100 YEAR OLD BFF'S

"The most beautiful discovery true friends make

is that they can grow separately without growing apart."

- Elizabeth Foley

It would be amazing to have somebody by your side no matter what.

This video for my Laid Back Tuesday features these old ladies

who had been BFF's forever.

Watch and have a good laugh with what

they had to say with some of the modern "stuff".

This will be you too .... in the long run.

But with a friend like that,

I won't mind.

Who is that most trustworthy among your friends

that you feel like you will be able to spend a 100 year old friendship with?

Do share it with him/her this post.

He/She would appreciate it more than ever.

AUDITIONS

To all Filipino talents, if you want to fulfill your dreams of performing abroad,

try out for the following auditions.

Check out this website for more details!

Hello everyone!

I've stumbled on this so I thought of sharing it for my

"Do-it-yourself Monday".

Remember, your fortune is in your hands and

as inspired by the 2014 Oscar Winner of Best supporting actress,

LUPITA NYONG'O's "Acceptance Speech",

“When I look down at this golden statue,

may it remind me and every little child

that no matter where you’re from your dreams are valid,” 

Make your dreams a reality!

Join us!

MUI KEE

A gem in Tsim Sha Tsui's concrete jungle, Mui Kee had served our hunger well with good Chinese food and pushed aback by the smoothest beer I've ever had. I was so grateful for a night of good friends, good food and good drink. As always, this is what I look forward to when going out.

Right after work, we headed to the city for dinner when one of my friends, Sky, recommended for all of us to try this cookfood stall located at G/F, 45-47Kimberly Road, Kimberly Plaza, Tsim Sha Tsui. We were teasing her that she should thank her lucky stars that it didn't fail our standards because we were just going hungrier every step we take towards MUI KEE as she chats about it. It was a Wednesday night, not supposed to be busy but we had to wait a good 8-minute stand by outside to land a free table of 5. That can give you an idea of how packed this place could get.

Definitely not my first time to taste Hong Kong's bests like lemon chicken, deep-fried pork ribs garnished with toasted garlic and pepper to taste but it was my first time to experience their fried pork knuckle, the oh-so-smooth Harbin beer and the company of these fabulous ladies altogether.

How to get there depends on what transportation you decide to take but hopefully, this map helps you out. As you can see, Exit B2 is the nearest to it then the long walk is all worth it at the end. And only for around HK$50 to HK150 per person.

Gastronomically speaking, a little reminder to those whose stomachs are not used to Asian cuisine. Some reviews go that they had indigestion or discomforts after eating here but we all had 2 servings of almost everything that we ate. Besides the fact that we were very hungry upon reaching the place, we were just really special that we go with a construction worker's appetite to describe it or better yet, a truck driver's. Hahaha!

GIVING BIRTH THE KANDU WAY

Since today is the day that my sister gave birth to Jesse boy, my second nephew, it drove me to researching different methods of giving birth online. The very one thing that amazed me was how the Kandu family did it. This video was when she gave birth to the second one already that's why it looked easier probably. But she gave birth to the first baby at home too. Some of you expecting mommies out there (like I am currently), might want to watch this as it is different and not commonly preferred though not necessarily ineffective. I believe she's right with the right mind set, it is possible.

MY VALENTINE'S GIFT

It had been almost 7 years before I have let go of my SONY Vaio belonging to VGN-SZ series. I still won't because performance wise, it still satisfies me except for the dying screen.

According to the surgeons of Mong Kok and Sham Shui Po, including my ever trusted people in Fu Tung, it easily heats up because of the principle of "Wear-and-Tear" and this is what makes the screen act up. But it was really time to say goodbye to it too and say hello to my new toy MacBook Air courtesy of my husband.

Nothing fancy this year compared to our other Valentine's before. It is our first Valentine's together as husband and wife, yes. ... and it's the start of accepting priorities and answering to needs first before whims. So, instead of flowers (which may die out in 3 days), chocolates (which, I'm not a fan), jewellery (which is plainly luxurious but useless), he had given me a shopping spree for whatever laptop I would choose. uBerYEHEY!!!!

