Blog Tag Marathon 1 : The Brand Tag

Tag 1: The Brand Tag

I got this tag from Jody and Jane. Thanks for the tag, truly enjoyed it! Makes me realize I’ve indulged myself too much!Hahaha!

1. What’s the brand of your wristwatch? Guess, Swatch, Anne Klein, Tag Heuer, Technomarine, Gucci and Omega.

2. What’s the brand of your bracelet? None. Mostly white gold lang.

3. What’s the brand of your cell phone? Nokia.

4. What’s the brand of your computer? IBM (company issued) and Compaq (personal).

5. What’s the brand of your bags? Got mix of cheap and not-so cheap bags… From tiangge collections to branded ones like Ralph Lauren, Guess, Esprit, Nine West, UCB, Lacoste, Charles and Keith, Louis Vuitton, Coach.

6. What’s the brand of your undies? Wacoal, Triumph, Marks and Spencer, Victoria Secret and Gap.

7. What’s the brand of your flip-flops? Havaianas , Old Navy, RL and some cutie flip flops from tiangge. :)

8. What’s the brand of your shoes? Lacoste, Naturalizer, Bass, CMG, Nine West, Esprit, and lately, mostly Charles and Keith.

9. What’s the brand of your wallet? Bass, Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, Esprit, Liz Clairborne and Louis Vuitton.

10. What’s the brand of your shirts? From tiangges madami. I have Lacoste (suki!), Old Navy, Esprit, Giordano, Mango, Bossini and Gap shirts.

11. What’s the brand of your TV? Sony and Philips.

12. What’s the brand of your cars? Honda, Toyota and Mitsubishi Galant (rarely used na..mahal gas nito eh! lol.

13. What’s the brand of your mp3 player? Sorry, I don’t have one.

14. What’s the brand of your make up? Clinique, Maybelline, MAC and Body Shop.

15. What’s the brand of your shampoo and conditioner? Pantene Hair-fall Control shampoo and conditioner.

16. What’s the brand of your jeans? Got lots of jeans from tiangges like Chilly Papa. Got branded jeans like Esprit, Chocolate, MNG jeans, Diesel, Old Navy and Armani.

17. What’s the brand of your laundry soap? Pride powder for washing machine use and Tide Bar.

18. What's your brand of lotion? Vaseline lotion and Victoria Secret.

19. What's the brand of your toothpaste? Colgate

20. What's the brand of your ballpen? It varies... got parker and pilot. But mostly, I use company sign pens na give aways! Hahaha!

Busy But Happy Week ...and our Red Party Celebration

It’s been a very busy week for me here at work. Busy but definitely, very rewarding week! In fact, it is one of my favorite weeks ever for 2007.

Why favorite?!? Received lots of moolah this week! I am so rich! Hahaha! As if madami noh! :)

Just to share some of my week highlights…

November 12, Monday :
Business Consultation Seminar with one of our big ISP client. After hours of service discussions, we ended up having dinner and drinks at Friday’s Timog. Yummy!! Went home super full that night. Haaay, no wonder I gained weight fast noh! :)

November 13, Tuesday :
Got call from hubby that he will be sent to Hawaii early January to attend Pacific Telecommunications Council. Woohoohooo! Sasama ako! I’ll force him to bring me talaga…and if di pwede, I’ll force him to buy me LV bag!! I found out that he will be staying at Hilton Hawaiian Village. I did my research on the internet and found out may LV store doon! Hahaha! Mamili sya.. he’ll bring me or he’ll buy me bags and shoes! Hahaha! (Hello, Speedy 30..lapit na tayo magkita or Hawaii..here I come! hahaha!)

The good news pa…our September sales incentive was credited to my ATM that evening! Woohoohoo! Moolaah! Moolaah!

November 14, Wednesday:
Went to Coregidor Day Tour with one of my top clients, AT&T. My very first trip to Coregidor and I really enjoyed the tour. Went to historic place of Malinta tunnel and learned more on WW II Japanese-American liberation. I never thought I’ll enjoy this trip. Mommy bloggers, do check this out. Highly recommended if you want to learn something about our courageous war history. And of course, quick escape from Manila’s busy life!

