My new home

Yesterday, December 26 my sister Eya and Tal wanted me to get out of the house and go anywhere I please. I first wanted to go to UPLB or Tagaytay or even Baguio City but it's too risky for me to travel now that I'm 5 months pregnant. So I decided to to see Shangri-La Plaza mall. I thought that mall would still be very "sosyal" but it has changed a little bit...just a little bit only! Majority of the mall rats there are coño and just a few average ones. Since we arrived there lunch time, I chose to eat at Cravings. Their chef's salad was perfect and satisfying especially the dressing! Althea enjoyed her pasta and Tal (not yet hungry at that time) just ordered coffee. We took pictures (well, just a few) using my low-tech image camera while wating for our orders. After lunch, Tal stayed at Power Books to read while Althea and I went to Rustan's Department store. Obviously we visited our favorite section there, the beauty products galore area! I made a list of all...

The Great Lover Rupert Brooke I have been so great a lover: filled my days So proudly with the splendour of Love's praise, The pain, the calm, and the astonishment, Desire illimitable, and silent content, And all dear names men use, to cheat despair, For the perplexed and viewless streams that bear Our hearts at random down the dark of life. Now, ere the unthinking silence on that strife Steals down, I would cheat drowsy Death so far, My night shall be remembered for a star That outshone all the suns of all men's days. Shall I not crown them with immortal praise Whom I have loved, who have given me, dared with me High secrets, and in darkness knelt to see The inenarrable godhead of delight? Love is a flame; we have beaconed the world's night. A city: and we have built it, these and I. An emperor: we have taught the world to die. So, for their sakes I loved, ere I go hence, And the high cause of Love's magnificence, And to keep loyalties young...

Talento Tiongson Castro...my friend and my lover. Thank you for bringing out the best in me and for tolerating my not-so-good moods. But most of all thank you for giving me the greatest gift you can give...Iglesia Ni Cristo. I love you very much!

Last November 26 my family and I went to Ayala, Makati to see the "caroling christmas lights" at the Ayala Tringle. It was all my ate Anna's idea for us to go there. First, we went to National Bookstore just to stroll then mom bought new sandals at Celine. Since it was too early for the "christmas light show", we decided to have dinner at Outback since Anna is craving for some ribs. No heavy meat for me so I decided to have their soup of the day and salad. We enjoyed the feast very much that my tummy became so heavy and bloated. After dinner we went straight to the Ayala Triangle. There were lots of people there but not crowded. We all enjoyed the fascinating lights and the dessert we were having while watching.  

CONGRATULATIONS to our very own Shamcey Supsup for being the third runner-up in the Miss Universe 2011 Pageant. We're so proud of you!

You're the one I want to be with, now and forever. "I love you with all my heart." I don't think I'll ever be able to say that enough. It's a feeling that goes with me everywhere I go, and it's one that always makes me smile inside You really are the best thing that ever happened to me. I never would have imagined that I could be this happy. I wouldn't have guessed that I'd feel so fulfilled or that I would be so sure of where I want my life to go. But now I know. I want to be with you. Wherever the journey takes us, I want us to go there hand in hand. For You, My Soul Mate by Douglas Pagels I just love reading almost all of Douglas Pagels' inspirational books. It gives me the strength to do everything out of love. Especially when you're still in love the same person you see and converse with everyday. God bless the man I married. God bless my soul mate.

This blog is one year late but I guess it's better late than never. Last July 9, 2010 Tal and I tied the knot and a parent friend of ours lend us their vacation house in Naguillan, Benguet. We chose August instead of July since we were in Bohol that month. I was so excited to go back home to the north again. well, as you can see in our pictures...BIG SMILEYS! The place we stayed at was like a village of condominiums and there were only 7 of us reciding in the area at that time. No wonder it tends to be "horror-like" during the night . The fog you see in Baguio City starts in Naguillan and boy are those fogs fast...as in fast and thick you won't be able to see anything after a few seconds..as in ZERO visibility! Tal and I had fun chasing and feeling the freezing fog which can make you sick if you don't wear warm clothing. It took us 15 to 20 minutes or Php 120 taxi ride to go to Baguio City coming from Naguillan. That is if the driver is super fast or else we...

A very relaxed and calm woman. A woman who knows when to use the rod in disciplining the young. A woman who judges you not but help you face all the reality that is good and bad. A woman who ages beautifully and gracefully. Happy birthday to our dearest mama. Your tres marias love you so much and wish to spend more time with you every chance they have.

