suplada

Bed Weather Songs!

2011-07-26T18:13:00.000-07:00

Most people I know listen to ballads and romantic songs during rainy days. I don't. Instead, I listen to sultry sexy songs. No, I am not a fan of songs with too much profanity except for Damien Rice' Rootless Tree.

It has been raining in the past 3 days here in Manila and I have the perfect playlist for the perfect bed weather. Too bad, office work is not canceled amidst the ~~bed~~ bad weather.

1. Bed by J Holiday - I LOOOOOVE this song! It makes you grind!
2. Body Bumpin' by Public Announcement - CLASSIC! Been listening to this song since the 90's!
3. Can You Handle It by Usher - Usher has a lot of Rated PG songs. This is one of my favorites!
4. Sweet Sexy Thing by NU Flavor - Who doesn't love this song?????
5. Get It On Tonite by Montell Jordan - Montell Jordan is hotttt!

Stay safe everyone.

Love,
Me

Trying

2011-07-26T00:58:00.000-07:00

If you've noticed, I've been trying to update this blog with nonsense posts lately. It was not like my blog in Multiply where a lot of things were happening to me on a daily basis hence, the daily updates.

I describe my life as domesticated. Though I used to hate routines, I have already accepted that being a mother/wife/workaholic, routines are inevitable.

I've said it before, and I'm going to say it again, it is not easy to run a household. Hats off to all full time mothers who do not have helpers at home. You are amazing! AMAZING!

I think I will end this post now, because I don't know what to write anymore. I hope that my blogging juices will be available tomorrow so I can write something sensible. Hehe.

Oh, its a rainy Tuesday. Be safe!

Love love,
Me

Weightless

2011-07-25T02:27:00.000-07:00

So I made a life changing decision last week. I am excited and, well sad at the same time. But I am looking forward to new beginnings, new experiences, new challenges and new friends. I have been listening to Nada Surf's weightless since last week.

Aug 18. I AM SO READY FOR YOU!!!!

I am grateful to all my friends, my mom, my sister and my husband for being supportive. I feel blest.

Anyare of the Day

2011-07-10T22:10:00.000-07:00

Well I got the title of this blog post from Saab Magalona's blog.

GOOD NEWS! We have already launched our store, ThriftShopManila. Jing and I are so thankful with the overwhelming response that we have received!!!!!!

The "Anyare of the Day" is.. we are almost sold out!!!! We have underestimated our capabilities! We shopped for a conservative number of clothes thinking that we will be able to sell them in a week. BUT NO!!! We are almost sold out. It has only been 2 days.

Waaah, we need to source for new items asap to sustain our momentum. God help my schedule.

Don't get me wrong, I am very much happy with the outcome. Everything is so unexpected. Thank you!!!

Please keep visiting the site and we will update the racks as soon as we can.

I still love you,
Me!!! :x

A Thrift Store

2011-07-06T02:44:00.000-07:00

So my dear friend Jing and I will be venturing into something exciting in the coming weeks. We've been friends since Sophomore year in college and we share our love for anything fashionable and cheap.

My love for thrift shops was so evident when I was in College. But when I have started working, I found no time to grace the racks of these quirky stores anymore. Jing on the other hand has collected tons of clothes from stores as far as Davao, Commonwealth, Los Banos, Tagaytay and Surigao. She is just so patient to find the most bongga dresses, skirts and tops. I admire her.

Last week, we decided to start a small online store. We hope to launch it within the month. We just need a few more days to setup the website, to post the stuff that we're selling and voila, you can buy something from our online stor e.

I hope you guys will support it.

I am so excited.

I'm Back (I hope)

2011-07-04T22:50:00.000-07:00

How many times do I have to promise my readers and followers (which are not a lot though) that I will blog again. I tell you, twitter has drained my blogging juices. I'm sure that if I were to consolidate all my tweets in a day, I would come up with a blog post each day. But I find twitter a little more convenient given that ~~I think~~ I'm busy.

blah blah blah.

So, okay, this post will be random. As much as I wanted to tell you a lot of stories, I am running out of words to write.

Whatever.

So if you are still interested with anything that I say follow me on twitter, @bonsuplada.

I promise to try and update this blog every other day!!

Love,
Me

On Self Control

2011-04-03T01:55:00.000-07:00

There were reasons why I have ~~avoided~~ controlled watching TV series for 4 years. The last time I got hooked was when I was still in college. I would skip classes. I would not mind skipping even the crucial classes. (Comsci crap)

I remember getting hooked to Desperate Housewives, Prison Break, My Name is Earl and Sex and the City. I can finish 8-50 min or 12 -25 min episodes in a day without a meal.

Even during crunch times (Read: Thesis days), I would spend 6-7 hours watching. The rest of the day I would cram to make my program work in between meals, debate competitions and dinner dates with my buds. No wonder I slept 3 hours max during my Junior and Senior years in school. I did not drink nor party. I was boring like dut. Okay?

(Jing, Please send me some of our old photos so I can include them here. :S)

So now, I am back and addicted to 2 TV Series. I am hooked. I eat my baon in front of my laptop while watching during weekdays. On weekends, the moment Lily goes to sleep, I would watch several episodes until 2-3 AM.

Chuck and The Mentalist. YOU ARE ADDICTING!

And yes, Parick Jane, I will leave my husband just to be with you. JEJE.

What's your favorite TV show?

Manila Living

2011-03-17T18:00:00.000-07:00

When you've been to places that value space, structure, urban planning and trees, you will feel sorry for yourself, especially if you live in Metro Manila.

City living in the Philippines can be very detrimental to your health.

