TITAN

More than three months ago, we added a new member to our small family. At first, there were some hesitations especially coming from the husband. My daughters have been begging to have a pet dog since time immemorial. After nonstop prodding from Alex and Zabbie, husband finally gave up and we welcome the first family pet named Titan.

Titan is mix breed of Dachshund and Yorkshire Terrier according to her previous owner Tina. He came to us when he was still a month old and our life totally turned upside down from then on. At first, we thought that it was a bad idea having a dog. Aside from the additional expenses for vaccination, dog food, dog shampoo, accessories etc., Titan is quite a handful. He nibbles almost anything from slippers to furniture and even the grocery bag lying on the floor. My favorite pair of shoes was one of the casualties.

But despite that, we learn to love him and considered him part of our family. In fact, we sometimes spoil him like a baby and bring him along to family bonding at Parkmall or to Granny’s house.

Here are 5 of the best things that Titan has brought to our home:

1. He has brought so much happiness at home. His antics are so entertaining we always ended laughing our hearts out. Playing with him is even better compared to watching a movie. 

2. I totally forgot about stress at work. I would usually come home before midnight and he’s always there to welcome me furiously wagging his small tail while the rest of the household are already in dreamland.

3. He guards our house when we’re away. He has this habit of barking at any person or vehicle that passes through our house.

4. Since Titan came to our lives, my daughters have become responsible. They always find time to walk him after school and during weekends. They also take turns cleaning his poop and pee.

5. Since some of our friends know that we have a dog, it has become an instant topic during conversations. It’s always good to share experiences and tips on caring for a dog and eventually developing better friendships.

Titan has grown really big and our love for him also grows every single day. There may be times that we want to wring his neck or kick his ass but most often, we just want to embrace him with so much love. We couldn’t even imagine what life would be without our Titan.

First 10k at the Citigym Halloween Run

Today is another milestone in my running adventure. I took the leap of going out of my comfort zone by running my first ever 10k at the Citigym Halloween Run 2012. It was a last minute decision when I asked the husband to register me for 10k a day before the run...weak knees and painful heels be damned. For someone who has been running 5 - 6k during the past 3 years, this is already quite a feat and I deserved some bragging rights for such courage. While the rest of my buddies in IGAT Runners savor their victory for finishing their first 32k or receiving their medals for the first time in 21k, I gave myself a tap on the back and celebrated in silence. 

I was mostly alone during the first 5k enjoying the company of Chris Brown and Rihanna hits in my ipod. I didn't put much pressure to myself. I walked a lot and jog a little. I didn't aim for any sub churva...my goal is just to finish the race still standing. I was happy to tag along the trio headed by Sir Alex Unabia - a fellow IGAT Runner in the last 5k. If not for them, I wouldn't be able to clock-in in 1 hour and 39 minutes. 

I have been on a roller coaster ride when it comes to running. Some days I loathe running, some days I am in love with it. I wish I could sustain the love more often. So, cheers to my first 10k...this I promise myself from now --- I am never going back to 5 or 6k again. Let's bring it ON!!!

(Photo swiped from Facebook)

Boracay Series: Nightlife

One thing that we also look forward to in this trip to Boracay aside from the beach is the nightlife. After the sun sets, party lights starts to glitter like fireflies along the shores of Boracay. My husband and I are not to be left out...where the party is, we go! As what I've said, we already made some research on the best party places in Boracay.

On our first night, we walked a mile by the beach to look for Cocomangas Shooter Bar. We thought that this famous bar is located at the beach front only to find out that it has been transferred along the highway. Cocomangas is famous for their "Still Standing After 15 Shots..." drinking challenge. When we arrived, the place is already jam-packed with both tourists and locals. The dance floor was already in full swing. I tried one of their famous drinks, the Jam Jars, which according to their website are "oversized cocktail jars containing potent mixes of alcohol". Husband settled for his usual beer. 

On the succeeding nights, we were already hopping from one bar to another. Since the drinks are quite expensive, hubby already have a can of beer or two in his hand while we walk by the beach to search for a place to chill. 

We've tried Tito's although I think their music/entertainers really sucks. I will give them credit though for a very nice ambiance which is by the beach and they have affordable beers and accommodating staff. 

Our favorite party place in Boracay would definitely be Epic located just a stone's throw away from D'Mall and our hotel. We were there for two straight nights. They have a DJ mixing some famous tunes. They're are bit pricey though compared to other bars but it's the best place to chill. What I enjoyed most is watching  people party like there's no tomorrow without a care in the world. We even spotted a local celebrity party the night away. We also had an epic conversation with one of the tourists at the bar and it was one swell of a night. We always hit the sack at almost 3am. We've never partied like this before but hey we're in Boracay, might as well enjoy it to the brim.

