"Who Am I?"

Your best friend or greatest enemy, I am your greatest companion. I am your greatest helper or your heaviest burden. I will push you onwards or drag you down to failure. I am completely at your command.

Half the things you do, you might as well turn over to me and I'll do them quickly and correctly. I'm easily managed, but you must be firm with me. Show me exactly how you want something done and, after a few lessons, I'll do it automatically. I'm the servant of all great men and, alas, of all failures as well.

Those who are great, I have made great. Those who are failures, I have made failures. I work with the precision of a scientist and the passion of a patriot. You many run me for profit or run me for ruin; it makes no difference to me. Take me, train me, be firm with me and I will put the world at your feet. But be easy with me and I'll destroy you.

Who am I?

…

…

…

I am Habit!

Good habits elevate you, and bad habits bring you down. The trick is to know which is which, and for you to control them, not let them control you.

Keeping Old Times, Strengthening Old Ties

Year in and year out we make it a point to see each other during special occasions. If we can’t make ourselves available in any ordinary day, we see to it that we meet at special dates within our lives. For years, I’ve been a little bit off in keeping my word with BFF Ruth in terms of seeing each other whenever it’s our birthday or the holidays. Time and distance are some big factors behind it but whatever date I miss, I make it up with constant emails, love letters and sending SMS.

For this year, I made it a point to lessen my shortcomings. BFF is always busy with her chores and I on the other hand have my own excuses. After I visited her at Cardinal, I told her that I’ll see her soon for the holidays. Lo and behold, after a number of missed get-togethers, we saw each other one more time before 2007 ended!


Over Chinese lunch and hot tea, we celebrated an early Christmas Lunch at the Highlands China Palace with Teddy and Elian. Baby Emilio’s still small so he stayed home with the grandparents.


Elian’s my godson and last time I saw him was three years ago in their residence in Don Antonio. I missed some of his birthday celebrations but I know I’m forgiven, because I didn’t forget my gifts! How’s that?! Hehehe. He really enjoyed the stuff I brought and was happy that we ate Chinese since he loves siu-mai.

Teddy, on the other hand, is looking very good; Ruth also. It looks like parenthood suits them both.


Seeing Ruth again with her family makes me reminisce the old days; the night-outs, the movie-dates, even the special lunches. Nowadays, it is really hard to do all the stuff since she’s already a mother of two and I’m always on the go.

Nevertheless, even if our bonding times are less, the true bond of friendship is still strong and will continue for a long time.

He's Big!

Last December 20th was the first time I laid eyes on my newest godson, Paulo Matteus, the first born of Jannice Bautista and Roger Vejerano. All that I can say when I saw him was “he’s so big!”

Pau was born last May 21st via caesarian section at Cardinal Santos Medical Center and baptized last August 18th. I was not able to attend the christening of Pau because I was in the US for the Kapatiran 2007. Though I was not able to attend, Maricel gladly shared to me photos of the christening and was able to inform me of the happenings.

I deliberately didn’t inform Ja and Roger of my Cainta visit since I’m not sure of my timetable. I had the window of time that Thursday morning and brought my gifts for the Baustista-Vejeano family.


Ina was there and she was babysitting Pau while the proud parents are at work. It was fun seeing another baby and cuddling him. He’s so cute, a carbon copy in color of Ja, might get the height of Roger and with features of Ja’s kid brother.

Pau didn’t cry when I carried him but he was already hungry and sleepy so I only spent a little time.

Though the visit was short it was still sweet – at least I’ve seen him face to face. Now, I have to see the parents. Hint, hint, hint!

Finally... I've Met Her!

Rowena “Weng” Bringula is Moises “Moi” G. Visperas III’s girlfriend for a number of years already. For years, her face is imaginary for a number of Corfin Family members but I’ve known a lot of stories about her from all of Moi’s detailed narrations.


Last December 22, I was able to finally meet Weng in person. Good thing that our schedules agreed and we had lunch together with BFF’s family at the Highlands China Palace.

Weng’s sweet and very feminine. Before the day was over, we were already text mates. We both have similar interests especially our love for Flip Flops. We promised to bond in the near future minus Moi. We’ll just make him our designated driver!


It was great meeting her finally and also seeing Moi again. Hopefully our schedules will permit us to see each other soon and see other Corfin Family members.

Puede ko na kayang bukuhin si Moi kay Weng? Ano sa tingin ninyo?

Christmas is here!

"Of all the joys the season sends, none is nicer than remembering friends."

Wishing you everything beautiful that can be wished... peace and promise, wonder and contentment, hope, happiness, and love... at this most beautiful of seasons.

May this season be a very joyful one for you!
Have a Happy Christmas Day!

