE REGIMEN

2012-01-25T20:11:00.011+08:00

Last year I posted this twitpic of my morning gunk.

It's January and it's time to re-stock my inventory for 2012! I don't do product reviews because, well, I'd rather let other people do it, but I have to evaluate the stuff I used last year so I can figure out what I'll keep and toss this year. (I know, could I not have come up with a catchier title? Mine sounds like a product report).

I've been using all 4 (above) almost every day, every morning since March 2011 (save for when I go on vacation, because I pack a different set of toiletries, and on days when, well, I ~~just don't want to bother~~ am running late for work). Basically it's anti-aging for the night routine, and brightening for daytime. This is the daytime regimen:

(Left to Right in photo above)

Day serum - Clinique Total Turnaround Concentrate Visible Skin Renewer. My 3rd cycle with this serum. The first time I used it (years ago) was with this Avon Anew Luminosity day cream. Radiant skin for about a year, so I figured, jackpot! Then Avon Anew discontinued that particular Luminosity cream (why do companies always do that!). I thought it was the Clinique doing the magic. So I got it again, and now again, for another year, with different day creams (Clinique, Olay and Sekkisei). Last 2 cycles? Zero, zip, didn't see any difference. I've come to realize it was probably Avon's Luminosity cream that worked its magic, not the Clinique. (Darn eeeeet talaga!!!). This year, with the Sekkisei, I didn't see any impact on my skin, so this is the last time I'm using this; blech, I am so done with Clinique.

*I read a blogger's review here where she basically said that this Clinique serum is totally useless on its own. I have to agree. She also said it works best with the other Clinique moisturizers - but I don't like the Clinique moisturizers. The same blogger recommended Estee Lauder's Idealist - I shall research that (thank god for reviews).

Moisturizer - Sekkisei Kose Supreme Moisturizer II. I LOVE this. It's very fluid, but it's never sticky or oily. I don't like thick day creams. This one is fluid enough so it's easy to slap on in the morning when you're rushing, but it never smears. Mattifies but it still gives a nice subtle (almost pearl-y) glow. Hunting for the right face cream was a loooong arduous task for me. I shifted from the American products to the Japanese brands - simply because uy-nga-pala I'm Asian, and I really think the Japanese (and Koreans) have the best skin. So why not use their stuff, di ba!

They have this Sekkisei variation with SPF (day cream + SPF) and a regular SPF lotion on its own, to mix with the moisturizer. Best of all: it's SPF 50. When I'm done with my bottle, I fully intend to get Sekkisei again (a little goes a long way for this).

Brightening eye cream - Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Eye Treatment. A gift from my bestfriend Marla, and this works really well for me, for brightening up my eye area. For night time, though, I prefer eye creams that zap wrinkles and sagging. This one is more for lightening. The fact that it's a pump bottle makes it also convenient to use when you're rushing in the morning.

Neck cream - Burt's Bees Radiance Day Lotion with SPF 15. I love this, too. I'm all out as of press time actually, hahahaha. It's technically a face cream but I use it strictly on my neck. Not as fluid as the Sekkisei which is precisely why I use it for my neck (do you really want cream dribbling down to your collar?). It smells great and I like the bottle. I just went for: cute packaging + great smell + green company = Burt's Bees.

*Sekkisei, Clinique, and Shiseido are available at Rustan's Essenses. Burt's Bees available in The Beauty Bar.

CROSS-POST: "LAZ DESIGNS A SHIRT"

2012-01-24T14:38:00.003+08:00

God bless little sisters who take time to bake, paint, and do art projects with their nephews. My son Laz is so fortunate because Amanda, my kid sister, dotes on him and really racks her brains trying to think of creative and stimulating stuff to do with Laz when he's at their place weekdays. Amanda's work hours have been really flexible these past few months, but not all aunts would make this kind of effort! So, a great big shout out to my sister Amanda for constantly coming up with all these projects for Laz. Original post by Amanda here.

x------------------x

"Laz designs a Shirt"

by Hey Mandi

Fabric crayons!

With the help of these neat crayons from National Bookstore, my nephew Laz designed one of his white sandos.

The budding fashion designer at work

As of the moment, our 3-year old can only do abstract art but is really good at it. Check out his creation below.

The final product

He didn't want to wear it at first because he thought it was dirty na from all the colors but he gladly wore it for his lolo and lola.

Modelling his ultra cool sando with his lolo

Grab a box of 74.75 at National Katip if you feel inspired to make your own shirt too.

x-----------------x

CNY 2012

2012-01-23T17:42:00.023+08:00

Happy Chinese New Year, Everyone!

(Yes, we are so so happy they finally made this day a holiday! And we're not even Chinese, teehee).

We've been tackling our house by area. I'm referring to cleaning, of course! We're finished with the living room. There isn't really much to do in the kitchen, except maybe organize the cabinets again, and unpack this huge balikbayan box stowed away under a sidetable. Today we decided to chase away the bad juju by completely overhauling Laz's room. We FINALLY unearthed his toddler bed. Brand new, care of his Luli. Well, it was brand new a year ago - and never been used! (But very handy as a general, free-for-all tambakan. Teehee!). Laz pitched in (sort of. The braaf kind). We even set up a tent in the corner (a gift from his Ninang Karol during his 1st birthday). Then we spent the rest of the day doing the usual family things.

Top row: Laz's bed - at last!; morning swim in the kiddie pool (gift from Opa and Oma); visiting the babies in CRIBS

Bottom row: quick kroketten stop (our entire family is sooo hooked; we buy 1 bag each - even Laz); my little helper in the grocery; Laz is loving that tent!

Great 3-day weekend. Energized.

Ready for the work week again!

MR. PHILANTHROPY - FAIL!

2012-01-23T17:18:00.021+08:00

23 January 2012

We dropped off 2 bags of Laz's old toys in CRIBS today.

(We cleaned ~~gutted~~ his room and sorted his toys. For feng shui. It's Chinese New Year today, after all).

As with the last time, we saved the acknowledgement receipt.

But wait!

Here's Mr. Philanthropy AFTER donating his toys to CRIBS:

So much for your good juju, Laz!!!

ASTI'S 1ST BIRTHDAY

2012-01-22T23:13:00.054+08:00

22 January 2012

Happy................................................................Birthday, Asti!

After Ayala, we drove down to BF Fairview for Asti's 1st birthday party, the son of one of Pao's officemates. The legal department over at Pao's company is teeny tiny (4 lawyers, excluding their boss, to be exact!) so they make it a point to attend each other's family events, teehee. Pao is particularly close to Ferdie and Cesar. I swear to god, they have lunch together, work out together, even watch movies together.

Top row: Pao and Ferdie; entrance at the BF Fairview clubhouse; Laz actually ate the kiddie plate there - yay!

2nd row: really really awesome magic act; Laz gazing in envy at the football players behind the party venue; dog show!

Bottom row: Laz (in a borrowed Mickey hat) poring over his bounty haha; Pao plays to win in the adult game; posing with the ducks

I must say, that was a really fun party. Aside from the amazing magician (got his card! Ha!), there was also a dog show, which especially the little kids really enjoyed. The host wasn't annoying, the photobooth people stayed on until the end of the party, and everyone (even the parents) participated in the games. The party started at 4pm and we were all there well into the evening.

Best of all, Laz made friends with Gab, Edward's son!

(He's younger than Laz but about a head taller. The tallest 2-year old I know! And my son is pretty beefy for a 3-year-old ha!).

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY, ASTI!

Thank you for inviting us, Ferdie and Enchang!

SANDWICHED SUNDAY

2012-01-22T16:12:00.018+08:00

22 January 2012

Messy Bestie stripped down to his diapers and hi-tops in the dirty kitchen.

Ice cream cones are always such sticky affairs!

Laz honestly thought he was racking up those points in Wii.

But there's actually Tita Chrissa sweating it out behind him!

Best home-made brownies ever in Ayala.

Tucked away maybe half a dozen.

I love it when Sunday is sandwiched between Saturday and a holiday.

DADDY BEN'S 40TH DAY (AND LAZ'S PICTURES)

2012-01-22T12:17:00.019+08:00

22 January 2012

Together with our Palma clan for a morning of prayers (for Daddy Ben), brunch, and much love and laughter.

Sharing Batch 2 of the photos Laz took from my phone camera:
(i.e. Laz's Headless Wonders!)

Um, a little "translation" is in order here:
Top row: Oma, Opa, Lola Irene
Bottom row: Lolo Ferdie, Papu, Lola Nens.

Revisit Laz's first batch of photos here!

LAST TWO IN YAKIMIX

2012-01-21T11:07:00.001+08:00

21 January 2012

We must be, easily, the Last Two People In Manila To Try Yakimix. Laz was knocked out and turned in early today, so Pao and I skedaddled to the nearby SM to grab a bite. Lo and behold - only 4th in the queue for Yakimix. (The one near our place is always terribly horribly annoyingly completely packed. With a waiting list a mile long. My rumbling tummy could never take it). It was barely a 10 minute wait and woot! A table by the window! Lucked out! Today, clearly, we were fated to Yakimix. Ergo: ATTTAAACK!!! Unlimited sashimi sushi and maki - I died and went to heaven. (Literally, almost died sa busog). Pao, of course, did all the cooking, god bless him, while I gulped down one maki after the other. There were Japanese, Taiwanese and some Korean dishes that day. At Php 580 per head for eat all you can. Worth the hype, this Yakimix. I'd say it's Saisaki level up: menu is not as varied, but the selections are much much tastier.

For da weeeeen.

Yakimix Sushi - Smokeless Grill - Restaurant
Ground Floor, SM City Masinag
Marcos Highway, Antipolo
Tel. No. 781-41-82

VIEW FROM THE TOP

2012-01-21T10:56:00.002+08:00

21 January 2012

The ~~instant~~ ~~home-made~~ ~~oh all right~~ instant mac and cheese ~~by Kraft~~ was a big success with Laz. Hurray!

Such a challenge getting the boy to eat proper food.

We spent most of Saturday cocooning and practicing on his new scooter.

I had to work all through the night yesterday so I went down for nap time!

Laz, on the other hand, was so busy puttering around that he skipped his nap altogether.
Which meant he was in bed by 6pm.
Which meant dinner out and drinks for Papu and Mamu - rare night out indeedy.

Could have headed out of town (thanks Ninang Pamee for the invite, nevertheless) but we chose to instead stretch out this 3-day long weekend just catching up with life at home and in the city.

"BOROUGHING" WITH MARLA

2012-01-18T12:18:00.001+08:00

Dashed off for a quick lunch with my bestfriend Marla, hurrah!

Like I mentioned before, Marls is in Manila for a few months. We live at opposite ends of the metropolis, so if there's a chance to nip out for some quality time - GO! It was easier before because there were night outs. But now as we've gotten older I think meals, phone calls, and mall time suit us just fine. (Gimmick = Porma + Puyat + Eyebags = KATAMAD). As usual, we talked away a dime a dozen - and I especially love and wholeheartedly believe Marla's explanation on why my hair had gotten, er, ~~oily~~ so whack recently (all those sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners! Oil overcompensating! Hair adjusting! It sounds COMPLETELY logical to me ha!!!).

I wish Marla would move back home. Despite the sorority and cronies, I really am more of a one-on-one friend - and Marla is my One! Anyhoo, since ~~laos na kami~~ we've stopped going out, when Marla's in town, we should probably plan a vacation next time (i.e. We've never set foot in Republiq! Whetttteeeeep). Literally, we've been burrowing. (Or "boroughing", teehee).

Lunch for two. So healthy. Oha.

Borough, The Podium, ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong

KAUAI TOPS FROM BROWN BELLY

2012-01-16T15:25:00.001+08:00

Such pretty prints - Kauai tops from Brown Belly.
(Reviewed here).

