THE WKND SPECIAL Vol. 6

Or should I say HOLY WEEK? Or HOLY WKND? HAHAHA! I’m so funny!

I am enjoying this series so much that I have decided to follow up just last week’s post with another one. Also, it had been a pretty eventful holiday weekend so why not, right?!

March 23, 2016 | Holy Wednesday

As for me, the holiday weekend officially began on the eve of Holy Wednesday. I believe, by this day, Catholics such as yours truly should already be taking a break from consuming meat products, but I was sadly unable to oblige because Cheesy Garlic Chicken Fillet Night happened.

This is something that my boyfriend and I had long wanted to do but kept on putting off until Wednesday. So even when I knew it wasn’t quite right, I gave it a go since everything we needed was already set and just awaiting our service.

The result? Perfection!!! According to my standards at least. Hahaha! Kidding aside though, our Home-cooked Cheesy Garlic Chicken Fillet was really good. I mean the sauce wasn’t that sweet. It was a balance of sweet with a little kick of spiciness. It was paired with coleslaw without the mayo as a side dish which made my taste buds even happier. Good thing it was a pretty successful project since it was the first viand we ever made. Now we are more excited to cook more. Hihi!

March 25, 2016 | Good Friday

As I always do every year, my Good Friday was spent for some sacrificial and devotional time. I once again joined in our barangay’s Way of the Cross in which we would go around the roads, farms and hills in our area while we pray the 14 Stations of the Cross.

 

There had been a few changes this year. Way of the Cross started at 5:00AM, earlier than the usual 7:00AM. I liked this schedule better because the sun wasn’t that bright yet during the whole journey. And because it started earlier, it also ended earlier as expected at around 8:30AM. There were also some changes in the trail leading to the end of the walk. And since Alyanna, my niece, and I woke up late and just had to catch up with the group, we had a hard time following because we didn’t know which route the group took. Good thing we were able to catch and keep up with the help of the other tardy joiners. The usual comboni pitstop on top of the hill wasn’t available that day too, so the group had to just rest somewhere by the road in the hill. It was tiring but ultimately fulfilling!

This Way of the Cross is one of my most precious traditions yet. It sends a freeing, cleansing, optimistic feeling in me. It’s something spiritual. I am not the most religious person out there, but taking part in an activity like this is something I am and always will be very proud of. And because of this, I vow to walk and pray until I’m old and grey, unable to walk long and steep hills because of arthritis. But until then, I’ll just do what it is that I need to do – walk with him.

 

March 27, 2016 | Easter Sunday

Rejoice for the Christ is risen! :)

I woke up this day after 11 hours of much needed sleep. And what was the first thing I was told? That we were going to have a family boodle fight! Whaaaat?! Much obliged!

This simple boodle feast was hosted by Ate Myra, Kuya Russell and their kids. They prepared adobong baboy, sinigang na baboy, salted eggs, mangoes with shrimp paste, bananas, and watermelons – so yummy and so Pinoy. It was the first time we had something like that, so I was really happy about it! Another family bonding!

I would not mind if we are going to make it a yearly thing. I actually hope that we do! I’ll even contribute some food too!

Then come early evening, I had Easter dinner with my high school girlfriends plus Jep and Archelle at Bugong Bistro in Halang.

It was basically catch-up and make-fun night with my girls over Thai food. We tried to update each other about what each other’s been up to lately. We then laughed and laughed about how we were so naïve and stupid as high schoolers. I know, I know. It’s the only thing we know to do when together, but this time we were able to un-box some really crazy HS memories that shouldn’t have been unearthed ever because they were just hella embarrassing. That we ever did or got involved in such activities was beyond us! Hahaha!

We squeezed in summer planning too since we are bound to go to the beach come May 2016. And even this part didn’t reach an agreement, hasn’t reached an agreement yet. What did you expect?! Haha!

Good thing we had the restaurant all to ourselves because we were too loud like always, and I could only picture out how others would react were there anyone else aside from us there at the moment. Imagine eight female voices battling it out on the table! Crazy!

We hung out some more at Starbucks before calling it a night. :)

***

And that’s it about me. Hope you all made the most of your time through happy and meaningful moments with Him, your family, friends, and loved ones just like I did over the Holy Week.

Pray and love!