The Best Gifts Are Free

1. THE GIFT OF LISTENING...
But you must REALLY listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listening.

2. THE GIFT OF AFFECTION...
Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and holds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

3. THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE...
It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

4. THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT...
A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super job" or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.

5. THE GIFT OF A FAVOR...
Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.

6. THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE...
There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

7. THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION...
The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone, really it's not that hard to say, Hello or Thank You.

8. THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER...
Clip cartoons, jokes (and Rexes). Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."

While each and every one of us gets absorbed in final holiday shopping and plans, don’t forget that sometimes these simple gifts are appreciated the most.

Good Eat and Big Smiles

December is a festive month not only because of the Holiday Season but also because of the birthday of Mary Ann or most fondly called by the Sistahuds as Marianna. This year around, Marianna was early in choosing a venue for her birthday dinner cum Christmas kitakits.

Chelsea Market Café at Serendra was the chosen venue and it would be our first at the said restaurant. Marianna was trying to make reservations but the receptionist told her that they don’t hold reservations below their minimum of six. Can you believe that? No reservations if your company is only three pax. Hmmm.

Good thing our date was on a weekday and I decided to go early. Was in Serendra as early as 545pm and went straight to Chelsea to get a good table. I tried getting a reservation to be able to roam around Serendra but the receptionist said “madali po kaming mapuno at bawal magpareserve”, Hala! Go, Ralline – take your seat and wait!

While waiting for the other Sistahuds, I was busy reading a magazine and observing the place and the other customers. The place is a little bit on the high side. A little bit steep in terms of price but they do have big portions. The other people within the resto were all dressed and not so jologs – good thing I was not wearing my usual getup of shorts/shirt/sandals for the event or else I’d feel naked.

Elline and Marianna arrived a little over 30 minutes and the place was getting crowded. What we noticed instantly was that some people do have reservations even if their party is only good for two. Hmpfh! They have favoritism!

Food was served family style and we only ordered a few to satisfy our hunger. We got the Hamon platter, the Roasted Duck, Five Cheese Pizza and for dessert - a slice of the Toblerone Torte. It was all yummy except that we wanted some more bread. The servers were selective of their wards and we had to wait for them to notice us. Whew! Big note – next time be as lavish as possible to be served immediately.

One factor that would bring my feet back to Chelsea is their variety of fresh bread. I got three sets that night and I really enjoyed them. All breads are half-baked or frozen so that when you bake/toast them at your own kitchen, you’ll enjoy it 100%. Yum-O!

Today is Marianna’s birthday and we had the dinner three days prior the big event, we exchanged our respective Christmas presents and as always we have big bags leaving Chelsea.


As we finished dinner and was leaving Chelsea, we had our picture taken at the front door and even at the lobby of Serendra and all the time we were laughing our hearts out because of the throng of people outside the restaurants. Reason for our laughter will be kept secret until our next trip back.

For Marianna – cheers to another good year! For Elline and Marianna – thank you for the gifts!

The Toddler's Miracle Diet

People are always on the lookout for a new diet. The trouble with most diets is that you don't get enough to eat (the starvation diet), you don't get enough variation (the liquid diet) or you go broke (the all-meat diet). Consequently, people tend to cheat on their diets, or quit after 3 days. Well, now there's the new Toddler Miracle Diet! Over the years you may have noticed that most two years olds are trim. Now the formula to their success is available to all in this new diet.

DAY ONE---
Breakfast: One scrambled egg, one piece of toast with grape jelly. Eat 2 bites of egg, using your fingers; dump the rest on the floor. Take 1 bite of toast, and then smear the jelly over your face and clothes.
Lunch: Four crayons (any color), a handful of potato chips, and a glass of milk (3 sips only, then spill the rest)
Dinner: A dry stick, two pennies and a nickel, 4 sips of flat Pepsi.
Bedtime snack: Throw a piece of toast on the kitchen floor...........

DAY TWO---
Breakfast: Pick up stale toast from kitchen floor and eat it. Drink half bottle of vanilla extract or one vial of vegetable dye.
Lunch: Half a tube of "Pulsating Pink" lipstick and a handful of Purina Dog Chow (any flavor). One ice cube, if desired.
Afternoon Snack: Lick an all-day sucker until sticky, take outside, drop in dirt. Retrieve and continue slurping until it is clean again. Then bring inside and drop on the rug.
Dinner: A rock or an uncooked bean, which should be thrust up your left nostril. Pour grape Kool-Aid over mashed potatoes; eat with a spoon.

DAY THREE---
Breakfast: Two pancakes with plenty of syrup eat one with fingers, rub in hair. Glass of milk; drink half, stuff other pancake in glass. After breakfast, pick up yesterdays sucker from rug, lick off fuzz, and put it on the cushion of your best chair.
Lunch: Three matches, peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Spit several bites onto the floor. Pour glass of milk on table and slurp up.
Dinner: Dish of ice cream, handful of potato chips, some red punch. Try to laugh some punch through nose, if possible.

