June 21st, 2009 6 comments
Filed under: Family, Feelings, Sharing Mode, Shout outs

I made this for you my love, hubby, best friend, angel — I love you so much and thank you for being a good dad to our son. I appreciate all your hardships in raising Ian. Again, my never ending thanks to you. I’ll make it up to you, hubby!

Mary Sweetie_shelo twin makis ash Mhaye

June 17th, 2009 1 comment
Filed under: Random things

I am still a kid by heart.

Eventhough I already turned 25, you can still see me in the corner playing with my Nintendo DS or playing like a 5 year old with my sis on Nintendo Wii. Playing games keeps me physically fit and mentally active.

When I was in the Philippines, me and my husband (who is also a game lover), talked about Sony Xbox 360. I told him that the console have many games to get and to play. No dull moments with the Xbox. And just like any other game consoles, Xbox also comes with a lot of accessories to keep the console safe and to make it more customized.

After reading a couple of articles and ratings about Sony Xbox 360, me and my husband decided to get one for us. Ratings and articles really helps us to decide in which product to get. Especially now in this modern technology that many companies offers us different things.

twin

June 13th, 2009 3 comments
Filed under: Family, Feelings, Random things, Reminiscing, Shout outs, thank you

I had a blast last month. Everything was surreal right after I exited NAIA Centennial terminal. Imagine, the last time I visited the Philippines is back in 2005. And knowing that I still have my family (husband and son) that is not right seeing them after 3-4 years has passed. It was Toper who saw me right away carrying my medium sized Adidas sport bag, small sized messenger bag and laptop bag. Someone who works in the airport helped me with my 2 trolley luggages. I hugged Toper (and was carrying Ian that time) right away and helped me with my stuffs after Ian decided to hugged me and carry him from the airport to the van. The van that my Mama and Toper rented. I didn’t had a hard time introducing myself to Ian. To be honest, I was really expecting a big drama. Y’know, the kid doesn’t know his mom and will try his best to avoid her. But in my case, the moment that Toper told him that, “Ian, tignan mo kung sino yan. Si Mommy. (Ian, look who’s here. It’s Mommy).” He just said, “Mommy” and never let me go. Eventhough my son is as heavy as my luggage, it didn’t matter to me if I carry him for almost 15 minutes. I wouldn’t miss the chance that he knows me and he wants to hug me.

On our way home from NAIA was another experience. I did nothing but to have a sight seeing. Our driver made an alternate route because for sure of a big long traffic in Coastal Road. We passed by the cities of Pasay, Parañaque and Las Piñas. I feel good after I see all the same stuff that I left before. Few things changed but I know I’m home. The time we reached my in-laws’ house, I felt good. Super good. But there are still a couple of times that I pinch Toper in his shoulder to make sure that everything is not a dream.

Toper asked me what do I want to do: to go to my relatives’ house after I put all my things in my room or to relax myself first. I chose the second option. I already have it in my mind that I want to have a few hours alone with my Ian and Toper before I let other people see me and have a chat with me. After a couple of hours, we went to my relatives’ house. About 15 minutes jeepney ride from Toper’s. My cousins saw me and had a big surprise in their faces. None of them knew when is my exact date of arrival. It was nice seeing them again.

It was also our town’s fiesta. I feel great after I see and familiar festive mood that I grew up with. The Karakol (dancing in the street with loud music from the speakers and brass bands) and of course the main event which is the Marching Band Parade. I even made sure that my camera is fully charged before the parade. Toper is part of the band and I’ll take as much picture as I can. As planned, I got pictures and even video. Ian also had a great time watching and I had a contented Mother’s day because the same day of our town’s fiesta is also the celebration of Mother’s day. My first Mother’s day with my Ian and I get to greet my mother-in-law in person and be able to give my gift to her.

Another event that was being watched during fiesta is the fireworks display and pa-toro. Pa-toro is like bull with fireworks on it. Of course, the bull used in that event is not the real kind of bull. It was made like a concave and a person who is willing to carry it and run fast can be the fireworks bull. He’ll chase people for fun. It’s up to you and your stategy not to get caught in fire. I was there with Toper waiting for the pa-toro. We decided not to do anything but to watch people run and scream and go back to their place once the pa-toro passed by. It was so funny to see other people go screaming at the top of their lungs. Before the pa-toro, I showed Toper and some of our friends the picture that I took during the parade. Most of them can’t believe how I captured the video of them that looks like that they made a long formation.

