New domain name (^_^) Happy New Year!!!

You may click the image to view the new domain name.
Special thanks to Miss Kathleen Co for this gift!
Thank you so much!
(^_^)

Daez clan reunion

These photos were taken during my Mom's annual clan reunion.
So here I'm presenting the warm, loving, and wacky Daez clan!

Left photo: My cousins Egie Genesis (daughter of uncle Edwin), and Emmelyn Michelle (daughter of uncle Emmanuel). Right photo: Del with my beloved grandma Numeriana & grandpa Ricardo.




What's a Daez clan reunion without the traditional family party games and videoke?!
These are some photos with my aunties and more cousins.
Bottom left photo: cousins Egie, Seanny, Jem, Avianca, & Elysse.



Charades! With host aunt Emma.



Left Photo: L-R: Lolo, Avianca (daughter of Aunt Cecille), Sher (my sis), Egine, Jem & Seanny (daughters of uncle Semmy), my mom Marlene, & uncle Alex. On the floor are Emmelyn and E.J. (uncle Emmanuel's daughters).
Right Photo: "Lolo Emm, is it your birthday? No. Is it my birthday? No. Then why are we doing this?"



Left photo: Aunt Irene who never married (by choice), cousin Miguel (uncle Alex's son), & uncle Alex.
Right photo: Aeron (aunt Cecille's son), Sher, & Aunt Irene.



more pics... Left photo: uncle Alex and uncle Emm's "stolen shot". I have two more uncles who aren't in these photos - uncle Edwin and uncle Semmy, they're busy grilling great seafoods outside.
Right photo: with my elder sister Sherylene (Denmarc's mommy).



"Look, Daddy! I'm training to be Konoha's best pound for pound boxer!"

Until next time, God willing!

If I were a boy...

The song "If I Were a Boy" by Beyonce Knowles as how Del would describe it, was one-sided. He made me listen to the remix version, the one with R.Kelly answering back to Miss B. He likes the remix version better than the original because of all the obvious reasons (*raises brow*). I'm not diggin' both songs but I can understand how others would, you know, about the sexist sentiments this song resonate, the attitudes and social roles based on each gender. You know what I'm saying. It's got good tune and strong lyrics to it, and hopefully, some guys and gals would get it together.

So I thought, if I were a boy, I would look like this. No makeup, not even lip balm.

Do you think girls will hit on me? What a goofball (-_-)

Site renovation

Ta-daa! I'm back. And since I'm not yet sleepy, I'm back with a new look:

I love it! Hey, it's not childish, it's childlike. There's a difference between those two words, OK? Personally, I like the burst of happy colors in this new template. Ingenuous and very candid, nothing superfluous or extravagant, quite like yours truly (^_^)
I also added to this blog a cool flash label cloud, recent five comments summary, a little snow effect to add up a cozy feeling, and removed some of my old widgets that are not too useful.
Wishing you a good day!

Auntie Blues

Just sharing some photos from last Sunday, when we took my nephew for shopping, strolling, and dining. He lost weight after getting sick due to the weather. Good thing he's OK now.

"Smile for Ate Grace!"
Denmarc or Denboy (as how we call him), is too heavy to be carried now. He can walk but it's safer to fetch him a baby cart for him to ride while having fun at the same time.

Denboy is confused in which lens to look at... Ate Grace's or Tita Stacey's?

With Denboy's grandpa (my dad).
I miss my nephew! He's my live & ultimate TAMAGOTCHI!!!
(^_^)

A letter from someone who can't act accordingly.

Maybe every mothers' delight is to see their daughter grow up a paradigm, the prototype of good breeding. "Don't act as if you weren't taught well" & "Isn't this why we attend church services?" are just some things I would hear from her, literally & figuratively. She's a great mom, and I'm not the nightmare-kind-of-daughter either. But sometimes, I can't help but disappoint her.

Now let me show you an example of how I do it - very quick and easy. This happened one time when I took a public utility van going to work. There was this guy sitting irrationally way too close to me when there's plenty of space next to him. After a few "ahem" & "excuse me", my irritatedly annoyed mind just said "that's it". The ending was I hit his left cheekbone hard with my darn right elbow & I could tell how shocked he was.

