LIVING THE DREAM

Every entrepreneur's game face, no matter what!

I've listened to a #TEDtalk recently that introduced her topic with this picture. Basically, it talked about entrepreneurship and how technology and network connection enhances a business model. But what got stuck in my mind the whole 20 minutes was the impression this kid gave during the entirety of it. It's this:

"Every entrepreneur had this game face inside of them in selling their idea."

And there's no other way they would remain intact if not for their belief in making their plans into a reality. For some, a big why is in place. Actually, all of us, yes, we own determination. But it's got to be showered by guts to make it happen. Here's a few that owned them guts. Here are good friends of mine whom I continuously admire and with my pursuit to inspire others, I present to you the leap they took. Let's learn from their experiences and let's get inspired to act on our dream NOW.

in Australia....

1.  KUSINA

Jon Ora,
Kusina's executive chef

Kusina is the first Filipino restaurant in Canberra, Australia.

This was when Iya and Jon visited us in Hong Kong Disneyland.

Jon, together with my former team mate in High School, Andrea Loraine Pineda or as we fondly called her, Iya, visited me in 2014 here in Hong Kong for their honeymoon.

It was nice to catch up with her hearing about her life most especially how, she had supported her husband in taking the risk of putting up his new restaurant.

Jon had worked for Grand Hyatt Hotel for 10 years before deciding on putting up his own Filipino restaurant. His Dad had attempted the same thing in the 1970's and had lots of challenges in keeping it up. In the end, they had to close down but he did more than to revive his Dad's name because Cooleman Court, Weston Creek, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory can't contain themselves once Jon's food is out to satisfy their cravings.

Besides the usual Filipino foods, they decided to infuse his knowledge of 10 years in preparing gourmet food in putting his own show with Kusina Canberra. ("Kusina" is the Tagalog term for kitchen.) On top of the Modern Filipino Food they have in the menu, they keep their edge up as they keep Kusina classy and up to date. The trend recently in the Philippines is the boodle fight where food (Filipino barbecue, garlic rice, grilled seafood and salad) is creatively presented on a banana leaf which could be a feast for a group of 4.

Are you ready for a boodle fight in Canberra?
Try booking in Kusina for a beautiful foodie experience.

Their food price ranges from as low as Aus$8-$28. They don't rely on anything else but their confidence on Asian food. They believed on the very edge Filipino food per se got to satisfy a consumer's demand for something different, one of a kind and most of all memorable. Now, following it up with the cheerful staff, Jon's talent from graduating in Culinary Arts in Australia and overseas, dedication and a family friendly approach to their customers, they were able to make it for their first business, garnering awards and getting recognised in just 3 years. Remarkable as they had begun, Jon and Iya are about to open a new restaurant called, "Kain Na!" And I don't doubt that this will soar as high as "Kusina" did. 

the famous Crispy Pata (Pork Leg) of the Philippines
with atsara (carrot and papaya) for a side dish and
soy sauce with vinegar garnished with chilli and spices (which my husband loves)

They admit that it's not an easy road when you take people into liking your food most especially when it's out of their usual preference. People like sustenance, availability, speed, taste and you'll be surprised, most especially, CLEANLINESS. Sometimes, I admit, as long as where I'm eating is clean, it seems like the food is automatically alright. Kusina also encourages everybody to leave room for dessert as it should not be missed on a first visit. KUSINA is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays (9am-9pm) and Sundays (9am-2:30pm). Booking can be done by calling them at 02 6288 8461 or by logging on to their website: www.kusina.com.au.

"Don't lose hope and follow your dreams.
Business is not always sweet. You've got to have back up plans."

It was Jon's ultimate dream to put up his own restaurant. He's blessed to have the talent and the passion to pursue his dream on his own with minimal assistance. 

Kusina as he co-owned with his sister and Leilani Fox, was his first. He was hands on, he came up with the menu and took a lot of guts to take the leap of faith. Some of us are ready to invest in putting up the same business, but aren't gifted with the skill. In all types of business, you have to remember why you wanted to put it up in the first place. Jon's aim is to share the robust flavours of the Filipino dishes to the people of Canberra. What's yours?

in Hong Kong...