THE WKND SPECIAL Vol. 5

Or should I say WKNDS? :)

Some things happened over the two consecutive weekends, so I’m going to indulge myself by oversharing.

To briefly sum things up, I spent some good quality time with my family, friends and boyfriend.

March 12, 2016 | Saturday

This was the day I paid a long overdue visit to my school, Lyceum of the Philippines University – Laguna, for some good time with a few of my friends. There was nothing like bonding with friends in the same place that got us all close together. It was a well-timed visit since the school was celebrating its 15^th Foundation Anniversary that week.

Though catching up with friends and school was my primary reason for going, I also went because of PNE (Parokya ni Edgar). Despite already watching PNE perform there before plus the other time I did when I was still in Grade 5 or 6, I still wanted to see the band again because why not??? The guys know how to put on an entertaining show for everyone through romantic/comedic lyrics matched with humorous banters. It was a no-brainer go-go. :)

Rekta, a local band led by our good friend Kuya Bogs, performed as a front act too, so that was a bonus.

The crowd sang and clapped along, and we did too. I was not able to keep count, but I think the band played not more than 10 songs. That was fine because at least I enjoyed all of them. The concert ended a bit earlier than expected, around 9:30PM, so we still had time to have late dinner before calling it a night. :)

We spent more time in front of the stage, so catching up wasn’t given much attention which is why I hope to see them again soon.

March 13, 2016 | Sunday

Whenever there are family gatherings, I make sure to make time no matter what. Even when I already have a prior appointment, I find a way to squeeze in a few minutes or hours to attend family events, especially really important ones, because they don’t come along that often anymore.

Last, last Sunday, my family on my mother’s side gathered to join in the celebration of Baby Gaile’s 1^st birthday! Her actual birthday was last March 14, but it was a Monday, so Kuya Gian and his wife had to adjust their daughter’s party in consideration of the invitees. It was a simple lunch catering for the adults and afternoon party for the kids. It had been a chance for the family to get together for even just a short while, so I was glad it happened. :)

Gaile brings so much joy to everyone in the family despite her being a bit shy and aloof. That’s most likely because she doesn’t see most of us that often, so that’s cool. Besides, she’s a baby, a cute one, so whatever she does or however she acts out is excusable. Haha! :) Personally, I am delighted every time I get to see and cuddle her. I want to carry her around even if that entails crying on her part because she doesn’t really know me well. Hahaha!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AGAIN, BABY GAILE!

I love you! Kisses!

March 19, 2016 | Saturday

This Saturday was spent making up for my birthday treat for the boyfriend that had to be postponed several times because I decided this time I wanted to prioritize catching up with friends too because I felt like I had been neglecting them which was the last thing I wanted to do. Sorry! Haha!

Jeck’s birthday was last March 8, and we went out March 19. It was still March, so I’d say that wasn’t overly delayed and still a valid date. Haha!

I chose to just take him out on a date. It wasn’t fancy or anything unique; just a simple one was enough for him for as long as the thought of reciprocating his efforts was there. He would always be the one to take me out, so I decided it was about time he got the same treatment because guys deserve as much appreciation from girls too. :)

Faustina’s in UPLB was the perfect place because it was just this small, quiet and cozy restaurant that I was hoping it would be.

Food was magnificent. Everything we ordered was its bestsellers and for good reason. Silindro Ribs and Peach Mango Pie a la Mode were the absolute bomb and most probably the reason we’ll come back.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JASON!

You already know what I want and need you to know, so I’ll just leave things at that. You know the rest. Thank you! Kisses!

***

I missed writing one for this series. Something about it is so relaxing. It’s like The Happy List Series with the joy it brings in me except it’s purely all about life events here.

Bye for now! :) Time for a break! Time for Holy Week! 

THIS JUST IN Vol. 2: New Binge x New Splurge x New Eats

Well, life’s still life. It goes on – pretty quickly actually. So… I am sharing here some of the new stuff that came in/took place during the previous months first.

IN TV SERIES

Yes to Game of Thrones Seasons 2, 3 and 4 – hell to the yeah! The politics going on between kingdoms and inside each clan is what amuses my fancy mind so much. It’s fascinatingly intriguing, the flavorful politics. Love it!