FINAL DAY---
Breakfast: A quarter tube of toothpaste (any flavor), bit of soap, an olive. Pour a glass of milk over bowl of cornflakes; add half a cup of sugar. Once cereal is soggy, drink milk and feed cereal to dog.
Lunch: Eat bread crumbs off kitchen floor and dining room carpet. Find that sucker and finish eating it.
Dinner: A glass of spaghetti and chocolate milk. Leave meatball on plate. Stick of mascara for dessert.

You may want to consult you doctor before embarking on this diet, otherwise, you may be seeing him afterwards. Good luck!

Another Assessment

Ate Sheilah invited me to find out my wish personality by using Facebook. I added the Wishabi application and here’s the result.

My Wish Personality is: Culinary Connoisseur


My taste buds drive my life. Eat Drink and Be Merry speak volumes to me. I have the best time with friends when I’m at the dinner table or bar, and I love trying new foods and restaurants. Eating my favorite foods always brings a smile to my face.

So true! I love exciting foods and drinks especially with family and friends.

This is all I want!

I tried the latest from Imagini and it was fun. It puts together a Wish List for Christmas based on my VisualDNA.

My VisualDNA: You're a total traditionalist when it comes to the holiday season. You love everything from eggnog to carol-singing; you throw yourself into it all 110%. Woes betide any scrooges who get in your way! Holidays for you are all about spending quality time with the kids. These are magic years so you want to grab all the chances you have to enjoy them. You're a real home bunny and you love inviting friends into your home. There's nothing more enjoyable than sitting down for a really long lunch with your nearest and dearest. You take real pleasure in making sure everyone has a great time. Your idea of a good game generally involves a pack of cards and a little gamble. Here's hoping you'll get your fair share of the action this holiday season!

Have a look at My Wishlist. Check out some gifts that I would love to get.

Let me know what you think.

Helen's 25th!

Yesterday was our Yaya Helen’s 25th birthday. Good thing that her birthday fell on a weekend and the weather cooperated to our heart’s desire.

Why? Because we promised her along with Yaya Juvy that we will treat them with a pre-Christmas gift by sending them off to the newly opened Global Fun Carnival beside the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Helen, Juvy and Joeric spent the whole day exploring the rides in the said carnival. Before they left the house, I gave them a list of the rides that they must prioritize and the attractions that would delight them to the maximum.


After three hours, Helen called and said “Ate, ayaw ko na!” I was laughing so hard that I forgot I have colds. She hated the Flipper, Juvy loved the Ranger and Joeric enjoyed the Giant Wheel. Even after they tried all in the list, they still had fun with the game booths wherein they earned three stuffed toys as prizes.

We met them at the carnival’s entrance a little after 6pm and waited for the fireworks display (Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm) at SM MOA. Yaya Helen’s birthday dinner was held at the Highlands Steakhouse. She loved her whole rack of Baby Back Ribs and the waiters at the Steakhouse serenaded her with a birthday song and gave her a slice of Tiramisu.



Tummy filled with good food, we went home happy. When we got home, we gave Yaya Helen our birthday gifts and her birthday cake. A second blowing of a candled-birthday cake then she gladly opened her gifts.


It was a great day with tons of laughter, screaming, fireworks and gifts for Yaya Helen.

Helen, sana lahat ng wish mo magkatotoo!

Less than a Month!

Christmas is on the way!

Have a wonderful weekend!

And then they were Four...

Yesterday, I visited my best friend Ruth G. Cervantes-Casino at Cardinal Santos Medical Center. She gave birth to a bouncing baby boy early morning last Wednesday, Emilio Jacinto C. Casino. Emilio is so cute, 8 pounds and has long limbs.

She was supposed to undergo normal delivery but they had to perform C-Section because the umbilical cord wound around Emilio’s neck. Even though she was in induced labor for a long time, all the pain was forgotten upon seeing the beautiful baby.


Teddy and my godson Elian went out for some errands. As I was leaving the hospital, I saw Teddy in the lobby and was able to congratulate the once-again proud father. Elian was sleeping inside the car, but I was able to give him some TLC before leaving the parking lot.

Time flies really fast, at 32 years old, “Best” is now a mother of two. The lingering question Ruth asked me during my visit was “Kailan mo naman bibigyan ng apo si Tita Jean?”

Whew! A tough question. Kailan nga kaya?

Thankfulness

Just a few more days and its Thanksgiving! It is a time to rejoice in the loving company of our family/friends/loved ones. I can't wait to enjoy the ham, turkey roast, and cornbread and pumpkin pies.