I was having a toss of which to get: ACER ASPIRE S7 or MacBook Air but reviews, friends and my husband had advised the latter. I was a little bit worried in terms of how accustomed I was with using Windows for a long time. And the knowledge I'm holding onto upon purchasing MacBook was from using my iPhone 4 before. I'm starting to explore by posting this blog using it for the first time. Reviews and comparisons will be posted soon as I get familiar with it.

Thank you so much Hogan. I LOVE YOU.

HEARTS DAY PLAYLIST

 "According to Greek Mythology, humans were originally created

with four arms, four legs, and a head with two faces.

Fearing their power, Zeus split them into two separate beings,

condemning them to spend their lives in search of their other halves."

- Plato's "The Symposium"

Happy Heart's Day everyone! Valentine's Day is one of my favorites because I grew being pampered together with my two other sisters including my mom by our father with little surprises when this day approaches. The most memorable one was the little pot of red roses my dad had left in each of our rooms one time and ever since, the vibe was built up in me that I look forward to it every year.

What other way could be much more effective than injecting music to this moving occasion besides the chocolates, cards and flowers? We want to consider those who aren't into those treats, right? Let alone the mood to take them away. So I thought of compiling some latest additions to my February 2014 playlist to share to you. Please feel free to comment and share some of your preferred songs thru the comment box below this post.

1. "GIVE ME LOVE" by the uprising Ed Sheeran tops my list. This MTV was a little vague to understand but that's an understatement when you are in love. I would always pray for God to show my purpose to me. I pray not because I want to go to heaven but I want to serve my purpose. And usually, answers come during the most annoying circumstances. "Your purpose is to give right at this moment...", "...to accept at this moment...", or hard ones like: "....to let go", or "...to wait"..."to forgive". So in conclusion, "TO LOVE" umbrellas all of these. It is our purpose, yours and mine.

2. "XO" by Beyonce of course made its way during the holidays but the very message is true. Never wait for that moment to pass you by. If you love the person, say it out loud and don't let go of that opportunity to express it. After all, we are only given one life to live.

3. "I ADORE YOU" by Miley Cyrus. Needless to say, Miley had been veeeerrrryy comfortable onscreen that her MTV needs its own filter. I mean, yes, Gaga was no different but she is gaga because she expresses her opinions which usually and most of the time, were touching moral values, art, fashion and even political issues. Anyway, this particular single is relaxing and sexy to listen to. It's my first time to get attracted to rhythm first before the lyrics. Perfect for this time of the year.

4. "ALL OF ME" by John Legend. He is such a good writer and singer. He's a male Alicia Keys for me. Very soulful song. The woman in this MTV that he's with is his wife up until the present and I'm pretty sure he dedicates it to her fully. Because the lyrics fits her so much.

5. "BODY PARTY" by Ciara. No explanations needed with how this song could just live up a room to getting it on. Ciara never fails to show love y'all!

6. "DRUNK IN LOVE" by Beyonce featuring hubby Jay-Z puts you in a spell and more likely encourages you to not fear being playful with your own spouse. After all, it's up to both of you on how you'd keep the flame on in marriage's entirety! This collaboration had not stopped the couple in doing the public display of affection while performing this live in their controversial number at the Grammy's.

7. "FIRE WE MAKE" by Alicia Keys & Maxwell
Sometimes, even when love didn't last longer than you expected, you get hold of that very moment that made each cell of your body alive. Listen up to this and it makes you want to just lie down on 10 pillows as the music feels so good to indulge in.

The next ones are not really that up to date but it is a good Valentine's jam. Hear it out!

8. "YOU MAKE ME FEEL LOVED" by Paula Cole was a single from the Original Soundtrack of the movie, "City of Angels". Now that is an all time favorite alright!

9. "BROWN SKIN" by India Arie
Who wouldn't be drawn to the voice in the first place? Ha! This song is sung by her in her most velvety voice that listening to it makes you walk in the clouds. She seems just talking as the words flow out into a melody. This lady wows me.