After the tiring day, went to The Spa, Jupiter. Ultimate relaxation and pampering of self! Really love sauna and massage. My de-stressing activity! :)

Dinner followed at Prince of Jaipur at Fort Strip. Grabe ha, ang mahal dito! Hahaha! I am not a fan of Indian food talaga, di ako nag-enjoy!

Another good news… mid-month salary was credited to our payroll ATM. Woohohoo! More moolah, moolah, moolah pa!!

November 15, Thursday :

Bayan Red Party Celebration! Grand celebration for meeting our desired number of Bayan Wireless Subscribers (BWL)! Company effort talaga! Ang galing mo, Bayan! Really felt proud and happy that I am part of this momentous event.

And the great news… our half 13th month and 14th month bonus also credited to our ATM that evening! Wooohoohoo! Dami, dami mooolaah talaga!!

And for achieving our BWL target, we were even given additional half month bonus pa TAX FREE!! Woohooohoo!! Moolaah, moolaah again!! Weeeee! Ang yaman namin! Hahaha! :)

November 16, Friday:

After drinking party last night, the company gave us half day off from work pa! Yeheey! I was able to spend additional sleeping and cuddling hours with Sam. I miss this so much!! Then I brought her to school, had little chit chat with Teacher Wendy. Sam's doing well with school. I was told she interacts well with her classmates and very attentive to teacher's instructions. I also found out that she needs ballet outfilt for their arts activity. Hmmmm...Saturday, shopping time for Sammie!

** jody, ay...wala pala kami bonus!! wala!wala! wala! hahahaha!


Just to share... here are some of our Red Party Celebration pictures...

Ang galing mo, Bayan!

Bayan Business... drink 'til you drop!

Hala...Let's celebrate pa! Di naman mukha na talaga kami lasing noh!

Wala lang...Nag trip lang mga ito! Wait, may bonus pa ba dyan sa taas?!?

The Bayan Business Sales Team: pretty in RED!

Mike, Beng, Colleen, Michelle, Jacqui and Jovy

tired from non-stop dancing and drunk from vodka...but still RED-y to party!

Mommy Bloggers EB Christmas Party

Everybody had a great time last Sunday. It was our first ever bloggers EB but surprisingly, you can feel the connection and bonding of mommies right away. Could it be because we've known so many things about each other through our blog posts and kwentos kaya no need for further introductions na?! Hahaha!

Anyway, here are some of our party pictures taken from my old point-and-shoot digicam.

Mommy Thea, Sam and Me

Mommy Apple, Austin, Sam and Me

Kids enjoying the coin shower... No rush talaga sila! Hahaha!

Mommy Jane with Sophia, Me and Sam, Mommy Agie with Martha

Kami ulit ...but this time, with Mommy Peachy and Mommy Joy

On to my Mommy blogger impressions...

The first Mommy blogger I saw is Aggie, think she's as jolly and ma-kwento like me. Aggie was all smile during the party too kaya I can feel that she got lots of mommy kwentos to share. I added Aggie on my list of blog rolls since I want to know more about her. Si Aggie lang yata wala ako link! :( Super cool also her son, Matthew. He participated during the game kahit little tots kasama, ok lang with him. Love Martha too..who would forget Martha walking around with chicken drumstick on her hand. Hahaha! Aliw talaga!

Then I saw Apols, who by the way was really totally different Apol character from her post. Hahaha! I had this imppression before that she's mataray and quite suplada...but on the contrary, she's so gentle and very soft-spoken. Hahaha! Thank you for organzing the party girl, you really made it happen for us. :)

Thea was seated near us, very friendly and I think quite shy too. Perhaps since she was kinda "new" to the group, she prefers to observe the brouhaha around her. I was so bilib with her since she came to the party wearing dress. Very girly ha..and no, you don't look preggy! Never thought of that! Dear, mas mukha pa ako preggy sa iyo believe me! Hahaha!