Also, there are way too many additions to the already tons of characters and subplots to go crazy about. The dragons are my hero at present. I see them as the ones most likely to take over if ever a kingdom-wide battle begins soon. The son of Stannis caught me a little off guard, though (because what’s really up with the shadow son?!), but I’m still going to give it the benefit of the doubt. We’ll see what happens in the coming seasons. Hope its existence will serve an awesome purpose. And then there are the White Walkers! It’s like GOT meets The Walking Dead, and that surely ought to make a good combo. :)

Related but unimportant and I’m also not proud of this, I’m now playing Clash of Clans simply because it reminds me so much of GOT, and I like imagining myself leading my own village GOT-style.

And the twists, baaam! Right in our freaking faces! Without knowing what, where and why things happen, things happen. Why do all the characters I root for die? Why?! Hahaha!

S05 is already happening! Can’t wait to be back in King’s Landing!

IN MOVIES

I have decided to take on the challenge of slashing one film after another off the list of the 99 MINDFUCK MOVIES sent to me by my friend Kreng. I have an initial headstart of already watching eight of 99 which isn’t much I must admit, but those eight were just super crazy and twisted and mindblowing that they motivate me to get on with this list. I am not sure if all the movies here will appeal to me, though, as most were filmed during the ‘80s and ‘90s. Haha. Whatever, I’ll try watching everything and decide for myself which ones are my yeah-bsolute favorites.

But then again, I know for sure I’ll feel dizzy watching, so I’ll have to be mentally ready first. Until then, I shall keep them hidden in my laptop. Lol

IN STUFF

FINALLY, AN AIR MAX FOR MYSELF! I had been on the lookout for the dopest (wow, dopest hahaha) Air Max 90 around. I had seen some of the most kickass ones pass me by because I didn’t have the money to burn at the time, so I was so stoked when I was able to put my hands on a really nice pair at last. It’s very retro! I’ve been wearing sneakers for far too long that it felt kind of different when I first tried on my AMs, different in a nice way. My new kicks can be an eye turner on their own even when they have very simple colorways or even when paired with the most normcore outfits I can think of. Also, if I’m not mistaken, they are my first ever Nike shoes. What?! Oh, well. J I’m ready for the streets! By the way, super late but belated Happy Air Max Day!

My eyes are eyeing the AM1s this time. Oh, shoot. ;)

Also, I got an art work for a gift! How awesome is that?! J I just ran an errand, and I got home with a pretty painting from Ate Sarita, a relative from Daddy’s side. Cool thaaaang! Why didn’t I get her skillzz?! Hahaha. I have always admired her creative hands ever since we were kids, and this token just takes me back to childhood and beautiful drawings. Happy memories!

IN EATS

Since my first post under the food segment of this blog series, my nothing-can-get-more-amateurish potato experiment has been followed up with a few other simple recipes which I’m proud of despite the easiness of said preps. This also has become a routine I always look forward to since the boyfriend and I made this one of our chances to further bond. Food is the third wheel in this relationship. Lol (I guess there’s no questioning why we’re getting flabbier and flabbier each day huhuhaha). Tacos, quesadillas and, now, pizzas! *insert heart-shaped eyes here* They tasted so good!!! We just used the ready-made dough available in the supermarket. We topped our pizza with pepperoni and bacon. We all know nothing could go wrong with bacon, so yes, it was a pretty successful try. We made pizzas twice already. We used mini dough the first time and regular-sized ones the second time. Such a delightful feeling to learn something new!

What should we try making next?

P.S.

Holy Week went by just like that. I didn’t even feel the long break, but at least my family and I were still able to join everyone in our little barangay in the annual Way of the Cross last Good Friday as we followed the 14 Stations of the Cross from our San Isidro Labrador Church to the comboni on the hilltop. It was an opportune chance to fast, reflect and pray. It was my own little sacrifice, my panata. Grateful for the experience, as always.

xx

(Edited late post)

Friendsgiving

From the usual Christmas parties my college mates and I hold, we have decided to go for something more fitting, intimate (but still wild and fun) and religion-considerate this time – FRIENDSGIVING.

Actually, there wasn’t much of a difference. It only partly changed the vibe of the party by putting the real focus on the F.R.I.E.N.D.S at that moment, but the faces and fun were the same.

We were more in attendance compared last year. Hence, we were out of control. Loud voices overpowered and mixed with other loud voices, and the hosts could barely do anything to calm everyone down for the games. Voices would lower down for a few seconds then full chaos again. It rained gifts and prizes as well. That feeling of receiving a gift would never ever get old. Each was also awarded special recognitions for the eccentricity that made each lovable and despicable at the same time.