Not so ladylike, are we? Nope. Not something my mom would like to know about. I know that hitting someone isn't the most rightful thing to do. But at the moment, for me it was the right thing to do. And I'll go for it even if it means crushing cojones and catching bullets - just to get rid of it. I won't waste any of my knowledge in self defense if given a darn good chance (*winks at dad*).

Things from the Bible teach well. I like the logic of it, the faith it brings, and the love it instills in one's heart. So here's one thing I do know: The Bible teach the ways of a Christian, and part of living with your own mind (as a Christian) is acting up with good intentions. That includes... to act against your will to do what is right; to control yourself being a smart aleck; to put a lid on it and make way for the benefit of the doubt; patiently listen even if you're itching to speak up; - among many other things.

And where do good intentions come out from? For me, those are thoughts filtered by conscience, diligence, and respect for others. And when I hit the guy, I didn't just hit him without a preface. I just ended up having to do so 'cause he just won't friggin' listen. So there you go mom, that's what I know and that's what I try to live by.

So mom, I'm sorry... But I may have to continue kicking butts if I have to. 'Love ya! (^_^)

Thank you Jenny (^_^)

Remember the blog about my love for jelly beans? Well, I have this friend and officemate Jenny who read about it & gave me this sweet treat as a holiday gift! Hihihi nicey! I think I'll start blogging about my fave stuffs & goodies from now on so my friends know what to get me nyahahaha kidding! Thanks Jenny!

Why I don't like guys with long hair.

Behold... How a clean haircut transforms a dweeb to a stunning bloodsucker.
So guys, would you PLEASE leave the long hairdo to the ladies?
Thank you.
(^_^)
(Photos from http://www.robertpattinson.org)
Edited by ARDEL!!!

Bad Influence

Kids, don't try this at home. Monoblock tables aren't sturdy enough and this position might end up a disaster.


Looks like someone forgot to wash her hands. Remember, being pretty in pink is best served while promoting cleanliness and good health.


See? My nephew wasn't enthusing over it:

Mommy Sherylene: "Look, Jollibee's here! Heiii... Denboy... Denboy..."

5 pay cut resolutions

US economy is in tank. Many have lost their jobs, their home, and savings due to the economic crisis we're facing. In our company, we had to take variable pay cuts to strengthen the business. Of course it wasn't very easy to accept at first, but at the end of the day, we thank God we didn't have to massively lay off people. Now, I'm scribbling down thoughts on some more ways to budget my monthly income.

1. Cut coffee. I could imagine how much impact this will show on my spare money if I do.
   
2. Promise to myself that if I were to go a couple of blocks within my area here in Ortigas, I shall not take a cab (unless it's pouring). Instead, I'll have to take a walk.
3. I have to automatically save an additional grand each pay day. This is should be mandatory even if I took a pay cut. This is in preparation for the worse that might come in the future.
4. I'll take a bike ride around the neighborhood instead of following the urge to "window shop" which usually ends in spending.
5. Lastly, let the news always be a reminder that we should value the money we earn and we should be very careful and smart when disposing of it. There could be services or solutions we can do ourselves like mani/pedi, or fixing furnitures first before we head to a pro or buy new replacements right away.

May we always live with a smile and enjoy life's simplicity. Have a good day everyone.

Warmth, please... and something to eat.

This week, Quezon City reached 18°C and it was said in the news that this cold wind from China and Siberia will continue to pass by the Philippines until February next year. This calls for extra clothing, sheets, and comfy bed. Yesterday, I didn't have to turn the AC or the electric fan on and yet I slept soundly.

This climate is very much celebrated by many people who live in a tropical country like where I am now. Yes, good for us who have a warm and comfortable place to rest. But the heartbreaking part is that we have fellowmen who don't even have a mat to lie his cold and aching back upon, those who live under bridges, those who manage to build a home with tin roof and nipa walls, and those which the street pavement serves as their bed.

If you'd ask an oppressed child what his wish for the holidays is and the child would answer "Warmth, please... and something to eat..." wouldn't you take off your jacket right away, wrap it around him, and treat him for a hearty meal? I probably would.