Pollution
Dirty public toilets
Garbage
Plastic bags everywhere
Too much traffic
Too few trees
Poor conditions of streets and highways
A lot of beggars, street kids, snatchers and criminals of all sort

Don't get me wrong, I am a proud Pinay. I am proud of my brown skin and not too tangos nose. But when you have a 16 month old kid who loves insects, flowers, tress, birds, dogs and anything nature-y you will have to think twice where you will raise her.

Lil Lily loves running in parks. Salcedo Park, Ayala Triangle Gardens and Legazpi Park are the only places in the heart of Metro Manila where you can enjoy fresh air.

If you have a kid, as playful, as curious and as adventurous as Lily, you will have to think of her future.

I don't think we will have public spaces for small kids to play in the near future.
I don't think we will have a decent zoo where you can see a variety of animals and not only snakes in the near future.
I don't think I will be able to see decent trees and plants along EDSA in the near future.

I think it is unfair for Lily if I raise her here. If I do, I will be depriving her from all the beautiful things she should see, touch, feel and enjoy.

:)

P.S.

Later, my girl will be walking down the aisle to shower my cousin's bride with flower petals. I am so excited!

3 Idiots

2011-03-13T04:52:00.000-07:00

This is not a movie review.

Bollywood movies amuse me. The dancing, the Soundtrack, the beautiful costumes and the crowded plot - These are the common things you'll see and watch in each Bollywood flick.

I've watched quite a handful of Indian movies but only a few is worth remembering. 3 Idiots is one of them. Never mind if Aamir Khan is gwapo and the plot is well, a little crowded, the flick boasts morals, comic lines and cute songs.

3 Idiots is highest grossing Bollywood film in net grossing as of today.

And I tell you, Aamir Khan is gwapo.

Watch the trailer here.

Watch it!

Love,
Me

My Cheap Thrills

2011-03-13T03:25:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to share with you my cheap thrills ever since I restarted this blog =) I managed to have extra 15 minutes (Read: Husband is doing his Spartacus workout, daughter is watching Mickey Mouse) to write this quick post.

I drink too much coffee. Right now, I am loving Kopiko Brown Coffee 3-in-one. It's probably the best 3-in-one coffee that is below Php 10. Would've preffered Starbuck's Via pero mahalia sha. I hoard Kopiko Brown Coffee sachets every time I see them in the supermarket. They always run out of stock.

To enjoy your coffee, you must always use your favorite mug, I'm using my Martha Stewart mug. I bought the Maple Leaf set 2 years ago and they're a bargain, roughly around 50% off. I could also use my Starbuck's tumblers which I collect every time I visit a new city but they're "for display only". Jeje.

Lastly, I bought these wall stickers at Landmark's baby section (around Php180/$4.00 for 6 animals) . Lil Lily loves them. I "skillfully" placed them around the bedroom so that the baby can see them all the time. She now knows how to say Pig, Giraffe and Pant (Elephant). She can point at the correct animals too.

I'll try to take pictures of my other cheap thrills soon. Obviously. there are a lot of them. I am a sucker for anything cheap.

I hope you had a good weekend.

Kiss Kiss,
Me!

The Art of Preaching

2011-03-02T22:46:00.000-08:00

A lot of people talk a lot.
A lot of people give advises as if they know it all.
A lot of people think they deserve to give advises just because they think/know they are experienced.

But not a lot of people practice what they preach.

Lesson for today.

Skin Regimen

2011-03-01T00:04:00.000-08:00

After years of trying to find the perfect formula for an effective skin regimen, I have finally found a regimen that works for me and for my budget.

Note: The stuff I am using are not in any way expensive nor sushal. I would've wanted to try Murad or La Mer but I am just an employee with meager salary. I am no general's wife nor an artizzta. Keri?

Whatchunid: You will not use all of these in one day. Don't worry. Overkill yun.

1. Beauty Formulas Apricot Scrub sold at Php 159

2. Active Carbon Soap sold at Php 99 on eBay

3. Glycerin Facial Soap sold at Php80 on eBay

4. Ardent's Moringa O2 toner spritz at Php 199 in Watson's
5. Watson's Green Tea toner at Php 80++ in Watson's

6. Myra E Vita Glow Moisturizer with SPF15 for day use at Php 119 in Watson's

7. Pond's Anti Ageing Night Cream at Php 549 in Watson's
8. Any Eye Cream
9. Used green tea bags
10. Black Pearl mask - I buy boxes of this whenever I am in HK. A box with 10 individually packed masks costs around Php300

11. Blistex Lip Tone with SPF15
Set A -Weekdays
Set B - Weekends

Set A: Morning
1. Wash face with Glycerin Soap. Glycerin soap does not leave your skin dry. Your skin will just be squeaky clean. Use cold water to tighten the pores.
2. Use a cotton or just your hands, smother a good amount of green tea toner in your face and neck.
3. Apply Myra E Vita Glow. This will also serve as your make-up base.
4. Apply Blistex Lip Tone to protect your lips from cracking and the UV rays.