"A Thanksgiving Prayer"

I am thankful for the wife who says, "Hot dogs for supper!"
Because she is home with me, not someone else.

I am thankful for the husband who is on the sofa being a couch potato
Because he is home with me and not out at the bars.

I am thankful for the teenager who is complaining about doing dishes
Because she is at home and not out on the streets.

I am thankful for the taxes I pay
Because it means I am employed.

I am thankful for the mess to clean after a party
Because it means I have been surrounded by friends.

I am thankful for the clothes that fit a little too snug
Because it means I have enough to eat.

I am thankful for my shadow that watches me work
Because it means I am out in the sunshine.

I am thankful for a lawn to mow, windows to clean and gutters to fix
Because it means I have a home.

I am thankful for the complaining I hear about the government
Because it means we have freedom of speech.

I am thankful for the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot
Because it means I am able to walk and I have been blessed with transportation.

I am thankful for my huge heating bill
Because it means I am warm.

I am thankful for the pile of laundry and ironing
Because it means I have clothes to wear.

I am thankful for weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day
Because it means I have been able to work.

I am thankful for the alarm that rings early in the morning hours
Because it means I am alive."

Wishing you all a wonderful and thankful week and may we all go into this week of Thanksgiving with open hearts full of gratitude.

For the Potholes on the Road in Life

1. Give thanks for 5 things before you go to sleep, even if you can't think of anything, (you're alive; it could be worse). If you this daily, your list will grow.

2. Read something inspirational.

3. Do something for someone else! Make a phone call! Write a letter! Send a card!

4. Recycle.

5. Get a water filter for the kitchen faucet, and reduce the amount of bottled water you buy and drink healthier water.

6. Make cookies and rent a movie that will make you laugh.

7. Keep pursuing your dreams.

Boo!

Trick or treating during Halloween has been a tradition in my parent’s subdivision since 2004.


For this year, it was a very humid afternoon and though we are all in a hurry to leave the Manila heat, we still had fun distributing our loot bags and balloons to the subdivision kids.


After the parade, Mom said - “Whew! What a crowd! Need to buy more Halloween loot bags!” Good thing that Auntie Rhoda’s shopping when we called earlier and the loot bags Mom bought two months ago is now on sale in Montreal.

Me? Did I get my share of the candies? Just a little bit. I tasted some of the treats and it was so sweet! It was too sweet but definitely a winner for the kids.

Until the next Trick ‘r Treat!

What's in a name?

I got this from Chryseis and it was a good find. If you want to know the meaning of your name - go to this site.

Ralline Jean
Your natural charisma and charm makes you an influential figure able to inspire confidence in others. Material abundance and emotional contentment are seemingly drawn to you and satisfy your dreams of success. However being humanitarian you find that applying your talents and creative prowess to a worthwhile purpose is far more satisfying than material gain. Your courage, adaptability and determination overcome any obstacles.

Ralline
You have enormous vitality and originality making you a dynamic individual with great charm and sex appeal. You believe in putting one hundred per cent into all your activities of which there are many. You have potential to achieve great success in business or public affairs where your friendship and consideration of others wins you many allies. Your innate strength and determined effort is able to overcome any obstacles. Freedom is important to you.

Jean
God`s gift "Hebrew". Peaceful, poised and understanding you do not let anyone or anything disturb your innate calm. You are tolerant of others no matter how their behaviours or beliefs differ from your own. Not attached to material or worldly affairs you are free to express your true self. Displaying great wisdom and serenity people are naturally drawn to you for guidance and counsel. Your courage and presence of mind see you through any adversity.

Rae
A doe "English". You have a charismatic and magnetic personality which others cannot help but be drawn to ensuring you of many friends. Very ambitious your keen perceptive powers and ability to absorb knowledge helps you to achieve your objectives. You are a strong willed and industrious worker who is prepared to earn all the material success and good fortune which comes your way. With a philosophical attitude happiness is assured.

Batchy
Extremely intelligent in thought and deed you are gifted at communication and finding practical applications for your ideas. You are strong willed and ambitious and need to have passion, freedom and adventure in your life. Always willing to help others your warm, honest and loyal nature ensures that you are loved by all. It is likely that you will achieve a great deal of success and recognition in life.

Bittersweet Damsel
Good fortune seems to smile on you with worldly success and emotional contentment coming to you in abundance. This is not luck but a result of applying your intelligence, will and organised approach to productive purposes. You are a natural leader accepting positions of authority with wisdom and sensitivity. With your inspiring character and generosity to others you attract many friends.

Aliw! Meron di kaya ang Taba at Tabachoy? Ay, meron nga!

I love you, Mami!

I love you for the fun we share,
I love you for the things we do,
I love you ’cause you always care,
I love you, Mommy, ’cause you’re you!