Ang masayang pagtatanghal at pagdiriwang ng Linggoo Ng wika at T.L.E. Day Last July 27-29, FEU-FERN celebrated nutrition month and linggo ng wika. Although the students did not have enough time to prepare for the different contests, they still pulled off a perfect presentation. The FERNians enjoyed the different contests like the doll making, fruit decorating, bag making and the dance contest. The elementary students were full of life and totally had fun in their performance. The high school students, even though some did not win, were very enthusiastic in delivering their dance. I hope next year, our T.L.E. Day and Linggo Ng Wika would still be a big hit!♥

I just love shooting them all! In color, in black and white and in sepia which is by the way my favorite. I first fell in love with my dad's Nikon camera when I was four years old. He did not allow us to manipulate his camera but he sure did allow us to take a peek on the eyepiece and press the click button. I started taking pictures when I was in college using a manual camera. I would photograph my friends and all the places we've been hanging around in the metro. I'm not the kind who goes with the flow when it comes to new things or "uso". When digicam became an "in thing", my sisters and I  still use the good old manual camera. I bought my first digicam just last 2008 in Baguio City. I was with my ate Althea when I purchased it for 2000 pesos only. It's an image s30 and it's made in China. Although it's not that high-tech, i truly love my digicam. It's very light weight and the color's purple. By 2009, my image s30 digicam wa...

Last month my family and I with one family guest went on a road trip going to Jaen, Nueva Ecija to visit tatay and other relatives there. At first I did not want to go because we will be leaving at around 5AM and I have difficulty waking up very early. But when I got in the vehicle I was suddenly motivated to go. Seeing the sunrise and knowing that we will be going on a long joy ride awakened my senses that easily. Bignay, the miracle fruit Erin Faith Castro Miranda on a hammock Mangoes within reach A simple feast in a simple barrio Hannah and her birds Little piggies ♥ Our first stop was tatay's on-going-construction-of-his-house. We were pleased to see more improvements in his house compared to last time we saw it. I took pictures of his house, some bignay, which is a miracle fruit and of course flowers. Next, we went to tatay's younger sister where they served us the best tasting green mangoes (no salt needed). After which we went ...

The Top Ten FAILURES Of All Time (Got this from God’s Little Lessons for TEENS) The engineer who neglected to design a reverse gear in the first car he manufactured. The group turned down by Decca Records because “guitars are on their way out.” The illustrator told by his newspaper editor to pursue another line of work. The skinny kid who hated the way he looked and was always being beaten up by bullies. The seriously ill, deeply in debt composer who in desperation wrote an oratorio in a few hours. The obese, bald, deformed eccentric became a reclusive thinker. The orchestra conductor-composer who made his greatest contributions after becoming deaf. The politician who lost his first seven elections. The boy everyone thought was mute because his stutter was so bad he never spoke until he was a teenager. The woman born deaf and blind who became a great writer and philanthropist and once said, ...

It's been a year since we prepared our hearts, our minds and our spirits. It's been a year since you and I became one. It's been a year since we surrendered ourselves to God's will. It's been a year since we were blessed as one. It's been a year since we said our I do's. Thank you dear Lord for blessing our first year of togetherness.  May we, in return give You glory each day of our lives.  Happy Anniversary to my loving hubbyLents.♥

It's been a year since we prepared our hearts, our minds and our spirits. It's been a year since you and I became one. It's been a year since we surrendered ourselves to God's will. It's been a year since we were blessed as one. It's been a year since we said our I do's. Thank you dear Lord for blessing our first year as man and wife. May we, in return give You glory each day of our lives.

Another spur of the moment decision by my hubby Tal after visiting our doctor in UST hospital last July 18th. He decided that we should go visit Malate instead of the usual SM and Trinoma. We enjoyed the sights and sounds made by the busy streets and the lively people. It was very nostalgic for me that night. I used to go to Malate and Baywalk during my childhood and college days with my family and friends. I was glad Cafe Adriatico was still standing.We had dinner there and long romantic talks about Tal's amazing and funny experiences during his college days.  The long walks and unending talks made us tired and weary so we retired in one of the hotels there called Las Palmas.  Hoping to have another romantic dinner date with hubby in another majestic place.

It's been a week since school started and I'm  proud to say that all went well. The students were all disciplined and courteous. The teachers were all up and about to start the school year right and perfect! The new canteen is serving nutritious food and our clinic is newly renovated with a new dentist chair. I just hope that things would continue to move smoothly and perfectly until March. Thank you God for the gift of knowledge and wisdom to share to our students this school year 2011-2012.♥

Instead of celebrating father's day, we had another celebration of mother's day. My mom was so happy to see her "tres marias" together again at last after all these months of not seeing each other due to our busy work schedules. Since my dad passed away eight years ago, my mom became both our father and mother. My sisters and I are very proud of our mom for being strong for the family after all these years.  I miss my dad and God knows I love him very much.