These actually arrived last Thursday.

But I was so busy I didn't have time to open them until this afternoon.

Buying breezy prints for summer. This is getting addictive, ack.

THE WEEKEND THAT WAS

2012-01-15T11:56:00.106+08:00

Top row: inside The Grey Market; Laz having breakfast in the mall; blessing Laz's Buddha beads

2nd row: Tons trying on eyeliner in Tony Moly; Laz painted this!; Saturday lunch inC2

Bottom row: bread smelled so good in LeCoeur; Laz giggling while watching the girl ~~pull our leg~~ "bless" his bracelet; kaloka sa Souq Organics!!!

Saturday

Team Patajo was out of the house early today. We went to this new derma along Quezon Avenue. Laz, the dear, came and kept us company. (He made a lot of noise actually, but the staff there, thankfully, thought he was adorable). Then Pao dropped us off in Shang while he went to the office. Had breakfast in LeCoeur - Laz had a crunchy pan de sal stuffed with chicken. I got him yogurt too but he thought it was nasty. I'm always happy when Laz eats proper food! Was thrilled to discover emu oil in Healthy Options (and organic toothpaste from Tom's of Maine for Laz, hehe. They have for adults in S&R). My Tita Budz used emu oil (mixed with extra virgin coconut oil) for Tito Minggoy's psoriasis. I thought it was worth the shot!

Bought Buddha beads for Laz from that kitschy stall right outside Healthy Options. The girl there had it "blessed." I got black (to ward off bad spirits) and red (for good health) beads for Laz (only Php 150 for kiddie bracelets). Laz got a real kick out of it. I went to Rustan's while Laz spun through the carousel until Pao came, and we all had lunch at C2. (More carbs!). Last stop, as always, was the book store - got a gift for Marla, Pao finally got a new novel for himself, and we got Laz a sticker book (he's still obsessed) from Power Books.

We dropped by the Bellutido complex along White Plains on our way home. SHRIIIIEEEEEK! I love that place. The Grey Market sells art, old records, furniture, accessories and bags. There's Celline in the second floor, with such dreamy clothes (by appointment only though). Old Asia is somewhere in the back. There's Crave Burgers and Flaming Wings if you get hungry. But best of all is Souq Organics. Aside from the Moroccan Argan Oil, they have this wonderful Baby Only organic line. Love at first browse.

Then home for siesta! Except Laz didn't sleep! So we had to leave him when we headed South for Marla's surprise birthday dinner. Just as well too, because Yaya Nida reports Laz fell asleep an hour after we left. We swung by Ortigas to pick up Eric and went to Marla's new house. VERY PRETTY! Good job, Tita Sonia! Euge followed and we all feasted on crabs, prawns, chicken, pasta and "Best Chocolate Cake" from Shell along SLEX. (It was soooo good. Insane). The dinner was a surprise! (SUPPLIES!!!). And Marla was surprised indeed. So happy it went well. Thank you to the Zunigas for having us over!

P.S. As I expected, no hair oil from Moroccan Argan. BUT! The wonderful Marla bought me Moroccanoil! It was exactly what I wanted. HURRAAAAYYYYYY!!! Thank you!!! (And thank you for the pasalubongs for Laz and Pao as well, Marls!)

Sunday

My mother read my mind! Woke up early and was mulling over where to go before lunch at my folks'. Yay, my mother called to say they wanted to lakwatsa as well, so off we went to Megamall. Pao helped my dad buy a new treadmill. I went make up shopping with my sister Amanda. I wanted to hit up all the Korean stores: Face Shop, Tony Moly and Etude House. Only had time to visit the first two. I figure, since we're experimenting, go for the cheap brands (but still with cute packaging. I insist). Got brown eyeliner from Tony Moly - it looked great when the sales person whatever put it on (all of us, our mom included), so, what the hell. We had lunch in Mey Lin and really enjoyed it (more here). Laz spent an hour in one of those play areas while I nipped away to buy him shirts... and actually started Christmas shopping. Labo! Thank you for lunch, parents!!! And thank you, Amanda, for the pasalubongs for KL!!!

We spent quite a long time in Megamall, actually. My dad and the driver took the treadmill home first and came back for us. Laz was drooping away in the car and the 3 of us slept until 6pm that night at home! My in laws, for a change, come over and we feasted on HUGE prawns and chicken curry for dinner with the Lulipops. Aaaah. Much much food this weekend. Diets be damned (again)!

So that was our weekend. I know this entry is more text-heavy than normal (for me, recently, I mean). But my dad complained about my last weekend entry not having enough descriptions! So here it is, Popsy!

(Kapagod pala ha. I'm not used to "writing" anymore. Next time I will stick to blitzkrieging, heehee).

MEY LIN'S HAND-PULLED NOODLES

2012-01-15T11:51:00.024+08:00

15 January 2011

The hand-pulled noodles in Mey Lin are highly recommended.

So good; we really enjoyed it (see top row, middle shot).

My mother so much so that she was actually watching the Chinese chef prepare it and gave him a hearty applause, hahaha.

Thank you, Opa and Oma, for the Sunday lunch!
(More about our weekend here)

Mey Lin Pot & Noodle House
4th Floor, SM Megamall Bldg. A
Mandaluyong
Tel. No. (02) 634-12-61

SCOOT!

2012-01-14T10:42:00.065+08:00

14 January 2012

I have a little story about the scooter Laz got from his Ninang Pamee for Christmas.

He was thrilled when we came home with it.

He kept squealing "I like it I like it!" while his dad was setting it up.

The he tried it. And, well, the boy is just 3.2 years old, after all, and he doesn't have the greatest sense of balance just yet. He couldn't figure out how to use his scooter properly! We demonstrated and tried to teach him. We tried whizzing all over the house, both of his feet firmly planted on the little board, with Mamu pushing and panting from behind. But he couldn't get the whole pushing off with one feet thing - he kept wobbling off.

I could see the frustration on his face. We finally decided to quit trying to teach him the right way to use it because he'd get even more frustrated. I didn't want him to feel inadequate because he couldn't push off with one foot. (My gad! Or am I being overprotective and exag again?) Laz finally decided to sit down on the board, his arms stretched up to hold on to the handlebars for dear life, and pushed himself along on his scooter - seated. He looked so kawawa!!! I must say, my heart broke when I saw him trying to make do and enjoy his scooter in whatever way he knew how. And he kept looking over at us and calling, "Look, Mamu!" and waiting for our approval. He was self-conscious about it, we could tell (almost wistful) because he knew he wasn't using it the way it was supposed to be used, but we, of course, heartily and loudly clapped and cheered him on.

I did wonder what Laz intended to do about it. Would he settle and just content himself with sitting on his scooter? Is he going to quit trying? We went to bed, cuddling Laz between us, with those questions left unanswered.

The next morning, after breakfast (which was a few slices of cheese for Laz), the boy dragged his new scooter out to our garage.

Aaaaand.... He struggled. BUT HE PERSEVERED. As innnnnnn! He sat down once more on his scooter, then decided to try doing it the regular way. We had some close calls, but the boy was stubborn. AND HE DID IT. He stood with one foot firmly on the board, and the other pushing him forward, left and right. He'd wobble when he'd turn directions. And he moves about a centimeter every time he pushes. But the point is: HE DIDN'T QUIT. He was nervous about his scooter the night before, but this morning, apparently with new resolve, Laz decided to conquer it and actually "SCOOTED".

And I know he's going to get better - and faster! - because these things take practice. But more than anything, I am so so proud of our determined little boy.

He was confident enough to take the scooter out into the street.
(Last picture: that's him gazing at the girl next door who was bawling her head off, hahahaha).

I'm proud of you, anak.

GIRL FRIDAY NO. 2

2012-01-13T10:16:00.025+08:00

This was the dinner date:

(Lunch date here, haha).

I haven't seen Pam in AGES.

It was a non-stop yak-fest, with Pao listening on as we droned on and on and on - as Pam and I are wont to do when we're together. (I talk fast - she talks even faster).

Learned my lesson - instead of steak, I had lamb chops in Myron's and that was really good. (Old review here).

After dinner, we spent the rest of the time checking out the stores in Power Plant.

Old stomping grounds back in law school, but now we both don't get to go to Plant often enough, I swear!

We traded Christmas gifts, too!

Pam got Human Nature goodies for me (yay!) and an awesome scooter for Laz!

THANKS, NINANG!!!!

Sigh. Girlfriends are terrific. I wish Pam lived/worked nearer!!!

Myron's Steaks Ribs & Seafood, Power Plant, Rockwell, Makati

GIRL FRIDAY NO. 1

2012-01-13T10:07:00.026+08:00

13 January 2012

I had 2 dates today!

Both with girlfriends, teehee. This was the lunch date:

Det treated me to lunch! (Pao dropped by too).

It was a milestone of sorts for her, she said, as I usually foot the bill (she's a single mom, and one of my dearest friends).

I am so proud of her. She is really flourishing in her new job.

Plus: Libre na nga lunch ko, may pabaon pa akong libreng lighter! Hee.

THANKS FOR LUNCH, DETSKY!

Chelsea, The Podium, ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong

MOHAWKS. MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES

2012-01-12T16:21:00.000+08:00

Sali kami - we love this DOT campaign!

By my dad.

SEED BOUTIQUE IN BACOLOD

2012-01-11T14:27:00.001+08:00

Sharinge this boutique we discovered in Bacolod called "Seed"

This was in the Balay Quince complex (with Laz - after gorging in Calea).

Seed carries Anthology shoes, Havaianas, and David and Goliath.

But what I liked best of all is their in-house brand, also called Seed.

Delicate chiffon tops (and dresses) in understated prints and the prettiest cuts.

My sisses bought boyfriend blazers - for only around Php 1,500.

Whether we're in another country or city here in the Philippines, I always like finding locally-designed (and made) products. Not necessarily native or indigenous designs ha, but modern locally designed clothes (or even tees) that you won't easily find anywhere else (like Carrie Chau in HK). I think it gives the city (or neighborhood) a little something extra to offer its visitors.

I thought Seed was a charming little place. Worth a visit if you're ever in Bacolod.

Some tops by Seed.

I have resolved to buy more prints this 2012.

Seed branches:

Balay Quince, Lacson Street, Bacolod

Robinsons Place Bacolod

Robinsons Place Iloilo

Amigo Plaza Mall Iloilo

WEEKEND IN STACCATO

2012-01-08T10:57:00.079+08:00

Saturday. Awesome: Manila Bulletin's newspaper Christmas tree contest. Spotted: Yves Rocher in SM North. Bought: Hua Mulan wooden combs for me and Laz. Lunch: Mangan Restaurant. Bought: Quiksilver gigundo toiletry kit for Team Patajo's beach getaways! Bought: FitFlop (kiddie sandals for me at only Php970++; no boy colors for Laz, alas). Milestone: Cuts 4 Tots - Laz didn't cry (for the first time! Wheeeee, dare I say it - we are over the haircut bump?!). Reward: Toy Kingdom (more Mighty Beanz). Snack: Beard Papa's (is it just us or it's not as good as it used to be?!). Finally: Michelle's Homemade Putong Ube: very very very belated New Year's gift for neighs across the street. Reward 2: Gummi worms, sharks, octopus, and bears for Laz. Last Stop: Fully Booked (Agatha Christie goes graphic!).

Sunday. Drop off: Macho in shop! To-die-for: Kroketten in Robinsons Metro East aaaaaaah!!! Lunch: Giant liempo at Opa and Oma's. Celebrated: Lola Titay's and Dad's birthdays (HAPPY BIRTHDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY). Crossings: National Bookstore, The Ramp, aaaaaand Gift Gate! Weekend closing: Mellow night at the Lulipops'.