2. SKY DANCE AVENUE

Teacher Sky with her superb students

After many days of encouraging herself to put this dance arts school for kids and teens, Sky had finally made her dream come true of doing two things she loves most... dancing and teaching.

I had worked with Sky in the happiest place on earth and the ultimate project we did together was forming the hip hop group for a show during the entire Halloween season. I knew then how hard she works for something.

For that entire project, she choreographed alongside renowned talents, edited the music to be used and worked with experienced stage managers that launched her creativity in a whole new level. Little did she know, she's being honed by fate to be one of the most sought after teachers of dance catering to the formative years of the future generation.

This dance program that Sky Dance Avenue offers was first introduced to three committed students that had very supportive parents and from then on, as she collaborated with different dance studios, her business had gone sky-rocket high!

Considering it's her first business, she believed deeply that her program of molding kids to embrace creativity through different dance genres with fun themed and skill-oriented approach classes are going to be hit. Truth be told, Hong Kong has a very strict approach in terms of schooling the kids. Sky Dance Avenue aims to balance that out by giving an outlet to the kids and allowing them to showcase the other side of them by encouraging them to excel in arts. Specifically, in dance.

For just HK$220/class for 10 session (1 term), kids are able to find their beat through Sky Dance Avenue's per term themed dance classes. 

As they get thru the term, they are to develop confidence all the way 'til they do their graduation in a form of a dance concert and/or beneficiary show for the youth which Sky most recently had done with a bunch of her students and I personally think, I would want to enrol my daughter in one of her classes as soon as she is capable (my daughter is one, but she's promising in the strength that she has). Knowing how passionate Sky is, I trust her.

And that's one important factor in putting up a business. You don't take your client's trust because eventually, any business flourishes because of the satisfied clients it had produced. Don't underestimate the power of networking. Word of mouth by reviews, recommendations and referrals are necessary to keep your business alive. So, on top of your belief that you have something to contribute to society thru your craft, treat your clients right and responsibly.

Sky accomplishes these things thinking of her Dad who had inspired her to be an inspiration to others. He had supported Sky in all her aspirations and so, she aims to satisfy him even while he's in heaven. It took her a year of preparation to put up Sky Dance Avenue and so far, she had gone international first before being able to put up the school in her hometown (Philippines). Nevertheless, her students had gone up in number and the parents and other dance institutes find her program substantial for the kid's growth physically and aesthetically. It encourages the parents to keep a healthy lifestyle too so, it's not just unique to the kids but also to the parents that watch over their children. It's like embracing a whole new healthy lifestyle together.

"It is a big help to create solid ties with the people you meet
because you could get a lot of tips from them
that you didn't know will be helpful at first."
- Sky Bautista
Sky Dance Avenue Hong Kong

So, if you're interested to enrol your kids, don't hesitate to contact Sky thru the business email, skydanceavenue@gmail.com. They will soon come up with a website so to keep abreast with this great news, follow them in instagram and Facebook.

For the mean time, here's a video that Sky and the kids had put up together for your entertainment:

in America....

3. AMELIA RY CREATIONS

With today's fast paced world, it seems like the habit of sending out snail mail had gone disappearing yet it is something that delights us every time we receive one. 

Millie Mellick, whom I had the privilege to know and to work with, was just handcrafting greeting cards for personal use at first. As she embraces the beauty of motherhood with her beautiful 7 month daughter, she needed an outlet for her creativity to flow. While her baby slept, she worked on one and it instantly dawned to her that this is something that she would want to do for a business.

Millie loves sending letters during special occasions and holiday season but every time she would buy a greeting card from a stationery store, it's either she will find a design so pretty but then there's a tacky message that she doesn't agree, fit for the card itself or it's the other way around. The message is so good but the design is crappy. She always gets disappointed and deems robbed of her money. She had an idea that maybe if she could make a pretty card and leave the inside blank for people to freely write what they would want to say then it would be a hit.