Jody arrived together with Dicky and the kids, Margaux and Bianca. Since Dicky and I are officemates, we get to see each other almost every quarter na ata. Be it during birthdays, company outings, simple office get-together and kahit sa LV shop! :) Madalas text mate pa kami ng mga "secret" buys and bonuses. Hahaha! I asked Dicky nga buti he was able to join the Mommy bloggers party, syempre nakakatuwa sagot nya... "ano magagawa ko, eh under ako!" hahaha! Di under yun noh, super love talaga ni Dicky si Jody. Bow ako! :)

Then I approaced Abie and Peachy at the play area. Grabe, parang di Mommies mga ito. So slim! Kainggit ha! :) Super nice kausap si Peachy. Very soft spoken and parang prim and proper lagi. I agree with other Mommy bloggers, talaga naman well-coordinated outfit ni Mommy Peachy! Hahaha! You realy looked good wearing black and white. Wish I could wear this one too! Abie so young-looking naman. You cut your hair short pala..kasi from your blog pictures, long hair ka pa :) I totally agree with other Mommies na para kayo magka-barkada ni Howell. Young couple talaga! Aliw si Howell ha, very game and kalog. Hahaha! Thanks Daddy Howell for making the team win with your booty-shaking! Got McDo prize for Sam! :)

Then I saw Mommy Joy. Really pretty and slim. Nice bangs! High-schooler ang dating! hahaha!Very accomodating and ma-kwento also like me. Pero sya yun gentler and soft spoken version ko ha! I love reading her blog post about her daughter Sandy. Sandy so girly too like you Mommy Joy! Very dainty! (Jane's apt description of Sandy) Siya din yun softer side ng Sam ko! Hahaha! I can still remember when Sandy and Sam was left at the gaming area gathering coins. Syempre no rush sila to pick up the coins, parang wala lang..simple task they need to complete lang. Really love the innocence of kids!

One of the Mommies I look forward meeting in person was Mommy Mich. She's very friendly and always make sure she leaves nice comments in my blog. I know she's one pretty Mom too and I can feel her warmth and kindness. Aliw din si Alex..so, taba ching-ching! Ka-gigil! Hahaha!

I love reading Jane's blog post kaya I also look forward meeting her in person. Though I met her before at the Sesame Street Show, but that was simple hi and hello lang. No time for long chit-chat. Based on her posts, I am sure magkaka-sundo kami nito. We've got lots of things in common! And like her first impressions on me, I think kaya namin chika-marathon for hours din with any topic under the sun. Hahaha! Btw, her daughter Sophie really big talaga ha. Very pretty and taba-ching, grabe really "pata-tim girl"! Mommy Jane, ang diet ni Sophie...para pwede pang Miss Universe! Hahaha!

And of course, Kelly. Our best dressed, well-poised Mom! I really admire Kelly's commitment to join the party kahit wala si Manu. Sayang, you were not able to join some games. Ok lang yun, may next time pa naman. Hahaha! Dear, loved your blouse ha! I think I'll look much slimmer pa if I'll wear that too! (kapal no!)

Last Mommy who arrived, Apple. Straight from her party raket! I know Apple before pa since she's one of my suppliers for Sam's party. Very nice and simple Mommy. She's very accomodating and friendly too. Glad naka-habol pa si Apple. Sayang, no chance to chit-chat with her pa. Kulang na sa time!:) Thank you for the key-chains ha.

Anyway, after reading most of the post-party blog kwentos, I am pretty sure there will be next EB schedule. Bitin kasi kwentuhan and bentahan! Hahaha! Really girls, I look forward seeing you again. Had great time and enjoyed meeting you all! Hope we can all meet up again and share your blogging business secrets! Hahaha!

And for those Mommies who said I am "slim" pala in person, grabe... you really made me smile and feel good! Hahaha! Thank you for the kind words and compliments. Promise, will try to be "slimmer" next EB natin! Wish me luck, Hahaha!

Gifts, gifts lots of gifts…

I was really happy that some family and friends heeded my request for clothes for Sam. I prefer to get something practical for Sam particularly clothes that she can wear everyday for school. I am not complaining though, but I feel that Sam got lots of toys inside her cabinets, some still unused and unopened while others were played with just once.

