Happy 45th, Maria!

Wishing you a Cake-A-Licious Happy 45th Birthday, Maria Rachelle!

Happy birthday to a trendsetting diva with intricate layers and fabulous taste. May you know how much you are loved, and may your special day be filled with as much happiness as you bring to others.

I waited for the exact time to greet you and officially it is your birthday in your part of the world. Miss you so much, my dearest Sistahud Beauty Queen! Hugs!

Just Like Before

Distance is not a problem. Communication is also not a problem. Technology is vast that it makes the ties closer and tighter. However, for my case, human factor or human touch is still a big factor. I still believe in meeting friends for dinner, for a cup of coffee or even for a movie date.

Given our work schedules and the hectic life we live in nowadays, it would be a miracle for the Sistahud to be complete in the near future. Elline left for a better job opportunity and possibly to find Prince Charming in Singapore recently while Rachelle has been living in Sunny California since the early 2000.

I suddenly realized that we are back to the old routine. Just like before, after each class or whenever we have a free time, Mary Ann and I would go out and celebrate. We either go eat our hearts out or watch a good movie.

Yesterday was again, just like before. We ate our hearts out and watched two good movies. We met at Power Plant at Rockwell, Makati City at 10am and started our day of pure fun and happiness.


Given the time we have on our hands, we checked out the movie selection and the time of showing. We decided to watch Nicholas Cage’s Knowing and Dwayne Johnson’s Race to Witch Mountain.


In between the two movies, we had a quick lunch at Burgoo and we had popcorn during the first movie. Both movies were good and fortunately, we decided to watch RTWM last since the first movie was a little bit on the heavy side.

Since we have some time to spare, we window shopped and did some grocery shopping. Since nobody can fetch us earlier, we had dinner as well at Healthy Shabu Shabu.


Even without Elline and Rachelle, we were able to have a good time. I know having them around would be a different bang but we promised we’ll make do with what we have.

We’ll do this again soon. Hopefully we will spend another round before my birthday and then a birthday celebration in June.

As I drop Mary Ann off in her apartment, she said that she’ll email the Sistahuds and will tell all the stories we shared.

We missed you Elline and Rachelle! Come visit us soon! Better yet, we will visit you soon!

A New Chapter

I am currently swamped with schoolwork aside from the usual work load and was really wishing to have a break with some friends. As I was rushing some inputs to a group presentation on the next class, I got a message from Elline.

At first I was kidding with her and was surprised she’s not at work. I asked her why and she gave me a few bogus reasons and then she dropped the bomb.

She’s leaving tonight for Singapore and will be starting with her new work in Nanyang Technological University, I was like, huwat?!

Elline resigned from her work, a work she’s been with for almost 13 years and will be starting to work for a very different work environment.


I am sad. Honestly, really sad. I’m not talking or chatting with Elline since she mentioned that her flight is for tonight and I haven’t seen her since Mary Ann’s birthday treat.

I am also happy. Happy for her new career and workplace and maybe she’ll find her Prince Charming in Jurong. Happy as well since we can visit her in Singapore and enjoy the sights.

I’m used to having her near my area. She’s just a cab away from me. A phone call away if I want to rant or rave a few stuff. Starting tomorrow, we’ll be 1,490 miles apart. It would take me 4 hours to see her rather than the usual 15 minutes.


Elline, I’ll miss you. As I write this one, I can’t help but cry.

Laurie, Mary Ann’s younger sister, told me that we really are following the steps of the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants storyline. From four, we are now down to two. Yet, even if will be divided again in distance, I do hope the friendship will stay the same.

Elline – it saddens me to learn that you are leaving but still good luck on your journey. I wish you all the best.

Happy Rachelle Birthday Bouquet

She got an earlier surprise of a home-cooked meal of pasta and pork from her two adorable kids and lovable mom but she never thought of receiving another surprise.

For a fraction of time, they kept on guessing. Rachelle was saying she’s not yet dead and yet somebody sent her flowers. The kids thought it was from Lola Charing. Rachelle on the other hand was very excited to go home from work.

It was Axel who saw the card enclosed in the bouquet:

On your birthday, Rachelle, and every day...

…we are wishing you moments that delight you, special times and laughter, happiness that grows, and wonderful memories to keep.

Have a Great Birthday!

love,
Ralline Jean and Family

I was waiting for Kyla’s report and glad she was able to send me pictures. Thanks, Kyla for the feed.