She acted on it right away and now, she has her own online shop in ETSY for handmade greeting cards. Her creations are all hand scored, embellished and cut by her own self and it's merely a layering of all the patterns that she likes to put together. She puts a custom cut decorative paper in the cards for a buyer to write their sentiments in. Here are some of the cards that she had on sale in Etsy but you can always check out the rest by clicking here.

Her cards are valued from US$3.50-5.00 individually but you can order in sets as well which is priced from US$14.00. It is remarkable how her artsy handmade cards were easily accepted by many and it is amazing how she has the luxury of time in her hands as she stays at home doing all of these while her baby is asleep.

"Keep pushing forward for you would
never know until you try."
-Millie Mellick

She had mentioned that she didn't undergo any form of training. It's solely her designs and this is her first business. She's thankful that she has a very supportive husband beside her that would always encourage her to do more and to push harder. She is her own worst critic so, her husband always inspires her. Because when you are an artist, it is always gamble with how people would take in your work.

A little trivia about her business is that the name was derived from her name and her daughter's combined. Her name is Millie and her daughter's name is Rylee.

If you're interested to buy some of these very unique cards, you can purchase it online thru ETSY or you can email Millie directly at ameliarycreations@aol.com. Currently, she's working towards ameliarycreations' to be sold in local stores and bookstores as well.

So there you are folks. So far these three are one of the most promising arising entrepreneurs I know. There are three things that each business owners have used in this putting up their propriety.

TIME, LEAP OF FAITH and BELIEF IN ONE'S SELF. Do let me know if you want anybody showcased thru my blog to help them put out their business. I can mention them here or put up a good and honest review as long as I get to try it. Leave a comment and share to inspire!

Related posts:
1. ARISING ENTREPRENEURS - my second line up of business owners are for my inspiration
2. ENTREPRENEURSHIP - what we understand about it and how do we get driven
3. CASHFLOW - my experience with the adult board game that helps you see clearer the importance of doing deals.

Eclipse

Eclipse by katrinatoomalatai featuring a long sleeve crop top

Long sleeve crop top
78 HKD - shein.com

Acne Studios outerwear
4,595 HKD - bagheeraboutique.com

Topshop high waisted jeans
445 HKD - topshop.com

Christian Louboutin heels & pumps
4,065 HKD - shoeme.ca

Platinum ring
200 HKD - regalrose.co.uk

Palette eyeshadow
380 HKD - toofaced.com

Chanel lipstick
280 HKD - violetgrey.com

Chanel perfume
845 HKD - tradesy.com

RAFFLES FASHION DESIGN PREVIEW

Whoever might be into fashion, hesitate not to take this opportunity. Free seats are limited. Register to this link if you are interested:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1wOpzU8Uo2ot2K4lBQeZhKcVwAfjMTuWGQ8SDhGk4Ruo/viewform?c=0&w=1

Related posts:
1. CELEBRITY CRUISE AUDITIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES THIS FEBRUARY, 2016 - Take part in a big audition from Feb. 27-29 in Manila for Celebrity cruise if you are a singing dancer, a dancer singer or a triple threat.
2. TEST YOUR FINANCIAL FITNESS - How assured is your financial future? Check your financial capabilities by taking this test.
3. HARBOURVIEW HOTEL MACAU - Wanting to experience Macau harbourfront, you may be interested in this particular hotel.

Devilled Eggs are So Easy!

Last Christmas, my sweetest girlfriends of 8 years here in Hong Kong, now are dedicated beautiful moms, had come up with the most fabulous idea to have a breakfast themed gathering to take advantage of the cold weather. So we all thought of hot chocolates, aromatic coffee, breakfast casserole and pancakes.

Who wouldn't want breakfast 24/7?

And to give justice to it, we have set the dress code to pyjamas or anything that we're comfortable to lounge with. In the name of comfort, so be it for a onesie for me. Our kids were dressed up in matching snuggly sweat shirts and sweat pants. 

TAPSILOG

But what I was excited mostly about was the food!!!

Anything breakfast-ish? NO DOUBT, I love it!