For my first few days of vacation, Toper got sick. I got so worried and don’t know what to do. We both went to our doctor who is also our wedding sponsor. Toper got a throat infection and good thing in no less than 3 days, he’s back to his old self.

Me and Toper went to National Statistic Office (NSO) in Pasay to check if we can make arrangements for Ian’s last name. We were advised to go to their main office in Quezon City and pass all the requirements in their. But we have to make sure that the Civil Registrar in Bacoor give us a copy of another Legitimation paperwork. Right away, we went straight to the municipal hall of Bacoor and have the requirements completed. I let my mother-in-law know about our stuff so that she is also aware of all the things that me and my husband are working on. Few days after, my mama and me decided to go to NSO in Quezon City but before I went to bed the night before I decided not to go and have Toper go with his Mom.

I made Toper all worried the time they reached home from NSO Quezon City. I told him in the morning before they left that I’ll go to my cousin’s house with Ian and bring along my laptop with me. On their way home, he called me on his cellphone and he thought that I am getting ready go out. But in the middle of reading book with wet hair and wet towel, I fell asleep beside Ian in our bedroom. I didn’t realized that I locked the door and went to lalaland. After a couple of hours, I heard a knock on the door. It was Mama and she’s all worried too. She even told me not to go to sleep with wet towel and wet hair. Eventhough I was still sleepy, I asked what happened to their trip. No good news and I got no choice but to do it again and try to go without asking help from anybody from that agency. I asked Mama if she see Toper around. She said no and I got all confused. If Mama’s home, where the hell Toper went. I called him on his cellphone and he asked me the same question. He got all worried because no one can tell where his wife and son go. He told me that he knocked a lot of times in our bedroom and he even peeked in our window and saw nothing. He hugged me the time he saw me. And told me not to do it again because he’ll go crazy.

As much as I want to meet my old friends but because of my busy schedule, other meet ups didn’t happen. I saw my old friend Aires and met his wife on the night of the town fiesta. Only a quick conversation happened and they left. I finally met the Fab4 (I feel bad not meeting the 5th member of the Fab — Makis) and their boyfriends. I met Xyla, Karen, Nix, Kang, TJ, Jaze and Ged. I brought along Toper to be my date and bodyguard and tour guide as well. We ate lunch in Gerry’s Grill in MOA and had a drinking session in the next door restaurant. On the same day that I met them is the same day of David Cook and David Archuleta concert in the same venue. Too bad, I didn’t have the chance to have a glimpse of the two Davids of American Idol. I met my Elementary bestfriend and Ian’s godmother, Claudine, during my month-long Philippines’ trip. That time, I tagged my cousin Joy with me and we ate in Burger King in SM Bacoor. We had a great time catching up and reminiscing. Me and my bes decided to have a mini-reunion with our old classmates, but it didn’t happen. But we met again and ate in Pizza Hut. That time, Toper tagged along. I also met my godbrother Ben who I first met loooooooooooong time ago. During the time when my Dad and his Dad worked in the same company, two decades and a couple of years ago. Our meeting place was also in MOA and we also ate in Gerry’s Grill. We even had a tug-of-bill the time were about to pay our meal expenses. Dad told me to make sure that I’ll pay for the food and do not let his godson to do it. On the same situation, my godbro was also told by his Mom to pay the bill. In the end, it was my godbro who won the tug-of-bill. I also had a chance to meet my college bestfriends Diane and Mhaye and their boyfriends, Ome and Mike. Mhaye who was 8 months pregnant that time was so big and I was surprised to her that big. We all ate in Gerry’s Grill in MOA (again) but I didn’t tell anybody that it was already my 3rd time to eat on the same place. As always, I had a good time with my college bestfriends. We did nothing but to talk about our college days. Who’s with whom and who’s out. I got the longest relationship with my man among my two friends. There’s no competition but I’m glad that they acknowledge my 6 years with Toper. During  one of my jeepney ride in Bacoor, I got a chance to see my another friend, Zisko. He’s now one of the proud drivers driving from Zapote to Binakayan. I tried to change my voice just to pay my jeep fare and Toper’s on the second time we ride on Zisko’s jeep but same as the first ride, he didn’t let us pay the fare. I didn’t get a chance to talk to him because he is driving and at the same time it was also raining on the two occassions. I don’t want to risk his driver’s license because of talking. With no plan at all, I saw my ex-boyfriends. I saw them twice. And Toper did nothing but to tease me all the time about it. I also met Tere, Faith’s friend and Ate Joy’s friend Kathleen.