Set A: Night
1. Wash face with Carbon Soap. Carbon Soap absorbs all the impurities that your face has after spending the day out. Imagine the dirt and other pollutants in your face especially if it is oily like mine. Use warm water then rinse with cold water.
2. Apply Moringa O2. This toner is amazing. The olive oil and moringa extracts act as multivitamins to protect your face from ageing!
3. Apply Pond's Age Miracle Cream
4. Use any eye cream that you have
5. Apply Blistex Lip Tone para kissable pa din even at night time :)

Set B: Morning
1. Wash face with Glycerin Soap. Again, use cold water to tighten the pores.
2. Apply Moringa O2 toner.
3. If you are going out, apply Myra E Vita Glow. This will also serve as your make-up base. If not, do not apply any moisturizer. Moringa O2 will serve as your moisturizer already.
4. Apply Blistex Lip Tone

Set B: Night
1. Place 2 used green tea bags in both your eyes. Leave them for 15 minutes
2.Wash face with Apricot Scrub. You have to do a lil scrubbing at least once-twice a week. Use warm water first then rinse with cold water
3. Apply Moringa O2 OR if you have a face mask, use it during the weekends.
4. Apply Pond's Age Miracle Cream
5. Use any eye cream that you have
5. Apply Blistex Lip Tone

This regimen works for me. I have normal-oily face. My eyes are small and puffy every morning hence the green tea bags are a must for me.

La Pinay

2011-02-28T01:28:00.000-08:00

Yen Baet, a Pinay now living abroad made the cut in National Geographic Exceptional Experiences Photo Contest.

She took this picture of Hallsatt Lake in Upper Austria during the favorite hour of photographers, "Blue Hour".

She can win but she will be needing your votes. You can vote for her entry here. You can visit her site too to check on her other photos.

I call our yearbook, YEARSBOOK

2011-02-27T01:55:00.000-08:00

I graduated in 2007. The Yearbook Committee from our batch started collecting yearbook fees January 2007.

Up to now, I do not have a copy. Up to now, nothing has ever been printed.

It is 2011. My daughter can run, speak, sing and even shout at me when she's mad.

Do I have the right to be so annoyed and pissed off.

Of course yes.

There's this yahoogroups of our batch where members can read posts sent by any member. It is the perfect avenue to update people on what the f*ck is happening with the yearbook. Yes? Yes.

We have not received updates regarding it for MONTHS.

So I just have to ask the committee what's up.

This will be long. Bear with me.

Me:
Yearbook Committee,

Any updates?

If matagal ang Elan to process our request why not look for another? It may not be that simple but we have all the right to pull out our order. As mentioned in the previous thread, nakaline up pa yung pang 2008 or whatever year ang nakaline up, I think it will be very stupid for us to believe Elan's excuse.

We have all the right to remove the order from them since they can't keep up with their promise.

Just my thoughts.

I would be very happy if one of the organizers will care to reply or update this thread.

Everybody has the right to know what's up.

Thank you.

Committee Member:

Hello xxxxx, everyone,

I hope all is fine and well for all you guys.

I just had a phone conversation with the owner of Elan regarding our yearbook. The thing is that we're now second on queue sa production. They're finishing up with one more YB and then we're going to mass print. We're not posting updates so often since we do not have anything to really update you guys with.

Yes, it is our right to pull out our order and look for someone else to print this. In fact, I have contemplated on this idea before. In order to do that, we and Elan have to settle for how much of our payment will be refunded for the printing. This'll not be an easy task since we already consumed part of the package fee with our grad pictorials, printing, framing, as well as other stuff like the grad banners and tshirts. We can pull out but I'm afraid that it'll just put us on a financial disadvantage that may ultimately lead to not having the YB printed at all. Plus, of course, it'll consume a lot of time to move from one printing office to another, which the committee members cannot afford to give right now.

I hope I made that clear enough.

Again, I personally apologize for this. I know you may feel that we are not acting promptly and diligently regarding this concern. I just hope you guys understand that the committee members all have busy lives to deal with, just like the rest of us. We are begging for your utmost consideration and patience.

Thank you very, very much.

Best Regards,
xxxxxxx

Me:

xxxxxx,

Thank you for the quick response. I think the group has been considerate enough to actually wait up to 4 years just for the yearbook to be printed. More so, we understand that the committee members are also busy with their own personal lives.

However, I think that it is an invalid excuse to not update the group for
several months. And If I am not mistaken, the committee was also out of the loop for years. It was only in 2009 or 2010 when this group became active in
discussing about the updates on YB.

The fact that we are 2nd in production is an update enough for us. After
all, we have the right to know it. So thank you for that.

I just hope that Elan has already given you a timeline as to when is the ETA of the YB. I don't want to wait another 4 years for this.

Also, Elan and the committee should have a WRITTEN agreement on
what will be the mutually acceptable timeline for both parties.

Mutually acceptable to me is that I want to get a copy of the YB this year.
I don't know with the others though.

Thank you for the good work.

Forgive me for being frank.

Committee Member:

xxxxxx, Everyone,

Thanks for the response. Your frankness is welcome and needed.

Regarding the queue update, I just got it today from Elan. I check them
every once in a while to see the progress. They'll tell me how long the
queue is, usually. We do not relay those types of info to you guys since we
feel that it's really irrelevant since our next milestone is to actually be
on printing, and ultimately, to finish publishing. I guess, I just thought
wrong that you guys are not concerned with the queue status.

Last time though, I gave the contact info of Elan. I believe that some ofyou actually contacted them personally and got the same thing that I've been telling you guys for months now. We're in a waiting line.

In terms of not updating you guys regularly, we're very sorry. Again, it's
something we hesitate to do when we do not have anything significant to
offer. But some of you usually pm, email, or text me for updates. I promptly
reply to those queries, as far as I can remember. Though I just give them
the same thing that I say on group emails.

Elan told me that we're going to hit the big printers this March. I am
supposed to visit their office next week but I rescheduled it to this
Saturday, to make things a little quicker.

We will be pushing Elan to finish everything this first half of the year.
Granted that I keep on getting updates from them since last year, and some
of you already contacted them personally, I know that they already feel the
pressure of actually delivering as soon as possible.

Thank you, once again.