I grew up in a middle-income household. And when I was a little girl, I always wished for toys or goodies that are all plain luxury. Way back then, my parents would remind my siblings and I not to fret if we didn't get what we want, for we are luckier than many other kids. But we never fully understood until we saw what's the reality out there. A nice bowl of soup and warm place to rest maybe something we have everyday, but not them.

Along EDSA in Philam Homes Quezon City, you will spot a Transient Home built and facilitated by a non-profit organization called the Kamanggagawa Foundation, Inc. It opens its doors to individuals or families under crisis situation, all for free. Learn more about the Transient Home in this video:



An untainted output of goodwill that makes us wish our government officials see and exemplify. And as for you and me, try to make a pledge to make one selfless act... Just one at a time. We can choose to stand up for God's glory.

Some Notes on Plagiarism

You probably notice that I'm starting to copyright everything that I post here (exaggeratedly). Recent experiences taught me. One was seeing one of the articles I wrote for CSO bluntly copied on a different blog without any link or any credit of some sort to my work. Ever so maliciously like it was her idea. Looking to it, even if she "re-worded" some, anyone would notice that the format and continuity of thoughts were completely derived from the original dated way earlier than the date of her publication. Another one was seeing one my photo material used for a mini community advertisement. Giving them the benefit of the doubt, maybe the offenders just forgot about copyright laws or maybe they're just plainly unaware of it. Yours truly confronted the offenders through email and they did apologize and removed my materials from their blog and campaign ad - reason why I have no links to show you anymore. After all, I just wanted to fight for my rights and it is never my intention to humiliate anyone in public (although I am guilty of telling my friends (^_^) but try stepping to my position, who wouldn't, right?). First off, all I have is a Cannon digital Ixus point-and-shoot type of camera, nothing like SLR or DSLR. My photos aren't that good, so why even bother picking them? Next up, why would you copy someone else's articles and publish for the whole world to see? Someone will figure out one way or another. Try setting up linkbacks to your blog like pingbacks or trackbacks and you'll figure out what I'm saying.

So fellow bloggers, here are some helpful links to avoid becoming a victim of plagiarism:

"What To Do When Your Work is Stolen Online"
&
"Copyright Myths"

Have a good day!

Chico's Duke

If there is one blog I visit every single day (other than mine of course), it's Chico Garcia's. As far as I can remember, I've been an avid fan of the radio program "The Morning Rush with Chico and Delamar" since high school. And up to now, no one, or no other tandem can beat their morning show chemistry. Chico never fails to crack me up whenever he's being silly, while the sound of Delamar's laugh would add up to the crazyness! And I like the fact that they never run out of sensible conversation topics everyday. Listening to them almost every morning for so many years, they've certainly gained my respect and love. I've never met him or Del in person, though.

Among the many delightful things I've heard them talk about; like his success story in writing a book that has been published in the US, I also know about their sad stories like the death of Chico's dog way back when. I have a soft spot for canines because I'm a dog owner too. And around 2005, I've heard about his new feline friend Duke, and how beautiful he is. Since then, I hear about Duke every once in a while. Recently, as I hit refresh for his journal update, ta-da... A blog post about Duke. Man, he really IS beautiful. You may read his story here. Not to mention, the story is pretty touching. *sniff*

Have a nice day, everyone. (^_^)

What's your jelly bean?

One person that reminds me of jelly beans is Ronald Reagan. I've read much about him being a jelly bean enthusiast, and that it helped him quit smoking. If you're a jelly bean fan, you would understand and feel him like I do. Yours truly have insatiable sweet tooth which I know is bad because the doctor already warned me that I'm prone to diabetes. I should cut on sweets and any sugary stuff. But I like keeping a big jar of assorted Jelly Belly Jelly Beans, and grabbing a handful for a snack. Every color has a certain tasty flavor, and although there are flavors that I don't like much, I don't sort my beans and take all of my favorite colors. I actually enjoy the thrill and luck of getting the colors I love whenever I grab a handful of assorted jelly beans. If I get more of the flavors I like less, like Coconut or Jalapeño, I won't put them back to the jar or throw them away. They couldn't be that awful. Yours truly is used to taking the good with the bad, and still enjoy life.