Again, happy belated birthday, Rachelle! Hugs and kisses!

P.E.P.P.E.R-achelle!

Pancakes. Electronics. Phad Thai. Phantom. Entertainment. Rachelle.

Today is Rachelle’s 39th birthday. Much as we want to have a Sistahud gathering to celebrate her birthday, we simply cannot. She lives thousand miles away from the rest of the girls and not to mention, it would cost us lots just to see physically her smiling face.

Yet, even before she turned 39, I already surprised her with several birthday presents when she visited us in Las Vegas during the holidays. I was really happy to see her again even for just 25 hours. It is time (and money!) well spent with one of my dearest friends. Lucky us!

After driving for almost four hours from Alhambra to the City of Lights, we shared breakfast at I.H.O.P. wherein they are known for famous American breakfast foods such as pancakes, waffles and omelettes. We shared a hearty meal with my sister and brother. Filling up our tummies with coffee and good food, we started our day in Las Vegas.



We got lost several times but we did reach our destination and we even saw the Welcome to Las Vegas Signage. We just could not resist so we took pictures. Then we went around the shopping district of WalMart, Office Depot, Ross, Best Buy, Circuit City and the like. Wow in 3 hours that is like a year’s worth of salary! He! He! He! It was fun updating each other with tons of stories and laughing out loud while waiting in line in the retail stores.

After shopping for the much needed stuff, we got tired and hungry. Finding a good place to eat, Rachelle saw one of my “memorable” restaurants in Las Vegas. I won’t tell the whole story about the said restaurant because I keep on laughing just remembering our faces. We had Thai food for late lunch and Rachelle got her dose of Thai Iced Tea and we had Phad Thai, Chicken and Pork BBQ, Tom Yum Goong and of course a big bowl of Steamed White Rice. Yum!!


Unfortunately, time is upon us and we had to get ready for our ultimate entertainment experience for the night. We treated Rachelle for an evening of music and opera, Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular at The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino. It is one of my absolute favorites ever and really anticipating this event the whole time. Rachelle loved the show and the state of the art technology and effects, even the custom-built theater made us feel that we were in the Opera Garnier in Paris. To complete the Phantom experience, Chloe and Reyboy bought her a Phantom souvenir coffee mug while I got the famous music box. Fantastic!


No trip to The Venetian would be complete without dining to one of its fine dining restaurants. Where else?! We made reservations prior to our Vegas trip at Mario Batali’s B&B Ristorante. It features Batali and his partner, Joseph Bastianich’s acclaimed blend of exquisite Italian food. We enjoyed our selection of appetizers and main courses and though Rachelle didn’t order dessert, I shared with her my chocolate gelato. Pure heaven! I can still remember the taste and am craving for more right now. That gelato is worth the trip and the wait!


Before heading back to our hotel after the late dinner, we strolled around the Venetian, had a picture taken with Humpty Dumpty, played a few slots and eventually drove throughout the Strip to see the lights.




It was already morning when we head back to the hotel but we had fun and enjoyed the trip! Then Rachelle gave me a Christmas present that was so cute. Thanks a lot my friend! I had sleep before heading back to Alhambra while I pack some stuff for her to bring home. I have gifts as well for dearest Nanay Charing, the uber tall Axel and of course, Kikay Kyla. Hope they enjoyed them!

Although it was just 25 hours, the time spent with Rachelle will certainly last for several months. I asked her prior to her leaving as I was hugging her if she enjoyed the day, she said she did and was so happy with all of her presents.

One thing that she just mentioned as she was pulling off the hotel driveway, “come back soon and stay longer”! Well, we certainly will now!


Rachelle, happy 39th birthday! Hope your day is filled with surprises and dreams come true.

When time was with her... She came early at last!

It was an advance birthday celebration (December 22 is the exact date) and a Christmas get-together rolled into one. I was leaving the next day for a Winter Holiday with my siblings and I cannot afford NOT to party with my Sistahud.

If you’ve been following our dates, you’ll know our side remark regarding the birthday girl, Mary Ann aka Marianna. She walks a lot. If the meeting place is in the Makati area and it’s a work day, she’ll definitely walk her way to the venue. Given the proximity, yes, it is good to walk but guess what, she always comes in late. So, for this date, I applaud Marianna. She came first to the venue. Hooray! December 17, 2008, a sure date to remember!