We've passed through several bars but didn't get the chance to really try them. Perhaps in our next trip to Boracay, we'll make it a point to try them all.

Boracay Series: Our Accommodation

Before embarking on this trip, hubby made some little research (well, it wasn't just a little research coz he spent sleepless nights on this) on where we could get a cheap yet cozy accommodation in Boracay. We have to thank Google for leading us to some best secrets as told by bloggers http://jenniyawanders.blogspot.com and http://justwandering.org. 

After several discussions with arguments on the side, hubby and I finally decided to book at Namaste Guesthouse less than 5 days before our trip. I called up a number we found in Google and inquired on how to make reservations. They asked for my email address and from there we communicated via email. A certain Net Sacapano sent me a statement of account and where/how I could pay the deposit. We were quoted Php3,000 for a 3-night stay  with breakfast for two - a really good deal. Three days before our trip, I made sure that we already paid the 50% requirement to guarantee our room and sent the deposit slip via email. I was told that after paying, a confirmation will be sent to my email, but on the day of the trip, I still didn't receive the confirmation. But it didn't matter since I have the deposit slip as proof.  

From D'Mall, we walked for 5 minutes to get to the place. There's a small alley right smack in the middle of Station 2 where you can find a compound of guesthouses. We were supposed to stay at Namaste Guesthouse but there were some repairs done on that side of the compound. We were then directed to Tan's Guesthouse still inside that compound. We were told that they have the same owner so we didn't bother complaining especially when we finally checked in to our room...

We were assigned to Room # 8 at the 2nd floor. The room has two huge beds (of course we only occupied one bed *wink*), cable TV, hot and cold shower, a closet and a mini ref. The room is so huge I think it can accommodate 4 people. I guess it's true what they say about the number 8...we felt lucky having that room. Come to think of it, the place is just a stone's throw away or 20 steps more or less from the white beach and very near D' Mall and other restos/bars. 

We had daily breakfasts at the roof desk served before 10am. Nothing fancy though --- we had the usual breakfast menu. My favorite is of course the tapsilog paired with brewed coffee. 

...And now we're set for this Boracay escapade! 

All Roads Lead to Boracay

The succeeding posts will be a blow by blow account of our ultimate travel this year --- our anniversary escape to the island paradise of Boracay. I'm sharing our experience in this blog in the hope that other travelers may also learn from it.

We boarded Cebu Pacific Air bound for Iloilo. As mentioned in the previous post, sometime March I was able to score a piso fare deal and only paid a total of Php1550. This is already good for two passengers round trip. Since we'll be in Boracay for four days, we were bringing a luggage that's already beyond the allocated allowance. I got a tip from some friends that it's better to purchase in advance luggage upgrade coz it's cheaper compared to just paying it at the airport. We paid the luggage upgrade a day before our trip and only paid only Php150 per way instead of Php300 if paid at the airport. 

Anyway, after less than an hour, we were already in Iloilo City. The last time I was in Iloilo City was more than 8 years ago and I am amazed at how big and modern their airport is. It's even better compared to Mactan Airport. 

From Iloilo airport, we rode a van to SM Iloilo and paid Php50 each. From SM Iloilo, we took a cab to Ceres Terminal and paid the taxi driver Php150 (amount in the meter is only about Php120 but the taxi driver was so nice we gave him extra). We immediately boarded the next bus that will bring us Caticlan. Bus fare is Php336 per passenger. 

After almost 6 hours, we finally reached Caticlan. We were dropped off at Jetty Port only to be directed by security to Tabon Port for some reason. We boarded again another tricycle paying the regular fare of Php25 per pax. At Tabon Port, there were 3 counters that you need to approach to be able to board a boat that will bring you to Boracay. We paid the following fees per person:

Terminal Fees: Php50 

Environmental Fees: Php75 

Fare: Php20

Boat ride from Tabon Port to Boracay Port only takes 15 - 20 minutes so we were already in Boracay in no time. From Boracay Port, we took a tricycle that will bring us to D'Mall. Since we already made initial research, we made sure that we only paid the regular fare of Php25 per person. 

After walking a few meters in the sea of tourists, I finally got a glimpse of the beach to my dismay. The beach was totally deserted and waves were really huge. The resorts built these windbreakers and sand screens at the beachfront. It's feels like were isolated from something. But of course, I didn't allow that sight to ruin our vacation. We're finally in Boracay and there's no turning back.