Me:
Hello xxxxx,

The additional written agreement can be very simple. I think there is an
impetus for us to do this because they have been breaching the contract
already (I hope there is a contract or an agreement to begin with). In fact,
we are being so kind for giving them this much time to print a freaking
yearbook of how many people? 100? 150? We are not asking them to print the
graduates of the whole university. Are we?

If I may suggest, the statement can be as simple as this.

"There was a delay in the printing of the yearbook of_____. The group is
eager to see the end result and the timeline that the group is giving "Elan"
is 8 months from the date this agreement has been executed. Failure to
comply will result to a 50% discount to the outstanding balance owed by the
group "

OR

"There was a delay in the printing of the yearbook of_____. The group is
eager to see the end result and the timeline that the group is giving "Elan"
is 8 months from the date this agreement has been executed. Failure to
comply will force the group to pull out the account and ask for a 100%
refund "

I'm sure the committee will be able to agree on the terms but please give
them a deadline. Of course we can make the agreement formal and
legal-sounding. We are the customers and we have all the right to give them
the deadline. Whether marami silang piniprint.

Nothing will happen if we are just going to be passive about the whole
thing. Forcing them just by talking and not have a binding agreement will
result to nothing. Even if we complain, wala tayong habol.

As you mentioned, they don't have clients anymore, and us pulling the
account from them is suicide for Elan.

If you need help on the agreement, I can help you on it. But believe me,
walang mangyayari kung puro usap usap lang sa kanila.

Thank you.

Committee Member:

Hello xxxxxx, Everyone,

Thank you for your suggestions.
Come Saturday, when I get to personally meet Elan's owner, I will demand
for something more solid than mere promises and words. I will see to it that
your ideas be taken into consideration. Until then, I have nothing more to
offer to you guys.

I will let you know on Saturday the results of our discussion with Elan.
Again, thank you very much.

Committee Member's Friend:

Guys, wala tong input sa progress ng YB pero just to give roj credit, he
volunteered for this responsibility (i think na no choice din siya in a way)
and is not being paid for his time and efforts (including his trips to elan
and YB meeting spots). i'm a close friend and I know that he always has this
at the back of his head while the rest of us live our lives without much
worry. So what am I saying... but just be a bit more understanding and tone
down a bit on the emails. :) or if you have something stronger to say, you
can always PM him.
Of course, suggestions and help are very welcome.

Me:

xxxx,

Thank you. We hope we'll receive a very good feedback from Elan and that the
result will be favorable to our group.

Everyone,

I believe that the emails sent to this group are not in any way to bring down an individual or the committee per se. If you find it strong and frank, then I guess the committee has to deal with it after all, I think there are a lot of people who have the same sentiments like I do. It just so happens that someone must step up and ask about it so everyone will be informed.

Moreover, I think that this group has been created to have an open discussion on what is really happening on the YB. Everyone is free to give suggestions,recommendations or even puna as to how slow this endeavor is or has become.

I also think that the YB committee has done a good job the fact that the yearbook is already on queue. But as suggested, we should be proactive and strict to Elan to give us the deliverables ASAP after all we paid for it.

Just my thoughts.

Thanks

Committee Member:

Hello xxxxx, Everyone,

I just came from Elan to discuss the issues we have for the yearbook. Our YB is already in the printing press but is still on hold for printing since they are working on another one, due to finish this month. We will be prioritized in the production starting next week. Printing will start between first and second week of March. Binding, covers, and other print-related tasks will be done by the last week of April and we will be able to distribute by the 1st week of May.

I pointed out our option of writing a binding agreement for this time table to make sure that it will be followed. They said that we can do it but given that we are already right there on top of the priority queue, it may not be necessary to do so.

They have gave their word that they will follow the time table strictly. I am opting to give them the last chance. I will closely monitor production starting next week and if I see that we are getting delays again, we will opt to write that binding agreement.

So there you have it, we are aiming for a May release for this. I'll just keep you posted with the progress.

I hope you're all OK with this. Please feel free to email your comments and concerns. And to those who still have outstanding balances, please pay up. :P

Thanks a lot!

Me:

xxxxxxx,

Thank you for the update. Now that's good news. I still would want to push for a written agreement though. But if your decision is not to do it then I am fine by it.

Thanks!

-------End of thread-------

Eh di biglang nagkaron ng update at ng date of release. Goodness, why wait for someone to send a frank email and insist the opinion of the majority. Call me rude but I am sorry. I want my money's worth. I want to see my picture when I was slimmer. And I want a freaking yearbook!!!!

And by the way, you volunteered for that responsibility, panindigan mo.

Just saying.

Xoxo,
Me!

Must.Blog.Again

2011-02-27T01:42:00.000-08:00

I am sorry. I have been out for a while. I am actually shocked that I still have some visitors here. I've been a very irresponsible blogger.

I blame it to motherhood and well, twitter. I was backtracking my tweets an hour ago and realized that If I gathered all my 3000++ tweets, I could come up with several posts.

Yes, I still rant. A lot.

So I will try to go back to blogging and update this at least twice a week. I hope that my sense of humor is still intact so I can still make you guys laugh.

And yeah, if you're on twitter.. http://twitter.com/#!/bonsuplada

Kiss Kiss...

---
Me

Bongga Ka, Charice

2010-05-25T18:15:00.001-07:00

From this

to this

And now, this

Kalowka ka. Hindi kita kinaya.

Source: Inquirer

Because I said so

2010-04-15T04:55:00.000-07:00

I remember, people telling me, including my husband, that being a mother requires a lot of sacrifices that include giving up my dreams for myself. They said I should dream for our family instead.

I do not necessarily agree.