Happy 54th Birthday, Mami!

Full Season

Woo Hoo! Pushing Daisies has been picked up for a full season.


Happy watching for the full season!

Hollywood and Highland

If my memory won’t fail me, it was sometime last year when Kyla and Axel Tolentino left for the States to migrate with their mom, Rachelle. Time flies really fast. Beforehand I just bring them to Tagaytay Highlands to have some R&R. Nowadays; we visit neighboring tourist spots in California.

For a very humid Friday, we decided to take the day off. Rachelle and kids fetched me at our residence in La Palma and we had breakfast at Denny’s and roamed around the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood and Highland. Being cam whores, we feasted ourselves with tons of pictures.




Even though it’s been a year since they arrived, it is not very common for every person living in the US to go to tourists spots. I for one, I can’t even remember the last time I visited the Hollywood landmark and Griffith Observatory even if I’m always in California. It was fun to go back with Rachelle and with the kids with us – as if we are teenagers also.

Our next stop after all the Los Angeles landmarks is San Francisco. A longer road trip than Las Vegas and more spots to visit but it would definitely another bonding moment.

Kyla, better have your batteries ready! Maria – magipon ka na ng bakasyon ha, para sa amin naman sa East Coast!

Ground Zero at Glorietta 2

An explosion rocked the Ayala Center this afternoon. According to reports, the blast happened near the restaurants outside Glorietta 2. A certain number of people are dead and some were injured. The cause of the explosion has yet to be determined but initial reports said that the blast was caused by a gas leak.


Whew! Sad news for the weekend. Tragic. Good thing we are not there today.

Seksi Does Dubai

Among the Petroleum Buddies, Liberty (aka Libay/Leevhi) left British Gas and migrated to Australia last March 2007 with her family. Latest news about her is that she just gave birth to a bouncing baby boy.

Last Monday, another PB dropped a bomb to the group. Aileen, (aka Seksi) with her son, Rajo, is leaving Pilipinas Shell and moving to the City of Gold to follow her husband, Chris. Come next week, both of them will be in Dubai to start a new life in new surroundings and of course with a new set of friends.

Upon hearing the news, Arvin sent a very alarming email that prompted the gathering of PBs. Lucky for me; I’m in Manila and was able to join the email thread. Whew!

Aileen chose Chili’s Bar and Grill located at Greenbelt 1 for dinner last Wednesday. The restaurant is a special place for all of us. Why? Ever since we’ve been friends in 2004, we’ve been having all our chikahan in the said place. We love almost all the varieties, from sandwiches, soups and salads and all down to dessert – name it, we love them all. Oops, I almost forgot, the Frozen Strawberry Margaritas! Woo Hoo!


Dinner was short but very fruitful for all the PBs. The special screening of Stardust was also scheduled that same night and some already have tickets for the show. We only stayed for a little over an hour and parted ways. Yes, I shed a few tears during the group hug. Kasi naman!

What will Seksi miss? Of course, the lunch outs, the movie dates, the overtime meriendas and most of all, she’ll definitely miss my chocolate cake and chocolate cupcakes. Teka, Arvin - ubos mo na ba ang isang box? Dahan, dahan lang!

Though it might take a few months or maybe a few years before we can complete all the Petroleum Buddies, we promised ourselves that no boundaries, no such distance can break the bond of friendship. We can always fly to Dubai or go Down Under or maybe they’ll be the one to visit me in the Land of Milk and Honey.

Why not?

Dance for a Cause

Anlene, the expert in bone nutrition, launched recently the Anlene Movement, a crusade to raise awareness and prevention of osteoporosis among Filipinos. There will be a kick-off event on October 20, 2007 (Saturday), World Osteoporosis Day at the CCP Complex. A number of people are expected to unite in the call to battle the threat of osteoporosis.


Registration starts at 6:30am at the Baywalk side of Roxas Boulevard beside the Manila Yacht Club. A dance parade headed by Anlene’s spokesperson, Ms. Dina Bonnevieve will then make its way towards the CCP Complex at 8:00am with a mission to break the Guinness World of Record as the country that can gather the largest number of dancers in a single event.

For inquiries, call the Anlene Movement hotline at 6881696, 7462923 or 7479011.

Wear your favorite dancing shoes and dance!

Of Bread and Sausages

Second to the eldest of the Sistahuds, Ella Elline celebrated her birthday last September 12, 2007. Just like clock work, even if it’s already weeks after the birthday we still make it a point to see each other and celebrate.

For this year, Elline chose Mickey’s Delicatessen located at Jupiter, Bel-Air 2 Village in Makati City for our mini-reunion.