NEXT POST: Our home for the next 3 days

Cheers to 10 Years

"Being together isn't about a honeymoon. It's about the real you and me. I want to wake up with you beside me in the morning, I want to spend my evenings looking at you across the dinner table. I want to share every mundane detail of my day with you and hear every detail of yours. I want to laugh with you and fall asleep with you in my arms. Because you aren't just someone I loved back then. You were my best friend, my best self, and I can't imagine giving that up again..." 

- Nicholas Sparks -

Last August 3, Earl and I celebrated our 10th year wedding anniversary in Boracay Island no less. I was able to score a piso fare deal from Cebu Pacific last February for a flight from Cebu to Iloilo (and back). Being with each other on that beautiful island on our 10th wedding anniversary is our gift to each other. The weather in Boracay didn't cooperate though as it was windy and there were rain showers most of the time. We also didn't get the chance to swim and enjoy the beach as the waves were very huge and unsafe for swimming. Nevertheless, we still enjoyed each other's company for 4 days. We went out and party the Boracay way hopping from one bar to another and getting wasted after --- something that we haven't done together in years. 

Until now, I am still amazed at how far we've come in this marriage. Fact remains that we're two different personalities combined and though at times we clash and collide, we remain steadfast in our commitment, love and respect for each other. I give credit to my husband for putting up with me and my imperfections all these years. 

So, cheers to 10 years dad --- more blissful years to come!!!

Midyear in Review

Early this year, I wrote in my 2012 Starbucks planner a list of the things I want to do this year. 

Allow me to go over the list and give an update of each item...

* Have at least one plane ride out of Cebu - I've had one already when I attended a convention in Manila last April. I also have two more coming up (Boracay and Camsur) - thanks to CebuPac piso fare!

* Wear heels 3 times a week - I've been wearing flats to work so I think I will have a lot of catching up on this one. 

* Run 3 times a week - Been really lazy and sometimes the weather in Cebu has not been cooperating. But I think running twice a week is already good enough. 

* Call Mamsi and Papsi once a week - check!

* Talk to Magee (my sister in Italy) via Skype once a week - there are weeks when our schedules don't meet but we make it a point to give each other updates from time to time.

* Go on a trip to the beach or the mountains with the family once every quarter - the past 6 months, we've been to the beach on several occasions (Plantation Bay, Imperial Palace, Portofino, Nemo's Hideaway, Bahia's Resort Hotel etc.). Two more quarter and I think we would be able to accomplish this.

* Save Php500 every payday - with my siblings living with me, my expenses really shoot up to the highest level and that my take out pay isn't really enough to cover. That explains why I wasn't able to hit this goal. Sigh!

* Read 10 books this year - Thanks to Fifty Shades of Grey, I was able to somehow catch up. I am now on my 4th book this year and wish I could find time to beat my target. 

* Laugh Everyday - thanks to friends and family who never fail to make me laugh everyday. Check!

* Sing and Dance Everyday - sing in the shower but I haven't been dancing lately. 


That's it...my midyear in review. I will need to check on this list from time to time to see how far have I gone. This list somehow gives me some kind of perspective as to what I want to do with my life this year. But I am not putting pressure on myself and just take this year one day at a time. 

Driving...Finally!

Yeah, I finally enrolled myself to a 10-hour driving class after years and years of putting it off. Learning how to drive has been in my bucket list since time immemorial. I want to kick myself for not learning especially when the husband is out on a trip and the car just sits in the garage while I and the kids take public transportation. Don't even mention about bad weather and emergency situations and not being able to even start that darn engine. It sucks!

So, when a colleague recommended this cheap driving school at Php2500 for 10 hours, I finally grabbed the opportunity. I was scared sh*t when the instructor immediately settled me in the driver's seat on day 1. I thought there's some sort of an orientation and familiarization but I was shocked to be behind the wheel immediately with zero knowledge on driving. At first, I was having difficulty as there are a lot of things that you need to focus on --- there's the road, the clutch, the gas, the brakes, the steering wheel, the gears, the side mirrors, the traffic lights, other motorists and the pedestrians among others. But I was able to pull it through with a few engine shut offs in the middle of traffic BUT with no accidents at all. Before I knew it, I was already cruising the streets of Cebu (of course with the instructor in the passenger seat ready to pull the brakes anytime in case I screw up hehe). It is such a liberating experience!