Yes, she still walked going to Tony Roma’s. I, on the other hand, was the tardy Sistahud. I got caught in terrible traffic coming from work and they were already eating appetizers when I reached TRG4. I cannot blame myself entirely for my tardiness, it’s the holiday season and everybody’s out for last minute shopping finds.

Once settled, we immediately got busy eating our ribs, seafood and steak dinner. Yum! Yum! Since we love the freebie bread with herb butter from TRG4, we asked another serving and just munched them away. While we are having dinner, we talked about updates regarding career, family and of course, love life. This is always a necessity! Tsismis Sa Gitna Ng Tsibog!

You bet we do have our colorful love stories especially the birthday girl’s love life. All along she didn’t know that we’ve been talking about her in her sister’s blog. Even her Mom was part of the conversation. See, Marianna, you’re very famous! Charing!

Before we finished dinner, I brought out Rachelle’s Christmas presents for Elline and Marianna. Mom brought home from LA the gifts and I was really intrigued with them. Elline got the white bag and Marianna got two music CDs. Wow!

We also exchanged Christmas presents and gave Marianna’s birthday treats as well. In return, they gave me Rachelle’s Christmas presents intending to bring them with me when I leave the next day.

It was another year of good food, tons of laughter and precious moments with the Sistahud.

The next cycle of dates will be my birthday celebration unless Rachelle decides to visit Manila before June 2009, we will definitely book a weekend all together and bond!

Mary Ann - wishing you every good thing that life can bring, on your birthday and always.

Red. Hot. Chili. Elline!!!

We usually don’t select a theme for our birthday celebrations but a few years back, we had Japanese for the whole year, then Chinese and then finally we got tired from the same cuisines. We experimented with fusions of dishes and yet we still craved for more. However, whatever the choice, it still is good as long as we are filled with good company and laughter.

For Ella Elline’s post birthday celebration, she craved for a Tex-Mex flare. Where else did we go but Chili’s Grill and Bar in Greenbelt One. The three of us cannot remember the last time we ate at Chili’s. We had a fun time guessing when but, at the end, we failed. (Now I have to check the big albums to know when.)

I came first so I got a good table, with a good view too -- the Legaspi Street and a very weird couple having early dinner. I wasn’t able to get a snack so I gladly ordered some appetizers and by the time I had company I was a little bit full. Elline arrived next and since Mary Ann was running late we availed of the Wi-Fi services of the restaurant. I gladly helped Elline solve her biggest problem to date and she savored the free Wi-Fi.


While waiting for Mary Ann to arrive, we were making fun of her. You might ask why, because she always came late whenever we have gatherings within the Ayala area. Why again, because she walks around the Makati Commercial Business District. Nevertheless, we salute her for her enthusiasm. How I wish I had the drive of Mary Ann!!!


It didn’t take long for Mary Ann to arrive. So when se did, we ordered our choices. While we enjoyed dinner and shared our stories, we missed another Sistahud. I just wish by the next celebration she’ll be able to join us, perhaps on her birthday. You know who you are and do visit us soon!

Before we parted ways, I gave them my “pasalubongs” and we gave Elline her birthday presents. We even checked our calendars for Mary Ann’s birthday blowout. Since I won’t be here for the Holidays, we’ll have an advance celebration for the Mary Ann Birthday and Christmas treat. Another Sistahud event that’s worth waiting for!

Elline – happy birthday to an ageless beauty! For the Sistahuds - let's do this again soon!

Seafood Night

It was Maria’s birthday last Monday and even though she’s approximately 7,500 miles away, we celebrated anyway last Wednesday with the Sistahuds (Mary Ann and Ella Elline) and guess what; Maria was represented by her beautiful daughter, Kyla.

Kyla’s currently in Manila for a three-week vacation before another term in school starts. During our dinner at Fish & Co. in Greenbelt 3, Kyla distributed the goodies.


We also met Kyla’s latest beau, VR. Hmm… promising boy I heard. Ha, ha, ha!


Just like any food trips of the Sistahud, we feasted on eating fish, shrimps and chips. We told Kyla that for the night, she’ll be her mom. Oops, before Maria can react to this post – yes, you’re way prettier than the daughter. Hint! She even got a free birthday dessert since we told Liezl (our server) that it’s her birthday.


Although Maria enjoyed the pictures from our dinner, she still missed a great night of laughter and good food. Next time around, we do hope to have her with us – physically.


Next time… sa Olive Garden kaya? Mary Ann and Ella Elline – wat u tink?

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!

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!

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.

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?

Taipan!