Sure, I gotta sacrifice a lot of things now that I have a family and our financial resources are somehow limited. But I never, never stopped dreaming and praying for my dreams to come true.

I still want to take up my MBA.
I still want to buy a vacation house for my mother.
I still want to go to Europe with my family.
I still want to be a UN volunteer.
And I still want that Chanel bag and those Louboutin pumps.

The only sacrifice I am doing now is to wait a lil longer for these dreams to come true. It is frustrating at times but I promised myself to change my perspective from this day onwards.

After all, frustration and stress kill.

And yes, Happiness is a choice.

Screw Meralco

2010-04-12T21:42:00.000-07:00

A lot us have been complaining about our electric bills last March..

Ours tripled compared to February. We've paid almost $100 for a humble 2 bedroom apartment with 1 window type .75 hp ac, 6 cu.ft with frost fridge, a flat screen tv that is on for 3 hours max a day. Been using energy bulbs in all the rooms and electric fans during daytime.

What we paid is equivalent to a US home with centralized air-conditioning.

Sure, your bills may be higher compared to ours but we have very minimal appliances. And our household size is small.

Screw Meralco.

How much was your electric bill last March?

Courage

2010-04-08T02:28:00.000-07:00

It took me a lot of courage to write about my illness.

I really don't want to tell everyone on what my health status is because I keep on thinking that it's really nothing.

You see, thyroid cancer will not shorten my life, -year wise. And if you do a research about it, it is something that you can cure. Remove the thyroid, undergo radio iodine therapy and recurrence is unlikely to happen.

What stresses me is the idea that I have to deal with the C word at my age. Never mind if it's serious, dreaded or not. Never mind if 100% it can be cured. The psychological and emotional effects are way beyond you can imagine.

Lately, I feel that my world has stopped. Going to and from the hospital to get my TSH and FT4 checked. I feel so guilty for my family and my daughter for not being so brave enough to face this.

Here I am, inside the busy environment of the office, trying to conceal my illness in the hopes that they will trust me that I can pull off my responsibilities anytime of the day.

It's tough. I am hungry for emotional support and ~~retail therapy~~.

I am just awaiting the go signal of my gwapong endocrinologist so that I could undergo the therapy soon.

After that, I will break free.

Ugh, Irritating How Rich Pinoys Spend their Money

2010-03-20T04:51:00.000-07:00

Rich Filipinos spend more than Asian counterparts: study

MANILA, Philippines - Wealthy Filipinos spend more than rich Singapore and Hong Kong residents do, especially every month on groceries, travel and utilities payment, a survey by payments technology firm Visa International Inc. revealed.

Visa’s poll on spending patterns and perspectives of high-income households revealed that “affluent” Filipinos —households with a minimum P0.1-million monthly net income—spend on average $2,401 (roughly P116,940), following the rich Japanese with $2,541 monthly spend (P123,746.70 at $1=P48.70) and the top-spender Australians at $3,851 (P187,561.80).

The spending is apparently a combination of cash and credit transactions.

In dollar terms, the 500 respondents from the Philippines spend more than those in Hong Kong ($2,327) and Singapore ($2,152). The rich in India are the lowest spenders in the nine countries and territories polled with a monthly average total spend of $693.

According to the document from Visa, they commissioned the poll “to further understand the attitudes, motivations and behaviors of affluent consumers. By doing so, Visa is able to provide better products to suit affluent consumers’ everyday lives.”

The company said the survey interviewed 500 respondents belonging to the AB segment in each of nine Asia-Pacific countries and territories: Australia, Japan, South Korea, India, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Philippines.

“All respondents were aged 18 and above and of equal gender split. For the Philippines, these are people with a household income of at least P100,001 per month.”

Social habits

Like their fellow Asians, these Filipinos spend time surfing the Internet once a week or more (74% versus the regional average of 93%) and exercise “to keep fit and healthy” (63% vs. the region’s 73% average).

In terms of social habits, majority (91%) of the affluent Filipinos polled prefer being with their families; the regional average is 92%.

This is followed by entertaining guests at home (42% said they do this once a week, while 37% said they do this about once a month). But those who said they eat out with friends and family at gourmet restaurants once a month are more (49%) than those who do this once a week (41%).

Only a percentage of the respondents said they never engage in this social activity.

About 45 affluent Filipinos shop on the Internet about once a week or more, while 20% of those polled said they buy something online once a month. Those who said they never transact online account for 35% of the respondents in the Philippines.

Top purchases

The survey revealed that a large proportion of monthly spend for affluent Filipinos go to grocery purchases (14%), travel (12%) and utilities payment (10%).

At fourth and fifth spots are mortgage/rental and luxury goods, respectively, both allotted an 8% share of the total 15 spending categories.

The items least spent on (2%) are on music, compact discs, digital video discs and books.

“Affluent Filipinos are the most likely to spend the highest proportion of their budget on groceries among…counterparts from the Asia-Pacific countries and territories included in the survey.”

The percentage of affluent Filipinos who said they shop for cosmetics and perfumes once a month are higher than those who buy luxury apparels and accessories and clothing brands (36%), the latest electronics gadget (19%), and designer jewelry (18%).

Interestingly, there are those who buy such items about once a week or more: 8% on cosmetics and perfumes; 7% on luxury apparels and accessories and clothing brands; 2% on electronics gadget; and 2% also on designer jewelry.

The affluent Indians and Chinese (65% and 50%, respectively) lead the monthly spend on cosmetics and perfumes. Still, “affluent Filipino respondents are willing to spend more on long-term luxury items and experiences such as their child’s wedding [with average amount of P188,112], home entertainment system [at P42,727], and luxury weekends for two [for P28,339].”