I have yet to get my driver's license since the husband is not yet confident with my driving skills and won't let me drive our car his dad's car. I will make it a point though to hone my driving skills every now and then. As they say, practice makes perfect!

Sunday at Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa

After what seemed like forever, the family finally gets to savor what's left of summer together at no less than at Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa. We had the perfect weather last Sunday and it was the best time to soak under the Cebu sun. We spent the entire day enjoying the amenities of IP from their island pool, waterpark and the children's favorite - the Captain Hook's. I also tried the resort's death-defying slides - the green slide in particular and it was like whoah! I thought I'm gonna die there and then. But it was so much an adventure and the kids had so much fun. 

We also had lunch buffet at their Familia Restaurant and give in to some guilty gastronomic pleasures. I wanted to try everything in their buffet spread but the stomach can no longer take it. Burp!

We capped the day off at 6pm as the kids still don't want to stop swimming...they're such water babies!

Here are some photos swiped from my facebook:

the girls in their new rash guards

zabbie was all-clingy to her daddy

perfect sunny weather in Cebu

husband enjoying one of the slides

tanned

Fifty Shades

Last week, I felt that I am inside a bubble that is "Fifty Shades Trilogy". I got stuck in the world of Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey...I guess everyone in the office too. I'm not going to make a book review since I don't really do book reviews in this space. Just allow me to share my thoughts and feelings about this book that created a brouhaha worldwide...

I think for a while, I fell in love with Christian Grey --- who wouldn't? He's super rich, he's HOT, he's SEXY, he's extremely sweet and even if he's f*cked-up and destroyed, Anastasia still sticks it out with him. I love their short email exchanges --- sometimes funny and some just plain sweet. And myged, how he showered Anastasia with expensive gifts, travels and just about everything a girl could dream of. Don't even mention about the sex...he just knows the right buttons to press here.

Although, I felt that the erotic pages is just too much too many and the BDSM is something I don't really fancy about. It's just twisted and hard core for me. 

But still I love the 3 books in totality I could read it over and over and over again. I can't wait for the movie --- I just hope they don't make a porn out of it.

Laters, baby!

Thank You 2011

It's the time of the year once again when we bid goodbye to one good year and say hello to another year.

2011 was a mixed of happiness, pain, drama, stress, struggles, success, celebrations, hellos and goodbyes. I mentioned in my 2010 post that 2011 will be all about RUNNING. And yes, it was a wonderful running journey and despite the negative stuff, I still survived the year and have a lot of things to be grateful about.

Survived being PAS President and left a good mark to the association (I guess...)

Traveled to the beautiful Palawan and Bohol with my loved ones

Having healthy and beautiful children

Having a loving and supportive husband

Healed past wounds and nurtured friendships

Though the year sucks in many ways, I am still hopeful that everything will be great with God's constant guidance. I am still a work in progress and there's still so much room for improvement. 

...and now here's my wish for myself and everyone I love from the words of no less than, Neil Gaiman

"May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art — write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.

…I hope you will have a wonderful year, that you’ll dream dangerously and outrageously, that you’ll make something that didn’t exist before you made it, that you will be loved and that you will be liked, and that you will have people to love and to like in return. And, most importantly (because I think there should be more kindness and more wisdom in the world right now), that you will, when you need to be, be wise, and that you will always be kind." -- New Year's Benediction by Neil GaimanCHEERS TO 2012!!!

Wanderlust: Around the World in One Night

Our company party keeps on leveling up every year and I am more proud being part of the organizing committee. In the previous years, I was tasked to head this committee and I'm just glad that the company finally assigned somebody to handle corporate events. This year, I am tasked to take care of food and the ambiance which is a no-brainer. I promised myself that I don't want to get stressed out in this particular party considering the role I portray. I didn't even take much effort on what I should wear.

Anyway, the party theme is "Wanderlust: Around the World in One Night" and everyone really dressed up for the party wearing national costumes and what have you's. True to the theme, the committee dressed up as flight crews. We distributed boarding passes to our employees as their ticket to this party and our registration was turned into airport check-in counters --- really cool!

Here's sharing some photos swiped from Facebook:

The flight crew ready for take-off

Captain and co-captain

Annual photo-op with our handsome GM

We know how to party too!

Day 11: Who Can't You Live Without?

For now, I can't live without my husband, my children, my sisters and brother and my parents. But I know, someday they will leave me but my world doesn't end there. But for the purpose of this post, I cannot imagine what my daily routine would be without these two "kasambahay" - Anna and Tina.