Caleruega

I’ve been to many retreats during my school days and for all those, it was only the St. Paul Retreat House in Laguna that I've liked so far…very peaceful and at its nature’s best. Until…I’ve heard of Caleruega from Weddings At Work. I have always wanted to visit this place the moment I saw it in the pictures. I'm sure it'll also be a great place for retreats. There can’t be any more beautiful and serene than nature. And Caleruega is just perfect for that beauty that is so captivating.



Special credit to this site for the pictures…

The official website of Caleruega…

How about an interesting article?

It can also be great for weddings too. Aggie & Edil from w@w were one of the many couples who got married in Caleruega. I haven't asked their permission to link their wedding pictures here so just visit their wedsite.

And as for me... I will make sure I'm going to see this place when I go home again for a vacation in the Philippines!!!

hApPy VaLeNtInE’s DaY!!!

What is so special about this day? How does every culture celebrate Valentine’s Day? Should this only be for lovers? Read more here…

Blizzard

We’ve had a too good to be true weather these past few weeks…really great that it felt like Spring in February. But it seemed like there was a sudden turn-around when we had the blizzard of 2006. Most cities in the Northeast had a foot and a half of snow. Some even had more than 2 feet…27 inches being the highest reported. Vehicles definitely had a hard time on the road. Visibility was bad. Good thing it happened on a weekend! We had to shovel twice yesterday just so it won’t pile up that much. Well I hope these will melt faster since temperatures within the week are above normal…meaning they won’t turn to ice since it won’t be that cold.

acne

I didn’t have any problems with my skin before…when I was still in the Philippines to be exact. Of course there pimples, blackheads and whiteheads once in a while but to me, they were never bothersome. No offense to my siblings but I was very glad then that I didn’t have those acnes they’ve had in their faces and backs. Worst is… those scarred. Anyway…

What is acne? What are pimples? What causes them? How do we get rid of them? Click here for more information.

According to many, people who’ve been abroad for a while have great skin…well not to compare with the people back home but it’s the cold weather that makes the skin nicer. Never mind the fact that the heater or hot water in the shower makes your skin dry. There are a lot of moisturizers for that.

Having said that, it’s not the case for me… I have had acnes, pimples and blackheads/whiteheads on my face, back and chest. I was very worried before I got married. I went to a dermatologist a year and a half before the wedding. Dr. Applebaum tried to help solve my problem. I tried on different things… Tri Luma… Brevoxyl creamy wash… and even pills like Adoxa which caused serious heartburns that I had to stop taking it. Some of those creams were not even covered by my insurance so I had to pay them from my pocket. I also felt that it worsened the marks containing a strong ingredient maybe. Even my gown design choice was affected. I originally planned on wearing a semi-haltered one which obviously had a high neckline. It was like a month before my scheduled trip to the Philippines that I let go. But I would say the marks on my back lightened a little bit given that long time of treatment. My friends were surprised when they saw me. They even kidded saying I’m not for America. And then to my amazement, my skin cleared out in a week’s time. Veluz (my designer) instantly changed the gown design when she saw me. How do you think was I able to wear this. I even had the nerve to wear this which I never did in my whole life. I mean it’s not as great as you expect but it’s far better than my skin before I started the treatment. I am a Filipina who got used to a hot weather and maybe my skin can’t really adjust to the cold weather.

I thought that was it…my skin back to normal. But I was wrong. It was fall season when I got back here in the states. And as it got colder, all the more that these acnes are coming out. I’m under treatment again. I wonder when this is going to end. I’m just very tired and impatient…

'mga bilin'

Irvin will be arriving in 3 weeks. Have I thought of the things that I want him to bring? Well here are what I have in mind… so far:

- Cigarettes (for my landlady’s sons and 2 co-workers... A pack of cigarettes costs $6 here at an average!)
- Quickmelt Ensaymada (yummy!)
- Goldilock’s Pastillas de Leche
- Piattos
- Boy Bawang (Haha! The ever tasting kornik!)
- Knorr cubes (chicken, beef, pork & shrimp)
- Sinigang mix
- Kare-Kare mix (for Manong Nel)
- Suman kanin & suman cassava
- Empanada Royale
- Reno liver spread (The Reno spread here tastes different…)
- Henna wax

Most of the above are available in Filipino stores except for the pastries but they’re cheaper in the Philippines of course! 'Dami ko pa gusto pero di pwede dalhin eh baka maharang pa sa immigration.' What else do you think?!