Weddings, parties

Child’s wedding tops maximum spend in region

The top three categories for maximum spend in the region are child’s wedding, jewelry and home entertainment.

Other categories that affluent Filipinos spend on, in decreasing spend allocation, are jewelry, personal digital assistant or mobile phone, watch, annual donations to charity, a night out with friends or family, a pair of shoes, a dinner for two at a fine-dining restaurant, and a bottle of wine.

According to Visa, affluent Singaporean respondents are the most willing to spend extravagantly on their child’s wedding (spending $14,242) and jewelry (spending $1,933), while affluent Australian respondents are twice as willing to spend on home entertainment system compared with other marketplaces ($2,166).

Uncertain future

During crunch time, majority of the respondent affluent Filipinos said they will consider reducing their spending on nonessentials as a result, despite their tendency to be optimistic in terms of their attitude toward the Asian economy.

Only 2 out of 5 of the affluent Filipino respondents were uncertain or felt negatively toward the future.

Among those who are uncertain of what to expect about the Asian economy, 88% will consider reducing their spending.

“This percentage was the highest among the affluent people interviewed from nine countries and territories included in the survey,” Visa said, noting that “Singaporean respondents at 83% and Taiwanese respondents at 80% were second and third, respectively, as the next most likely to consider reducing spending.”

Visa added: “Spend reduction of affluent Filipino respondents will mostly impact nonessentials such as electronic appliances [85% of respondents, the highest among Asia-Pacific countries and territories included in survey], luxury goods [81%] and entertainment [78%].”

The survey revealed that affluent Filipinos’ spend on fashion, skin-care products/cosmetics are less affected.

The regional average on expected reduction to discretionary spending indicates that dining (at 67%), luxury goods (at 66%) and entertainment (at 62%) are the first three to be cut.

Source

Kaya ako bitter sa mga mayayaman.

Hug Yourself

2010-03-19T05:55:00.000-07:00

Mood: Super sad...

John Mayer in Manila

2010-03-17T23:04:00.000-07:00

Breathe Bons, Breathe.

My take on bad news and negativities

2010-03-15T06:17:00.000-07:00

A: "Hi"
Suplada: "Hi!"
A: "Naala mo pa ako?"
Suplada: "Uhm, hindi na eh. Sorry"
A: "Pinsan mo ako. Anak ako ni *****"
Suplada: "Ah, Hi! Kamusta?"
A: "Ayun si momi, nastroke, patay na ang kalahati ng katawan niya."

Ever since I became a mother I enjoy life and I value it as much as I could. I don't want negativities. I don't want bad news. I don't want drama. I don't talk to drama queens (Except my mom).

If we parted ways or we lost contact or for some reason we were unable to talk for quite some time, please give me space to remember you or at least spare me from all the bad news and negativities.

Ok?

Let's just spread joy, peace and love. After all, Christmas is just 9 months away.

Mood: Dizzy

Words for Women to Live By in 2010

2010-03-15T01:34:00.000-07:00

I just had to repost this.

Words for Women to Live By in 2010

1. Aspire to be Barbie - the bitch has everything.
2. If the shoe fits - buy them in every color.
3. Take life with a pinch of salt.... A wedge of lime, and a shot of tequila.
4. In need of a support group? - Cocktail hour with the girls!
5. Go on the 30 day diet.
6. When life gets you down - just put on your big girl panties and deal with it.
7. Let your greatest fear be that there is no PMS and this is just your personality.
8. I know I'm in my own little world, but it's okay. They know me here.
9. Lead me not into temptation, I can find it myself.
10. Don't get your knickers in a knot; it solves nothing and makes you walk funny.
11. When life gives you lemons in 2010 - turn it into lemonade then mix it with vodka.
12. Remember where ever there is a good looking; sweet, single or married man there is a woman tired of his bullshit!
13. Keep your chin up, only the first 40 years of parenthood are the hardest.
14. If it has Tires or Testicles it's gonna give you trouble.
15. By the time a women realizes her mother was right, she has a daughter who thinks she's wrong.

Mood: Excited

Too Bad Its T-Shirt Weather Here

2010-03-11T04:56:00.000-08:00

My eyes are drooling with envy.

Source: The Sartorialist

Quarter Life Shit

2010-03-10T23:44:00.000-08:00

I just realized that I'm 25.

Then I asked myself...

When was the last time I did something for the first time?
Then I answered, 6 months ago. I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl.

But that was half a year ago. I need to think of something else to do for the first time.

Any ideas?

ACK!!!!

2010-03-10T20:05:00.000-08:00

In my attempt to reassure myself that I'm still lucky to be living in the Philippines, I tried to look for the dirtiest cities in the world. Surprisingly AND thankfully ,there was no Philippine city in the list.

Rudnaya Pristan, Russia - Just about everything in and around this 90,000-person city is full of lead from smelting operations. The plant has been shut down, and plans are being readied for repairs to lives and land.

Ranipet, India - Ranipet’s pollution can affect up to 3 million people, as it is upstream from populous Chennai. Its tannery waste amounted to 1,500,000 tons a year of toxic material. There is contamination of ground and water. There are efforts being made at containment.