GREEK SALAD

2012-01-05T23:36:00.013+08:00

Firm meeting stretched out longer than expected.

Poor Pao, who was waiting for me, was starving.

Beeline for dinner. "Diet" of sorts.

(It starts in earnest next week. No carbs. 21 days. In STONE).

Cyma, Eastwood Mall, C5, Quezon City

SUCH A SMART COOKIE

2012-01-05T11:24:00.007+08:00

LOOK!!!! LAZ BAKED COOKIES!!!!!

Laz was in a state of excitement when we got home from work last night. He was jumping up and down and shouting "I make cookies! I make cookies!" Yaya Nida reports that he and my sister, Amanda (god bless her) baked cookies together. Laz, that amazing, wonderful little human being, did the icing - Amanda mixed the colors and Laz did all the decorating by himself! And they turned out so cute and colorful! We were so proud of him! He kept dancing and chanting, "You wanna try it you wanna try it you wanna try it?" And when we did, aba, they were really good.

Here's the cookie monster preening with his cookies!

(He was so proud! Thank you, Amanda!)

P.S. This is the 1st time Laz baked cookies. But he has baked before! His first creation? Bread! He baked bread with his Opa! But Laz's bread ended up looking like hard little pebbles, heeheehee.

CROSS-POST: "LAZ BAKES COOKIES

2012-01-04T23:44:00.003+08:00

Cross-post from my sister's blog Hey Mandi, on Laz's baking adventure with his Auntie Amanda!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Laz bakes cookies"

(Original entry by Amanda here).

After reading about Cookie Monster with his lolo so many times, I with the help of Yaya Nida decided to let Laz try his hand on a bit of baking. We got the icing and cookies ready beforehand. The icing which was made up of 99% sugar and 1% of everything else had to be done beforehand because it was too messy. And Yaya Nida figured that the bloody red food coloring would turn Laz off.

The dump-and-bite technique

With the use of red and blue colors, we came up with pink, grayish-purple, and sky blue icing. Laz stirred the colors from time to time to make sure it wouldn't harden - a task he was mighty proud of.

On to the icing process, so my nephew dumped a spoonful of icing on the first cookie, then, bit on it. Then, moved on to the next cookie and repeated the process. You'll notice the 2 cookies in the lower left portion of the tray may kagat na on one side! Hahaha

The cookies were yummy and uber sweet. He assigned the blue cookie to his Papu and the pink one was for his Mamu. Check how Laz presents his cookies to his parents in my sister's blog. Super cute!

Here's the recipe for the cookies and icing if you're interested:

Ingredients for the cookies:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 tsp vanilla
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt

Ingredients for the icing:

450 grams powdered sugar
1/2 cup egg whites
1/2 tsp cream of tartar (we didn't have any at that time and it still came out fine)
Food coloring
Colored candy pearl beads (optional)

Procedure:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F or 177 C
2. Grease one baking sheet and set aside
3. In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy
4. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend well.
5. Roll out the dough between two sheets of wax paper to 1/8 inch thick. (No need to put it in the ref while you make the icing.)
6. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough. (We just rolled them - that works too.)
7. Transfer cookies into the baking sheet 3 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until very light brown.
9. Let cool.
10. Put powdered sugar, egg white, tartar in a mixing bowl.
11. Beat mixture at low speed until well blended. Continue beating for 10 minutes.
12. Divide icing then tint with desired food color.
13. Coat and decorate cookies as desired.

FIRE IN MY BROWN BELLY

2012-01-04T16:57:00.005+08:00

04 January 2011

Air21 delivered this today:

From Brown Belly!

My bed jacket has arrived. Yay!

As always, I appreciate online sellers who take care of their packaging. Note the cute little sticker.

I like the mark.

(I do trademark registration in the firm, hahaha, so I'm very attentive about marks; this one is pretty).

I filled up my order online, originally for 2 bed jackets. Noelle got back to me right away to tell me one of the jackets was no longer available and gave me other options. I checked and wasn't too crazy about any other jacket (most of them were sold out, drat), so I settled for 1 bed jacket first. After a day or 2, I still hadn't gotten around to going to BPI so I asked Noelle if I could pay through GCash instead. But then I couldn't figure out the GCash thing either. This took several more days, including the New Year long weekend.

All throughout, I was in constant touch with Noelle and she stayed extremely gracious and polite. She was also very helpful about the whole thing. When I sent my deposit slip, Noelle shipped it pronto and voila, it arrived today.

Can I just say, Air21 was particularly efficient with this delivery. I've received packages from them before, but this time they sent me 2 text messages this morning to tell me they'll be delivering the package, and then they sent another text to inform me that they delivered it to our docket clerk here. Great service.

I got the Splatter bed jacket.

Most of the other jackets in their album are sold out. Sayang!

This one is Php 880 - with shipping costs, my total bill was Php 930.

Noelle is terrific.

I am happy with my first purchase transaction with Brown Belly. Efficient and fuss-free.
I told you I've been lucky with my online sellers recently.

And Brown Belly has such pretty things for the beach!

I'm going back for mooooore (like these new swimsuits they have).

Great product, great service.

The Splatter bed jacket by Brown Belly - as modeled by my officemate, Loy!

"SIX IN THE CITY"

2012-01-03T15:37:00.045+08:00

My firm celebrated its 6th-year anniversary!

Associates (not complete though!) with partners, RGG, RAE and JAR!

(And my Paopaokapow!)

It is a relatively young firm, as far as law firms go, but that's common, of breakaway firms. The anniversary was officially yesterday, 02 January, but we got to celebrate today since one of the senior partners, FNS, just flew in. We celebrated at FNS' lovely home and yes, the theme was "Six in the City." (I love how the non-legal staff especially went all out with their Carrie-Miranda-Samantha-Charlotte-Stanford costumes). I'm assuming PTR came as Stanford too - with that hat! Har har.

We also celebrated VCR's promotion - congrats, V!!! It was also our welcome party for our 2 newest associates - JEH and RVR! We had the usual video presentations (I really enjoy that; it's fun to see how the firm has grown, even though I only joined last July!) and speeches. And of course, there is never a firm party without tons of food and drinks.

Happy to be here!!!

And just because I want to share the awesomeness of the haircut Alex Carbonell got me, I am also posting this particularly flattering picture, haha:

Associates with our senior partner, RGG, leaning over yours truly!

I love my firm.

After the heartaches of my first 3 years in practice, I feel so fortunate about finally finding the perfect fit.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

DAY 1 OF 2012: DISNEY ON ICE

2012-01-01T14:11:00.050+08:00

Starting the year right with quality time with our Laz - Disney On Ice's "Let's Celebrate"!

He was such a sweetheart.

After I bought him his program and little Mickey Mouse hat, Laz waited patiently for his Papu to park.

Even though he was giddy with excitement, he never whined or insisted on going in.

Laz waited until we were all complete before urging all of us to line up.

(That's something, considering he's only 3!)

The show was great fun.

Then again, it always has been.

(Thank you to my own folks for taking me and my brother Amiel to Disney On Ice when we were kids. Such wonderful memories).

All the beloved characters were there, of course.

Plus they did this theme-thing where they showed the characters in Japanese, Chinese, costumes.

There was a luau and a Disney villains number. (Plus, the Princesses, of course).

The Toy Story crew brought the house down when they skated onto the ring.

(Though our Laz spent a lot of time shouting "HI, MICKEY!")

Grand finale.

Great costumes and effects!

Mickey and Minnie holding court in their Christmas sleigh.

We ended up getting the Php 1,200 tickets at Lower Box Regular because everything else was sold out (we bought right there in Smart Araneta).

I would have been happy with Upper Box A tickets because you can see everything just as clearly.

It's not too late though! Disney On Ice "Let's Celebrate" runs until 03 January 2012!

Visit TicketNet Online for show schedule and ticket prices.

Or you can call 911-5555 for inquiries.

For folks in our area/route, you can buy tickets in SM Megamall department store, National Bookstore Shangri-La, and SM Marikina department store.

Our boy had a blast.

Here he is cheering.

I didn't know he knew how to do that!

He kept shooting "WOOH!!!" and pumping his fists in the air.

What a great way to start the year.

TEAM PATAJO ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS

2012-01-01T01:09:00.035+08:00

2011
1] Hands down the highlight of our entire year was finding new jobs we now love - Pao joined a real estate development company as in-house counsel, and I joined the litigation department in a new firm.
2] Pao nevertheless still got to go to Australia with his old firm - and I to Hawaii with my new firm! Yay!
3] My brother got married this year - that was the major change in my family. I have a new sister-in-law - Mary!
4] We moved into and are well settled in Darius Street. We're not moving anymore until we actually buy our own place already!
5] Laz didn't go to school this year - because I was fortunate enough to have been able to take 7 months off to be teacher, built-in-best friend, and all-around buddy to our much adored (now) 3-year-old.
6] Daddy Ben passed away, and my Lola (Mommy Naty!) has been sadly steadily deteriorating this year.
7] We loved being there for our close friends JB and Luzan's proposal in Hong Kong at the start of the year, and their awesome wedding in Baguio by the end of 2011!
8] We really enjoyed our Subic getaway with my folks and realized that, for Laz, we should do more of those laidback beach vacations that are just a few hours away from Manila!
9] Our trip to Bacolod was also fantastic - it was Laz's 2nd plane ride and did he ever enjoy it. (Laz also saw his 1st big-screen movie this year, haha).
10] We signed up for Club Astoria (I still help out with Jem!) and gym memberships for both Pao and I this year. He made good use of it - I haven't!
11] Twitter dominated our world. (BB'd!)

2010
1. We went to Macau, thanks to that Eastwood raffle we won
2. We spent Valentine's in Boracay - another prize won from KLGC's Christmas card design contest
3. I was diagnosed with guttate psoriasis
4. Laz went on his first ever plane ride for our wonderful, wonderful trip to Dumaguete-Siquijor!
5. Wore braces again - extremely fugly for 6 months!
6. Pao's Lolo Lino passed away
7. The Palma cousins from L.A. came home for a grand reunion
8. Laz came down with pneumonia - it was a nightmare!
9. We went to Hong Kong with KLGC
10. Laz completed the 15-week "Our Time" program with Kindermusik!
11. My brother Amiel came home to visit - and got engaged!
12. I resigned from the firm - and started working for Jem and Madam
13. We got Pepper!
14. Pao missed Laz's 2nd birthday - he was sent out of town a lot for hearings this year

2009
1. Laz was baptized!
2. Pao passed the 2008 Bar!
3. We trekked to the Pinatubo Crater Lake
4. Amiel came home for a visit - and we all went to Anilao
5. We went to Cebu for our birthdays!
6. Pao appeared on TV and newspapers several times – and became Googleable, teehee
7. We went to CWC several times with Laz and to wakeboard!
8. Our families were victims of Ondoy
9. Laz turned ONE!
10. We won free trips to Macau and Boracay
11. We became more financially comfortable this year – but also worked hardest!
12. Laz got mohawked this year!
13. We attended MCLE for the first time

2008
1. Pao and I got pregnant!
2. My brother Amiel came home to visit - and we met his girlfriend Mary!
3. Pao graduated from law school
4. I passed the 2007 Bar!
5. We went on an amazing Northern Luzon roadtrip with my fam
6. We went to CWC for the first time with Vince and Zito!
7. I started working for KLGC
8. Pao took the Bar Exams
9. Pao started working for KLGC
10. LAZ WAS BORN!
11. Pao's Angeles cousins from L.A. came home for a grand reunion

2007
1. I graduated from law school
2. Pao and I went to Singapore with my fam – our first out-of-the-country trip together!
3. I took the Bar Exams
4. Pao and I got married!!!
5. Pao and I got our own place!
6. Pao and I went to Davao with my fam!
7. We drank ourselves silly, partied the hardest, and enjoyed "playing house" (no responsibilities!!!) this entire year!