I’ve been to that place already (just last week in fact) just to buy sausages from their deli and bread from the Lartizan Bread Shop beside Mickey’s. One thing that I liked about the place is the abundance of choices for cheese, deli and bread. What else? The intoxicating smell of freshly-baked breads really got into my system. Wait, I can hear somebody snickering – yep, there’s also another reason that will remain a secret amongst the Sistahud.

It was walking distance from Elline’s workplace but I was the first one to arrive (excited ba masyado?), though we were shocked that Mary Ann walked to the venue from her area in Ayala Avenue. As per Mary Ann’s words: mas mabilis kaysa magcab. Whew!

We feasted over the various breads from Lartizan, assorted cold cuts with cheese platter, Caesar salad, a variety of grilled sausages, the Meat and Sausage Ciabatta Pizza and for dessert, we had the traditional Austrian dessert, Kaiserschmarrn. Our server can’t even pronounce the dessert but its shredded pancakes with apples and raisins. It was the perfect dessert to end a very hefty meal.

Michael Beck, the owner of the place was very friendly and even had a picture taken with us while he narrated his stories about his deli.

As we are leaving the place, the three of us wished that Chef Miguel was as game as the owner in having a picture taken with him. You’ll never know, maybe on our next visit, we’ll have another opportunity! Ha, ha, ha! Cheers to Rachelle!

It was a fun evening and another one for keeps.

Show Your Support!

It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Let's be aware of the symptoms, the ways to prevent and ways to act.

So spread the word and create awareness among all you know.

And they’re off!!!

The Fall 2007 television season officially started last night with all of the major networks unveiling premieres or delivering new content.

Talk about being a couch and mouse potato and waiting for all your favorite shows – me and my sister and even our brother are very anxious with the opening salvo of our favorite returning shows and new shows. Our TV calendar’s all booked up and we don’t know what to watch and what to skip.

As a sneak peek of what I am saying about, here’s our Fall 2007 Prime-Time Viewing Guide…

Mondays
Returning: Heroes, How I Met Your Mother, Prison Break, Rules of Engagement, Two and a Half Men, CSI: Miami
New: Chuck (Action/comedy about a nerd thrust into the spy world)

Tuesdays
Returning: Bones, House, MD

Wednesdays
Returning: CSI: New York
New: Pushing Daisies (Fantasy about a pie maker who brings the dead back to life); Back To You (Bickering local news anchors struggle to get along off camera); Gossip Girl (Rich teenage Manhattanites involved in backstabbing and class warfare); Bioinic Woman (Bionic implants save a lady's life, but she also become an unwilling government agent)

Thursdays
Returning: Ugly Betty, My Name is Earl, 30 Rock, The Office, Scrubs, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

Fridays
Returning: Las Vegas, Numbers

Not only do our Prime-Time viewings are full, I still have my loads of the Today Show and the ultimate show of all – The Ellen Degeneres Show. Check out her new DJ!

So, given the schedule, what will we watch live and what’s to TIVO?! Fire it up!

Deepest Gratitude

Perhaps you sent a lovely card, or sat upon a chair.
Perhaps you sent us beautiful flowers. If so, we saw them there.
Perhaps you spoke the kindest words that any friend could say.
Perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day.
Whatever you did to console our hearts,
We thank you so much, whatever your part.


On behalf of our family, we would like to
personally thank you for your kindness and
thoughtfulness during our time of sorrow.

Friends like you have been so important
to us. We appreciate you keeping us
in your thoughts and prayers.


--------------------

The Family of Arch. Jesse A. Mackay

Las Vegas Sojourn

As promised, I would treat my eldest Sistahud and her kids for a mini vacation as soon as I have a free time during my late summer California adventure. For this trip, we decided to go to the City of Lights - Las Vegas, Nevada.

Prior to our trip, the whole family met us a week earlier at the Kapatiran's venue and they brought home with them the pasalubongs from Atty. Ador and the goodies that I brought from Manila. Want to know what? Wahahaha!



I got them rellenong bangus, ubeng halaya, chocnut, batangas coffee and another kind of coffee that I can't remember the type and a mini mouse for their laptop. I believe the rellenong bangus was devoured as soon as they got home. The last time I saw the kids with Rachelle was last October 2006 and seeing them now, Axel has grown into a big boy and dearest Kyla is still very pretty. Nanay Charing is still the same and of course, my sistahud - Rachelle, is as always a radiating beauty.

Rachelle, Kyla and Axel fetched me at our La Palma residence last Friday and we said our goodbyes to my Mom and Tita Tess and happily started our long drive to Nevada. Traffic going out of I91 was terrible that day, it took us two hours just to pass Corona, whew! The usual travel of 4 hours from our place to Las Vegas took us close to six hours. You can imagine the state of our butts.

With a rest stop for a few minutes at Burger King, we continued the long drive to Las Vegas. We dozed off for a few minutes while Rachelle was kept in company with her tall cup of coffee but as soon as we entered Nevada territory, I woke up the kids so that they can enjoy the City of Lights.