Whenever I got a chance, I GM most of the time. You can ask Fab 5 about it. Sometimes or most of the time, Toper reminds me to unlimited my texts. Unfortunately, I already sent the GMs before I realize that I didn’t do the ETXT20 and send to 8888. But there are times that I unlimited texts but I don’t text at all. I just expired it and that happened twice last month. My first GM was a funny GM. I told everyone that I’m home but I forgot to put my name at the end of my text. My bes Claudine who is not responding to unknown numbers just ignored my text. Lesson learned: not to over excite in sending GMs.

As I wanted, I was the one who enrolled Ian to Kinder. Credits to my Mama who went with me to the school to inquire then after a couple of days, we went back to school with Ian and Toper. Ian took an entrance exam and did some colors and doodles while me, Toper and Mama are waiting for him to finish his exam. After the exam, we were told to wait because we”ll have a meeting with the counsellor. During the meeting, Ian, out of the blue, sang “Ang Huling El Bimbo” by the Eraserheads. In his high tone and high pitch. I tried to stop him but he wouldn’t listen. The counsellor just said that Ian is a singer and he likes Bamboo! I can’t help myself and corrected the counsellor. On the same location and day, I met one of Toper’s favorite adviser in highschool from another school. She is happy for what I’ve become and she is happy that  Toper can be so lucky. On different days, me and Toper accomplished buying school supplies and school uniforms for Ian. I made sure that Ian got everything he needed for this school year. Too bad I didn’t make it to his first day in school.

I enjoyed the sun, water and Roxy. Roxy is not a person but my two-piece swimwear. I was invited to go with Toper in their band’s summer outing. Even Ian went with us and we had a great time in the water. Ian is addicted to the waters. He can’t wait to have a dip on the pool and he can’t understand the word wait when the pool is around. Thank goodness for sunblock, I am still tan as I used to be. Same as Ian and Toper. For the two times that we went to the swimming pool on different occasions, we didn’t have any sun burn.

My cousin Chin gave birth last May 27 to a cuddly, bouncing and adorable baby boy. She named him Alguirhei. Named after to our grandfather Alfonso, great-grandfather Guillermo and to her dad, my uncle/godfather, Rey. I find it weird because every time I go and visit, someone is pregnant and gave birth. My last trip prior to this, Brin gave birth to Mimah who is now turning 4 this August. I get a chance to be with my nephews and nieces. Jared and Khesia are my favorites. They are sooooo cute. I love how they smile and how they’re being shy when I’m around. Jan-jan and Janelle are shy too. I don’t know why but they have this shyness when I’m around. I find it weird because those kids grew up and played with me back in the days of their toddler years. Mimah, on the other hand, is the talkative one. She loves make up and I even applied make up on her face. Among the 6 kids mentioned, Mimah is my only godchild. And speaking of godkids, I met two out of too many godkids of  Toper. Their names are Jillian and Savannah. They are sisters and both of them are my goddaughters.

I attended a wedding. Same day as me and Toper’s 6th anniversary is the same day of my brother-in-law Calvin’s wedding to his girlfriend Lalaine, who is already in her full-term of pregnancy this month. The wedding happened in my in-law’s yard and officiated by the Municipal hall’s priest. It was a simple wedding attended by the family from both parties. Me and Toper acted as the official photographer. Right after the ceremony and reception, me and Toper went to see Tita Luz and her daughter Bodette. They are my family’s friend and neighbor from Bulacan. After the meet up, me and Toper went to date. A few hours alone together on our special day. We both recalled the place where I said yes to his boyfriend-girlfriend relationship proposal.

Toper made me ride to all kinds of transportation in the Philippines. Sidecar, tricycle, jeepney, mini-bus, big bus. Good thing we didn’t made it to the ferry that transport people from the pier to Cavite City. It was fun though. The fun of standing in a crowded bus and sitting in a small portion in jeepneys.