And since I was on vacation, no hassles in between, I was able to try making deviled eggs. I love these sinful s'mores myself so I have decided to match my stir fry beef in attempt to share a Filipino breakfast favourite called TAPSILOG (that stands for tapa, sinangag and itlog) along with it. "Tapa" is what we called dried beef caramelised with garlic, brown sugar, salt and pepper. "Sinangag" is fried rice with garlic and salt and "itlog" is our  Tagalog term for "eggs". Breakfast always involves eggs so I kind of innovated the two. I have changed something here and there but it was guaranteed that it turned out fine.

With my intent to create cash-flow on the side and to cater to the foodie in me, I sell out some of the dishes I make just to lay out a variety of choices for the people at work. And one of the most in demand were my deviled eggs.

Here's the thing, I am sharing a gluten free recipe that I researched in Pinterest. You have to understand that it is relatively easy. Preparation time is 20-30minutes. And the ingredients are fairly common. This is a new go-to recipe for me if potlucks are on schedule. Well, here it goes:

1. Make sure your ingredients are complete. This allows realisations to come in whether you have enough or not and whether your mayonnaise and mustard are still good and not expired. These make 12 servings. Just make the necessary adjustments as per ratio if you wish to serve more or less:

6 egg yolks

6 eggs

1 tbsp Dijon Mustard

4 tbsp good quality Mayonnaise

3 slices of Bacon, cooked and chopped

1 tbsp Spring Onion

1 tsp Salt

Salt and Pepper (to taste
according to how salty or spicy you want it to be)

Water
Ice Cubes

2. Make sure your sink is clean and tidy. I hate it when the sink has dirty dishes in it when I start to work on something. Also, tie up your hair if you must and make sure your hands are clean and your nails are groomed because you will be handling your food in mixing ingredients together.

3. Hard boil your eggs for 15 minutes above all tasks. Now, the secret in boiling your eggs to perfection is counting from the moment the water boils from 10-15 minutes. Don't time it at the moment you put the stove on. It has to be specifically on the boiling moment. Once you've set your eggs to boil, you can start cooking your bacon.

4. Cook your bacon until crisp and a little toasted. Set aside after on a paper towel to dry it of excess oil.

5. Your eggs are cooked by this time accordingly. Put them in a strainer to drain excess water. Have your bowl of iced water ready for them. After draining them from the boiling water, immediately put them in a the bowl of iced water and let it sit there for a good 5 minutes.

6. Chop your bacons into bits and the spring onion. This is for garnishing later.

Note: It is important for you to use your time wisely as you wait. You can follow any sequence whichever works for you but of course, just don't miss a step.

The egg yolks come out fully and easily when pinching the egg white
somewhat allowing to bounce the egg yolk out like this.

7. Remove the shells of the boiled eggs. You would notice that it's easier after submerging them in cold water. This will save you more time if you're working on a lot of eggs.

8. Prepare your eggs. Now we're ready to start the actual recipe. Cut the eggs in half with a sharp fine toothed knife. Separate the egg yolks from the egg whites by slightly squeezing and pushing it out. This should be relatively easy leaving only minute remains like this illustration below. Be careful not to break the egg whites since they will be holding a much rich filling later on. Mash your egg yolks to make the filling more of a puree like consistency. The least that you would want is to have lumpy filling.

It's ok to have little bits remaining like this.
The important thing is to preserve the egg white to be able
to hold the filling.

9. Mix the remaining ingredients. Put the mustard, the mayonnaise and the egg yolks altogether. Personally, I don't like too much salt, Taking into consideration the bacon, since it's already salty, lay low a little bit on adding the salt. Mustard is also rich in sodium. So you don't want to overload on it just by eating the deviled eggs. Some mix the bacon to the filling but I prefer using it for garnishing. Ready your piping materials for ease in filling the egg whites with the mixed ingredients.

10. Fill the egg whites. It is important not to put too little and not to put too much on the egg whites. For presentation's sake, make sure you present it in its bite size so don't overdo your deviled eggs with garnishing.  An explosive experience awaits as the taste tester realises the spring onion's power over each half an egg.