"You can tell a lot about a fella's character by whether he picks out all of one color or just grabs a handful." - Ronald Reagan

My favorite Jelly Bean flavors are Top Banana, Bubble Gum, and Tutti-Fruitti. (^_^)

Post Party "Kulitan" Pics

With Janiz, Kuya Ronnie, Becky, Andrea, and myself.

One thousand five hundred dancing inmates entertained.

You probably heard the news about Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center or CPDRC's 1,500 dancing inmates. They rocked the world with their smash youtube hit video "Thriller" with 19,721,491 views and counting! Byron Garcia, the mind behind this positive way of rehabilitation did the right thing by uploading his boys' routine on the internet and created buzz all around the world. Having reached the international scene, it was inevitable for CPDRC not to accommodate foreign tourists who wanted to see the inmates perform live. Early this year, the Korean Sun Dance Troupe came to visit the famous quadrangle, but not to be entertained by the jailrockers. Instead, they were the ones who performed and inspired our dancing inmates! This video never fails to give me goosebumps each time I watch it. Featuring the song from the famous Korean movie "My Sassy Girl". Enjoy!



View all of CPDRC's videos by checking Byron's channel at http://www.youtube.com/byronfgarcia

Designs and Selections by Janelle

Yey! I already received my order from Janelle. It's for custom-made timepiece charms that you can check out on her website. I bought two of the same style; one for me and one for Sher. Turnaround time was fast and the pieces are beautiful. I like the fact that it has some weight to it but not too heavy, because it adds an impression that it's expensive even though it's not. All items on her site are fairly priced and you may request for custom designs that'll fit perfectly for you. Overall, it was a pleasant shopping experience. Thanks Janelle!

Visit her website http://designsbyjanelle.multiply.com/

Punk Rock Princess

I've decided what style to wear on our "Past Forward" party next week. Since the theme is retro 70's, outrageous 80's, and nostalgic 90's, what could be more appropriate for me than to be in the decade where I grew love for music... the 90's! The era of my gradeschool and highschool days' love for punk, glam, and alternative rock music is what defines my life way back then. My student life and style was influenced by bands like Green Day, Oasis, Bowling for Soup, Aerosmith, Bush, Smashing Pumpkins, U2, Suede, Alice in Chains, The Offspring, Blink 182, No Doubt, and the likes. And don't get me wrong, I also listened to Spice Girls and all the boybands that popped out like daisies, and yeah, Britney Spears! But I certainly cannot pull off their style. That's so not me.

Therefore, I'll prepare my pink hi-cut chucks, rocker shirt, flippy skirt, and tiara for I'll be a punk rock princess! It sure is gonna be fun!



This music video is by the band Something Corporate. I'm not be a big fan, but it's the only song with "If you could be my punk rock princess, I'll be your garage band king..." kind of lyrics going on. Cute. Have a nice day everyone.

"Bonete" from Bulacan

My sister's boyfriend Paulo reguarly visits us at home and yesterday, he brought along some pasalubong goodies he wanted so much for us to try. It's called "bonete" bread. Judging by the way it looks, I didn't expect that it tastes really good. This bread is a little known delicacy from Lolomboy, Bulacan. It's almost the size of a pan de sal, only rounder and stuffier. It also smells and tastes more buttery than your regular bread. It's yummy enough to eat as is, but it also tastes perfect with any of your favorite spread (mine is chunky peanut butter or pimiento cheez wiz). It's best chowed down when hot and freshly baked, with matching hot choco or coffee. If you'd like to try these bonete babies, you would have to visit us here in Bulacan! They sell these fresh between 8-10 in the evening - yes you read it right, in the evening. The bread pack is brushed with margarine and it's good to go. Such a simple quality treat that makes me proud of being a Bulakeña, proud of being a Filipino.

5 annoying things recalled.

1. That special song. When you hear a great song that you haven't heard for a long time and suddenly, someone would sing along - out loud. Darn it. Lesson: Download the track to your music player as soon as you get the chance and never ever forget to bring your ipod or music phone especially when you know you'll be around public transportation.

2. When someone STEALS your idea, or something she learned or heard from you and never actually quoted you for it. Instead, she speaks as if it was a product of her brain. DUH. Like you have one. This is based on a recent experience. It still makes me raise a brow whenever I remember the whole thing that happened. Lesson from the Bible: "Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces." - Matthew 7:6 ...in other words, don't let those PIGS get anything precious from you.

