5 Things

This week is all about the things that represent 5 Simple Joys in life, as I would say. It can be your dream job, a guilty pleasure, an inspiration, something to keep you fit and last but not the least, something that expose you a whole new environment.

Find a job that you love
One that makes you feel like you'll never work a day in your life.

Cheap sweet treats

These are all good stuff and can instantly make you feel good after having a long day.

Vanity
You got nothing to lose if this thing doesn't serve its purpose for you 

A fancy healthy weapon believed to make you cut down those unnecessary cravings and also do some beauty wonders.

Your favorite actor: Jude Law remains strong after the storm

Whether or not your favorite movie star still have their stars shining bright, they can always make your heart skip a beat when you watch them, right?

Travelling and the joy it brings

Break-away from the city's demanding scheme, grab your well-loved weekender bag and do not forget to turn-off your mobile phone.

Five Things (inspired by Cupcakes & Cashmere by Emily)

As-salam alaykum!

As I try to juggle between finding a job and enjoying Dubai to the best that I can, I thought of mimicking the idea of posting 5 photos of the same theme, sort of, but not really, weekly.

The idea is to introduce you guys to some random things (something new, something old, something borrowed? haha!) that I perceive as interesting or useful, entertaining and funny, clever or the other way around, etc, etc.

Since I've practically uploaded all my Dubai photos on my social media page, I'll be starting this "photoblog" next week and that is enough time for me already to gather new snapshots to give some "breath of a fresh air"to my limited (e.g. friends) readers online.

So watch out for my next post and hope you will all enjoy it! Join me as I start my journey in this scorching hot, beautiful and very diverse desert called Dubai!

BG: Burj Al Arab

Shukran, guys! (Thank you, guys!)

DISCLAIMER: Not sure if I used the correct arabic. Blame Google. LOL.

Dear Mom

I can't remember the last time I said "ILY" to you in person. I always say it through texts but I swear, I never let any single opportunity pass to show how much I love you. =) Tomorrow, as the whole world celebrate your greatness, let me share with you some of the remarkable things you have done for me (for kuya and ate and papa, too) that I want to say thank you for:


Thank you for :
-the breast-feed, now you have a bright daughter in me. 
-being so generous, isusubo mo na lang, ibibigay mo pa sa amin.
-being strong for us. God took away my first and last superhero (Papa) so early but you are there, SuperMama, to the rescue.
-dahil hindi ka sumasabay sa init ng ulo, ako rin naman. Takot ko lang sa'yo. :P
-teaching us how to be independent and domesticated. Pwedeng-pwede ng mag-asawa.
-letting us enjoy our childhood. Thank you sa Barbie, sa Troll, sa Family Computer, sa regular Friday bike-day sa QC Circle, sa mga birthday parties, sa pagdala sa amin sa yearly COD Christmas shows and for letting me join the Barbie Fans Club (epic yan!)
-being selfless when it comes to your family


and most of all, for loving us unconditionally! :)


We've been through a lot and God knows how wonderful you are inside and out that is why He never get tired of showering you with so much blessings. We are so proud of you and we look up to you, Mama! 

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! :)

A mother's love is forever strong,

never changing for all time

And when her children need her most,

a mother's love will shine.

Realizing Doc Gerry's "The Impossible Dream"

Photo courtesy of www.virtualtourist.com

One of the best destinations for the beach bums and nature lovers alike is the beautiful island of Palawan also known as the Philippine's Last Ecological Frontier. Recently, this hot spot has been put in a big controversy when Dr. Gerry "Doc Gerry" Ortega, radio broadcaster and a passionate crusader for the environment, was helplessly killed last January 24, 2011 in a public market in Puerto Prinsesa. He is one of the front men who protest to stop allowing mining companies to operate which will eventually lead to destruction of the forests, mangroves and coral reefs. 

Photo courtesy of  http://no2mininginpalawan.com

February 3rd of this year, an environmental movement composed of multi-sectoral groups launched a campaign aiming to raise 10 million signatures in the hope that these will help to make the people of the government to change their minds and finally say to no to mining activities in Palawan. This campaign is in relation to the killing of Doc Gerry who dedicated his life to protecting the environment. He died working for his cause. Let us all support this advocacy in our own little ways. Sign the petition N-O-W!(http://no2mininginpalawan.com/2011/04/01/5-ways-you-can-help-save-palawan-right-now/) 

Spread the word my dear friends! 

Binge Queen in Isabela

Freeway going to Cabagan, Isabela

At last! After 4 long years! Hello, Isabela! San Roque, Sto. Tomas!

Since I started working I never had the chance or enough days off work to visit my parents' home town. Going home to Isabela especially during Fiesta season and Holyweek has been our family's yearly tradition since we were little kids.