10. Now it's your turn to fill this up to finish my playlist. Please do help me out. Thanks!

Gold & Glitter Glamour

I have just recently cleared up this tube of its fabulous glittering lotion which I have found from Angsana Laguna Resort in Phuket. My husband and I were graced to see its beauty for our honeymoon and our stay came with 2,000 Bath worth of gift vouchers at its own goody shop. Besides the artifacts and souvenirs that Phuket is known for, they have a superb SPA section complete with cooling eye pillows, rejuvenating lotions and pretty much, lavender and avocado flavored, scented and based beauty products and SPA gift sets. We have purchased an Avocado hair moisturizer (which both my husband and I loved) which undoubtedly left our hair silky smooth and soft, relaxing lavender eye pillow and the one thing I find most special of all is this Gold & Glitter Moisturizing Body Gel.

I go for Unscented to Mild Cucumber to lovely Strawberry scents. That being said, I don't go for "too strong" or "too heavy" scents for my bath and body products. I always just want to smell fresh. That's one quality of this product that I truly loved. In addition, it makes you golden but it doesn't stain your clothes at all. The gold flakes are subtle yet well immersed in the gel so, it doesn't clump together on your skin after applying it on. It is refreshing just as how it aims to satisfy its users since they go for holistic customer experience. Some of its ingredients include: Hydrolized Pearl, Hydrolized Wheat, Glycine Sola (soybean), Protein, Fragrance oil, Iron Oxides, Gold, Leaf extracts and Sericin. This had served me well this past Holiday season too as it gave me a "glittering effect". Very uplifting!

Further information regarding the product (if you want to purchase) can be found here.

RUSSEL PETERS

Having a good sense of humor is sexy. And carrying it with confidence is much sexier. That's why I ended up marrying my husband. Hahaha! But HAPPY PEOPLE in general gives out this vibe of being so attractive because come on! Admit it! Who wants to be with a boring person? Or who wants to be with a predictable one. 3 out of 5 people will answer HAPPINESS as their aspiration. And it's always a mystery to some people. Self help books are there to feed us information regarding this and so many people had shared their own experiences.

Credits to Russel Peters for these qualities and it's admirable to come across people who knows when to be funny and how to be confident. Not to mention, his capability to intellectually arouse you is a gift.




Indulging on a 45 minute comedy will do your soul wonders in a matter of balancing it. I love the idea that I was laughing not because of a lot of swearing or nasty jokes. But it was just plainly funny. This show will also stimulate your curiosity. I don't know how he does it though. But at some point, I'm sure you'll agree or disagree but if you don't at all laugh at any segment, have a shrink check you out.

BUCKET LIST

The month of January is very popular for making New Year's Resolutions. I am pretty sure that you have completed your list right about now. But I have another challenge for all of you out there. Have you ever tried coming up with a "bucket list"? Now, here's for you to understand it a little more of what it is. Watching the whole movie could even be a better idea.

I had a list before and right now, I would like to put the new one in writing as I erase some that I have accomplished so far from the previous one. I wrote it more than 5 years ago. And I think it's the best time to reassess and change it now to give room to a few more. If you want to see the previous list, click here.

I aim to...

1. ...be able to drive anytime soon. The dream of having the car was so far fetched as of now as Hong Kong holds the best public transportation services and having a car here is just waaaayyyy toooo impractical.

2. ... have a house in Samoa. I still love a lot of glass in my house but not in the form of mirrors this time. Ideally, windows that would make sunlight come in effortlessly during the day to light up the house and during the night, it will show the stars since Samoa got the clearest, most non-polluted sky.



3. ... be able to see the pyramids of EGYPT, ride the gondola in VENICE, ride the PARIS's Eiffel Tower's elevators again, walk through the Great Wall of CHINA, pass by the River of the Nile, be blessed in River Jordan, see the Niagra Falls and the Taj Mahal....

Basically, it's the same with the #3 from the first bucket list I have but this time, I would want to include:

  ...to be able to visit Harbin for the annual "Ice Show" every January.

4. ... learn Cantonese fluently. The conversational skill I learned could be a good jump start.

5. ... bungee jump. Or sky dive. Anything that will surely take my breath away. Not my life please... Hahahaha!!!

6. ... go on a cruise.

7. ... put up a business.

8. ... write a book.

9. ...fulfill my womanhood by giving birth. You may find this silly because naturally, a woman gives birth, right? But this is really a huge deal for me. Because, this is one of my fears... to give birth to a child. I fear being cut that's it.