Tagged by Cynchie!

4 jobs I've had in my life
1. Credit Control Officer for Castrol Phils.
2. Accountant for KMC Exim Corp., New York
*Sorry this is only my 2nd job so far…

4 movies I could watch over and over
1. Pretty Woman
2. Gladiator
3. My Best Friend’s Wedding
4. The Shawshank Redemption

4 Places I've Lived
1. Cabanatuan City
2. San Andres Bukid
3. Marikina City
4. New York

4 tv shows I love to watch
1. Dancing with the Stars
2. C.S.I. Las Vegas
3. Without a Trace
4. 7th Heaven

4 Places I've Been on Vacation
1. Baguio
2. Laguna
3. Laur, N.E. (does this even count?!)
4. Puerto Galera

4 websites I visit daily
1. Yahoo!
2. Blogsssssss
3. Pinoycentral
4. Hotmail

4 of my favorite foods
1. Barbeque
2. Purefoods Hotdog
3. Chocolates
4. Caldereta

4 places I'd rather be right now
1. working in one of the big buildings in Manhattan (New York City)
2. touring in Europe
3. vacationing in a cozy beach resort
4. or just being in the Philippines with my family and friends

4 bloggers I'm tagging
1. Alynn
2. Marj
3. Pao
4. Nette

childhood

Click here for a clearer view of the picture.

Happy birthday, Ruby!

HaPpY bIrThDaY, kApAtId! Wishing you more healthy years to come! Mwah!

did you?

Did you ever wish of becoming a different person with who you are right now? Did you ever think why your role in life has to be like that? Did you ever wish you never existed? Did you ever imagine having the kind of life you have now? Did you ever feel sorry having hurt someone? Did you ever ask yourself why do you have to get hurt? Did you ever regret a decision you have already made? Did you ever hope for just the good things in life? Did you ever say sorry for the people you’ve hurt? Did you ever try to make amends for what you’ve done?

They say you make your own destiny… that life is never simple… that the world is always unfair. But what if you’re not brave enough to face the difficulties of life? What if you can’t hold on to what you really want? What if you can’t control the wheel of life?

treasured memories

I was the happiest during my vacation in the Philippines. There's nothing I can do for now but to reminisce… to remember those memories of being with family and friends. It’s so great to have spent some time with people whom you haven’t seen and talked to in years. I really feel a month’s stay was kind of short. If only I could be there longer...

birthday greetings!

I was on the phone with Papa last night. He said him and Ma have agreed to just cook some for the day. I don’t think he invited his friends but they might show up you know. Irvin went to our house after work and brought Fundador for Papa. He said they had chicken, kare-kare (my Papa’s specialty), lengua estofado, spareribs, pancit (rice noodles) and salad. Wow! Anyway... Happy Birthday, Papa!

Oh and it was also Daighne’s (my niece) birthday last Sunday. I phoned her but it was only last night that I was able to talk to her.

Belated Happy Birthday, Daighne! Hope you'll like the fancy watch that Ninong Tito gave you. Mwah!

winter clearance

It is at this time that you get good deals for winter clothes and accessories. And since most stores want to get rid of them, they offer really great discounts for such. Take for instance the coat that I got for Irvin from Express… it was originally priced at $198 (not yet including the tax) and it was on sale for $29.99. That is like 85% off. I also bought him some long sleeve shirts from Old Navy which are discounted at 75%-80%. American Eagle has great buys too…around 80% discount also. Well it depends on the item.





Kuya Nel was encouraging me to get this down jacket from Gap. Original price was $98 but now on sale for $39.99. I still find it expensive for the kind of jacket that it is. So I didn’t get it. They went out again the next day. Kuya Nel called me at my cell saying the down jacket that I didn’t buy is only $19.99. He was asking me if I want him to get it for me. So I said yes.