This was my first attempt before I learned of the spring onion treat.
But it's much much better with an additional garnish of the greens on top.
It becomes exquisite, balanced and a little bit of green always bring out the best in s'mores.

There you have it folks! Try this at home before you bring a plate at a potluck. Don't be afraid to take out something that you know doesn't work for you in the whole recipe. I know I added the spring onion garnish on the recipe that I followed and that actually adds up to a more personal touch. Explore yours. Be creative!

Related posts:
1. MREANDMISST EXPERIENCE THRU PLATE CULTURE - this was such a great experience dining in with superb chefs in their own rooftops.
2. 10 COMMANDMENTS OF SNACKING - Yes there is these 10 that you ought to know!
3. PRODUCTS I LOVE - Here are some of the skin products that contain food for the skin in its contents.

Slip Dress night

Slip Dress night by katrinatoomalatai featuring a bib necklace

La Perla scoopneck dress
865 HKD - stylebop.com

Paul smith coat
14,610 HKD - paulsmith.co.uk

Christian Louboutin patent pumps
3,670 HKD - italist.com

Givenchy real leather handbag
9,615 HKD - lindelepalais.com

Bib necklace
80 HKD - yoins.com

Pieces yellow gold jewelry
110 HKD - nelly.com

Abercrombie fitch perfume
450 HKD - abercrombie.com

Hair styling tool
250 HKD - thebrilliantgiftshop.co.uk

2015 BEST PHOTOS

Every year, I see to it that I post a share of my yearly favourite photos. Be it because of art, experience or milestone. Last year, I had dedicated the entire line up to motherhood. Such milestone is a tick in my bucket list and I thought the delight would stop there.

This year, I had pondered on the greatest influence that happened to my life. When you have a budding family, you become protective and ambitious. And for 2015, I embraced financial freedom. 

Halfway thru the year of 2015, we had studied, researched, gotten involved in an advocacy that had built up beyond expectation. Because of my family, who is my life and my BIGGEST WHY, I got driven and I felt empowered in serving others like never before.

With that being said, I had a paradigm shift in understanding TIME. So many people had just let it pass not knowing that it is the most essential commodity known to work "for" mankind if you discover the skill of handling it well. Time is a huge factor in just about anything, and I mean ANYTHING! Relationships, investments, growth. We always think that we don't have enough of it but actually, we are given that much time that we need and we don't have to be burdened with what has to be finished up. We just need to be at the moment. We just need to live it. And that gives way to these wondrous array of "moments".

JANUARY

"DEVELOPMENT"

This was taken during Brave's first time

to hold her milk bottle. It was before I left for work.

Any form of reward doesn't come as more importantly

as compared to seeing your child's development.

The time that I get to spend with my family, most especially,

my daughter, is more precious above any precious stone,

expensive travel package or an entertainment showcase.

Seeing how she grows up and develops is surprisingly amusing.
And knowing that you are the reason behind it all?
My hands are up, it makes my heart fat.

I actually had a hard time before,
keeping up with my friends who talk about babies nonstop.

Now that I am a mom, I kind of understand why.

It's just surreal that something that came from you, that you had

created is moving, talking, bouncing and giggling!

It's addicting.

I thank God for the time I get to see her grow.

FEBRUARY

"SELFIE"

This is yet again, another moment that cracks me up every time I come across it.

My baby had been fond of seeing herself in the camera since the beginning.

And by 6 months, she expresses herself like no other.

MARCH

"VACATION"

Whenever time permits, take a vacation to replenish your soul.

Another plus to this is when your family is with you along with a good bunch of friends.

Last year, it was a first time for my little one to experience traveling with us.

Destination: MACAU

It doesn't matter where but knowing that they are with me

experiencing a memorable time is something that I'd go back to in a heartbeat if I could.

It was one of the best experiences because I

expected that it would be hard having a 6 month old baby on board.

But she was so cool and from that moment on,

my husband and I knew that she is the same with us

as far as being outgoing is concerned.