Me and Toper watched movie in SM Bacoor. The price of 110php per person surprised me. And what surprises me more is that the movie houses have one price for both orchestra and deluxe. Unlike before that you have to pay extra to be able to sit in what I call KKK. Kataastaasan, Kasuluksukan, Kadilimdiliman. Or in english translation: on very top, on the corner and darkest part of the theater. We watched Ghosts of the Girlfriends Past. The movie with Matthew McConaughey and Jennifer Garner. Toper and I both liked it. And we watched If Only movie on DVD. We would like to watch Armageddon on DVD but no disc available anywhere.

I watched Toper in action inside the basketball court. I love it when I am cheering for him and letting the whole court to know that he’s with me. I also watch Toper while he plays his instrument with his band. I’m his #1 fan and cheerer as well.

As possible me and Toper both tried to discipline Ian without favoritism on the side. Whenever I’m in control in disciplining our child, Toper doesn’t meddle and cuddle Ian. And I do the same thing when Toper disciplines Ian. Most of the time, when Ian’s in trouble, whether with me or with Toper, he asked for help in anybody around him. Example, if he sees me while Toper is scolding him, he’ll call me and wait for me to rescue him from his Dad’s anger. One time, I got tried of his activeness. Toper told me to give Ian a little tap on his butt. Which I did. He cried a little bit and called Toper. Toper told him that he wouldn’t go for him and he deserve that tap. And then my Ian stopped. I hate to do it to my kid. But discipline is needed. I want him to learn to behave and letting him know that he couldn’t get anything that he wants. Up to this moment, he is still as active from the last time I saw him.

I enjoyed my shopping in the Philippines. I even went to Divisoria with my cousins Joy and Brin, Toper, Tita Merlin and Erwyn. Eventhough it was raining, it didn’t stop us to shop. I got Hello Kitty merch for Faith from Divisoria. I bought slippers for Ian and Toper. Casual shorts for Toper and white sando for Ian. And how could I forget the 180php big umbrella. I went to the grocery with Toper to get foods and my other girly-things. Me and Toper also went to Toy Kingdom to get a new toy to Ian. But Ian loves his Vtec Alphabet Town from his Ninang Faith and My MegaSketcher from his Tito JPhilly.

Toper and his family made my stay in the Philippines very much comfortable. Like I always say, they treated me like a princess while I was there. I didn’t even washed my clothes but I made sure that I have my dirty clothes in the laundry basket. Toper cooked breakfast for me but I make sure that I’m the one who’s taking Ian to bath. I feel bad when there’s dirty plates in the sink but Toper assured me that one of his brothers is in-charged in dish washing.

I trimmed, styled and put color in my hair. I love my new look but I’m missing my long hair. Toper wished that I’ll go to a very short hair. The hairstyle just like when he first met me back in 2003. I would love to do it again but I’ll look 10 years old in that hairstyle.

I bought 6 books of Bob Ong. 5 books from Powerbooks and 1 book from National Book Store. And the new book by Bob Ong, Kapitan Sino, was given to me by Kuya Ben. Now, I’m completed with Bob Ong’s books. I also completed PHR’s Stallion series. Now, I finished the last book and wants for more. Too bad, I didn’t got a chance to go back to a local bookstore and get more pocketbooks. I thought 29 pocketbooks are enough.

“Para pa rin kayong nagliligawan ni Toper. Ang sweet. Nakakakilig.” (It seems like that you and Toper are still courting.) Someone told me that while I was there in the Philippines and waiting for Toper. I didn’t expect that there are some people who still sees me and Toper as sweet as a candy. Maybe because me and Toper are trying to keep the old flame of love we have despite of the long distance relationship that we also have.

I also got numerous compliments from Toper and other people. And I give them back an endless thank you and appreciation.

To be honest, I’m still thinking of things to include here in my blog post. Pardon the long post. I didn’t update last month and this covers most of my time in the Philippines. For now, I would like to acknowledge and say thanks to the following people: God, Mommy, Daddy, Faith, Ate Joy, Kuya Dodgie, the Abesamis, Mama, Papa, my brod-in-laws, Tita Merlin, Ninong Rey, Joy, Brin and Chin, Fab 5 and boyfriends, Mhaye, Diane and their boyfriends, Kuya Ben and his sister Kristine (for confirming my flight back to LA), and my friends from work. And most especially big thanks to my hubby Toper.

Thank you everyone for making my vacation a different and exciting one! Till next time again.

makis Twin ava