Norlisk Russia - The former slave labor site has a range of pollutants including Strontium-90, Cesium-137 and lesser evils, including hydrogen sulfide. It still holds the world's largest heavy metal smelting complex.
Mailuu-Suu Kyrygzstan - Mailuu-Suu has been a source of multiple disasters. It was a huge uranium processing center. The bombs are somewhere else, but there remains 1.96 million cubic meters of mining waste that is radioactive. The World Bank is starting a containment project in this seismically active area. Linfen, China - Linfen is not alone among polluting cities in China, but it is one of the greatest offenders. It suffers from pollutants such as fly-ash, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, arsenic, lead and nitrogen oxides. Coal mining, burning and hauling are responsible for a great deal of this dirtiness, which affects the air, the ground and the water
La Oroya, Peru - A poly-metallic smelter has exposed La Oroya citizens to toxic emissions for decades. This has resulted in high lead levels in the blood of the children of the city of 35,000. Nearly 100% of the children are over-exposed. The city also suffers from sulfur dioxide emissions, and this has killed the surrounding vegetation.

Source: Forbes.com

In Russia and Central Asia they emit pollutants that I've never heard of. Strontium-90, Cesium-137? What are these? What are its usage? Can somebody enlighten me?

The other day, I was reading about Dalai Lama, Falun Gong and China issues.
Yesterday, I was reading about Baghdad's list of insurgencies, human bombs and Sunni and Shia Muslims.
Today, I'm reading uranium, strontium, Russia and Kyrygzstan.

I wonder what I would do tomorrow.

Mood: Geeky!

Life changing

2010-03-08T23:16:00.001-08:00

All of us will at some point experience life changing situations. Life changing situations that we think will bring either the most positive things or the other way around.

At 25, I've experienced quite a few life changing situations that made me become who I am now.

I experienced a life threatening 7.6 magnitude earthquake when I was 6 years old. I saw people rolling down the streets of Baguio. I was holding a statue of Santo Nino while I heard my sister crying. She was 1 year old. We were all alone with my mother and our yayas. My father was in Manila that time. I'm sure he was freaking out too.

My dad died when I was 18. It was a sudden death. My dad never saw my achievements after high school.

I got married at 24 due to some reasons that I would rather not elaborate. It was a tough decision.

I don't know what my point really is. But if you noticed, I rarely complain anymore in this blog. I used to rant and complain a lot. I'm a changed woman now. Not that I'm nicer. LOL. It's just that motherhood has really taught me to become more patient and to think twice every time I make decisions.

Early this morning, I was talking to my doctor to schedule my long over due surgery. This was supposed to be done in February but because of some conflicts, it has been moved.

Scheduling my surgery was much more difficult than I thought it would be. I know that everything will turn out fine. As my sister always tells me, I have the best doctors. But the idea that I'll have to be in the table again and all sorts of machines will be connected to my not so frail body are kinda freaky. Especially now, that being healthy is the most important thing in my list. I need to be strong and healthy for my baby.

You see, my friends of my age decide on which shoes to buy, or where to go this summer or what top will best suit them. On the other hand, I decide when my surgery would be, what milk should I buy and which diaper will best fit Lily.

It's all about perspective, choices and priorities. Mine are a lot different now. I'm not saying I miss being single, but I'm also wishing that I could do some things that single people do all the time.

Yes, I miss shopping. :x

On a positive note

2010-02-25T20:37:00.001-08:00

Mood: In Love =)

On Elections

2010-02-25T00:14:00.000-08:00

I still believe that Manny V. is GMA's pet.

Manny V as President and GMA as Speaker of the House is a deadly combination. (And the idea that Bong Revilla is topping the survey is super suicide)

Very lethal. Be careful. Be very careful with your choice.

Fishbone

2010-02-22T18:53:00.000-08:00

I like fish. I eat fish almost everyday for health reasons. I like fresh tuna, salmon, tulingan tilapia, galunggong. I like bangus (milkfish) too. But I have issues with fish bones/"tinik". Husband or mum has to sit beside me when I eat fish because the tinik, no matter how small or big it is, it always gets stuck in my larynx.

Like right now, I am so pissed because the tinik that got stuck last night is still making me uncomfortable.

I know how to remove it but these tips aren't really solving this. I eat banana. I eat sticky rice. I drink loads of water but the tinik is still there. HELP!

Crap!

Slice N' Dice

2010-02-21T22:52:00.000-08:00

Last night I was craving for red meat, a medium rare T-Bone steak. But with not much budget (Read: I have a daughter) to really spend on expensive food, I asked husband to treat me.

I heard a lot of things about Slice N' Dice. They said that the steak there is good and cheap.

It was ok. Not bad for 99 pesos.

I can't say that I'm a steak eater but my dad taught me how to determine if the meat is good. I should know it because I like my steak, medium rare. My mum would shriek every time I ask for a "hilaw" steak.

The bad..

1. I don't like my steak when they put the gravy on top of it. I like the gravy to be in another saucer.
2. I prefer Tabasco. Not Mama Sita's hot sauce
3. There was no mashed potato nor salad in the menu. I ended up eating T-Bone Steak with rice which for me is a booboo.

The good..

1. It's 99 pesos! 99 pesos for a T-Bone is a good deal eh?
2. Their Ice cream cake is good.
3. They are open until 11PM

All in all it was good and worth it. Though the steak is thin, but it's just enough to satisfy my cravings in the middle of the night.

You can find them here.

Back!

2010-02-21T22:28:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I last blogged. I kinda miss updating my readers. I still hear from them and they tell me that they miss my stories, rants and what have you.

I decided to find time everyday to write a blogpost.

Here are some updates

1. Lily has just started eating solids. She's now eating ground rice and soy. Tomorrow, I will start with some squash and potatoes. She's a fun baby. She grabs her spoon and she wants to finish what's in her bowl.

2. My Vday wasn't really exciting because I was sick in bed the whole day. I ended up at the ER of MMC nursing acute gastroenteritis. This is the 2nd time in 2 months. My body has completely deteriorated after the CS and the thyroidectomy.