2011: A SUMMARY OF OUR YEAR

2011-12-31T23:38:00.245+08:00

In 2011, Team Patajo...

... went to 3 other countries, to 9 different provinces and 13 different cities in the Philippines!

Our favorites:

Hong Kong where we witnessed JB's awesome proposal to Luzan!
Pao went to Australia with his old firm!
the Holy Week getaway exploring Anawangin Cove, Capones Island and Pundaquit in Zambales with our neighs!
my sleepover in Anvaya Cove with my 2 best girls
my FANTASTIC trip to Hawaii with my new firm!!!
the holiday in Subic with my folks!
we attended, and completely enjoyed, 3 destination weddings in Baguio (for Jabolito and Luzan), Tagaytay (for Trina and Jang) and Bacolod (for Love and Mar)!

... visited 7 attractions - Star City in Pasay (for Lucas' 1st birthday), Museo Pambata, Pinto Art Museum, Enchanted Kingdom, Club Manila East, Ocean Adventure in Subic, and Avilon Zoo for Laz's 3rd birthday.

... attended approximately 65 events!

These are not just the high and low points of our year but also events we particularly enjoyed and/or would like to remember for the year (but please know that we value all the events and activities that allowed us to spend time with family and friends):

We moved to our sweet little bungalow - finally, I feel like we can start "nesting". I don't expect us to move again in the next 2 years or so!
My brother and Mary got married this year!!!
We went through 2 housemaids - Beth and LetLet - before finally ending the year with Yaya Nida's little sister, Sali (i.e. Naknaaaaaak)
We touched base with our law school blockmates at Jelo's wedding and the Christmas party at Jew's place.
Signing up for Club Astoria (2 years to goooo).
Mama Des and Daddy Ben celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary (Laz was coin bearer; his first entourage role!). Daddy Ben also passed away this year.
Our dear friend Pameeee passed the 2010 bar!!!
The Romy Insignes visited - and celebrated Kassie's birthday here in Manila!
Pao's kabarkada Oline left - we attended her despedidas (here).
Broke up with long-term stylist Louie Kee but happily discovered Alex Carbonell!
Pao resigned from his firm and started working as in-house counsel for a real estate development firm!
My father's sisters, Tita Baby and Tita Donna, visited on separate occasions this year!
We fervently followed and cheered ourselves to tears when the Dallas Mavericks won the 2011 NBA Championships!!!
I started working for a new firm - and I think I've found The One (career- and office-wise!).
The Calatagan trip with the Kapunan associates was memorable, to say the least.
We got caught in a storm on our way home from my mother-in-law's otherwise awesome Tagaytay birthday celebration!
We did better this year, with watching movies on the big screen! Haha. We saw: Green Lantern on 3D (our 1st 3D movie here in Manila, would you believe?!), Captain America, Cars 2 (Laz's FIRST BIG-SCREEN MOVIE EVER!!!), and, again with Laz, Happy Feet 2!
I extended my passport (thank you, M!) - and renewed my US VISA (10 years yay)!
Pao and I started using Blackberries this year
Laz's first pet: fish (several, in fact, all of whom kept DYING).
we had a free overnight stay in Dusit - impromptu and ergo: much enjoyed (thank you, Vince P.!)
Laz became obsessed with "surfing", tablets, puzzles, stickers, his fake grin, having his picture taken, and Angry Birds this year!
We enjoyed the "Inspire" Lego exhibit by Michael Cacnio
We attended the following sorority event/get-togethers: two bridal showers (Trina's and Love's), the Carnival De Reinhas bar fund-raiser, BarOps 2011, Christmas dinner with the super-seniors!
Ninong Armand's 40th birthday party in El Cirkulo!
Enjoyed my firm's Community Legal Education outreach program!
And, of course, Laz turned THREE years old this year!
We were deeply saddened and pitched in, along with the rest of the nation, to help CDO, Iligan, and Dumaguete through the disaster brought on by Sendong.
We enjoyed touching base with my Angeles side at my dad's birthday party!

... ate at 35 restaurants for the first time.

We especially enjoyed our meals in the following restaurants: Relax A While in Hong Kong (we ate there Every. Single. Day. Sometimes even twice a day!!!), Cafe Juanita, Trattoria Italia, Draft, Shang Palace, Mango Tree Bistro, Maru, Meat Plus Cafe in Subic, the shrimp trucks in Hawaii, Hill Station in Baguio, Hamada in Baguio, Kanin Club in Santa Rosa, and Kimpura.

I only read 14 books this year!

I have NO excuse. Oh wait, I do: I blame it on Twitter! Tweeting has taken the place of my bedtime reading habit. Ay ay ay.

Of the paltry number of books I read this year, I only liked these: The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells, Dumb Witness by Agatha Christie, Sad Cypress by Agatha Christie, Evil Under The Sun by Agatha Christie (I know, I know, I MUST stop cheating by reading merely murder mysteries), and A Guide to Elegance by Genevieve Antoine Dariaux.

We liked 2011. I blogged less because for the first half of the year I was "almost" a stay-at home mom; I will always be grateful for the 6 months I had with Laz this year (and the 3 months in 2010, come to think of it). 2011 was also a huge year because Pao and I were fortunate enough to have transferred to new jobs - jobs we love and in offices that we are extremely happy with - emotionally, financially, and professionally. It has indeed been a "turning point" year for our family, and I am actually hoping to just keep on enjoying the ride in 2012.

DECEMBER 2011

2011-12-31T22:36:00.002+08:00

Places We Visited:

- Silang,Cavite
- Tagaytay, Cavite
- Santa Rosa, Laguna
- Bacolod, Negros Occidental

Events We Attended:

- Trina and Jang's wedding @ San Antonio De Padua and Villa Somniet
- my firm's 27th floor blessing, Christmas party @ One Lounge in One Corporate Center, and Christmas merienda
- senior sisses' Christmas get-together @ Draft
- our 4th wedding anniversary @ Kimpura and Terry Selection
- my gym's Christmas party @ Restaurant 5
- Love and Mar's wedding @ L'Fisher Hotel in Bacolod
- our 4th wedding anniversary @ Kimpura and Terry Selection
- Christmas celebrations with Pao's Angeles clan @ Tita Merly's house, with the Patajos @ West, and with my Palma family @ Kuya Ferdie and Ate Irene's house
- the boys' Christmas party @ Dillingers
- our 4D law school block Christmas party @ Jew's house
- my dad's birthday lunch @ my parents' house

Friends and Family We Touched Base With:

- Trina and Jang, Matutrina1, Ria, Ina, Dev, Monica, Nikki, Sam, Maj, Ace, and Jun
- Marge, Nicka, and Aubs
- Julie and Guia
- Neva, BDW, and DW!
- the Associates
- Love and Mar, Bunny and Micoy, Marge, Ca and Aga, Dial, Eunice, Gea, Cris, and Dae, and a whole bunch of junior sisses
- Detsky!
- Patricia!
- Enteng, Lucky, Rai, Zito, Makoy, Vlade, Kriska and Kevin, Mondei
- my Palma clan
- Pao's Angeles and Patajo clans
- our law school blockmates

Books I've Read:
Gulp.

Restaurants We Tried For The First Time:
- HK Choi by Choi Garden in SM Megamall
- Kanin Club in Paseo Sta. Rosa
- Earle's Delicatessen in Wynsum Corporate Plaza
- Kimpura in Greenhills Shopping Center
- Chicken House in Bacolod
- Calea in Bacolod
- 18th St. Palapala in Bacolod
- Kuppa in Bacolod
- Shi Lin in The Podium
- Slammer Burger in SM Masinag
- Red Garlic Bistro in Katipunan Avenue

Birthdays We Celebrated:
(Whether with beer or via text or Facebook)
December 8 - Chema
December 12 - Oyl
December 19 - Amanda
December 21 - Garrie
December 22 - Frankie and Chris P.!
December 26 - Biancaycong
December 31 - MY DAD and Gerry Lee


High Point of the Month: Finding Alex Carbonell.
Low Point of the Month: Daddy Ben suddenly passed away and Pilipinas got hit by Sendong.

A QUIET NYE

2011-12-31T14:23:00.016+08:00

31 December 2011

Spent a quiet new year's eve with my in laws at their home.
No fireworks (Laz is scared of them; makes him cry).
So we watched movie after movie and gobbled up pizza, pasta, fried chicken, BBQ, chocolates and biscuits.

Here's to a wonderful 2012 to everybody!
Thank you for sharing 2011 with my family!

PIGGING OUT AT POPSY'S BIRTHDAY

2011-12-31T11:48:00.003+08:00

31 December 2011

It's my dad's birthday today!!!

It was Laz's first up-close-and-personal encounter with a lechon!

("Hi, Pig!!!")

Guests! Our Palma family.

We used to celebrate my dad's birthday by hosting lunch for our Angeles side every year, but past two years, my father has preferred going on vacation with the family.

This year, my parents brought back the tradition and we are GLAD! Plus, we invited my mother's side too for the first time I think - so it was "doubly" fun.

Pao and I with my 4-times-over cousin, JayJay, and his lovely wife Ria.

Of my Angeles side, there's only Tito Ado's family left here in Manila.

We used to have that lunch every year with my father's brothers.

Tito Junior is in the US now - with Tita Donna and Tita Baby.

Matching saucer eyes!

(Niece Garrie with sister Amanda!).

Laz on stand-by! Ready to catch Garrie in case she falls.

Birthday boy with granddaughter Garrie and grandson Laz (entertaining his little cousin with bubbles).

Great way to spend the last day of 2011!

Grandson blowing out Opa's birthday cake - lovingly baked by Oma!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PAPA!

I so cannot imagine life without my dad.

The older I get, the more I depend on him for Everything.

We love you, Popsy!

PORTRAITS BY LAZ!

2011-12-30T14:39:00.005+08:00

30 December 2011

Laz knows how to take pictures!

He's been really working our BB cameras. TEEHEE!

He needs to learn how to focus, sure, but hey, not bad for someone who can't read and write yet, di ba?!

Toy camera na 'yan for next Christmas!

TRYING OUT ALEX CARBONELL

2011-12-30T14:29:00.018+08:00

30 December 2011

Took advantage of the long weekend to finally get a haircut.

Booked an appointment with Alex Carbonell over at Studio Fix.

Quite a trek for me, I must say.

But Laz, Pao, and Zito kept me company (and eventually left me, hehe).

Cut was quick. Was very satisfied.

Alex Carbonell was Prompt. Didn't make me wait; we started at exactly 2:30 p.m.

No silly small talk, but he was very sweet, unassuming and attentive.

Color took awhile, of course, but that's because it's well, color. As expected.

(I always get so bored. I'm vain and all but anything beyond 3 hours in the parlor is always extremely dull. Magazine selection in Studio Fix is good though).

Detsky came over also, and kept me company after my boys left to go to the Fort.

Haircut and color: Php 3,500.

Surprise! I was astounded myself, especially with the color.

Alex's fee was around Php 1,400 or Php 1,500 I think. (Basically the same as Louie Kee).

I got the demi permanent - that was cheap, considering. I usually fork over around Php 5,000 for my hair length. Since it's still Fix, the prices for the services are Bench-ish, or maybe slightly more expensive .

Much better ambiance though than the regular Fix salons.