APRIL

"CELEBRATION"

This is my husband's birth month. When I asked him of what he wants

for his birthday, he had pointed to our daughter and said, "I got it already."

There was no fancy celebration but we dined out to celebrate my husband

and my daughter's christening over a dim sum breakfast.

With a Catholic name, "Gabrielle", Brave was baptised and was welcomed to the Christian world.

Besides the fact that I am fulfilling God's purpose of having our baby blessed,

as parents, we treasure this time of being able to celebrate with our good and long time friends.

Surprisingly, Brave didn't give us a hard time preparing as early as 7am

and didn't cry as she got startled upon the pouring of the holy water because it was cold.

As the priest had agreed to a last minute scheduling, some godparents weren't able to come.

We needed them to be there for the baptism to happen.

Also, it was a requirement that they are Catholics as well with a purpose

of having enough knowledge to impart if time would ever need them to.

Strict requirements were imposed, it almost didn't happen.

But it was good to be reminded to submit to God's will

and He will make it happen for you. With Him knowing the purest desires of your heart,

He will defy all odds that inhibit you from coming to Him.

As promised, He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

April last year, God paved the way for Brave,
in God's perfect timing.

MAY

"BACK TO THE FUTURE"

It was a challenge for me to go back to my original size pre-Brave since I gained

50lbs then (ideal is 25-35 lbs. Yes! Condemn me.)

But I was able to at least, fit in the jungle costume by 9 months.

This photo above was taken on May 12, 2015.

(Proof is on FB in case you doubt my calculations.)

The times that I worked out had paid off.

Automatically, a sudden boost of self esteem and that sense of achievement

showered upon me. I am thankful for those efficient times in the gym.

It also made sense to me that as a woman, and as a mom,

if it took you 9 months to gain that much in taking care of a human

being inside of you, it usually takes 9 months to recover too.

So to those who are dealing with stressful weight gain because of pregnancy,

allow your body some time to get used to it and I promise you, once you've attained your goal,

your physical body will cry for that lifestyle of exercise and good diet.

It won't be a bitch anymore 'til then.
Just breath and keep moving forward.
Use your time well.

JUNE

"PARADIGM SHIFT"

This is the picture that started it all.
Together with the founder of COL Financial, Mr. Edward Lee,
we were blessed to have a portal to reaching to those who are in need.

Spearhead mission was given birth right at this very moment.

Spearhead mission aims to lead people into financial freedom out of an advocacy to serve.

This picture was taken when I took a free seminar tackling about investing on stocks.

at the Philippine consulate.

Before that, I had attended the Rich Dad, Poor Dad talk

which was the backbone of my pursuit to making investments.

This was the moment I decided that I want the BEST for my family

in terms of a good life.
Good life meaning, not depending on other people or any form of loan

for whatever emergencies may arise. I heeded becoming financially free.

JULY

"JOLLIBEE"

It was my dream when I was young to own a franchise of Jollibee.

But I've discovered a more affordable way to start owning it.

By being a stockholder, I take advantage of time to earn money from it.

July last year, I started with a little share.

Hopefully, it'd grow fast and strong.

AUGUST

"BRAVE AT 1"

By this time around, Brave is 11KG, can walk independently on her own,

can chew most of the solid foods I know (except peanuts),

loves to sing and was giving out preferences.

I can perceive her mood swings, excitement and longing as she turned one.

It truly was so fast that by this time, I vaguely remember

how I survived sleeping with the "fragile" Brave.

The next time after I was complaining about how demanding it was for my back as I carry her,

as I teach her how to walk up to lifting her up from every bath,

I am upfront a baby saying "no" all of a sudden,

a baby demanding a biscuit in the morning and a singer in the making.

She had grown so fast that she suddenly became not so baby anymore.

That time had passed and I'm blessed with its memories, experience and great stories

to black mail her with. Hahaha!!!!