Isabela is located in Northern Luzon in between Nueva Viscaya and Cagayan Valley. Majority of the locals speak Ibanag or Ilocano. It is one of the biggest rice producers in the country and home of the delicious Pansit Cabagan.

Folks there make the best rice desserts like Binalay, Natata (local suman) and their version of a Pinoy favorite bibingka topped with generous  heaping of sweet macapuno! I always make sure to include tinolang native na manok, crunchy dinuguan and Carahay (lechon kawali in Tagalog) to my "To Eat" list when I'm there.

It's really great going to far places like this. The long travel time, stop-overs, the rough bus ride, and the distinct probinsya fresh air, all of these I miss! And even if there are flights going to Isabela now, I'd still want travelling via land. Vacation in Isabela is one of the most anticipated holidays of the family. Everyone's excited to get there and have their well-deserved bakasyon.

Scene: The Bukid

Its tobacco harvest time!

I have a lot of fun childhood memories in my parents' humble barrio. I used to chase pigs and chickens and ask my Lolo if  I can have them as my pet though unsuccessful, I remember bringing home a duck instead. I also tried riding a cow going around and even fetch water using poso or deep well. I really love how the Ibanags can keep a simple life. And sometimes, I envy them. They seem be contented and happy.

Lunch: Native chicken & Ginisang Monggo w/ Malunggay

Below are some facts about my favorite probinsya:

• Travel time: 10-12 hours.
• Transportation: Bus companies like Victory, Dalin and Florida offers trips to Tuguegarao. 
• Night trip is best due to long travel hours.
• Weather: Scorching hot during daytime and super cold during night time.
• Stop-over favorites: Gas station in San Jose has a spacious and clean comfort rooms and a strip of local stores for the motorists and Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya stop over for the jumbo hotdogs!

Do the barefoot move: The New Merrell Barefoot Collection

Been writing personal blogs for 2 years now and this has been my outlet for whatever stuff or emotions that I wanted to share to my limited readers (e.g. friends) online. And now, I'm gonna give you guys some recap from the recently concluded product launch of Merrell Barefoot Collection last April 8 @ Merrell concept store in Market! Market!.

Love their slogan "Let your feet lead you"

Okay, so let's start with an overview of the cool features of this new "barely there" footwear. Unlike other barefoot shoe brands, Merrell Barefoot collection is lightweight, flexible (I even bend one myself during the event), stylish and has some great health benefits too! It is designed to fit the cognitive abilities of our feet which strengthens the feet and legs, helps realign posture, stimulates the senses and best of all, gives a feeling of being almost barefoot. This is not only designed for running, the awesome pair is also good for walking and hiking! 

I was never aware that there are people who really does barefoot running until I was invited by a good friend to attend the said event. At first I was a bit skeptic about working out barefoot, I thought that it's painful and your sole will be prone to some scratches and bruises. But with Merrell Barefoot and having to meet bunch of sports enthusiasts sharing their testimonials on the perks of running/walking/going on a trail on a minimalist way, my interest went up to try running "without" shoes.


True to its credo, "Performance Made Beautiful", ladies and gents will surely love the Barefoot collection because it fit well and comes with a distinctive modern style. And I am planning to have myself a pair and my personal pick would be the Black Pure Glove. The cute maryjanes is just perfect not only for my cardio sessions but also when I do some mall rounds or just a normal trip to the nearest chill out place. I love it because its black and can go well with any outfit. 

Trail Glove for Men

True Glove for Men

Pure Glove for Ladies

Pace Glove for Ladies

Right now, only few pairs were made available in all Merrell concept stores and leading department stores and the bulk batch will arrive on August of this year. So go for a healthy and trendy lifestyle, go on a Merrell Barefoot adventure N-O-W.

The 1B-peso question. And my answer.

I just want to share with you guys my recent experience with a decent BPO company I tried to apply for last week, the guy from the recruitment team during a group interview threw us some interesting questions on current events.

Dan, the witty "EOP" recruitment guy asked my fellow applicant this,

"Would you accept a billion pesos in exchange of you going abroad and never coming back?"

My answer would be, YES. But I would beg off for an occasional visit to Manila, of course. Oh yes, I will miss sisig and adobo but I can always ask my Mom to cook one for me. If I can't bring my family with me, they can visit if they miss me, will send them money. Don't get me wrong, I love everything about Pinas but we all know that the current situation here in terms of employment doesn't secure us a better, brighter future. That explains why more and more Filipinos are trying their luck and making a little sacrifice to work in Singapore (the hotspot!), and in the now dangerous Middle East. You see, some even wanted to stay despite of the tension happening there right now.

Who wouldn't want to have ONE BILLION pesos nowadays and the chance to live a comfortable life in a much better place? Well, others can choose between the two but nobody can't really say No. Right. Right?

Ikaw, anong sagot mo?