(Not that I am bashing them, as Fix is always good for a quick fix, har har. Was there yesterday - my friend Det had a really great cut and color by Jonas over at Fix Podium. That cost her Php 2,000. Jonas' rate is Php 350, color for below chin-length hair-but-above-her-shoulders was Php 1,800. Hindi malayo sa Studio Fix di ba?)

The new haircut at home with Laz.

I've written about how I was in the market for a new stylist after ending it with Louie Kee.

I think I found the one with Alex Carbonell. *yay*

BUBBLE FUN

2011-12-29T13:51:00.034+08:00

29 December 2011

My dad reports that my son spent the last day (before our New Year's break) happily playing with bubbles at Opa and Oma's house:

I loooooved his pictures - taken by my sister Amanda, I think.

*I edited this shot with Picnik.

A rather eclectic outfit, haha.

Laz in his pambahay tank top from SM, aloha shorts which I got him in Hawaii, and the Mickey Mouse rubber boots he keeps in his grandfather's house.

His grandparents got him the little bubble machine.

He had a terrific time chasing around the bubbles in Opa's backyard.
(With his perennial playmates: Yaya Nida and Mang Ports).

Hi, cutie.
Long weekend tomorrow! We can't wait!

*Thank you to my dad and my sister for the pictures!

CHRISTMAS WITH FAMILIES!

2011-12-29T10:54:00.000+08:00

24-25 December 2011, 10:54pm

Pao and I both come from closely-knit families, so Christmas is all about making the rounds - making sure we get to spend time with all our loved ones!

Families are awesome.

24th - Lunch with my family (including Kuya Ming!) in Red Garlic for Amanda's belated birthday celebration. Christmas Eve dinner at Tita Mely and Tito Pete's house with Pao's Angeles clan (oh the games we play) - we missed Louie, Angel, Chloe, Cole and Andrew! Then, after midnight, Christmas party at West Avenue with the Patajo clan - the Legastos were complete; all the babies were there (Laz, Lucas, Gabby and Zara)! Cuties overload! We missed Tito Minggoy, Tita Budz, Aisa, Rina and Andre; we pray for Tito Minggoy's continued good health! We got home at 4:00am Christmas Day! Our sturdy son lasted through the night!

25th - Team Patajo sleeps in and crawls outta bed around noon to open gifts and order in for pizza. Shakey's Christmas lunch instead of our annual hotel routine (here and here) because of mega puyat! Then siesta again - we spent most of Christmas Day in bed, the 3 of us! Then off to Christmas dinner with my Palma clan at Kuya Ferdie and Ate Irene's house (more crazy games!). We Skyped with my brother and Mary - we miss you! *tear. Kuya Ming's last night in Manila (and we miss Daddy Ben, who thoughtfully had ALL the gifts prepared and wrapped away for EVERYONE, before he passed away).

Families are love.

Thank you to the Palmas, Angeleses, Patajos, Kapunans, and Legastos, for sharing Christmas with us.

MALIGAYANG PASKO!

*Thank you to my Popsy for some of the pictures, and for burning everything on CD for me!

ISANG HIRIT PA PALA

2011-12-28T11:39:00.000+08:00

28 December 2011

The telefono makes one more appearance pa pala before the year ends!

Met with Det for dinner in Shang.

Our little Christmas get-together of sorts - just us 2, haha.

(Bought tights at last, yay).

Genovese for Detsky.

I tried on some harem pants in M)phosis and tapered pants in Top Shop.

Still debating whether I can go bitin for my work trousers.

Cibo, Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong

TWENTY QUESTIONS BY BJG

2011-12-28T11:12:00.003+08:00

I got this survey from Tara of Chronicles of Vanity - she, in turn, got it from Bethany Joy Galeotti. I haven't done surveys in a while, so I'm giving this a whirl. Join me!

1 Were You Named After Anyone?

My mother tells me I was named after one of her favorite students in Ateneo, a girl called Anna Villadolid who, my mom tells me, is a ballerina.

2 Do You Like Your Own Handwriting?

When I use my blue fountain pen, yes. It's slanted but neat. But when I use a regular ballpoint, I don't like it as much. Which is why I always use a fountain pen 90% of the time, ever since grade school.

3 What Would Your Superpower be if you could choose one?

Flight and strength. So I can fly my 2 boys to safety, if and when needed; and, since they're both burly, I'd of course need super strength to perform the aforementioned!

4 Are you an Optimist or Pessimist?

Since I started working at my current firm, I've happily gone back to being an optimist.

5 What do you collect?

Books, postage stamps (been collecting since grade school), notebooks, prints.

6 What movie would your friends be surprised that you like?

March of the Penguins.

7 What are your favorite smells?

Clean, cotton-y, powder-y scents. Coconut, vanilla, wet grass, morning dew. (I sound so sentimental).

8 Coffee or Tea?

Tea. Green, chamomile or Earl Grey.

9 Wine or Beer?

I'm a beer drinker through and through. I've never taken to wine.

10 What is the best thing you've ever eaten? (Where?)

Lechon cebu from Carcar. Eaten at my parents' house (my mother brought home a box for pasalubong). I also think the dilis rice in Abe Serendra is the best thing on earth, along with their aligue prawns.

11 Mac or PC?

I use a Mac at home. My office-issued laptop is HP though.

12 What are you listening to right now?

I don't really listen to music, unless I'm out in a bar or (before!) in the morning when Pao and I were getting ready for work.

13 What career would you pursue in another life?

Cultural anthropologist. Or, maybe, crafting stay-at-home mom with my own Etsy store, haha.

14 What sound or noise to you love?

My son's voice - when he babbles, laughs, giggles, crows, screeches.

15 What sound or noise do you hate?

Heavy metal music. That Sepultura band? Hate it. Fork scratching against my plate.

16 Mountains or Beach?

Since the Philippines has the best of both, I'd rather not choose. Especially since my family really enjoyed both our recent beach and Baguio getaways.

17 Cook or Bake?

I'd love to learn how to cook. Once upon a time I could bake chocolate chip cookies but those days are long forgotten.

18 Do you go to restaurants and movies by yourself?

Restaurants only. I love eating by myself. I've only tried watching a movie by myself once and I kept worrying about perverts sitting beside me.

19 What is your favorite fairy tale or childhood story?

The Hobbit. It was our bedtime story - my dad patiently narrated it, in installments, to my brother and I every night when we were kids.

20 What would you tell the 13 year old you?

Thank you for obsessing about books and not worrying about what other people thought, kid. It served me well, growing up.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOURS!

2011-12-25T11:07:00.000+08:00

25 December 2011

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

This Christmas card was lovingly hand-made by my sister (remember? She did Laz's baptismal invites - and made similar postcards for my dad and mother's birthdays!).
She made the card, took a picture, and uploaded it in her blog.
Top row: my dad, my mother, me, and Pao
Bottom row: my brother Amiel, my sister-in-law Mary, my sister Amanda, and my son Laz!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!
MALIGAYANG PASKO!

KICKING OFF THE CHRISTMAS GLEE FROM NINONG Z

2011-12-24T11:20:00.000+08:00

24 December 2011

We have a tough time keeping Laz from opening his presents.

He spots a new box under our tree and makes a dive for it. He's a bit too young for this whole wait-for-Christmas bit. This also explains why we haven't put a lot of gifts under our tree.

(Though it helps when he's around when we're wrapping; he loses interest when it's not a toy, and he understands already when we say that this toy is for so and so).

This morning, however, he was just itching to open the present his Ninong Zito sent over last night from the boys' Christmas party.

And Laz was hella thrilled to get his own little Lamborghini, haha.

THANK YOU, NINONG Z!

AMANDA'S (BELATED) BIRTHDAY LUNCH

2011-12-24T11:09:00.001+08:00

24 December 2011

It was my sister Amanda's birthday last December 19.

We had a belated birthday lunch for her in Red Garlic with the family - including Kuya Romy who is staying on for Christmas!

We love you, Bru! Happy birthday!

Red Garlic Bistro, Blue Ridge A, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City

DILLINGERS CHRISTMAS

2011-12-23T23:30:00.000+08:00

23 December 2011

Our annual Christmas "party" with Pao's barkada held in Vince's bar.

(Except ang daming absent!!!)

Next year, promise, Lucks, will help you plan it, hehe.

LAST TELEFONO FOR 2011

2011-12-23T21:00:00.000+08:00

23 December 2011

Quick dinner in Greenbelt.

It's the yearly Christmas party for Pao's barkada - we're having it in Dillingers.

Usually it's in someone's house (either Lucky's or ours or Luzan's here in Manila), but we couldn't arrange it this year. (Also, we moved to a quiet street; diyahe to my elderly neighbors!).

I insisted on eating my penne al telefono. I figured, my last shot for this year.

(Yes, the telefono craving is back).

This is what Pao had for dinner.

Hello from the Siopao. Merry Christmas, all!

Cibo, Greenbelt 5, Makati

IT'S REALLY HERE! (BENEFIT)

2011-12-23T20:45:00.000+08:00

23 December 2011

Was in such a tearing hurry I didn't even have time to pop inside for a quick look!

(Pao was annoyingly firm. We had to grab dinner and scurry over to Dill where they were holding a table for us; the boys' Christmas Party tonight!).

I'm so going back New Year's long weekend.

In case you're curious, I want to get the Boi-Ing concealer my ex-roomie JML uses, the High Beam or Watt's Up illuminator, and the Posietint cheek stain! For everything else, I have yet to browse browse browse the Benefit stash. I can't wait!

(I am re-stocking, getting ready for New Year. 2012 is the year I slap on a face again).

TEXT TO HELP CDO AND ILIGAN

2011-12-23T18:27:00.002+08:00

Even just a few pesos, every day. The news reports, photos, everything, still so heart breaking. If you have time to go online, if you have time to read this blog entry, please find time to send a text message to help the victims of Sendong:

SMS Cash Donations to the Philippine Red Cross: text RED [space] AMOUNT to 2899 (Globe users) or to 4143 (Smart users)

(ex. For Globe, just text "RED_500" and wait for the Red Cross confirmation text that they received your donation. Help CDO and Iligan, help Mindanao).

CHRISTMAS MERIENDA AT THE FIRM

2011-12-23T16:00:00.001+08:00

23 December 2011

We already had a Christmas party last week, but this afternoon the partners got merienda for everybody.

Today was Kris Kingle time! (Plus there was videoke for the staff after we exchanged gifts).

My Secret Santa was Siobe from Accounting. I only asked for yosi.

I was expecting a ream, but Siobe got me this neat thing.

THANK YOU, SIOBE!

GARRIE TURNS 1

2011-12-23T11:31:00.003+08:00

23 December 2011

My niece, Garrie, turned 1 last December 21.

Pao and I both had work, but the rest of my family was invited.

Laz came with his Opa and Auntie Amanda!

The party was held in Jollibee Katipunan.

Siyempre, Laz's posse came too.

(Mang Porting, my folks' driver, and our Yaya Sali - Yaya Nida is on Christmas vacation!)

Reprezent!

My cousin Jay-Jay, his wife Ria, and Garrie!

It's Ria's birthday today, too!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RI!

Niece Garrie is also Pao's goddaughter.

Look at those giant eyes.

At his last birthday party, Laz was still pretty tentative about joining the party games.

This time around, my father and sister reported that he participated with much gusto.

(Can you spot Laz in this picture? He's standing in front of the little girl in the yellow tee).

Aunti Amanda took good care of him and made sure he won a loooot of prizes.

Thank you, Ninang!!!

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY, GARRIE!
(Thank you, Inch and Ri, for inviting us!
Thank you Opa, Oma, and Amanda for bringing Laz!)

*All pictures from my sister Amanda!

I'M SLAMMING SLAMMER

2011-12-22T19:30:00.000+08:00

22 December 2011

Was rushing from work to make it to the internment/gathering Mama Des had for Daddy Ben.