SEPTEMBER

"CASHFLOW"

There's some letters of appreciation and acknowledgement from establishments
that I wrote about and it was beyond rewarding.
Free movie tickets came in too as an invitation as a critic.
All because of my writing, which had grown from a hobby way back 2006.
But this was the best that came in the mailbox because beyond the fact
that it's unexpected, I didn't know I could work for or even get linked to Google this way.
This saying, "What you do most of your time while procrastinating
should be the exact thing you should be actually doing."
makes sense after all.
I entitled this as "cashflow" to remind people out there
who thought there's no money behind doing your favourite thing.
Well, there is. Just be creative and use your time wisely.

OCTOBER
"BLESSED"

Now that I am rearing my baby, seeing illustrations like this make me cringe.
I am constantly thankful that we eat three times a day but I constantly ask God too.
How come there are people who are in this kind of lifestyle if we are all children of God?
I am not sure what is the exact answer to that. I don't believe in luck.
But being born out of the countries who are involved constantly in war,
or being born from parents who would never make me hold a gun,
or being born in a free country can already be considered lucky.
It is unfair to say I'm blessed and they're not.

This picture is actually one of the main reasons why I am sticking to our advocacy.
It is imperial to learning about financial freedom that we are taught of the ways
on how to fend for ourselves. This is one way to empower a person to be creative
with the tools God had given us. For us to be resourceful because nothing in this
world will be handed to you in a silver spoon.
We need to know how to THRIVE. And that's LIFE.
So if you can extend a helping hand during your free time, why not?

NOVEMBER

I have a tie for this month as God had blessed me in abundance during my birthmonth of November.

"GOOD TIMES"

My beautiful mom surprised me a week before my birthday that she'd be
flying over from America and it was truly an exciting time for me
because it will be her first time to meet my family.
FaceTime had always been there but meeting person to person is a different story.

My husband had gifted me leisure time by booking us Venetian Hotel
so that we ladies, can splurge on its exquisiteness and luxury for a weekend.
I maybe exaggerating because we were just blessed with good timing
since they have the best last minute deals.
(Otherwise, a fortune may have been spent)
but to stress out importance of time, I got to talk and spend time with my mom,
say I love you to her in person, because of the distance between us,
more than I have for the past years (3 to be exact).
She was my birthday package this year.
We had a great time.

"TWICE IN A ROW"

Now this second photo is a privilege that I consider.
It's time with loved ones and friends.
Time that you were able to spend your birthday with people twice in a row.

Year after year.

Life is too short not to appreciate the company you have,
the job you got that others would kill for,
and most especially, the time and ability for you to celebrate it all.
Time, we all know, talks about your presence and all.
But ability usually is taken for granted.
It doesn't require only time for you to give ultimate happiness to your family.
Realistically, you needed money to buy even a simple cake.
Don't get me wrong, I am happy having my mom over,
having my husband and daughter to celebrate with me.
And on top of that, are friends that care and support you, what more can I ask?
You might be whispering to yourself now, that is not enough for her yet?
Well, hear me out.
With that being said, I am thankful that I am able to provide
for what may add up to that sense of being together in terms of
a simple intimate dinner and gathering in the house.
Hence, this photo needed to be included because Angela,
who got me my cake that night, got me when I said giving out a message to all who came,
"Thank you for all for being able to celebrate with me,
twice in a row."

DECEMBER
"PASKONG PINOY"
(Philippine Christmas)

For the first time in so many years, Hong Kong Disneyland
had gifted Filipino workers (with their plus ones) who continuously are
spreading their light, sharing their talents and touching lives with their passion,
with a night of amusement, surprises and Filipino food!!!!
It was an early Christmas celebration.
For most of us who are away from home just to earn a living,
this one night of making us feel at home is much much appreciated.
Filipino entertainers came over, the tables were decorated with
the traditional Christmas lanterns (parol) and Filipino games highlighted the night.

10 years of bringing magic to guests, I am glad that in my own little way
and for the time that I am strong and able, I have been a part of it
More power to you Hong Kong Disneyland!

Related posts:

1. PARADIGM SHIFT - How my concept of time had changed.

2. JOLLIBEE - the fastest growing food chain in the Philippines, can be experienced in Hong Kong!

3. GET INVESTED IN STOCKS FOR A RICHER LIFE - here's why you should invest in stocks.