Eventhough, I've been to Vegas for a number of times, the lights from the Strip still gives me the ultimate high. The Strip's totally different from the last time I visited, 2.5 years really was a big turnaround for the place. We strolled through the whole Strip before proceeding to our dinner reservation at New York New York's Il Fornaio. The Italian Restaurant of the hotel and the workplace of one of my favorite relatives, Tito Noel.

Dinner was good though I wasn't able to take pictures of our main course because I was busy chatting with Joaquin Hagedorn, (want to know Rachelle's comment about Joaquin, go here) but I had plenty of pictures with the three kinds of desserts.

After a full meal, we decided to call it a night, hahaha, who am I kidding, we got to the apartment at past 1am and dozed off at around 230am. Whew, what a day.

With ample sleep to recharge ourselves, we started our escapade by hitting the Las Vegas Premium Outlets. Ha, ha, ha! You guessed the casino, right? Not yet. I want to buy some stuff at Big Dogs and I got a good deal. After shopping, we're starving for some of the famous buffets.

Since Kyla and Axel are both underage, we went to Circus Circus, had fun with the international buffet and we really satisfied ourselves with the amount that I paid for the buffet. Whew! Tummy full!

The kids played in the arcade, we window shopped, I played a few at the slots and enjoyed people watching. After a few more rounds, we went to the Stratosphere Tower. What a ride! After paying for the elevator/ticket rides, we took the flight up. Whew! Check my pictures. My knees buckled for a few minutes before I could reach the outdoor deck.

Much as I love riding thrill rides, I chickened out with the sight of the three rides on the top of the Stratosphere. With 900 feet from the ground, I was thinking of the possible scenarios that could happen. However, Kyla braved the Insanity, considered as the second highest thrill ride in the world, it dangles riders over the edge of the tower and then spins in a circular pattern at approximately forty miles per hour. Whew! The ride itself is not scary its the dangling over 900 feet that gave me the goosebumps.

With too much adrenalin from the thrill rides, we went back to the Strip and invaded M&M's World and the Coca-Cola Store. Of course, we got our favorite M&M colors and a few Coke souvenirs. Kyla and Axel really enjoyed the place and was busy with the different souvenirs. I got myself a few candies and my cheeblings favorite colors. After a few rounds, I opted to seat outside and watch the sights. The weather was humid and though its close to 10pm, it was still nice to people watch.



After a full day of sightseeing and tons of walking, we decided to call it a night and head back to the apartment. We even forgot to eat proper dinner with the activities. When we reached the apartment, ate a few sandwiches and dozed off.

For our last day in Las Vegas, Tito Noel and Tito Judith treated us for Thai lunch before we parted ways. I enjoyed our short stay with them but I promised I'll visit them soon and maybe longer so we'll be able to have more bonding time, oops, before I forget, all the time I was in the apartment, I was still busy helping them out with the connections of their internet/digital cam/printers and they loved what I did to make their day-to-day life easier.

Having Thai lunch was great. I enjoyed the steamed rice, pad thai noodles and bbq chicken. Rachelle enjoyed the sticky rice with mangoes and tapioca balls. After lunch, we said our goodbyes and had another stroll along the Strip and last picture taking before heading back to California.

It was a good weekend, though it was short, I believe Rachelle and her kids enjoyed what we did. I stayed for a night in their Alhambra apartment and they brought me back home to La Palma. Before leaving, Rachelle fetched Nanay Charing and I treated them to a Hawaiian Dinner.


I'll see them again after my sidetrip and Kyla promised to take a leave from her work and maybe spend the day at Magic Mountain or maybe at Knott's Berry (just 3 minutes from our house) or just bum around.

I will definitely miss Kyla and Axel. Before they migrated to the US to join their Mom, I can see them in Binan whenever I go to Tagaytay. We'll go to Highlands and have fun, now I have to take the red eye just to see them. Maybe, in a few months, we'll be able to have another mini vacation. I wonder where our next destination would be?

Sweet Kristine

Knowing from the start that I'll be surrounded by people similar to my Mom's age is not a big deal but to be able to spend time with Kristine was such a nice treat. Kristine E. McFarland is Tita Aleta and Tito Henry's only child and she's 23 years old and a little bit on the shy side. Hence, that is not a hindrance to my "kadaldalan" powers.

Our first bonding experience was watching the premiere of High School Musical 2 and relieving the scenes from the first TV musical. I had fun talking to her, as if I'm also talking to my sister but with a different twist. After the movie, shopping, eating out and having cold coffee followed.