10. ... add a lock to Love Locks in Verona, Italy.

Now, you might be thinking why I am just limiting it to 10 items only every time. Well, it makes it more attainable for me. Of course, I'm welcome still to have different firsts outside my list. Like last year, I was able to fly my sky lantern which I wanted to do for a long time.

If you have read my previous list, it was stated very much in a silly way. Though it surprised me that some of what I wanted to happen actually did such as being able to visit Singapore with friends (which marked my second in that country); I am on my 6th year performing internationally; I was able to paint something (the Jungle skirt pattern which is now at my mom's house in the States; and I am married with my soul mate.

Work out your bucket list and make it happen. New Year's Resolutions are welcome but a bucket list kind of makes it happen.

What satisfies you?

I learned from my sociology teacher when I was in college that SATISFACTION is something that a human being may never possess. If you watch a juggler, and let's say, he juggles 3 oranges, you would always hear somebody from the crowd shout "Can you do 4"? If he does 4, you may find yourself expecting that he would juggle 5. After he does, and gets the 6th, somebody will always challenge him until the 7th, the 8th, the 9th and the 10th 'til he distracts your attention into something else. Otherwise, people's demands will never stop.

There are times, you unexpectedly give in to your envy and would buy the same shoes your friend got last Holiday season because so many are admiring it and you want the same attention. Some cultures allow men to have more than one wife because the first one is not sufficient enough to comply for what the husband needs. Plastic surgery, botox and anything alike are more in demand now because you just want to look prettier when actually, there's nothing wrong with your face. Those who go under the knife describes it as "enhancing" what they have. Philosophies like: "NO woman will say she had enough shopping.", or "NO woman could say she has enough shoes." had been accepted socially that it becomes a way of life to arising fashionistas. As a matter of fact, I don't even know why being one is a determining factor of which status you belong to nowadays. Obese men and women are pretty obvious with what they consume in excess yet they defend their bad habits like it's a civil right. Issues with money, fame and power fall in the same idea. Nobody can get enough of it.

But for people like Sam Berns, they aim for the simplest form of satisfaction. To be able to survive everyday not feeling indifferent but able. To hear what he has to share about happiness, watch this.

People like him wants for just life itself. NO MORE, NO LESS. He gets satisfied with how simple it could get. Or should I say, simple for us but more than extraordinary for him considering his condition. I have dreamt of being in one of them TEDtalks but I couldn't find anything "extraordinary" to talk about. I am not with a condition like this so that people would listen to me. I am still looking for that special message I would give justice speaking about to the whole world to be given at least 10 minutes in TED. Sam Burns, and so are the rest of the what we think are "abnormal" people because of how they look like, are even more capable if you would try to analyze it than the "normal" people like you and me. And there is just some dissatisfaction there on my account but let me transform that to something inspirational for myself. There is a challenge to each and everyone of us that nobody should set themselves to any limit most especially if we are going to talk about "full potential".

For my serene Sunday, pray that you may serve your purpose before your own life is taken away from you. Sam Burns died last night according to a post on TEDx's Facebook page. But he made it happen. He delivered the message he was meant to deliver. Live life happily and do not dwell in something that will make you feel dead and unable.

Related posts:
1. AUTISM - For your own awareness, let an expert talk about how to distinguish autism.
2. SIGNED, A 32 YEAR OLD - Here is something that you may want to watch, there might be a message for you.
3. FIND YOUR LIGHT - Filipinos sharing their talent and passion as performers in Hong Kong Disneyland

LIZZIE VELASQUEZ

I've been a fan of TED talks and the most recent I have encountered
was Lizzie Velasquez's story of how she had survived the world's negativity
about a rare genetic disease that she owns along with 2 other people.
It's that rare that there's just 3 of them who has this in the entire world.

This video for my laid back Tuesday may wake up those people
whose preference of what is beautiful would be all about what you see in the outside.
But hear out what this driven young lady has to say.

BREAST SELF EXAMINATION

I was taught very well as a professional nurse to encourage the first line of care, PREVENTION.

Prevention is better than cure. For most of us, this has no impact at all. We would not pay attention to our own health 'til we feel something aches.