Now here is the problem… after all those shopping that I did, I am having second thoughts with the size. Well I have always bought him an XL and they fit ok on him. I asked him to take his measurements. At least I could still return them if they are too big. Plus I still have the chance to get a smaller size. That is… if they still have it on sale.

something new...

Here are some "not so new" things I got for myself...

Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year have passed and I didn’t even have a camera. I gave my Canon film-based camera to Mama and my Olympus D-560 to my brother Mickey during my recent trip to the Philippines. So I was just using the Nokia 6630 cell phone (which is also from the Philippines) but I didn’t know how to upload pictures from there until just recently when a co-worker helped me figure it out.



Click here to learn more about the features of Nokia 6630.

Also, I've been eyeing for the Sony Cybershot DSC-T7 but it was $599.95 that time until Sony had a price drop and what’s even better is that they offered a $50 mail-in rebate. Without any second thoughts, I bought one right away.




Click here for the specifications of this camera.

'worries'

Many say married life is no fairy tale. It’s not that you won’t be happy but it’s not also easier than you think…especially when a couple is just starting.

Of course, I was the happiest when I learned of Irvin’s visa approval. On the other hand, worries started coming in and much worse, it’s stressing me out so much. I have been on the lookout for an apartment even before his interview. There are actually a lot to choose from. The thing is it’s either it’s way out of the budget or if it’s not, I don’t like the area. And… we will need so many things too to furnish the apartment.

I feel bad for Irvin though as I get easily annoyed these days. But despite all these pressures, my hopes are still high. I’ll be ok as long as I know he is willing to take all the risks with me. And I’m sure God will guide us all the way…giving us the strength we need to go through anything.

i feel good...

I have been buying things for Irvin ever since…not just when there are occasions but every time that I find something I want to give him. Soon enough, he will join me here so I’m starting to prepare as early as now. I stacked up on some toiletries that I regularly buy at Costco. I got him some personal things like undershirts, socks, boxers and briefs. I don’t know but I would say I feel different…I’m happy doing this as a wife and no longer just a girlfriend. Aaaawww…

new baby!

Ate Irmee gave birth to a healthy baby boy whom they named Achilles Miguel on January 8th.




Congratulations, Kuya Lit & Ate Irms!

misinterpretation

My sister and I kind of argued last night. I’m not elaborating on that though as I still want to keep it private. I may have used the wrong tone of voice or improper choice of words perhaps?! But all I want is for her to have some sense of responsibility. And I don’t think she understood what I’m trying to make her realize. I have given my very best to support her all this time. I still do actually but I feel like it’s still not enough… still not appreciated for what I do that I can’t even voice out my concerns. Why does it have to be like this?! *sigh*

coming to America!

Irvin had his interview last night at the US Embassy in Manila and was granted an H4 visa. What a big relief! Whew! I'm still in cloud nine...honestly! I just couldn't believe it! We’ve been always worried about this especially that he was already denied 3x.

Anyway, some things are yet to be finalized before he can actually come here...tender his resignation (at least 30 day notice is required); settle his life insurance premiums (with 4 more years left); close some bank accounts; follow-up the wedding video and photo album; etc. etc. We hope to settle all these in a month’s time... or two maybe?! We are just very grateful that everything is falling into its place.

Thank you, Lord for the continuous blessings and guidance!

a festive welcome to the new year!

Lechon (roast pig), pancit sotanghon, pancit palabok, beef steak, beef and mushroom, sweet and sour fish, spareribs adobo, chicken lollipops, ginataang langka, fresh lumpia, lumpia shanghai, kare-kare, ziti, cake from Bineros, leche flan, cookies, cheese cake, ube haleya, cassava, fruit salad, and macaroni salad... anything else?! What a wide selection of food to welcome 2006! And it couldn't be more fun had I not celebrated it with Tita Gie and her family.

Now it's time to go on a diet...time to lose all those pounds gained during the holidays. No more excuses! :)

HaPpY nEw YeAr!!!

Have a great and wonderful 2006 everyone!!!

again?!

