Food trip

I spent a month in SG for training. Not only did I trained for work, but I also trained my taste buds to be adventurous. I wasn't like that before. Maybe this time, I was too shy to say NO to my SG colleagues because I felt their warm welcome thru this gesture-of letting me try some of their local food.

Here are some of the food that I tried:

Photos taken from the net

Satay
Fried Oyster Cake
Fried Carrot Cake
Otah
Bubble Tea
Nasi LemakClaypot Rice
Mee Rebus
Teh Tarik
Fish Head Curry
Pad Thai

Very Short But Amazing Speech by Coca Cola CEO Bryan Dyson

“Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. You name them – Work, Family, Health, Friends and Spirit and you’re keeping all of these in the Air.

You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back.

But the other four Balls – Family, Health, Friends and Spirit – are made of glass. If you drop one of these; they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for it.”

WORK EFFICIENTLY DURING OFFICE HOURS AND LEAVE ON TIME. GIVE THE REQUIRED TIME TO YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS & HAVE PROPER REST.

Stop

I missed blogging...its been a long time since my last entry. Been juggling my time with my first work and second work, O, and Misha. And with the latest addition of me "leaving or not leaving" and the big responsibility that lies with it and my sis' vacation with so many things to accomplish all in just two weeks.....with all these and more....

Rio....Be Still.

this goes to my friend as well...you know who you are :-)

(taken from a blog)

Be still.

Just for a moment.

Listen to the world around you. Feel your breath coming in and going out. Listen to your thoughts. See the details of your surroundings.

Be at peace with being still.

In this modern world, activity and movement are the default modes, if not with our bodies then at least with our minds, with our attention. We rush around all day, doing things, talking, emailing, sending and reading messages, clicking from browser tab to the next, one link to the next.

We are always on, always connected, always thinking, always talking. There is no time for stillness — and sitting in front of a frenetic computer all day, and then in front of the hyperactive television, doesn’t count as stillness.

This comes at a cost: we lose that time for contemplation, for observing and listening. We lose peace.

And worse yet: all the rushing around is often counterproductive. I know, in our society action is all-important — inaction is seen as lazy and passive and unproductive. However, sometimes too much action is worse than no action at all. You can run around crazily, all sound and fury, but get nothing done. Or you can get a lot done — but nothing important. Or you can hurt things with your actions, make things worse than if you’d stayed still.

And when we are forced to be still — because we’re in line for something, or waiting at a doctor’s appointment, or on a bus or train — we often get antsy, and need to find something to do. Some of us will have our mobile devices, others will have a notebook or folder with things to do or read, others will fidget. Being still isn’t something we’re used to.

Take a moment to think about how you spend your days — at work, after work, getting ready for work, evenings and weekends. Are you constantly rushing around? Are you constantly reading and answering messages, checking on the news and the latest stream of information? Are you always trying to Get Lots of Things Done, ticking off tasks from your list like a machine, rushing through your schedule?

Is this how you want to spend your life?

If so, peace be with you. If not, take a moment to be still. Don’t think about what you have to do, or what you’ve done already. Just be in the moment.

Then after a minute or two of doing that, contemplate your life, and how you’d like it to be. See your life with less movement, less doing, less rushing. See it with more stillness, more contemplation, more peace.

Then be that vision.

It’s pretty simple, actually: all you have to do is sit still for a little bit each day. Once you’ve gotten used to that, try doing less each day. Breathe when you feel yourself moving too fast. Slow down. Be present. Find happiness now, in this moment, instead of waiting for it.

Savor the stillness. It’s a treasure, and it’s available to us, always.

sorry

sorry for i took her words wrongly

sorry for i chose the wrong move

sorry for the trouble i have caused

sorry that this has to happen...

can't disclose the detailed happening...but one day if i come across this particular blog entry, i would be well reminded of how i loved deeply...

weheartit

august 13

Thank you

to the greeters..

my FB flooded with greetings from everywhere...felt so loved...

to the callers..

Kae from Sing and Macel from her office...luv u both!

to the surprisers..

MG, Lala and Fubi..the impromptu birthday dinner is so heavy on the tummies yet so light on the heart! The sweetest! and to Ems and PM, though u were not there physically, your presence are felt :-) Luv u dear friends!

to the gifts from...

mama for a chic carry-all bag
ninang mek for my ever fave DKNY Be Delicious
fubi for a so-very-me present....pink, rose, cat

lala and mg for the surprising Choco cake

and thank you for the greetings from a friend from the past...

and to my future...thank you for the love, O and Misha (my first birthday with them)...luv u both!

and most especially to my dear Lord..thank you for the work that i wished to come true before my birthday. thank you for my part-time job, thank you for keeping me safe and healthy, thank you for i am surrounded with wonderful friends and family, thank you for the year that was....looking forward to a great year ahead!!!

action speaks louder than words

august 2 2010...

unspoken acceptance...

words are not enough to thank you pa!

photo - weheartit

if only

Sometimes we just have to wait...

photo-weheartit

There are instances in my life where I failed on my test of patience.