Today for my DIY Monday, I would like to instill to you ladies out there (not necessarily excluding men) how important preventing breast cancer is.

Cancer progresses because of a lot of factors. Some modifiable and the others not. Non-modifiable factors include the genes that you carry, age and sex. They are so-called "non"-modifiable for it means, you can never change these facts about you. So, we cannot do anything about it.

On the other hand, the modifiable ones include your lifestyle, living environment, health perception, your diet and basically the stress level you get from all of these as you deal with every day life. And this is where we should concentrate on since you can do something about it.

You should be aware that your lifestyle covers basically the way you live your life. To know more about the classifications and in which you belong to, click here. But the most important thing I would want to focus on are your habits in addition to the classification of lifestyle you own. If it's your habit to wear a wired bra, all day, all night, then that could be a factor of compromising your breast. Any ill-fitting and tight garment suppressed onto your body isn't advisable. Allow rest time by not wearing one when you sleep. Or if you're just at home in your own time.

If you are into piercing and tattooing, where your living environment and peers may have influenced your preferences of accessorizing, you have to heighten up your health perception by understanding the consequences of such procedures and also, the way to care for it to avoid infection. Also, understanding the signs and symptoms of the breast cancer, you may detect it early and may be treated by surgery or chemotherapy.

Your diet may also affect your actual health since there are agents in the food that we eat that may induce carcinogens in the body, hence activating cancer cells instantly. Some of us also have a vice or two. It is very important that we understand these in combination with the non-modifiable factors of having cancer to be able to avoid unnecessary misdiagnosis or worse, a late one.

Stress may be considered the biggest modifiable factor as severe levels of stress put the cells of the body into a rattle. This maybe due to the workload you may have, conflicts at work, unsettled dues, family disputes, difficulties belonging and/or but not limited to identity crisis. These are just but some of the common causes of stress. But one thing we need to know, is that, if there are ENDORPHINS which are known as the happy hormones, there are stress hormones also and they are CORTISOL and EPINEPHRINE which basically put up all organs into an alert mode and is released to warn them of an impending work to aid the body to adopt to a "fight or flight" response. If your body will be exposed to too much stress, for prolonged periods of time, there will be an overload of these hormones in the blood stream and this will tire up and overuse your vital organs sooner or later.

Now, in addition to the knowledge of how we can prevent Breast cancer by understanding the factors that may cause it, here is an illustration that you should know by heart or at least save in your phone so that you have your own guide at all times.

On the other hand, here is how you perform a Breast Self Examination. It's advisable to do this privately as before you take a bath in front of the mirror or after on the bed with a pillow underneath to lift your chest to facilitate palpation. If you aren't sure if you're doing it right, have it examined by a professional. Once 1-3 symptoms are felt and marked positive, do consult a doctor right away.

Be free!

I have encountered and met people who have walked many kinds of faith. There are those who'd kiss the ground, worship the nature and get philosophical expressing their own faith. There are those who believe in things (money, fame,power) too.

I, for one, believe in God. And as a human being, there were times, I questioned myself of the depth of what I truly believe in. There were times I have researched on others about what they believe in. I did a lot of comparisons, reasoning and analysis. I also learned the lesson that the more you encourage people to believe in God, the more they say "NO!". It didn't encourage me to stop though. But I just share my own experiences without any intention of addressing any invite. Most of the time, I just pray for them to be touched by God. And then I end up there. If they are willing to ask me about more, or are willing to share their own experiences, very well then.

I searched for people who have the same belief with mine. I joined groups which I found "almost" matching only to discover that I've learned enough and that I have to put it hands on. Theories are meant to be applied and lived. I started believing in that now.

From time to time, I still ask around because I am curious of who have the same faith. I was not astounded nor shaken up by any answer except for one. When I asked one friend, "Do you believe in God?". She answered, "I don't believe in anything, I am free." I just acknowledged her answer without her knowing that something had built up in me at that very moment. I am not sure if it's further curiosity, discovery of what I may be ignorant of and the scariest of 'em all, why I felt "envious", not being able to say the same thing.

"I am free." What does that mean?