I’m not really feeling good. My throat started to sore again. Maybe it’s because of those many sweets I had last Wednesday. And last night... I was hot and chilling. I'm not sure though if I had fever. I didn't have a thermometer with me. But even my breath was hot. I hope I’m not getting the flu. *Sigh*

Christmas in MA

I went half-day last Friday to see a doctor. I was having a bad cold then with dry coughing. Anyway, it turned out ok. I was in the city at almost 5pm and boarded the Greyhound bus to Boston. I got an hour and a half earlier than the 1st time I used this route.

Tita brought me to the mall on Saturday. Just a backgrounder…I saw this hat from Gap. I didn’t want to spend $24.50 + tax for just a hat. I’ve been waiting for it to go on sale but it never did. So I decided to just get it since I need one. And they no longer have it in black to my surprise. Know what?! Gap in Leominster, MA had it in black and it was on sale too. And mind you…no tax (since clothing and accessories are non-taxable in MA). I got it for $12.99 and I’m so happy about it. I also bought some long-sleeved shirts from Old Navy.



It was my 1st time spending Christmas in MA. I have only been spending Thanksgiving Day there for the last 4 years. Nothing really unusual but I was so glad to have spent it with a close relative. Tita gave me a Victoria Secret silk pajama in Cranberry color (see picture below) for Christmas apart from the money that she also gave me. I got another set of pajamas from her friend, Rowena and some money from Meme.



Joe who got a lot of presents from his parents was the happiest. How nice it is to be a kid huh?! :) They’re mostly for his Ski sport. On the 25th itself, Tita’s in-laws came to the house. Her mother-in-law prepared the food. Her ham with pineapple was so delicious.

Tita and I went to BJ’s on Monday to get some stuff. I drove her Kia Sorrento which was actually good for me since I haven’t driven in a while. How I wish I could have my own car soon! Anyway, I left for NY around noon time but didn’t get here till 830pm.

Next stop... New Jersey, where I will be spending New Year with Tita Gie and her family. :)

busy day...

This will be a quick one. I've been really busy today at work. Well not really my work but I helped in the year end inventory count. And this would mean I still have a lot to do tomorrow.

I got home last night at 830pm. The bus was caught in traffic and was delayed for almost an hour. I felt so tired. I'll tell you the story of what happened during Christmas some other time.

christmas greetings!

HaVe A mErRy ChRiStMaS tO all!!! :)

back to normal

I'm so happy that all NY buses and subways are now back to normal. It truly is a relief for most New Yorkers. Some even say it's a very nice Christmas present. Business establishments had come up with creative ways like free stuffs, chocolates for the kids, or even hot coco while having a foot spa to attract customers.

And as for me, this means Christmas in Massachusetts...

NY strike is over

The union board has agreed to go back to work while negotiations still continue. They haven't set a time though as to when they will resume their jobs. This is actually one reason why I can't decide up to now if I'm still going to MA for Christmas. I hope it'll all be over by tomorrow. You can read more here...

transit strike in NY

25 years ago, a massive transit strike caused billions of dollar losses to the New York State and gave so many workers a hard time getting to work with no public transportation. That strike lasted for 11 days before they could come up with an agreement.

A transit strike which started yesterday has shut down most of the public transportations in the city. And while it is against the law, the union members have chosen to fight for what they believe in. New Yorkers have to find creative ways in order for them to get to work. The state has ordered the police to only allow cars with 4 people or more entering Manhattan. Strangers shared cabs and some would even give strangers a lift just to be able to go in to the city. I was a witness myself since I was in the city yesterday for our annual inventory count.


A transit worker walks through a deserted Astor Place subway station early Tuesday in New York. On Tuesday, New York transit workers walked off the job for the first time in 25 years, affecting millions of riders who rely on buses and subways daily.


Transit union picketers keep warm around a fire in New York Tuesday, after Local 100 of the Transport Workers Union ordered a strike against the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.


Manhattan-bound vehicles on the Triborough Bridge come to a standstill Tuesday. Traffic clogged all of Manhattan's inbound bridges and tunnels.


Pedestrians crowd a Midtown Manhattan intersection on Tuesday. Millions of New Yorkers who rely on the transit system had to find a new way of getting around the city due to the strike.