From as simple as this...

Last year when I purchased my BB, I so wanted it badly and waiting was never an option. With too much thought and me convincing myself, I firmly decided to buy it the following payday. After two weeks of enjoying my new phone, I have a friend who purchased the same unit at the same price but this is on a special Gitex (Gitex is an annual consumer electronics expo in Dubai.) promo- Buy this BB and you will receive BB Bold absolutely, no joke, FREE!!! Wahh!!

If only I have waited for another 15 days...

...To as life -changing as this...

Before I went back here, I applied in one of those good companies in Abu Dhabi. This is better compared to the last job I had in Dubai salarywise. On the interview, the Finance Manager closed it with "We will get back to you in a week if you are chosen." This time, I entertained waiting, but not too much. I waited for a week, for two weeks and gave up on the third. I now choose to go home...Approximately 7 hours before my flight, I received a phone call from the FM. He is apologizing for not getting back too soon because they considered many applicants for the position. I have no choice, they have no choice. My papers were already processed. All set...The opportunity flew the moment I said Goodbye to him on the phone.

If only I have waited more...

Regrets, move over!!!!!

This reminded me of one of Bo Sanchez's writings... "Wherever you are right now is exactly where God wants you to be"...

And I was touched by this - "When I know things are not meant for me, I learn to let go...It does not mean I'm weak, but I'm just showing how strong I am to fight the urge of wanting something I'm not supposed to have."

healthy date

Last night, Lala and I went to SM Megamall to have a good weekend laugh courtesy of Sarah Geronimo, Judy Ann Santos and Vice Ganda...Since she is on a strict General Motors Diet, and she is on her 4th day wherein she can only take bananas and milk, this immediately popped on my head and I highly recommended to her my ultimate fave fruit shake, Big Chill's Banana Smoothie as our company as we watched. I am so glad she liked it! After laughing and Lala crying on one part of the movie (haha!) and since we still can't get enough of our stories, we roam around looking for a place where we can dine this time with greens (ooops..a little breaking on her strict diet, but I think veggies won't do any harm). We ended up with Mexicali. Again, loved the food and of course the catching-up-chikas along with it!

'Til our next healthy date...Thank you, La!

not a good one

First, I was instructed to have my second xray, then I can return after lunch to know the findings, then when I came back, still the same findings, then was again given another instruction, this time to go back to where I had my last xray before I left for Dubai to get the plate for comparison. If I won't be able to present last year's plate,the doctor said I will not be given medical clearance(tough huh?!!?!)...awwwwww.. Please Mister!!! I will come back tomorrow...Do find my plate!!!

Second, while multi-tasking, cooking while talking with someone on the phone, plok!!!! it happened so fast!!! my BB went swimming!!! oh no!!! based on the net, will have to wait for 3 days to turn ON the phone so that we are sure its internal parts are already dry and to prevent short circuit...whew!!!

photo-weheartit

Enough for today, please!!! Easy ka lang, Rio...it will all be OK!!!

May bago na ko

Lord, Thank you for granting my wish before my birthday. Looking forward to new learnings and new friends.

simple pleasures

in the middle of our chaotic, stressful days, there are little pleasant surprises that come our way that really make us feel nothing beats life's simple pleasures! what are your simple pleasures?- Bianca Gonzales

here are mine to name some...

1. my comfort food -

varies depending on my mood and cravings...as of this writing, these are my happy food..just yesterday, after deciding from range of options of goodies on the supermarket, i ended up cuing on the cashier with these treats

2. fave food -

one of my fave fruit right from their backyard with love

3. surprises -

JP is one of my friends who never fails to delight me with surprises. On this pic below, he writes on the 2010 Starbucks planner he really kept for me. He did the complete-the-stickers-thing as I was not here last Christmas 2009 and he kept it thinking how he can give it to me. Good thing, I came home April and he was able to give it to me. Not too late :-)


And on this one below, I took a picture of his pasalubongs for me from his trips from Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. How sweet it is to be always remembered by JP!