I remember Kristine as the little girl that my brother went out Trick or Treating so many years back and now she's a full grown lady. I was even teasing her about the last time we saw each other in Manila and had dinner. I can't even recall if it was in 2003 or 2004 but still she still remembers me. She loves One Tree Hill and adores Sophia Bush, who doesn't! She's your typical tv/movie/net addict and you'll definitely won't get bored.


I promised her that we'll do a movie and bond more time together, I'm just waiting for my Mom's return from Montreal and we'll definitely go back to their place and have tons of fun.

Kristine, I'll see you in a few winks!

High School Musical 2

Last night was a big day for the fans of High School Musical. The sing-along continued last night at 8pm on The Disney Channel and all the lead stars from the first TV Movie returned.


I was able to watch High School Musical 2 with Kristine amidst the hectic schedule for Kapatiran 2007. Chloe was really excited since I was able to watch HSM2.


After the premiere, I called Chloe (even with the time difference) and talked away regarding the TV movie.

Quotes That Make You Think

Today we focus on Inspiration, which we can all use more of...

No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man.
– Heraclitus

Some people change when they see the light, others when they feel the heat.
- Caroline Schoeder

You can't do anything about the length of your life, but you can do something about its width and depth.
- H.L. Mencken

Lots of people think they're charitable if they give away their old clothes and things they don't want. It isn't charity to give away things you want to get rid of and it isn't a sacrifice to do things you don't mind doing.
- Myrtle Reed

Each man takes care that his neighbor shall not cheat him. But a day comes when he begins to care that he does not cheat his neighbor. Then all goes well -- he has changed his market-cart into a chariot of the sun.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

A child, like your stomach, doesn't need all you can afford to give it.
- Frank A. Clark

A visitor from Mars could easily pick out the civilized nations. They have the best implements of war.
- Herbert V. Prochnow

There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience.
- French proverb

The closing years of life are like the end of a masquerade party, when the masks are dropped.
- Arthur Schopenhauer

We find comfort among those who agree with us, growth among those who don't.
- Frank A. Clark

What a week!

Inconsolable

The Backstreet Boys are back again and ready to release their 6th studio album due out October 30th!! This is their first single off the album, which debuted last Monday night at NYC.


“Inconsolable” is a piano-heavy rock ballad and was written & produced by Emanuel Kiriakou, and co-written by Lindy Robbins & Jess Cates. The song has a rockish ballad feel, which the boys are really professionals at doing. They

I still love their music, even though I have grown up!

My Two Things

I was tagged by Aileen.

Two names you go by: Ralline, Rae
Two things you are wearing right now: Big Dog Shorts and Tee
Two things you want in a relationship: Honesty and Respect
Two of your favorite things to do: Reading and Watching Movies
Two things you want very badly at this moment: DSLR Camera and a Fat Paycheck
Two pets you have had: Suzan and Sparky
Two people who will fill this out: Rachelle and Tuesday
Two things you did last night: Played Miss Management and Watched Hairspray
Two people who live at your house: My Cheeblings
Two things you ate today: Chicken Barbecue and Spaghetti with Meatballs
Two people you talked to last: Janette from Toronto and Agripina from Kuala Lumpur
Two things you are going to do tomorrow: Fix my bags and print the photo collage
Two longest car rides: Washington D.C. going to Montreal and Maryland to Orlando
Two favorite holidays: Thanksgiving and Christmas
Two favorite drink: Grape Juice and Hot Tea

Next to tag is April and Rachelle.

Almost over...

Wow!

Time flies so fast and the next thing you know it is already Thanksgiving and then Christmas!

Well, there is so much to look forward to next year but I am not going to spill the beans yet. Many things have been going on, both good and not so good.

I will just keep it to myself first to be more thrilling.

And in the end, Harry Potter...

As early as 6pm, a number of avid Muggles waited in front of various bookstores for the most awaited book for 2007. For my part, I still have to wait for September 18 to be able to appreciate the final installment for the Harry Potter series. Why?


I got my wish that the book set would be in a special commemorative box (a collectible trunk-like box).


It will be an awesome addition to my library. The books are already great but the chest makes it even more exciting!

Though, I will not be able to hold my own copy in a more than a month, I already know the details. Ha, ha, ha! I have the means! The final installment is a little bit dark and a little less fantasy like.

J. K. Rowling's right. Everything comes to a definite (and very satisfying) end. I'm sad that it's over, though!

Harry Potter

The end is near.


Just hours away, how do you feel?

Me, I am excited and anxious!

Happiness Always!

“Everything beautiful begins with love.”

For Che-Che and Arnor:

May the two of you be more in love with every passing day, and may everything that makes you happy always come your way!

Congratulations on your engagement!

It was nice talking to you both and hearing the news about the engagement and the 2008 wedding. Excited na ako, kailangan pala sexy ako nun! See you soon and more chikahan!