Irvin has sent me a text message late afternoon yesterday asking me how I am going to get home. He said he has seen the news about the transit strike. Luckily, the company I work for is located in Nassau County and Long Island Buses (LIB) are not part of the strike. I have been worried since last week thinking of what I should do if ever they join the strike. I’m just glad that a co-worker offered a ride to and from work worse comes to worst.

it's christmastime!

it's only 10 days till christmas. i'm sure a lot of kids are excited and giddy about it. and in as much as i don't want to think that christmas is just for kids, it's a fact that they are the happiest during this season. i miss a lot of things being a kid though. no worries... easy to be pleased... always getting a lot of gifts... and more. i remember those times when me together with my siblings and cousins were lining up to receive money from 'ima'. and papa makes the best ham too every year. every traditional family is expected to have a variety of good food in their tables at christmas. the only thing i never liked is 'queso de bola'. i don't know why i'm not really crazy on this cheese.

now at 31, how many godchildren do i have now? jeez i'm not even sure if i still remember all of them...not even their names... oooppss! let me see...

1. janice's daughter
2. kat-kat (tita ching's daughter)
3. fil's son
4. kido (mommy lerma's daughter)
5. mj (marc's daughter)
6. christy's daughter
7. lyn's newly born
8. jr (tito dicky's son)
9. alvin's son
10. grace's son

i know there are more though. i'll just update the list if i remember.

sorry kids, ninang is too far away right now. actually for 4 years already. i hope i can still make it up to all of you given the time.

merry christmas everyone!

1st snow storm of the season...

Currently, there is a heavy snow mixed with rain and sleet. Temp is 31 deg F but the feel is like 25 deg. And it's not even winter yet. Well almost... Commute wasn't that hard. There were just a few minutes delay with some of the buses but still I made it for the connections. It's really nice watching the snow but I find it a mess when it's done...they turn into mud-like slush especially on the roads. And it's colder also as they turn into ice. Watch out for the crystal-like ice. It's slippery.

I took some pictures so I could share them but I don't know yet how to upload those from my new cellphone. Haha! I'll ask my brother to teach me don't worry. :)

what happened to me?!

I've been really lazy to blog these past few days...well considering that there are a lot of things to post. Anyway, I took a different route going to Massachusetts last Thanksgiving. I took the connection in Boston. Jeez I can't believe how nice the buildings are in Boston. Well, I've only been there once in 2002 getting off from the airport. And I didn't really see much since it was at night time. My aunt even told me that I should see their shopping district which is even nicer. Maybe one of these days huh?! Hmmm...

We had so much fun during Thanksgiving. It was celebrated at my aunt's house for the 1st time. Her mom-in-law made the turkey and sidings. Everything was just sooo good. She really makes good gravy. I just love it! There were a little dancing. It was really fun!

Then, we went to the mall the next day. That's usually how it is here. There's like a big sale the day after the celebration. But even so, I didn't really shop. I just got myself a nice scarf and a portable cd player.

My aunt's husband asked me if I'll be spending Christmas with them though. Can i say no?! No, I don't think so. And of course, I'd rather spend it with family you know.

I also helped my cousin set up the new laptop I purchased for them. He was just very happy learning how to download and burn songs. Cool huh?! Well he is just 12 years old what do you expect!

thanksgiving

mood:

Thanksgiving Day is fast approaching and I can’t wait. I’ll be spending it in MA as usual. It’s something that I just can’t give up as it’s the only time of the year that I get a 4-day weekend. And of course, it’ll give me much happiness being with a close relative… Tita Laling.

why is life so unfair?!

mood:

It is pouring out. So depressing… I’m not in my usual self. I don’t know what to think. Some things have gotten so complicated lately. My mind is too pre-occupied with so many things that I don’t anymore know how to move on. What should I do?!

?????

aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..........................

kwentong pinas part 1

mood:

I came to the US on March 11, 2002. I went straight to MA that time and stayed with Tita Laling (Mama’s cousin) for about more than 2 months. Having found a job in NY, I moved here on Memorial Day (May 2002). While I have always spent Thanksgiving Day in MA, I haven’t visited my family in the Philippines since.