4. putting a child to sleep -

Goodnight sweet cheeks, goodnight sleepy head, sweet dreams, sleep tight...until the morning light!-momay


5. nice chat with friends -

i just had a non-stop one yesterday ...from chikas related sa work, from irreconcilable differences to maturity, from tested friendships to revelation of crushes to love stories. hayyy! with laughter and chichirias on the side...long-trip-boredom killer! Love you guys!

dear boss

Dear Minigold's Boss,

Please approve her annual vacation leave for just four SUPER valid reasons:

1. so that she can be spared from the scorching summer heat there in Dubai,
2. so that she can be with her loved ones
   
3. so I can see her on my bday and
   
4. so she can finally meet O :-)

Hoping for your kind consideration,
Rio

"Dear Ms. Rio,

Annual vacation leave approved as per your request.

Thanks,
Minigold's Boss" ----kulit lang ni Jho! yey for that!!!

How time flies, I still vividly remember just last year when she gave me a maxi dress on my birthday. So happy as I flaunted it...so happy that AJ can't contain my happiness and so she had her tantrums..."di bagay sa yo yan!!!"
hmmm si AJ inggit!!! wahahaha!!! Happy times together :-)

a dream come true

Anawangin one month from now-my post-bday celeb from a dear friend! Thank u K! Here we come!!! Fingers crossed!!!

getting-ready-info from the web :-)

If your idea of a beach trip is chillin’ out by the beach in a hammock, singing around a campfire with a guitar and climbing beach cliffs to wait for the sunset then you should definitely go to Anawangin.

The Beach Cove
Anawangin is a cove in the town of San Antonio in Zambales. It is a beach that has an off-white sand and an evergreen forest cover near the shore (you’ll rarely see a coconut tree in Anawangin). Behind the forest is a small stream that flows out to the sea (During summer this stream dries up into a shallow pond). There are also two beach cliffs bounding the beach, which you can hike up and enjoy the view.

Getting There
Going to Anawangin will approximately take 6 hours. From Manila, you can drive or take a bus to San Antonio, Zambales. Upon arriving at San Antonio you can hire a boat at Pundaquit that will take you to Anawangin. It is advisable to leave Manila at night so it wouldn’t be hot while traveling.

Best Time To Go

The best time to go would be around February when the weather is not too hot and humid, and there are not as many people camping. Though we like the hippie vibe during the Summer months of April and May, the campsite is just too crowded.

What To Bring
There are no modern facilities in Anawangin; there are only a couple of toilets (without roofs) and water pumps as sources of running water. Bring lots of drinking water since drinking from the water pump is not safe, and the weather tends to be too hot at around 12 noon. Also bring your own food, there are no hotels and resorts that could prepare meals for you. For sleeping, you have to bring your own tent and pitch it under the forest cover where it is much cooler than by the shore.

What to do
Anawangin is definitely Boracay’s exact opposite in terms of development, but that doesn’t mean you’ll run out of stuff to do during your stay. Here are some suggested activities you could do aside from lying in a hammock by the beach:

1. Bonfire
Gather fallen twigs and light up a fire for warmth during the night. Bring a guitar so you can sing around the campfire. Just don’t forget to put it out when going to sleep.

2. Climbing
The beach is bound by two cliffs in the north and south. The northern cliff is higher and is not adviseable to trek in since it has loose rocks. The southern cliff is gentler and is easier to climb. You can get a great view of the beach at sunset (just don’t forget to bring flashlights so you could see your way down).

3. Trekking
Behind the evergreen forest is a stream (a dry riverbed in the summer) leading to a large hill. You can trek your way to this hill, just be cautious since there were reports that there are wild animals in this area.

4. Skimboarding
You could bring your skimboard to practice your moves. The beach is great for this activity since it has a fine sand and few rocks.

5. Ultimate Frisbee
Have your group play with you or better yet, invite other campers to join your group for a great game of frisbee.

You can arrange sidetrips with your boatman if you want to go island hopping. Nearby are Capones and Camara Islands. Capones Island is known for its centuries-old Spanish lighthouse while Camara Island is a rock climbing destination. Inform your boatman in advance and clear the details with him since there is no cellphone signal coverage in Anawangin.

Same with travelling anywhere be cautious; the beach has strong undercurrent at times – there was a guy who almost drowned during our stay. There were also reports of wild animals in the forest so please watch out.

With its evergreen forest, gentle stream, breath-taking views and off-white sand, Anawangin is one of the best beaches near Manila for city people who wouldn’t mind roughing it out in the great outdoors.

our first

august 13th was mentioned in the movie...awww!!! of all the 365 dates in a year :-) :-) :-)

True

Ally: I have my dessert first.

Tyler: Is that a political statement? A medical condition, perhaps?

Ally: I just don't see the point in waiting. I mean, what if I die while eating my entree?

Tyler: Is that probable?

Ally: It's possible. What if I choke? What if an asteroid come hurling down onto the restaurant?... I'll tell you what, if you swear on your eternal soul that I'll make it through my entree, then I'll wait. But before you answer, consider that if something does happen, you'll have to live the rest of your life knowing that not only did you lie to me, but you denied of my one last indulgence. Are you prepared to shoulder that kind of responsibility?