Does it mean faith has the tendency to have you imprisoned? Does it mean it sets limits to your full potential? I am not in prison but I realized that some of my actions may have been decided on due to a set of instructions, commandments, "beliefs", that was instilled in me from the beginning. I have been accustomed to these so familiarly that anything against it is considered wrong.

And then I sat back and pondered on how free I am in believing in God. I asked myself what drives me to be me?

I grew up learning the 10 commandments by heart. Whenever I find myself giving in to something, or needing to decide on something,

I always check on the values my parents have endowed on me. And it matters so much if people around me will be pleased by the outcome or not. Being mindful of this in relating to my friend's answer to reassessing why I feel envious, it made me realize that I am clueless whether what I grew up believing, hinders me from being at my ultimate supremacy or not. It is almost a cliche when they say it is alright to make mistakes. But society seems to contradict this when you have to deal with the consequences of your mistakes in real life. It's not at all alright, is it? So much so, you may also get judged with what religion you practice or which cult you belong to.

I believe in God, this I know very well about myself.

I believe also that we were given free will.

I believe that we were made in the image and likeness of God and that we are bound to exist to experience the beauty of Thy creation in its abundance.

I have always known that there is something greater than me, that there are things or circumstances that may have happened, are happening or will happen that is beyond my control.

I also believe in the philosophy that experience is the best teacher and in line with my beliefs, I never would want to step on other people just to gain that much experience for my own self-achievement.

Countless rules are imposed by different religions. As a Roman Catholic, I am a witness to my own. Undeniably, some do make you feel bottled up and somehow, it makes believing in God so complicated but if you feel secure with what you believe in, you pretty much know how you can liberate yourself from it all.

It's quite too complex what exactly you should or should not do. Comparisons could go as far as: 

Catholic priests need to be celibate while other pastors or religious leaders need not; in masses, the Holy Eucharist is served to the people dipped in wine, while other religions forbid consumption of it, LOVE is the core of every teaching in every church yet gays aren't entitled to it nor aren't allowed to be united in LOVE.

In this case, I believe that being an open vessel and not being too proud (that you are the all knowing and/or that because you go to church more than anybody else, you are better,) could help you accept these arising changes. Things happen every time that challenges your faith. And sustaining your core values is very important.

Establish securely what you believe in. And then you will be free.

2013 BEST PICS

Annually, I choose a line of pictures that would resemble the past year,

and are usually worth remembering.

This year, it will not be limited to that.
I will present to you images that may also talk about something good to know

and/or something you may find exciting to look forward to

in the coming year of 2014.

Featuring, the BEST PICS of 2013!

JANUARY

Pantone officially makes "Radiant Orchid" the color of the year 2014
after making Emerald "it" last year.
As you can see, the pink-purplish hue is yet to be
expected in runways, weddings and events.
PINK has a tranquilizing ability, while
PURPLE is the shade of the Crown Chakra,
which is located on top of the head and is linked
to the crown of the head, the nervous system
and is the representative of pure thought.
This is also known as the Sahasrara
that feeds the imagination and creativity of the mind.
It's good to start the year with such knowledge
to allow such empowerment to flow to you.

FEBRUARY

As the Year of the Snake bids farewell, the Year of the Horse

unleashes a hopeful promise of energy, vibrance, intelligence and great ability.

I once read that God made horses from the breath of the winds,

the beauty of the earth and the

soul of an angel that it is used amongst people

who have high anxiety and are depressive

as form of therapy.

Just to share:

Celebrities Born in the Year of the Horse:

Louisa May Alcott, Chopin, Davy Crockett, Ella Fitzgerald, 

Aretha Franklin, Sandra Day O'Connor, Rembrandt, Teddy Roosevelt, 

Sir Isaac Newton, Barbara Streisand, Cindy Crawford, Cynthia Nixon, 

Denzel Washington, Harrison Ford, Jason Biggs, Jackie Chan, 

Jerry Seinfeld, John Travolta, Leonard Bernstein, 

Oprah Winfrey, Paul McCartney, Rembrandt, Ashton Kutcher, Emma Watson, 

Josh Hartnett, Katie Holmes, Kristen Stewart, Kobe Bryant, 

Genghis Khan, Emperor Kangxi and Yongzheng of China’s Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911)

MARCH

 The name of March comes from Latin, "Martius", 

the first month of the earliest Roman calendar. 