Above all the loudness, though, was this feeling of intimacy. Maybe we just really missed each other. I mean, we hadn’t seen each other’s faces in a long time. We had so much to share that we were all so restless and hyperactive. We didn’t know where to begin, which to talk about first, how to compress all our stories and laughter. And we only had the night for everything because this is the only time of the year we get to be this complete.

I guess it was also the intimacy of the night that gave me the courage to finally share a very important part of my happy life right now – the boyfriend. So there were actual and “almost” tears that were totally unexpected. Dear friends were that affected. I was moved. I was not prepared for the overflow of love and support from them. Their happiness was all so genuine. Beyond grateful for these friends!

To Jerome and Kreng, thank you so much for putting all this together. All your sweat and convincing powers and harsh words paid off. *wink-wink You guys did it! Thank you for organizing all of this year’s special events. A for Effort!

Special thanks are also in order for the following people’s generosity: Vyna for the cake (From Dubai with love! We hope to have you here next year), Purita for the cute knives (Seriously, why a knife? Hahaha) and Marfi for her special gifts (Unique gifts for each, big time! You really know what we like)!

At the end of the day, we’re all just kids trying to have fun. Because at this point in time when every chance at letting loose and letting our hair down is not as easy to get as it used to, spontaneous moments like this night are a treasured gift we get to truly enjoy when we are with the people who are just as crazy as us.

To quote my friend Jusz:

“Here's to the nights that turned into mornings with the friends that turned into family. ‪#‎Friendsgiving2014”

Enough said.

Let’s open the year by spending it with the people we love most.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, everyone!!!

(Late post)

*Big thanks to Monica Mangalino, Paul Maunahan and Antoniette Pulutan for the lovely photos!

Housing Party 2014

Annual Housing Departmental Christmas Party | December 19, 2014 | Patio Acerado Resort

Housing and Settlements Department at your service!

 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, everyone!!!

(Late post)

“D” Party

Like what my high school pals and I do every year, we have thrown a mini-party for the Christmas season to reminisce our cherished HS memories and celebrate the feats we have achieved this year. We like bullying and admiring each other at the same time. 

School project! :)

You couldn’t have expected anything less.

Hibek and Vangie!

Che and Jusz!

Froiland, Joson, Alexa, and Katrina!

Vangie hosted the games. There were those surely tailor-made for couples. Said games exposed the possessive girlfriends in the group, hugging and keeping to themselves what’s theirs while pushing away those who ever wish to even just touch their guys. Lol! Of course she couldn’t leave out the singles to grieve alone. There was also a game for them, singles edition! Haha!

Personalized cupcake c/o Faith!

And since I like tackling the has-beens of past celebrations and the new stuff this year, I have observed a few notable things. Our attendance was record breaking this time! It’s really nice to know that each year we grow more and more in attendance. My mates really made the effort despite their tight schedule. Aw. Haha! More to the point, we were more because they brought along someone with them. Boyfriends showed up. Hooray to everyone enjoying their love life this Christmas! Haha! But not just boyfriends, we also had a baby present that night, say whaaat. The delicious and so good-smelling Baby Miesha played with us too. Parties are more fun with boyfies and babies around, that I can say now for sure!

Diemond? Chritmas? Whaaaaat?

Katrina and Julie!

Shout out to the supergirls Krizia and Justine for letting their patience and love for everyone prevail to successfully hold the Christmas party! Fistbump! 

Also very grateful to Hibek for accommodating us in their very nice home. He had no qualms nor complaints when our loud mouths entered their territory. We could be really loud as in loud-loud, you know. Sorry, neighbors! That was just one night. Haha! Maybe next year again?! *wink-wink

I’d also like to thank Faith for sponsoring the party when she was only supposed to give us souvenirs as gifts! She’s abroad, but she still wanted to partake in our celebration, and she did so grandly. Thank God for friends like her, hoping to have her here next year. 

Class picture!

The party was loud with everyone wanting to take over the moment, wild with all the fun-filled games we played, crazy with everyone who participated with such energy, and unforgettable with all the new memories we have created in those few hours.

This post is the reason why I love Christmas so much!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to my Diamond Family!!!

*Big thanks to Froiland and Hibek for the lovely photos!