Eat, Pray, Love (An Excerpt)

"People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that's what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life.

A true soul mate is probably the most important person you'll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. But to live with a soul mate forever? Nah. Too painful. Soul mates, they come into your life just to reveal another layer of yourself to you, and then leave.

A soul mates purpose is to shake you up, tear apart your ego a little bit, show you your obstacles and addictions, break your heart open so new light can get in, make you so desperate and out of control that you have to transform your life, then introduce you to your spiritual master..." ~ Elizabeth Gilbert

up close

today

reposted from a friend in FB---
photo-weheartit

“With Eyes But Cannot See”

Do not be ungrateful.
Today, before you say an unkind word,
Think of someone who can't speak.
Before you complain about the taste of your food,
Think of someone who has nothing to eat.
Before you complain about your husband or wife,
Think of someone who's crying out to GOD for a companion.
Today, before you complain about life,
Think of someone who died too early on this earth.
Before you complain about your children,
Think of someone who desires children but they're barren.
Before you argue about your dirty house someone didn't clean or sweep,
Think of the people who are living in the streets.
Before whining about the distance you drive,
Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.
And when you are tired and complain about your job,
Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job.
But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another,
Remember that not one of us is without sin.
And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down,
Put a smile on your face and think: you're alive and still around.
And you can still put yourself in the loving mercies of the Savior.

Today may just be your day.

Misha rolls over

Jheng...meet O

another acceptance from a friend when I introduced O...can't help myself documenting their acceptance cause I want to forever cherish how my friends love me so much...

...whoa! believe it or not kinikilig ako while reading this...i am super happy for you sis! napi-feel ko ung happiness mo just by reading this...malaki tlga adjustment kaya 1 step at a time...di kelangan na maging kasing tgal nung before bago mafigure out kung sya na ba tlga for life...minsan mararamdaman mo un kaagad kahit ilang months plang keo magkasama...the happiest times & things sa mundo eh kalimitan nasa mga simpleng tao lang, d ba sabi nga, hanap tayo ng hanap ng magpapasaya sa atin na di natin nakikita nasa harapan na pla natin, face to face pa kaso layo ng tingin natin..

basta dito lang kaming mga friends mo, suportahan ka namin whatever ang maging decision mo, sa 'yo 'yan kasi ikaw ang makikisama pero pag sinaktan ka ulit nyan papasalvage namin yan...heheheheh!

promise ipapakilala mo sa akin yan pag uwi ko ha...can't wait to meet him and to see how happy ka now...ingats plagi and stay happy and pretty! God Bless!

another good read

I Have Learned

I’ve Learned…
That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I’ve Learned…
That when you’re in love, it shows.

I’ve Learned…
That just one person saying to me, “You’ve made my day!” makes my day.

I’ve Learned…
That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I’ve Learned…
That being kind is more important than being right.

I’ve Learned…
That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I’ve Learned…
That I can always pray for someone when I don’t have the strength to help him in some other way.

I’ve Learned…
That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I’ve Learned…
That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I’ve Learned…
That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I’ve Learned…
That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I’ve Learned…
That we should be glad God doesn’t give us everything we ask for.

I’ve Learned…
That money doesn’t buy class.

I’ve Learned…
That it’s those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I’ve Learned…
That under everyone’s hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I’ve Learned…
That the Lord didn’t do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?

I’ve Learned…
That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I’ve Learned…
That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I’ve Learned…
That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I’ve Learned…
That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I’ve Learned…
That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I’ve Learned…
That there’s nothing sweeter than sleeping with your babies and feeling their breath on your cheeks.

I’ve Learned…
That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I’ve Learned…
That life is tough, but I’m tougher.

I’ve Learned…
That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I’ve Learned…
That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I’ve Learned…
That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her, one more time, before she passed away.

I’ve Learned…
That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I’ve Learned…
That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I’ve Learned…
That I can’t choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it.

I’ve Learned…
That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you’re hooked for life.

I’ve Learned…
That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.

I’ve Learned…
That it is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life-threatening situation.

I’ve Learned…
That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

Lovely day!

270610

jogging at 4am -natupad din ang dream ko na makapajogging ulit after coming back from Dubai kasi I do this frequently back there and I missed it. Thanks for the sweet company!

breakfast at 6 am -lucky one!

mass at 6:30 pm -we changed our usual 745 pm Sunday mass because of...

...dinner at 8pm -special because he will cook for me (turbo broiled spring chicken and buttered shrimp yumyum!!) and it will be my first time sa bahay nila... :-)

what a LOVE-ly day!

photo-weheartit