It was named for Mars, the Roman god of warwho was also regarded as a guardian of agriculture 

and an ancestor of the Roman people through his sons Romulus and Remus. 

His month Martius was the beginning of the season for both farming and warfare,

and the festivals held in his honor during the month were mirrored by others in October, 

when the season for these activities came to a close.

The month of March marks the season of Spring.

APRIL

I love going home because of the person I share it with.

My husband never ceases to amaze me.

Everyday is a mystery yet I feel like I'm in my comfort zone when I'm with him.

He does his best to provide for me.

Yes, sometimes I ask myself why I get so pissed off when he teases me but it's part of his charm.

He's the only one who can make me smile

and he's the only one who can pull me up from feeling down.

Last year, Hogan had cut his hair once again around this month.
It took him more than 20 years to cut it from looking like this.

For the month of MAY,

here is a picture of one of the festivities that this month makes way for.
"Flores de Mayo" is annually celebrated in the Philippines;
"Cinco de Mayo" is an adopted Mexican festivity
of freedom commemoration during the first years of American Civil War.

It reminds us of how colorful the world is and that
there are cultural events that we may be missing out on.

So take time to travel, to see the world and how they celebrate life.

In line with these wonderful celebrations,

Mother's Day is also celebrated during the month of May.

It makes sense that it falls during the month when the flowers

grow and bloom to their utmost beauty.

JUNE

June of 2013 had been marked as the most painful

time of my life. My miracle had soared high up to the heavens

and I was not given ample time even to say goodbye.

But this is something that I have let go of for quite awhile

but I wanted to share that grief helps us to become hopeful.

Each and every one of us carry a burden that only us knows about.

You might have been in a situation when no matter how much

joy there is around you, you cannot just find the reason to smile.

But this is all part of life.

When you're down, there's no way but up;

There's always light at the end of the tunnel;

This too shall pass;

Everything happens for a reason;

Every bad circumstance teaches us the virtue of HOPE

and it strengthens our FAITH.

Whether you believe in God or not, it gives us a lesson that WE SHOULD LET GO.

At one point, there comes a realization that not everything is in our control.

I can't imagine how I would live if I know how my life is going to be.

So there's nothing to do but look forward and know what else is in store for you.

If you know what's going to happen the very next second,

then HOPE and FAITH will never exist.

JULY

"There's always a rainbow after the rain."

This cliche matches the ones I presented above
but let me include it here instead.

This month last year was the next toughest one

because I needed to go to back to work and
ingest reality. Drastic changes,

ones that I never saw coming and ones that I wasn't ready for

HAD TO HAPPEN.

I had to let go, forget and get on my feet fast.

But I thank God for making me work at the happiest place on earth.

Because if not, I don't think I will be able to do it.

With that being said,

I thank God for my job,

I thank God for my life,

and I thank God for the chances in life that I still get.

Don't take anything for granted.

AUGUST

This month will forever hold the happiest day of my life.

Being united as one with Hogan completely helped me in aiming more in life.

Just like what I always prayed and hoped for,

for me to be able to fulfill my purpose.

I know that Hogan is part of that.

"One day, someone will walk into your life and make you see why

it never worked with anyone else."

SEPTEMBER

This had been sent to me via whatsapp by my husband

and I was honored to have received such respect.

I picked this particular image because it is indeed true after all.

Couples should never cease flirting, dating and playing
with each other after getting married.

So many people are saying that when you get married, you get tied up of some sort.

But my husband thinks of it as something liberating.

He said he finds freedom from it as a great sense of security, commitment

and love from both parties are happening that there's nothing

silly to think about except for how to provide for the family
and how to make a happy life out of it.

And he knows very well that a "happy wife" is the answer.

OCTOBER

SPONTANEITY.

Something that every person should have.

Never settle when people describe you as

predictable, pathetic and boring.

Don't be scared to take that leap of faith because you'll never

know how good the outcome would be if you never get

to experience anything at all.

This is one thing that my friends and I own altogether.

 This photo was taken randomly for two good friends of mine

who just tied the knot that very day, (October, 2013).

We were just spontaneous, just talked about a theme and people clicked.