3. Injustice. Partiality and inconsideration of others. Like a queer college professor who is particularly nice to the boys but wouldn't give you that special project you need after showing your medical certificate and hospital bills - all because you're a girl. Or like a state that would not grant better health benefits to their people who slave away to pay taxes on top of other things such as food and rent. Lesson: Life is unfair. But if you play fair, you can dare to stand tall.

4. Poor Customer Service. All of us are buyers of something. May it be product, skill, service, or entertainment. One annoying example is that type of saleslady in the mall who religiously follows you around in every corner you check, yet once you ask what the difference of a 600denier versus 800denier nylon is, she will scratch her head and say... "I'll ask my manager.."- Lesson for the seller: If you are to sell anything, it won't harm to have product knowledge. Lesson for the customer: Politely ask the salesperson that you'll call her if you need anything.

5. And the fifth annoying thing that I recall... Is when you make that hell of an extra effort to be felt and understood, yet, the other party seems either clueless, close-minded, and numb (if not dumb). Lesson: To avoid ending up totally jaded in this case, never mind being understood at all. Breathe deeply, control the freakout and just think... I'm wasting my time on this crap.

Four Reasons of Loneliness

Yours truly will be quite busy from now on but I'll make sure to update this blog as frequent as I can. After all, I'll never run out of rants and raves, stories to tell, pictures to post, and ideas to share.

All of this because...

* Reason #1 - I'll be working on an assignment that includes updating a corporate blog site. Regularly. And since the site is still very new (so new that I'm still playing with the bubble wrap), I can't disclose the URL here yet. But I will, soon.


* Reason #2 - My order management training is done and I am officially on my own in terms of order process. From now on, yours truly will be in direct contact with our distributors & will be in full control of those fragile purchase orders with tons of details and tight deadlines to meet. Good luck to me.


* Reason #3 - While I never run out of antihistamine since my allergic rhinitis reacts to the slightest change in climate, this season's dry and cold weather doesn't help either to do my physical therapist's advise to FIND TIME for cardio workouts and stretching exercises to get rid of my stubborn myofascial pain syndrome. Imagine benadryl + cool weather = lazy sleepy head. But still, I HAVE TO FIND TIME.


* Reason #4 - There is no reason #4. I'm done for now.

But still, yours truly will be around. Have a great day everyone.

My (other) top three elements in dressing up.

Another three elements in wardrobe that I wanna play around with this season (aside from booties) are prints, belts, and bags. For some reason, prints look well with textured fabrics like knit boyfriend cardigans, blazers, and ruffled shirts. Belts help in achieving that tailored look, adds shape, division, & style. There are a lot of inexpensive yet stylish bags nowadays, so it's more exciting and effective in topping off any ensemble.

When boredom strikes...

What else could be its purpose anyway?



Dating and spending some time with this guy sure makes things fun.




Since all I have is a digital camera, I'll just fake those C41 process lomo shots using photoshop.
(^_^)

The boy and the bee

It sort of freaks me out how much my nephew loves Jollibee. He's like, a HUGE fan. Yesterday, we went to the mall after attending church services to dine in. I was craving for pepperoni pizza and tall rootbeer mug but my nephew was too stubborn and didn't want to go anywhere else but this fast food place. It was around 11.15 am when the mascot went out to meet and greet the kids. My nephew was too busy eating spaghetti but when he saw the big red bug, he went ecstatic. My sister - his mom, and I called the mascot's attention to ask if he could pose for a picture with my nephew. The mascot agreed. My nephew has a million and one ways to smile and express different kinds of emotion, and while it may seem that he swallowed something sour, he didn't. I could tell, that is his smile when he's quite overwhelmed and very, very happy.

I still couldn't figure out what appeal this bug have for kids to be all over him. Seeing the kids dying to touch, hug, and kiss the bee, it's amazing. I guess if there would be any good reason to endure being inside a mascot suit for an hour or two other than compensation, that would be seeing the kids' expressions of happiness and excitement when they get even just a glimpse of you.

It's official. I wanna be a mascot for a day. A Jollibee mascot. Like one of them...

***Second photo courtesy of my little friend Ponyo.***