Hence, few days before her birthday I sent text messages to my family and close friends with a message: “should you wish to give something to Sam, wish lists are as follows: size 6 clothes from gingersnaps or the likes ; XL Huggies pull-up diapers ; Enfagrow 4. Very practical Mom, huh! But mind you… I only sent this message to my really close friends, ninangs and family members! Hehehe!

Opening of gifts… baby organ from Lolo and Lola.




Aside from the baby organ, this keeps her busy now… kitchen set from Mommy and Daddy! I bought this gift two months ago at Rustan’s. I just placed the wrapped box inside her room and she never did touch the gift. Hahaha! Surprisingly, she was never curious with the big box inside her room. If it was me, I’ll definitely take a peek and be so excited about it especially big gift coming from Rustan’s pa! Wala ako EQ talaga! lol.

Got this kitchen set idea from Joy. I saw how Sandy was so engrossed playing with it and it seems really cool gift idea. I promised myself to give it also for Sam’s birthday. Now, she enjoys make-believe cooking and washing of plates with her mini-kitchen. Hahaha!

Barney: Let's Imagine Tour in Manila

I saw this post from Peachy and got so excited about it.

Finally… Barney will be here in Manila (again!)

Sam will definitely enjoy the show especially after watching Sesame Street Live last July. Bet she’ll enjoy this so much more! This is her first love...her first play character, her first DVD collection (besides Baby Einstein), and until now, she just won’t stop watching their show!

I am sure all the Mommy bloggers out there are excited as much as I am. Hahaha! I might be getting December 22nd or 23rd 3pm show. But before getting the tickets, need to check out hubby's sked as always! :)

So c’mon, everybody let’s go...let’s enjoy the show! - - line ni Barney talaga ah!lol.

Happy 3rd Birthday Samantha!

And the day came and went ...

After 5 months of preparation and budgeting, Sam's party was celebrated with a resounding success.

My prayers were answered and my egg offering at Sta. Clara worked! It didn't rain the entire day & truly felt happy and blessed. Really, really happy that all my party plans materialized without a hitch. Well, almost! Hahaha! Nothing is perfect. But hey, all the imperfections made it more even fantastic. :)

Thank you to all my party suppliers who made Sam's 3rd Birthday really special.

Invites, Name and Thank you tags : ADWORKS

Adworks never failed me when it comes to invites design, printing and delivery. Their price quite affordable too especially for name and thank you tags. I always recommend Adworks to my family and friends & truly happy and satisfied with them.

Balloons and Decors: YAN-PLE PARTY SHOP

Very accommodating, prompt and friendly Apple. Since Apple knew I had limited budget (and space) for decors, she gladly helped me transform my car garage to a very nice party place.

Her coconut trees pillar perfectly fit the Hawaiian theme, although some commented that it looked more like grapes than a tree. Well I guess because the balloons used were colored purple. How many times do you see brown balloons nga naman & hahaha!

Loved her 2D Lilo and Stitch themed piata. Nicely done. My niece loved the pinata so much that she asked Sam s pinata for her upcoming birthday this December.

Balloon burst was also a big hit to kids, as always! Though when I am about to pop the balloon, that is the only time we realized that Apple s crew forgot to give me the balloon stick to burst the balloon. Hehehe! I was able to grab the next best thing na lang from the gift table. Think it was the stick from one of the caterer's decors. Hahaha!




Tarpaulin Design: MELISSE BAYLOSIS (N@W) and Tarpaulin Printing: SIGNEX PRINTING (c/o Bayan supplier)

I am always "suki" of Melisse for tarp design. Her rates very affordable and she's really nice and friendly. Very prompt with my queries and service delivery.

For the tarp printing, what can I say... got good price per sq ft. Thanks to our office supplier. I was able to avail the Corporate rate. Hehehe!

Catering Services: TODDLERS UNLIMITED by JOSIAH'S CATERING

Truly happy with Josiah's. Trusted catering services ever since I got married. Tita Jett is very accommodating as well as her AE Joanne.