It reminds me of a saying:

"CARPE DIEM!!!"

NOVEMBER

Tragedy by the typhoon Haiyan happened during this month.

So many people helped out by making some noise

in the social networks we hold accounts with and

bloggers write and comment on basically every single detail.

One particular image taken and shared online
was just beyond my tolerance.

This sergeant was being carried by a local in Tacloban

and it is beyond SHAMEFUL.

I want to help out in making Filipinos be aware with

how important it is when you hand in your vote during the election period.

This is a very clear example of an EMBARASSMENT.

What kind of leader is that who doesn't even

want to be "for" the people!

DECEMBER

You may find this odd but the month of December

just always reminds me to keep in touch with reality.

Every time this season comes,

there's abundance of food, abundance of gifts

and abundance of love.

But I wonder if all corners of the world get what we get.

Maybe they do, but in a different way.

Related topics:
1. 2012 BEST PICS
2. 2011 BEST PICS
3. 2010 BEST PICS

AIRLINE VIDEOS

Christmas is the season of joy and festivities.

For my Laid-Back-Tuesday,
check these videos out on how Cathay Pacific

and WestJet came up with their own representation of this joyous occasion.

Very effective advertisement I must say.

CREATIVITY AT ITS BEST

1. MOBILE/ANDROID PHONE CHARGERS

Have you noticed how you have used your android phone since you woke up this morning? You have charged it over night, woke up at 9am then by 9:35am, the battery life is all of a sudden at 90%. For some unknown calculation, it uses up your battery more than expected even if you have set the "energy saving mode" on already.

What do you do?

You always bring the charger with you. Because anyway, you'll always find a socket somewhere to steal some 5% charge, good enough to aid your post in Instagram. But like you, the rest of android phone users, which is basically, EVERYBODY ELSE, are  trying to do the same tactic. You don't want it to get tangled with the other chargers so, I encourage you to personalize them.

Choose stickers that will identify your own or be creative by choosing any pattern and by using a clear scotch tape,  decorate the charger according to your own preference and as to how you'd want everybody else label it as "yours" just by looking at it.

2. COASTERS

Now, I know somehow, somewhere, you have an incomplete bag of tiles of scrabble lying around. You want to get rid of it but can't seem to detach yourself from how cool it used to be. But because of its availability online, scrabble apps are much preferred than the real game board.

Do you just throw it out? 

THINK AGAIN.

You can reuse it once again by making coasters out of the tiles and save your varnished table from getting stained. This may also be used as paper weights or decor in your game room.

3. KEEPSAKES

Latest digital gadgets and android phones have given us the easiest and fastest access to photos. But what do we do with those that were developed years ago?

Now, boxes for keepsakes can be pimped this way. Place the images in line with each other, so much so, that it would be a different type of a photo album. It can be simply done by seeing the picture on the right for your own reference. It could be arranged in special ways like how your love story started with your husband or in a way from how you evolved and grew up. Like from infant until how you look like at the present. All of it lies in your own imagination so don't be afraid to unleash its potential. You may be surprised with what good output it could create.

This is a good project to flaunt to guests who may come visit you.


4. ARTWORK

Planning to decorate your meditation room with something peaceful or serene? This artwork can actually turn any room so comfortable, most especially with that knowledge that you made it. It will give your self esteem an extra boost which may be a good source of energy to continuously become productive.

Again, the image shows everything that you'll need. If you have other hues that may be used besides pink, let me know by leaving the idea in the comment box below.


5. BRACELETS

Now that the Holiday season is here, you may be able to give your friends something that you personally made by following these simple steps in coming up with a friendship bracelet. You can base the beads to be used according to what your friend's favorite colors are. It's safe, cheap and personally handcrafted, how can that not be EXTRA SPECIAL?

Now you see, there are a lot of things that you can get created when you open your eyes to everything. Let what you see become an inspiration everyday and stick to your craft. To some people, DIY crafts make them breathe, calms them down and feeds their creativity that aids their skills, talent and satisfaction. It could be more rewarding once you get some old stuff lying around get reused in coming up with projects. If you, by any chance have some to share, please leave the links down below so that we could feature your work since Mondays are dedicated for DIY projects.

Have a fun productive DIY Monday!