Finally, after a little more than 3 ½ years, I went home for a month’s vacation. I arrived there on September 18th. The trip was long. It took 14 ½ hours from NY to Seoul, Korea and another 3 hours & 40 minutes going to Manila. It was my 1st time to board Korean Air though. I would say their service is great. They make sure their customers are satisfied. They served good food. The plane was nice. We had individual monitors where there’s a great selection of music and movies.

I had mixed emotions while on the plane. I was excited. The happiness I felt was really overwhelming. I was even nervous I don’t know why. My heart was beating fast when the plane captain announced that we were landing shortly. As the plane got lower, I’ve seen house roofs and cars on the road. I was like… I’m finally here! I didn’t really have a hard time at the immigration. I should say I came out of the airport fast. The very 1st person I saw while going down the ramp was Irvin. My sister said he has been there since 9 AM. My arrival time was 10:50 AM by the way. Papa and my brother Mickey were there as well. We went to Duty Free where Papa bought some liquor. We went to San Andres directly afterwards. The 1st thing I noticed when we reached home was the message “Welcome Home Faye” by the living room. Everyone was excited as I opened my luggage and ‘balikbayan box’. I wasn’t even feeling tired considering I flew for 18 hours. The feeling of being with my family is just very special. The whole family attended the mass and my brother Adoy treated us for dinner. They initially wanted to go to Chef d’ Angelo but I requested for Filipino food. We went to Dencio’s. Whew! We were stuffed!

To be continued…

updates?!

still in progress... hahaha! soon...

Saturday, Sunday, Monday

mood:

I had my annual check up last Saturday. My doctor also took blood works and urine sample...part of the process. Then, I went to Cabrini where Tita Gie works. She had a co-worker who gave us a ride to NJ. We went to Walmart and Marshall’s. I found the shoes similar to the one I saw at DSW. It’s almost half the price but still I didn’t want to buy it. I kept on saying it’s just a ‘want’, not a ‘need’. Tita Gie maybe noticed how I wanted the shoes so she got it for me. Thanks, Tita Gie. We arrived at Tita Gie’s house. No one was home. We had dinner and went upstairs to watch tv. I went to bed late that Saturday…2am. I finished the movie I was watching. I woke up at past 9am. I wasn’t able to sleep well. I kept on waking up then forcing myself to go back to sleep again. Tita Gie made breakfast…bacon and eggs. I ate it with toasted bread. Hmmm yummy! We went to church at 12noon. We were a little late. Her kids were just taking their time dressing up. After mass, we headed back home and cooked lunch. Tita Gie made chicken barbeque while I fried lumpia shanghai. Tito Freddie finally arrived at about past 3pm. But we didn’t leave for NY till an hour later. We went to Tita Inday’s house in Manhattan to drop off KC, had dinner and left at around 8pm. Monday was a holiday being Labor Day. I just stayed home the whole day fixing things. I organized all my paper works and picked those that I’ll be bringing with me. What a tiring day!

Nanay's in the hospital

I got a text message from Tita Baby last night at almost midnight saying Nanay is in the hospital. She was in the operating room that time for appendicitis. I tried sending a text message to Tito Paqui but didn't get a reply. And I don't know Tita Aba's cell number. So I called Tita Baby but didn't get much information. She said she hasn't talked to them yet and that she was about to leave her house to go to work. And so I went to sleep.

Just a few minutes ago, I got another text from Tita Baby asking if I called them in the Philippines. I said not yet. She said she called them again last night (like after 2 hours from the time Nanay entered the operating room) and Nanay hasn't come out yet. Nanay had raptured appendicitis. Tita Aba called Tito Paqui crying for help at around 4am. Nanay was really in pain and she didn't know what to do. Tito Paqui asked Tita Aba to bring Nanay to Las Pinas which she did. Then upon bringing her to the hospital, they learned that the infection has already spread. Earlier, Nanay already spent overnight in a hospital in Marikina. But never did they think that it was something this serious. They were only told she's high in potassium. I feel so worried that I want to see Nanay badly. I hope she'll be ok. Tita Baby said everybody thought Nanay is leaving us this soon.

I also called Irvin but Mommy said he went to the hospital to see Nanay. I'll just call him again to know how Nanay is now.