Food was yummy especially food for the kids; loved their ever famous baked spaghetti! The kiddie food was extended to adults as well. Despite reserving 30 pax kiddie food..they were able to extend the food to adults too! Galing noh! :) I was told that the Mongolian buffet was yummy too (though, never get the chance to taste it myself), but I got little disappointed with the long line at the buffet station. Plus, cooking time was quite long. I should have asked for bigger stove to accommodate more on- the-spot cooking. Also, I was surprised with the very small Mongolian bowl used. I didn't expect the bowl to be used to be really, really small (imagine the soup bowl in Chinese restaurants & that's the size used!) I did not expect they'll provide the big bowls...but at least, twice-sized standard soup bowl would have been better. Hence, guests need to line up for second or third servings. Good thing the guests are ma-diskarte ... they'll prepare at least two bowls each. Sadly, the AE did not inform me that serving size will be like this. Otherwise, I should have ordered more adult food. Joan (AE) is fully aware that I only have Mongolian food for the adults. She should have at least warned that servings will be made on small bowls so that I could have assess if I need to add more food items. Good thing the Mongolian food tastes so yummy! Moreover, quality and taste were not compromised! Guests loved it!

Sadly I forgot to consider this during the post party evaluation. The head waiter asked me to sign evaluation form..syempre, sa pagod and post party blues I forgot to put this on my comment. Hehehe! But I immediately texted Joan and Tita Jett the next day for my comments.

Set up was superb,linens used were clean, even the flatwares and glasses. Although I specifically asked for baby pineapples for table centerpiece, this did not happen due to unavailability of pineapples (out of season). They instead replaced it with twigs and scattered sea shells to make it a little Hawaiian-themed. Not bad! over all effect was nice.

Josiah's staff are always efficient, courteous, accommodating and very friendly. Even if they are tired they were still happy to assist guests.

Overall, I am very happy with Josiah's. Glad I got them for Sam's party. Highly recommended.

Food Carts and Inflatables : JELLY BELLIES

I always preferred the services of Jelly Bellies. Even though a little pricey, I still prefer to get them. I know I can count on Angelette as always. She's very nice helpful, really prompt and very accommodating to all my requests.

I tried to seek Little Royalties (c/o Pizzie) services few months back but got so disappointed with her lack of interest to my party queries. Then I decided to switch back to JB. Someone I trusted and really dependable. Again, another highly recommended supplier!

Food carts arrived early and they were able to set up on time. Some came as early as 230 pm together with the mini castle inflatables :) Food carts availed from JB : Big Chill, Buy the Bucket and Arce Dairy Ice cream. Real winner and hit to all my guests!

Sam enjoyed the mini castle inflatables. As a matter of fact, she stayed most of the time inside the bouncer than entertaining her guest. Hahaha! Glad I chose to get this instead of the Bubble Show & Sam enjoyed it so much until 730pm! Sulit. :)



Cupcakes and Cakes : QUINTBELLES BY ELAINE SHIH
I was looking for affordable cake supplier months before Sam's party. Since I am on a budget, was thinking of getting all cupcakes this time. Luckily, was able to know Elaine Shih from Jody's party. Her cupcakes really affordable and yummy! Loved her moist chocolate cake too! Sulit talaga! Btw, thanks Tito Willy for the cake gift.

Cookie Lollies: LAYERS AND LAYERS BY ARLENE

Last minute addition, cookie lollies from Layers and Layers. I was not able to taste the cookie lollies (again!) but I was told by my niece it was ok naman daw& tastes like cookie! Hahaha!

Anyway just wanted to add this as tokens sana for the older kids. But surprisingly, it was gone right after the candle blowing.

Party Host with balloon twisting entertainment: JHOANNE PARIS N@W

The ultimate last minute decision I did. Getting professional host was kinda pricey and I am thinking since it will be just a simple house party I don't need a party host. But I'm glad I've decided to get one. Well, it made my life easy during the party. Hahaha! Thankful to Joanne for accommodating my short notice request.
The balloon twisting also added some sort of entertainment to the kids. Kids enjoyed the simple balloon show prepared by Ate Shiela.