 After filling our bellies with good food at KaLui's, we went straight to a local bar called Rizal Perk. The mother of the owner, who is a friend of ours recommended it to us. The only music played in that bar is music from The Beatles. We went there early so we have to wait 'til 11PM for the band to play. Well, I only stayed for an hour 'cause the black russian I had made me sleepy so I ask 2 of my co-teachers to accompany me back to our pension house. The rest waited for the band to play and enjoyed their free flowing beers compliments of the owner. WOW! That's what I call the real happy hour! ♥ Hhhmmmm... Guess where the owner got the idea for the bar's name?♥

Our last night in Palawan was gastronomical!♥ We had dinner in Palawan's most famous and unique restaurant, KaLui. Many locals told us that you haven't been to Palawan if you haven't experienced the one of a kind KaLui. All the food they serve are fresh, healthy, light and sooooo gooood!♥ What's different about that place is that you get to eat barefooted. Isn't that cool!♥ After our dinner we went to a local bar called Rizal Perk. But that's another story. 'Til next time! Ciao!♥

 I first heard this song from a lesbian movie entitled  Loving Annabelle. Something always brings me back to you. It never takes too long. No matter what I say or do, I still feel you here 'till the moment I'm gone. You hold me without touch. You keep me without chains. I never wanted anything so much than to drown in your love and not feel your rain. CHORUS Set me free, leave me be. I don't want to fall another moment into your gravity. Here I am and I stand so tall, just the way I'm supposed to be. But you're on to me and all over me. You loved me 'cause I'm fragile.                                                            ...

May is my favorite month not just because it's my birth month but it is the perfect month to travel with loved ones and friends.Last week One of my co-teachers invited us to Anawangin Cove, Zambales. I said at last I 'll be able to visit the place I've been hearing about five years ago. We caught the 10:30AM bus at Victory Caloocan and arrived in San Antonio at around 2:30PM. The 20 minute boatride from Pundaquit beach to Anawangin Cove was fast but smooth. Along the way, you'll pass by the islands Capones and Camara and the view was spectacular and breath-taking!♥ The first thing that you'll notice are the pine trees along the shore. The place has its own unique touch. I noticed that there were a lot of campers in the area.But it's okay we didn't mind 'cause the whole cove was big enough to accommodate all of the campers without feeling crowded or too cramped.  The off white sand isn't as powdery and soft compared to Boracay but the quality of it...

I enjoyed tonight's birthday party of Bb. Pilipinas Shamcey Supsup ! Thanks to ate Nora Castada and Craftopia, the official photo booth of beauty queens!♥ Sa uulitin!♥

One of our itineraries for the second day is going to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park or also known as The Underground River. We were all excited to see the underground river and the sites and views that we're going to see along the way. To get to the underground river, our van drove us to Sabang and from there a motorboat would transport us to the Subterranean River National Park. In the park going to the underground river, you'll see a lot of monkeys run free. be careful though, especially if you're carrying plastic bags. Those monkeys think all plastic bags have food in it that's why they would just grab it from you without any warning! The boat ride going inside the underground river was scary especially if there's NO LIGHT! What's keeping us nervous-free and panic-free was not the car battery powered light but the friendly voice of the boatman who also entertained us with his funny jokes and interesting information about the sub...

Thank you Lord for the gift of life. I offer this fruitful and progressive day to You.

It’s our first EducaTour in Palawan. All of us teachers, school administrators and staff were very excited to see the beauty and hidden treasures of our very own Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Though, majority of us did not get enough sleep the night before the trip, we were still able to fuel ourselves with enough energy to arrive quite early in the airport. We were there at 4AM and our flight’s at 7:30. By 9AM we were already in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Our first destination was the IWAHIG Prison and Penal Farm. It is one of the most popular prisons in the Philippines. The minimum security inmates are involved in agricultural work and their families can live with them. Family members can also work there by selling handicrafts made by the inmates to earn a living. Next stop, Crocodile Farm! Actually, it's Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center. In here they rescue endangered animals and help preserve other species. I hate crocodiles but I definitely love my crocs...

Do what is right and good always. Never be judgmental.Smile always. Greet people even if they are not your friends. Learn to respect also the young ones not just the elderly. Think first before making a decision or before you say something. Everywhere you go always assume that   there is someone who knows you and watches your every move. Pray always and wherever you are. Write a simple love note to a loved one or two. Have faith in God. Have faith in yourself.

eat breakfast do a little cleaning in the house prepare all the things needed for our Palawan trip next week prepare lunch for hubbylents visit all important sites if there's still time read books and magazines  watch a dvd/vcd or two go to the market  blog and blog again  Hhhmmm...what to do next?

I’m on vacation. And what have I done or accomplished the whole time I was here at home? Nothing!!! I can’t seem to focus on the important things that I need to do.  And what are those again? Let’s see… there should be a time for reading. I bought more than a dozen books to nurture my brain but, where are these books? It’s all hidden inside the platera. Have I read or finished one? NO! Then there’s organizing all our stuff and gifts (from the wedding). The problem is I don’t know where to put it! Our place is too small for all our knick knacks when we were single. I really do love to start working on it but I get stuck here in blogger world! All the time! A facial, a pedicure and manicure. Even a hair cut! I need to find time to do all these before our Palawan trip! I need help! I need someone or something to motivate me! Any suggestions from my visitors?

I need help in organizing the pictures on all my blogs. It's all scattered and I can't write the descriptions beside or even below every picture. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

Hello ate Hilda! This post is dedicated to you my good friend! Do you remember James Leonard Cruz of batch 2006? Well, he was our commencement speaker for this year's graduation! He was great! The president of FEU loved him! we all loved him and his great speech. Hope all is well with you and your loving husband! God bless!