We didn't make it on time!

Since we were starving, we made a beeline for the nearby SM and ended up trying Slammer Burgers.

Worst. Burger. Ever.

No wonder the place was empty. That should've clued me in!

The Belgian fries were pretty good though. I'd buy that for a movie snack but the burgers - never again. Couldn't finish mine.

Pao, who was starving, made do.

Slammer Burger, SM Masinag, Antipolo

PASIYAM (FOR DADDY BEN)

2011-12-22T10:00:00.000+08:00

22 December 2011

I took a personal from work this morning to attend Daddy Ben's 9th-day novena, or "Pasiyam", I was told.

It was held at their house. My Palma relatives and Mama Des' church friends all attended.

Daddy Ben wanted to be cremated. It was my first time to attend an internment with just, well, ashes (or inURNment, as my officemate insisted) - it was a little odd, not having a body there, but very solemn and touching nevertheless.

They served coffee and sandwiches after prayers.

Neighbors and church friends.

Ate Irene, Pao, Kuya Ferdie, and Mama Des (Daddy Ben's wife).

My dad, Mama Des, Tiya Nens, and Pao.

Ate Irene, my dad, Kuya Ferdie, my mom, and Kuya Romy.

My mom grew up next door from my uncles in Cebu (Kuya Ming, Mike and Nan, in our baby-speak).

They are practically like her brothers. In fact, we think of them as my mother's brothers (she's an only child).

Mama Des with her and Daddy Ben's grandchildren - my cousins Bianca and Rapha.

WHO'S YO (SECRET) SANTA

2011-12-21T13:07:00.000+08:00

21 December 2011

Had to rush to the mall during my lunch break to get my Secret Santa gift.

Pat was in the area and met me in the mall with another sis of ours.

She ended up carrying my stuff and these flowers for me back to my building.

My boss has asked me to do his Kris Kringle shopping for him.

THIS is the baby, but that's not the daddy, haha.

Kris Kringle at the office is always fun, don't you think?

GOING TAIWANESE AT SHI LIN

2011-12-20T19:30:00.000+08:00

20 December 2011

Pao actually got annoyed because I had Japanese earlier. We've been craving Japanese food for a while and I went ahead and ate without him, hehe. So I took him to the(relatively) new Taiwanese restaurant in Podium - Shi Lin. For starters, he had the Century Egg with Bonito Flakes.

My Noodles with Braised Beef Soup

Pao's Noodles with Shrimp and Pork Wonton

Pao's Fried Shrimp and Pork Wonton

And of course, Pao's Xiao Long Bao

Excuse the undershirt, haha.

Great meal, fast service. Their noodles are especially good.

Shi Lin, The Podium, 12 ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong City

DETSKY - ONLINE AT LAST

2011-12-20T16:11:00.000+08:00

20 December 2011, 4:11 pm

I've been seeing a lot of Detsky the past 2 months but never got around to blogging about her. Hehehe.

Here she is - new and improved and still improving, teehee!

She recently started working right near me so she pops in once in a while for a cig or 2 when she has a meeting in my building.

Today, we ventured about 2 blocks away for Japanese food - for merienda.

My afternoon snack above, hehe. So sue me. Resolutions do not officially start until January 1st!

Kitaro, Hanston Building, Emerald Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig

TREE'S UP

2011-12-20T09:05:00.004+08:00

20 December 2011

I just had to take a picture of our tree before rushing off to work this morning:

Pao, Laz and our yayas worked on it last night.

5 days before Christmas and we only now got to finally put up - and decorate! - our tree.

As you can see, we still have to fluff out the leaves. (Hassle homes, hehe).

Confession: I never liked decorating Christmas trees! That sounds so grinch-y, I know! Even when I was younger and living in my parents house, I'd try to get my brother and sister to do all the hanging and actual decorating. It's not that I don't love Christmas and its traditions - I really do. Same thing with gifts - I love buying them, hate wrapping 'em (which is why I always always go with gift bags). Maybe because I'm impatient by nature? So I'm glad Pao at least is patient enough to go through all this with Laz, hehe. I just stick around to take the pictures.

SENDONG: HELP CDO & ILIGAN

2011-12-19T18:37:00.005+08:00

Too distressing. We can't afford NOT to help.

Kahit simpleng text lang for donations. Old clothes. Water. Breast milk!

Worse than Ondoy. Praying for the families.

Image from here.

My friend Neva has a very complete list of How We Can Help over in Manila Mommy here.

(She updates it regularly!)

You can also donate to Unicef's fund for children affected by Sendong here.

Daphne Osena Paez also tweeted about breast milk contributions and listed the following drop off points:

UP-PGH Human Milk Bank, 4th Floor, Left Central Block (LCB) c/o Tina or Grace or NICU representative
17 Green Grove Villa, Lantana Rd., Barangay Mariana, New Manila, QC (office of Kalusugan ng Mag-Ina Inc.)

EATING OUR WAY THROUGH BACOLOD

2011-12-18T23:42:00.003+08:00

17-18 December 2011

We were in Bacolod for the weekend because my sorority kid Love married Mar!
We took advantage of this trip by sampling all the culinary spots we've heard so much about in Bacolod!

Hands down the highlight of the trip for me was of course Calea.

We went here for dessert, after our Chicken House lunch on Saturday!

I fell sooooo hard for these profiteroles.

There's thick cream between the two biscuits. Then its sitting on more cream - with the best chocolate icing draped all over it.

Though Calea is known more for its ice cream cakes.

This was Pao's! Also so good.
(For 2 orders of profiteroles, 1 slice of ice cream cake, and a cup of tea for me, our bill was only approximately Php 300.00).

Laz obviously enjoyed his profiteroles as well!

Prior to Calea (I just had to start the entry with those terrific profiteroles), we of course had to try the famous inasal chicken of Bacolod! We went to the Chicken House along Lacson Street.

Bacolod chicken in Manila = just regular old inasal chicken here in Bacolod, hehe.

Honestly, it doesn't taste much different from the chicken inasal I've tasted back home.

But you can't beat the prices!!! Food is So Cheap here.

Aside from chicken inasal, we also tried their chicken skin (which Laz had for lunch!).

(Inasal chicken there was about Php 70 to 79. All in all, our bill was less than Php 300.00).

For merienda that Saturday, we tried the pizza from the rooftop bar in L'Fisher Chalet (where we stayed).

My friend GLS was actually recommending the chorizo with egg pizza.

But I just couldn't, hehe. This is the Pizza Quatro (2 kinds of mushroom, cheese, and salami).

For breakfast, Pao ordered this! Also from L'Fisher.

We didn't have enough meal opportunities for the weekend, so Pao actually had to order sisig for breakfast because we were hell-bent on trying everything in Gem's foodie checklist!

US Angus beef belly sisig.

For lunch Sunday we headed over to 18th St. Palapala.

We had adobong squid, sweet chilly lobsters, barbeque, and of course chicken inasal.

Unfortunately, they weren't serving shrimps and crabs for lunch. Later in the afternoon pa raw!

Booo.

But! Food was great! Close up of our lobsters.

And again - SO CHEEEAP! Our entire order was only a little over Php 500.00!!!

Dampa-type! Pick out what you want to eat.

Laz liked the barbeque.

It reminded him of those squids-on-sticks Cody and the other penguins would eat in "Surf's Up."

(When he saw the BBQ he yelped "CODY!" and made a dive for it).

Bunny and Micoy's orders. They tried the fish!

The mango shakes in 18th St. Palapala are a must try.

And again, once more before heading off to Manila that Sunday, Calea! Of course!

Ice cream cakes for Pao and Laz - and profiteroles for me again!

(Again, our bill was only a little over Php 300.00, for the 3 above pastries, plus a cup of chamomile tea for me!).

Micoy's ice cream float thingy.

I would go back to Bacolod just for Calea.

(They have airport boxes, see bottom right, so you can bring home the goodies!).

More about our Bacolod trip, and the wedding proper, here.

There were so many other places we weren't able to try - which gives us reason to go back! We want to!!!

If anyone out there is from Bacolod, please let me know your other food/restaurant recommendations!

So far, we have these on our list of places to try on our next trip back to Bacolod:

* Imay's * Pendy's * Bob's (frozen brazo de Mercedes) * Felicia (for those macaroons!) * Aboy's * El Ideal Bakery

-- Thank you, Macy for the recommendations! --

SNAPSHOTS OF THE BACOLOD WEDDING

2011-12-17T18:35:00.001+08:00

17 December 2011

Excuse the photo overload.

I grabbed a whole bunch of pictures of Love and Mar's lovely Bacolod wedding from my sisses. (Remember, we didn't bring our camera to the church and reception! And you all know how I live in fear of losing our pictures lest someone erases his or her FB album!!!).

Mr. and Mrs. Villafranca!

Our little patootie was bible bearer!

Here he is, looking so serious. He walked down the aisle, paused midway, burst into a grin, and continued on!

So proud of him.

And also RELIEVED he agreed to wear his barong - for the march and for his part, at least!

Backtrack first! Here's our family picture at L'Fisher Hotel.

Everyone convened in the lobby.

Love and Mar thoughtfully arranged transportation for ALL their guests from the hotel to the church.

Literal, photo vomit siya. You've been warned.

Click for more pictures!

Lobby with sisses!

Again.

And again!

Me and my little man!

Laz with Aquilans, Aga and Joco!

Bible-bearer at work!
(He actually demanded the bible back. When he sat down at his pew, he growled, "Where's my book?!")

Newlyweds with all their friends!

(Can you spot Laz in the picture?)

Everyone checking Love's train, hehe.

Sisses with newlyweds and Laz!
(He's being held here by my 2 kids - Nikki and Marge).

Again!

Waiting to throw petals at the newlyweds!

Teehee.

He rushed over to hand Mar the petals.
It was the sweetest and cutest thing.
(Nanay! Walang kokontra!)

At the reception - in the ballroom of L'Fisher Hotel!

*Thank you, Gea and Ethel for the pictures!!!

BACOLOD BOUND!!!

2011-12-16T23:00:00.031+08:00

We're off to Bacolod tomorrow! Praying for good weather - we keep reading about Signals 1, 2 and what have you in various regions. We're heading to my sorority kid Love's wedding - Laz is going to be bible bearer! This is will be Laz's second airplane ride! It promises to be even more exciting for him than the first one, because he was only 1.4 y.o. then! Now, he's a big boy (3 y.o.!) and much more aware, much sharper, and much more excitable! Please pray for good weather for us!!!

I never got around to posting our Dumaguete-Siquijor travel pictures (briefly mentioned here and here).

So here is a picture of Laz from March 2010 - right before boarding the plane FOR THE FIRST TIME.

DOESN'T HE LOOK SO ADORABLY SIKSIK??? SOOOOO CHUBBY!!!

(Like the Papu, hahaha).

Map from here.

Back in town by Sunday!
Have a great weekend, everyone!
*Sana di masyadong trapik sa Manila!

MELISSA X VW FROM AVA.COM.PH

2011-12-16T19:06:00.001+08:00

16 December 2011

I know I gotta rush home to pack for Bacolod tomorrow, but I just want to share today's delivery:

Was so surprised to get this so soon!

I ordered only yesterday!

From Ava.com.ph !!! Woooot.

With a thank you card and baggie.

Melissa x VW, what else?

I have this in black and red. I bought my previous pairs regular price.

So imagine my glee when I saw they are now 50% off in Ava - could NOT resist.

So now I have them in plum brown too.

*yay*

THANK YOU, GLADS FOR INVITING ME TO AVA AND TELLING ME ABOUT THE MELISSA SALE!

GYM FEED

2011-12-15T23:49:00.002+08:00

Umm, I've forgotten if I've mentioned it here, but I actually signed up for the gym again.