In all the traditions, a birthday treat is a must… and it went off like clockwork! Hahaha!

This year, my 31st (yes, 31st!) birthday, I treated the remaining Manila-based Sistahud at the Taipan Restaurant of The Tower Club, at Philamlife Tower, Paseo De Roxas, Makati City.

We feasted ourselves with fine Chinese cuisine and enjoyed the Sistahud bonding.

As usual, Rachelle was not here this time. What can we do? She’s miles away in LA-la-land.

Nevertheless, we shared the birthday photos with her and talked about what happened during that night.

For Ella and Mary Ann – thanks again for everything especially for the gifts!

Why Aren't You Married Yet?

Aside from me, two members of the Sistahud are in their early 30’s and still single. We have great jobs; we travel and have money to spare for our everyday knick-knacks. Is their anything wrong with being single at your early 30’s?

Do we need to be concerned?

No, I don’t think so! As long as we are happy and comfortable with our lives then we should have no worries. I still have many friends who are not married yet and they are in their mid-thirties.

What else? Being single at this age, we are plagued with the age-old question “why aren’t you married yet?

Some have a hard time answering this question but I bumped into these snappy comebacks and had a good laugh.

• You haven't asked yet.
• I was hoping to do something meaningful with my life.
• Because I just love hearing this question.
• Just lucky, I guess.
• It gives my mother something to live for.
• My fiancee is awaiting his parole.
• I'm still hoping for a shot at a beauty pageant.
• I'm waiting until I get to be your age.
• It didn't seem worth a blood test.
• I already have enough laundry to do, thank you. Because I think it would take all the spontaneity out of dating.
• I wouldn't want my parents to drop dead from sheer happiness.
• What? And lose all the money I've invested in running personal ads?
• I don't want to have to support another person on my paycheck.
• Why aren't you thin?
• I'm married to my career, although recently we have been considering a trial separation.

Given all this, whenever somebody asks me, "So, why aren't you married?" I pause; I smile, look at them in the eye, and then I quietly reply, “The reason I'm not married is because I’m still enjoying my single life.”

It is quite the answer, for now. It would not be a snappy one, but it is the truth.

Sistahud No. 1

Over the years, you have always been there when I needed a warm, helping hand. Over the years, you have been there to comfort, to listen and just understand...

Over the years, we have shared in so much -- all the joys and the tears that time brings. Over the years, I have treasured your friendship as one of life's most special things!

Happy Birthday, Maria Rachelle!

The Perfect Match

Some things are just meant to be...


...like the two of you

Happy Anniversay, Mami and Dadi!
Thank you for being such wonderful parents.

Sistahud with Kids

She’s back in Reseda after a short trip to Manila to pay respect to her Dad. Now she’s absolutely in her happiest state, since her two lovable kids are with her.

I’ll see them in a few winks and for sure it would be a hilarious get-together with tons of sightseeing and food trip!

Now, if only the rest of the Sistahud will tag along - then it would definitely be a blast.

Sistahud

Will this be the “last” complete photograph of the Sistahuds?

Perhaps, but here is hoping that it isn't.

Ella Elline R. Mangaran

Because you're a friend who makes me smile and feel good, and laugh for no reason at all... I am sending this wish for a birthday that makes you feel happy - just the way I feel every time we're together.

Have a great and beautiful birthday!

Friday Getaway

We agreed to get our PRC licenses all at the same time and bond for the day. We met for lunch, had a few laughs while talking about the usual stuff and had a blast over Chinese lunch before going to PRC.

Coming from Makati Avenue, we took a cab going to P. Paredes and took us about an hour and a half just to get to the PRC office. We were not so lucky that day since Mendiola-Legarda was closed because of a demonstration. Hence, traffic was so bad.

It only took us a few minutes to get are new licenses and though our pictures looked weird, at least it’s good for another three years. As we left the compound, it began to rain. Good thing all three of us brought along umbrellas. We hailed a cab and went back to Makati.

We agreed to go to Walter Mart Makati and were so glad that it only took less than 45 minutes to go back.

We hurriedly ran to the Cinema Level (better check the theater seats, Elline loved them!) to catch the 4pm screening. After the movie, Elline was able to get her cravings of the Amici gelato and even Marianna enjoyed the ice cream. I just watched them nibbling the delicious Italian dessert.

To end our very tiring day, we shared another Chinese meal and gladly posed for pictures. For Maria who’s currently in LA, we miss you.