Give-aways, Loot Items and Toy Items: c/o TOY KINGDOM, DIVISORIA MALL and SM

Got the Stitch bag from TK last August. I bought 35 pcs that time thinking I'll have few invited kids only. When I came back last October to add more, I was disappointed that no more bags available :( So, I've decided to give priority to kids 7 and below for loot bags. :)

Game prizes: LILO AND STITCH DISNEY, HK

I know I won't be able to find Lilo and Stitch items here in Manila since I tried looking for these items as early as May. I was able to get these prize items from our previous Disney HK trip. Glad the kids enjoyed the prizes too!

Photo and Video: ICO, MIKE, ME and some family relatives

Due to limited budget, I've decided not to get professional services for photo and video. Since I have digicam and dvd videocam, I've decided to ask relatives to take pictures instead. My mistake, since I asked for favor services only, I can't impose them to take our pictures all the time. So bottomline, I missed good party shots! :( and most of the time, Ico and Mike was holding the video/camera, we missed getting family pictures.

Lesson learned: should have dedicated photographer during the party. If a relative will be assigned, should give proper instructions not to leave us. Hahaha! Better yet, pay na lang talaga for services para di maka-istorbo and families can enjoy the party too! :)

So that's it. Despite missing some items (like the party poppers!) everything went well as planned. Party was a huge success! It did not rain!! Thank God! Eggs offered at Sta. Clara worked! Hahaha!

Guests enjoyed the party, Samantha had a blast with the mini castle and we did have a great time with families and friends. We were more relaxed and happy this year compared to Sam's previous parties. I guess holding the party at the comfort of your home made a lot of difference.

Can't wait for another party planning next year! hahaha! Would you believe I am already thinking of celebrating Sam's 4th birthday party na?!?! OA noh! I was so inspired with Sam's pure delight on bouncers. Hence, I am considering of renting bigger inflatables next time with food carts available for kids! Few kids and neighbors invited para tipid lang! Hahaha!

Happy Birthday, my dear pretty Samantha! We love you so much! :)

For more party pictures, please check out http://community.webshots.com/user/samgabrielle...to follow..pag completely uploaded na! :)

btw, sorry... i've edited this post more than 10 times for uniformity of fonts...but somehow, all the settings I used was not saved nor published... grrrr!! sorry... :)

Remembering the dead ... our cemetery trip

My Nov 1 mornings usually spent with Papa at Heritage Memorial Park, Taguig. As early as 8am we were already here to visit and pray for Papa. I so love going here since the place is not crowded. No traffic at C5, parking is not a problem and lot of specialty food booths like Pizza Hut, Kenny Rogers, Chowking and Wendys. Yummy! :)

Btw, this is our usual "reunion" time with Papa's Chinese family.

Family picture...my brother Raymond, Jean and Adrian. Me, Ico and Sam with Papa peacefully resting.

Together with my Mom ....


Ironic?! Love this picture... see my Papa's Chinese family on the left , and see us on the right side. O di ba...we live in perfect peace and harmony! Dedma lang...Bwahaha!



Sam and Kuya Ico just love the open space. Can't stop running! :)


Mommy and Sammie while waiting for breakfast...obvious ba low batt na si Sam! lol.


Got so hungry... went to Bonifacio Global High for lunch but ended up eating at Hap Chan Market! Market! since most of the restos at Serendra on holiday break. You see, our family so love Chinese food... particularly Yang Chow fried rice!

With Sam and my niece Adrian...






Afternoons spent with Mike's lolo at Evergreen Memorial Place at C. Raymundo Pasig. MIL usually delegates food items per family while she's in charge of flowers, candles and tent. We were tasked to bring pizza as always for the family!

Why I so love it here? Aside from the place quite near to our house (20 mins away!), lots of street food available at this area. Mike and I had yummy balut, penoy, isaw, ihaw tenga,quail eggs, cotton candy and dirty ice cream. Hahaha! Mike ate so much isaw last night and he's complaining of tummy ache this morning! takaw kasi! lol.

with hubby's cosuins and my dear MIL (standing). Btw, nice flowers Mommy!

Mike with his cousins Dannah and Shai shai. And look how they love eating the dirty ice cream!