Two months ago, to be exact. I haven't been yakking about it because there's nothing to report!!!

The first month, I only got to hit the gym twice. My second month (last day today in fact), I only got to go a grand total of ONE TIME. Uuuuuugh.

However!

It did not stop me - us - from attending the gym's Christmas party.

Heehee.

Attendance:

Workouts - spotty

Gym's Christmas party - FULL FORCE!

Aba siyempre!

Libreng pagkain at ang sarap pa (especially those sliders!).

I am giving myself one more month of gym membership this month.

If my attendance doesn't improve, screw it, no more wasting my money.

I'll have to learn to accept the bilbil!!!

Restaurant 5, Discovery Suites, Ortigas Center, Pasig

NOT THE SAME GNOCCHI

2011-12-15T23:36:00.002+08:00

15 December 2011

I was so eagerly looking forward to eating the gnocchi at Terry's again.

Alas! It tasted a bit different. Definitely more bland than the last time.

And to think I used to so enjoy the gnocchi there. Siiiigh.

I had pumpkin soup too, which Pao ended up finishing for me.

Pao had the duck parfit.

This is about Pao taking me out for lunch to celebrate our fourth wedding anniversary yesterday!

(I missed him all day yesterday - he had a 3k run at 4am and a company Christmas party in the evening!)

Thank you, Buppy!

Though next time I shall go to Trattoria Italia for my gnocchi cravings.

(Even Laz loves the gnocchi there too).

Terry Selection, The Podium, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong

HAPPY WITH THE LITTLE PINKY STORE

2011-12-15T17:17:00.002+08:00

15 December 2011

My latest delivery! Woot!

This actually arrived yesterday, but I couldn't very well blog about my frivolous little thrills, considering.

Anyhoo, isn't that just the cutest little owl? Delivery from The Little Pinky Store (TLPS).

Tee from their To Dye For 2011 collection.

From their November 2011 collection - the Alamar Reina necklace (long chain) and the Alamar Principe necklace (short chain).

I've been steadily collecting tie-dyed stuff for the beach.

TLPS has the cutest summer-y tops.

And such great quality, too! That shirt is pretty thick, and the photo print in front is very clear.

(Sizes run big though, I got Medium and realized I should've gotten Small).

I also liked how the necklaces came in a little tampipi.

Plus, the seller, Ayla Gomez, is extremely prompt, very efficient, and completely sweet.

She had it delivered at the firm - her helper in fact dropped off my package and forgot to get the payment!

(It's still here with my secretary Edz, Ayla!!!).

I got everything the day after I emailed - all packed and tagged and craft-y looking. Fuss-free transaction.

I love it. I highly recommend it.

Can't get enough of this little owl.

That's the instruction tag on how to take care of your shirt.

Getting the package was a welcome break from pleading-writing!

Visit the TLPS website here.

And the TLPS Facebook page here.

SAYING GOOD-BYE TO DADDY BEN

2011-12-14T23:36:00.012+08:00

My grand-uncle, Daddy Ben, suddenly passed away this morning.

He died in his sleep. He seemed so peaceful, according to my dad.

We are all relieved that it was painless.

But we were shocked and surprised - he's only 80, after all. And it was the suddenness of it all.

Daddy Ben had instructed my grand-aunt, Mama Des, that he wanted to be cremated, and that he refused to be viewed. So he passed away in the morning, was cremated in the afternoon, mass at 6:00 pm at the parish church, and it was over. The relatives gathered together, friends and neighbors visited their home, but it all happened so fast. I barely made it to the dinner, and it was just our nearest and dearest.

We come from a really small family - at least from my mother's side. She's an only child. My grandmother (her mother) is extremely close to her sisters - 2 (including Mama Des) live right beside my parents and grandmother, and 1, my Tiya Ellen, lives in the US but visits regularly. Except for Kuya Romy who's in the US as well, of my 3 uncles, Kuya Mike, lives right behind my own family home, and my Kuya Ferdie lives three minutes away. (Daddy Ben is my Ate Irene's father-in-law, so if you read her blog as well, please give her your condolences). We are a very tight knit group, and Daddy Ben has been part of our family life for as long as I can remember. To lose someone from one's inner circle like that is jarring. Things do change, people do move on. I still can't quite believe it.

For my family, I'd like to share some pictures of Daddy Ben from some old entries:

Daddy Ben and Mama Des during their 50th wedding anniversary with Mama Des (their renewal ceremony!) in March 2011.

(Where Laz was coinbearer).

Daddy Ben's granddaughter Kassie's (my cousin's) birthday in April 2011.

(With his 3 kids, daughters in law, Mama Des, and all his grand kids, except for Kim!)

With our whole Palma clan in March 2010.

(That's Daddy Ben in the bottom right corner, in white).

Rest in peace, Daddy Ben.

Some blog entries about Daddy Ben here, here, here, here, here, and here.

THE 4TH

2011-12-14T17:24:00.002+08:00

14 December 2011

HAPPY 4TH ANNIVERSARY, PAO!

Yep, four years ago, Pao and I got married.

Pao can't come home tonight - it's his company Christmas party and he's staying South with some officemates.

So he made sure we had a mini pre-celebration when we had lunch last Saturday.

Addendum:

Pao and I had a quick lunch out to celebrate again, Thursday, day after our anniversary.
He swung by for me at the office and we had lunch at Terry's Selection.
I always enjoy these lunch dates.

Thank you, Buppy. It's STILL awesome.

STICKER HOUR

2011-12-13T17:13:00.001+08:00

These are the things Laz is into these days, in random order: Thomas the Tank Engine (still), Handy Manny, cars, anything related to the sea and underwater creatures, and stickers! Any kind, basta sticker.

I made it home early enough to present Laz this neat Dr. Seuss sticker book I got him the other day.

We spent a happy hour together, poring over Horton and his friends.

DINNER VS. MERIENDA

2011-12-13T17:08:00.003+08:00

13 December 2011

Since sharing a cubby (before!) with JML I've taken to having a really (really really) heavy merienda and skipping dinner when I get home. The other day when I had a proper dinner at the actual dinner hour over at Texas Roadhouse I ended up feeling bloated and queasy. Hindi na sanay.

So today I went back to my piggery meriendas. Atttaaack! Everything in the picture was all just for me. Ganyan talaga kapag "diet" no meals after 6. But all bets are off before 6pm!!!

Pancakes House, The Malayan Plaza, Topaz Road,

Ortigas Center, Pasig

TODAY'S DELIVERIES

2011-12-13T17:06:00.002+08:00

13 December 2011

If you've been following my blog for some time, I'd guess you'd know by now I like having stuff delivered to the office. It used to be just stuff I'd purchase through Multiply, but the virtual marketplace has since expanded - and so have I! Sort of! Getting there!

I ordered something from the Home Shopping Network for the first time!

Was thrilled when it arrived.

Don't judge me!!! Saw the TV ad last Sunday at my in laws, called, and boom! Sucka!

It is so so convenient, because you pay upon delivery. And the folks in the hotline are really very efficient.

(If defective, you have 2 days to return).

Heeheeheee.
This is actually for Pao - he requested because he's really been spending a lot of time working out.

Also delivered today: from one of our clients!

Was really touched with the gift basket, especially since I was only assigned to this client a few months ago.

So, THANK YOU!

JEH JOINS THE FIRM

2011-12-12T16:32:00.000+08:00

Officemates with our newest hire - my sorority sis (and auxy!) JEH!

*This picture from ICY, thank you!

Rare night outs with the firm recently, I must say. Everyone's so busy. But since it was Nicka's first day - lezzgo!!! Was in and out just for dinner, was rearing to head home. Welcome to the firm, Nicks! (ICY brought out the camera after I left, so I was grumbling).

My and ICY's dinner.

Ha, I have a phone picture rin with JEH, albeit crappy quality!

Texas Roadhouse Grill, El Pueblo, Ortigas Center, Pasig

CRAMMING FOR CHRISTMAS (Part 2)

2011-12-11T17:17:00.020+08:00

We braved the crowd in TriNoma to buy some Christmas presents. (Second leg of our Cramming for Christmas Amazing Race). I'm glad we chose that mall, because look who we ran into having lunch in Cibo:

DW!!!! Reunited with our Laz!

They were so funny.

They can both talk. And in fact, they both talked after they parted ways.

(DW: "don't go!" Laz: "where's my friend?")

But together?

My gad, they were just shrieking and squealing and running around.

Amazing how kids can communicate without words.

The original "barkads".

This picture from Big DW, thank you!

We, the mommies (with Blessy!) are trying to set up something for January so the kids can frolic (and the mommies can gossip).

P.S. We did get most of the Christmas shopping out of the way. Thanks to Team Santos for letting Laz and Yaya crash their lunch while Pao and I dashed around. Now we only have to shop for the immediate family and a few more inaanaks. Phew!

CRAMMING FOR CHRISTMAS (Part 1)

2011-12-10T17:17:00.039+08:00

I love my new job but it definitely leaves me with barely enough time to spend with my son - much less buy Christmas gifts or put up decors (and clean the house, for that matter. Wooooh). As it is, we were only able to just recently string up our Christmas lights outside our house - and mostly because my dad decided to help out (THANK YOU, POPSY!). We still don't have a tree. I was only able to buy presents for our bosses in Tagaytay right after the wedding last weekend - we have zilch zero zip for most of our Christmas gifts list.

We are well aware of Christmas mobs in the mall, so we figured we'd tackle everything in an orderly fashion, haha. (You gotta be organized when you're cramming!). Today we buy our Christmas decors. Tomorrow, hopefully, if not all but, most of the gifts.

First stop was Greenhills. My godson David has this cute little trike from Lifecyle, according to Nevs, and I figured we could get something like that for Laz. (I like DW's trike - it looks kind of vintage). So off to San Juan.

But first we had lunch in Kimpura.

Here's Laz trying to pick up his dilis with his chopsticks.

He succeeded too but didn't like it, hahaha.

So he just settled for rice (forever and ever) and nibbling the breading off his tempura.

We found Lifecycle.

No more tricycles though. And the folks there said Laz was too big for a trike.

We tried the two-wheelers with the training wheels, but Laz wouldn't pedal!

He kept waiting for someone to push him, hahaha.

Clearly, he is still too young for a bike. Ack. Now we have to think of something else to get him for Christmas.

Next we got a Christmas tree and some decors at this little store off Shaw.

Pao spotted it on his way home from work one time. Got a very good deal for a pretty tall tree.

We set up the tree at home but didn't get around to hanging all the balls.

We also discovered we needed to replace our lights. Eeek. So much to do still for Christmas!

FANCIER THAN IT LOOKS - KIMPURA

2011-12-10T16:23:00.021+08:00

10 December 2011

The signage for Kimpura outside looked kind of dilapidated.

Inside, ambiance went up 200 points. And the food (as well as the prices, haha) was a revelation.
(And my pictures, still ever so crappy. I hate lugging the SLR around when we're running after Laz).

Salmon sashimi was so fresh. The beef thingy was so tender.

Excellent lunch.

We were in Greenhills to check out Lifecycle.

Today is Day 1 of Cramming for Christmas.

For the first time ever, Laz decided to try tempura.

Only he ate the breading, and spat out the shrimp. The silly.

Hotel-ish inside (with my other silly).

Kimpura Japanese Restaurant, Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan

SUPER SENIORS CHRISTMAS

2011-12-10T16:15:00.020+08:00

"Hoes" in Draft, haha! (With Monica!)

In short, dalawang litrong "hoes" hahaha. (Corneeee. Hoegaarden. Anuva). Forgive me, I've been having back-to-back late nights - hindi carry ng lola! My kid Mon organized a Christmas get-together for the super seniors (as the juniors like to call us) from our law school sorority, Regina Iustitiae. Unfortunately, only a handful showed up, hehe. Fortunately, we still had so much fun. Chismisan to the nth level. I miss these downtime inumans with my kids (and other sisses, teehee!), I realized. Oh, Pao, Ri's Anjo, and "friends of" came too.

Merry Christmas, everybody!
(Sisses, Pao, Anjo, and some friends from Upsilon - I think!).

Sisses only!

The rest headed to Prive after but the lolas were sleepy and/or not dressed to go clubbing, and headed home to bed! (Thank you to JDR for dropping me off!)

*Thanks to Ri for the pictures, as usual!

My Take Away from Trina That Night:
"LET'S FIGHT IT"
2012.
(Note the period. For drama).

BROWN BAGGING IT

2011-12-09T16:13:00.014+08:00

09 December 2011

I squeezed in a little arts and crafts moment right before my lunch break today.

You know how I've always wanted to be more "crafty" but just don't have the time and, more importantly, the skills?!

Doesn't stop me from attempting little (and VERY SIMPLE) projects. Like that gift tag, haha. Cut it, stuck it, stamped it, made it myself, hahaha.

For the brown bags I used for the presents for my bosses!

It's very simple, I know, but honestly, I love that it looks minimalist and neat.

Teehee.

MY 1ST CHRISTMAS PARTY (AT THE NEW FIRM)

2011-12-08T16:11:00.031+08:00

Christmas party!!!

My first with this firm! We had it over at One Corporate Center. Movie theme! That's James Bond, a gangster, and (Pao) - Zohan!!!! - in the picture. Yeah! JDR made me (and Rhoda) co-host with him all night so I didn't have time to take pictures. Visit my officemate CDR's Twitter here for some photos of people in costume.

It was such a fun fun night. Aside from the group presentations (Romantic-Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi, Animation and Musical), there were raffles, games, our newbie presentation (the cutest thing - "All I Want For Christmas" here - if ONLY I could dance; thank you JML for trying your hardest to teach us, hahaha), the partners' special song number, awarding, and surprises from the partners!!!! YEAHHHHHH!!! Then drinking and dancing after!

Pao (all the spouses and SOs were invited) came as Zohan.

He had a Mariah Carey shirt made! It turned out really really well - HE WANTS MORE!

There's a blowdryer tucked in his belt, too, bwahaha.

My costume was a bit of a cop out (I didn't have time!!!)

I went with Bend It Like Beckham (i.e. I just came in one of my old football uniforms).

Thank you CSD for this picture!

It was the first time Pao and I didn't win a major price in a raffle! (We got a gift cheque for the Automatic Center). We were much luckier before. But I think I'd take this over raffle luck. I love how everyone in this firm genuinely treat each other like family. With our jobs now, I guess it's pretty clear our luck now lies elsewhere. Hurrah!

27F BLESSING

2011-12-08T15:55:00.014+08:00

08 December 2011

Blessing for our new office space over at the 27th!

Expansion, woot!

(There's CSD mugging for my crappy BB camera, heh. I had to Sepia most of the shots so they'd look halfway decent).

That morning, one of my bosses, hovered around my corner and made me clean my cubby!

Like a dad telling his teenager (feeling!) to clean her room! Hee.

We had a mass then the blessing.

Then these kids came. They come every year for Christmas carols.

(I forgot the name of the children's home).

The smallest kid, left, was the cutest, most energetic little caroller ever!

Then merienda before everyone rushed off for last-minute practice before the Christmas Party tonight!

I have group presentation and newbie presentation with all the other new employees (legal and non-legal alike! Reprezent!!!!).

Competition is pretty intense around here.

(I.e. CAREER!)

TRES FORMAGGIO

2011-12-07T16:12:00.011+08:00

It's right behind my office building but I've never actually popped over to try Earle's.

The three cheese sandwich was pretty good (and usually, 3-cheese sandwiches I've tasted tend to be very bland).

Quick dinner run with Pao - he's attending our group's Christmas party presentation, heehee. Go, Drama Group!!!

(But seriously, I've been going home late every night to practice and catch up on work. I hope we win at this Thursday's office Christmas party!)

Earle's Delicatessen, Wynsum Corporate Plaza,
Emerald Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City

OUT WITH THE MORENOS

2011-12-06T11:26:00.003+08:00

Newlyweds Jang and Trina drummed up the troops for their first night out as Mr. and Mrs.!

At The Reserve. Glug glug glug.

*Thanks to Ri for all the pictures!

MOVING UP TO THE 27TH

2011-12-05T16:19:00.018+08:00

My firm is expanding! Some of us are moving up to the 27th floor.

Short of an ultimatum: today we had to pack up and ship out!!!

My old cubby. Which I shared with JML. (I shall miss her terribly. I shall starve up there. Starve).

I have never had my own room, come to think of it. Not in this or my previous firm (oh, in my old firm I did have a room pala, but I always had a roommate). I know in some firms, even their associates or junior associates already have their own rooms. But I've never minded because: 1) I had no point of comparison, didn't know what I was missing out on; and 2) I like yelling over the cubby walls for human interaction. I'm noisy that way, sorry na.

Anyhoo, JDR and I are sharing a space. They'll be putting partitions here at one point but now we are at barking distance from each other.

My corner. It's a mess, I know. And they haven't brought up my regular desk yet.

Ack, chaos. Must unpack before Thursday! So help us gad!

GUILT GIFT

2011-12-04T23:10:00.001+08:00

We kept hemming and hawing about that Tagaytay overnighter for Jang and Trina's wedding actually.

At first, we figured, book a room, bring Laz, let him play in the resort with his yaya while we were at the wedding, then spend the next day in Tagaytay with him.

Then we decided, nah, balikan na lang. At least if we leave Laz in Manila, he'd be doted on by his grannies.

Then when we were there, the venue was farther than we expected, road was dark, and what with the drinking we'd be doing, Pao figured, safer to book.

Okay, fine we did. But that meant an unexpected night (and morning) away from our son.

(Why do you always feel so easily and incredibly guilty when you spend time away from your child? Especially on weekends!)

Ergo: the guilt gift!

This was one of the presents we actually originally got him for his birthday.

But since Laz got so many gifts already, we decided to put this gift on hold for Christmas.

Supposedly!

But after our impromptu Tagaytay trip - out it came from my trunk!

It was the dickens to set up, haha.

But Laz loved it.

Papu and Mamu forgiven?

We shan't be separated the remaining weekends of December.

Especially since we'll be attending a Bacolod wedding - just the 3 of us! (Laz is bible bearer!).

Plus there is that thing called Christmas, of course. Hee.

KANIN CLUB - AT LAST

2011-12-04T12:44:00.023+08:00

04 December 2011

Kanin Club arrrrr!

We ended up staying over in Tagaytay after Jang and Trina's wedding. There were no cheap rooms left in the hotel where sina Trina and Pat and friends were billeted. Kat told us about Potter's Ridge. Rooms are not great but it was a stone's throw away from the venue. Can't complain. Although we had absolutely nothing on us, except the clothes I wore for having my make-up done the day before with Ria, which I had to change into the morning after. Pao was stuck in his wedding clothes, hehe. We checked out early and went to Ilog Maria and Gourmet's Cafe to buy Christmas gifts. We figured it'd save us another trip back to Tagaytay, so we got all the shopping over with. Then we headed to Kanin Club in Paseo Sta. Rosa for lunch. My brother-in-law has been singing its praises. It did NOT disappoint.

We had: aligue rice, crispy dinuguan and ginataang shrimp. Aaaaaaack! Food heaven!

I loved the shrimp especially!

Excited to eat!

Thank goodness they have a branch in UP-Ayala Technohub back in Manila too!

Kanin Club, Paseo de Santa Rosa, Laguna

JANG + TRINA = ♥

2011-12-03T11:46:00.003+08:00

Jang and Trina tied the knot! Hurrah!

(Family picture with the newlyweds!)

They have been together since law school. He proposed in the middle of Central Park, for crying out loud!!! (Yes. In NYC. He followed her there - surprised her - in front of family, strangers - with a string quartet to boot. And a rock the size of Gibraltar). They are so perfectly suited for each other, yin and yang, and we are all so extremely happy they tied the knot.

And Jang being Jang, hahaha, and Trina knowing exactly what she wants, the whole affair was extremely well-thought out. From the bridal showers, the soltera, and all the way to the wedding proper - everything was beautifully executed. The ceremony was held in San Antonio De Padua in Silang, Cavite. Reception was at Villa Sommet in Tagaytay. The bride - and the entourage - wore Inno Sotto. The food was catered by Bizu. They got the Rockeoke group for the after-party. It was truly a memorable wedding.

We didn't bring a camera (had a tough time lugging it around in Jabo and Luzan's wedding because of abay duties, so we figured we better do without it this time) so I shall share here the pictures taken by my sis Sam.

Ri and I at the church in our Innos. Woot, thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Moreno for the sweet threads!
Ri got us this really great make up artist, Bea.
(We were secondary sponsors).

Candle partner helping me through my insanely painful heels, hehe.

And then, the gorgeous bride! Ta-dah:

Trins was radiant!

Will you look at that gown.

Beautiful work by Inno.

Regina Iustitiae sisses who attended the ceremony in Silang, Cavite.
San Antonio De Padua is a small, very pretty little church.

Team Patajo represent.
(Laz spent the day with my in laws).

Sisses! Representatives from Batches 1 to 4, with founders.
(Complete tayo, Patricia and Dev! For a change! Yay, batch! Haha).

The wedding venue, Villa Sommet in Tagaytay, was also very very charming.
I loved the acrylic chairs the caterer, Bizu, used.
(I foresee caterers moving away from the Tiffany chair trend).

Really really scrumptious dessert from Bizu.
There was take away for everyone too!

Hodge podge of guests at the reception.
(Pao and I decided, at the very last minute, to just book a room and stay the night).

With 3 of my kids - Buns, Monica, and Nikki.

Maid of honor and matron of honor gave their speeches.

Dance number by the newlyweds!

I LOVED this.

With our panganay and maid of honor, Matutrina1!
(Changed into wedges after the church ceremony. Much better).

Stage area.
Also known as, The Fight for The Couch.
Best in Camwhoring got to hog the couch.
(That's YOU, Batch 2!!!)

Doing a Familia Zaragoza.

Only Matutrina1 STILL doing a Familia Zaragoza, hahaha.

Newlyweds and sisses and Jun!

One more for the road: family picture with the newlyweds!

CONGRATULATIONS, TRINA AND JANG!

It was such a terrific wedding.
Moving and fun at the same time.
Thank you for sharing your special day with us!
We love you guys!!!

*ALL pictures from my Samantha Dy! Thank you!

DUCK HITS

2011-12-02T19:48:00.019+08:00

I will be forever craving roasted goose until we get back to Hong Kong, arrrr.

So we settle for roasted duck. It's a little tougher than goose, I think.

But it'll have to do!

Yang Chow for two.

Beef curry. Wasn't hot enough.

Pao reminded me that HK curry isn't as hot as, say, SG curry.

Or Thai. Now I want to go back to Bangkok too just to eat eat and eat.

(We love curry).

But it was a very pleasant lunch out nevertheless!

And impromptu too, which is always nice, as far as dates with the spouse go.

HK Choi by Choi Garden, 2F Mega Atrium, SM Megamall

ANIME BABY

2011-12-01T19:47:00.004+08:00

Little boy refusing to wake up this morning!

(With his giant eyes, his little nose, and that sweet little mouth, don't you think he looks like an anime baby? My friend Neva says, don't forget the Isabel Granada eyelashes! Yea!)