3. My work now is much more exciting in a way that I handle something major now in the company. It's a pretty hard project/product but I'm really crossing my fingers to pull it off.

I guess this post is not really fun. I actually find this boring and common but give me some time to extract some of my creative juices again. I don't want to become a boring momma!

Lily and I on a Sunday morning

Back to regular programming

2009-10-20T17:23:00.000-07:00

So for 10 months, I really did not call myself fasyon. I did not buy any floral maternity dresses. I just bought formless dresses that were somehow up to date.

Now that I'm ALMOST back to my pre- pregnancy shape, I'd like to bring back style to my life. Time to open up my cabinet again and look for the things I have instead of buying new stuff.

I miss wearing my chucks and my loose pants. This I can pull off.

from http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/

My pair of gold ballet flats is somewhere. MUST FIND IT.

from http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/

I have to go to an Ukay shop to get the perfect pair of cotton pants. I have my espadrilles already which I got on Sale from Nine West. I haven't worn it for the past 8 months.

from http://sentimental-style.blogspot.com/

I wish I were this thin. I really love Jane of Sea of Shoes. I've featured her a couple of times in this blog.

from http://seaofshoes.typepad.com

And this I should wear. I love it!

from http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/

I went out last night. I really didn't look dashing but what the heck.

My nose is still a little swollen. Or ganyan na ata talaga yan.

Her Antics

2009-10-17T15:40:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love her antics?

Her toothless smile.

Her bouts of curiosity.

Her facial expression when she's hungry.

EYE LOVE =)

Can I Just Rant Muna?

2009-10-14T00:37:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, Fred asked me out on a date. I was hesitant because the only places I've been to for the past month were the hospital and the grocery.

Sure, I've been to Glorietta a couple of times but just to check the prices of formula milk and diapers. Landmark has the cheapest prices. Next to Puregold.

Back to the date, I gave in. We went to High Street. Bought the nicest umbrella at Dimensione. It was a nice afternoon. Topshop was on sale and I saw the prettiet Indian inspired sandals. It fit me well but I didn't buy it. I'm still ~~thinking~~ dreaming about it up to now but diapers, formula and vaccines come first. I'm a mother now and I just can't buy anything out of impulse.

I just wish I'm earning money during my maternity leave but my company doesn't offer that benefit (Ok, they're Chinese). So we try to maximize Fred's salary, our ~~depleted~~ depleting savings and my limited salary from my sideline. (No, I'm not an Avon dealer nor Mikey's kabit.)

Just like everyone else who would drop by at that sassy/posh commercial center, we went to Krispy Kreme (I was hoping for a free glazed donut but to no avail). I noticed that everybody inside the store brought their mini EEE PCs with them. (Is that the new black?). I'm really not a fan of that gadget. I simply don't like it. (Sorry Migy). To my surprise, everybody was just facebooking.

I mean, are you serious? You'd go to High Street just to buy 2 donuts, plug your mini pc, and stay for hours just to harvest your crops, answer quizzes and stalk people's profile? I don't get it. People have internet connection at home right? I mean I expect those who can spare 42 pesos for donuts to have internet connection at home. And I also think that customers who really like to eat donuts and drink brewed coffee (like us) deserve a table. After all, Krispy Kreme will have higher ROI on customers like us compared to them.

Time flies...

2009-10-07T16:29:00.000-07:00

Today is Lily's first month.

And I also had my nails painted red again after 10 months.

=)

Today.....

2009-10-07T02:46:00.000-07:00

I really feel sad and helpless. My surgery has been killing me the past days. I avoid drinking painkillers because these make me doze. Instead, I try as much as possible to play with Lily, the only joy I have right now.

This was what happened.

Meet Mr. Pillow 1. Her hotdog pillows give her security. Never never pull Mr. Pillow when it's between her legs.

Meet Mr. Froggy, Lily's best friend next to mummy.

She woke up looking for Mr. Froggy. I had to put him on top of her pillow so I could capture a decent picture.

I tried to hide Mr Froggy from her. She was looking for him and gave me THE STARE.

Our first decent picture together. I was trying to make her smile. She looked at the camera when I pointed at it.

At the end of OUR afternoon session, she will reward me her toothless grin that rocks my world. She grinned right after I tickled her cheek.

How was your day?

PS: Notice the colorful sheets that we use. Her eyes are working very well now and we make sure that our bedroom is colorful enough.

Looklet is LOVE :)

2009-10-06T19:44:00.000-07:00

While waiting for Pepeng (who the f named this storm anyway), I've whipped up a couple of new looks in my Looklet account. I'm telling you this is addicting!
I've posted some looks a few days ago. Click this.

Let's get to know THE BOSS

2009-09-28T22:24:00.000-07:00

Yes, it was also raining hard in our area last Saturday but Thank God it didn't flood here. There was no power nor water interruption. We only had cable interruption hence, I kept myself updated online.

Our house is a bit in a mess lately because the sun only decided to show up now. When you have a newborn in the house, it is expected that you do the laundry everyday. It is ideal to wash baby's stuff as soon as it has been used so as not to attract too much germs.

Yes we try as much as possible to use lampins to give Lily some air during daytime and to lessen the expenses. :)

You see, Lily is a little particular when she poo poos. She wants her diapers clean, dry and new when she decides to poop. Else, she will hold it.

She didn't poop the whole night so when she pooped this morning she was making ire. She's not constipated don't worry

You have to give her time to do this. You don't want to piss her off. She gets too cranky

Lily is very demanding at night. She doesn't like to sleep in her crib. She wants to sleep on top of me (that doesn't sound right though) until she wakes up the next morning. Hence, I already mastered the art of not moving when I sleep at night. I don't want to crush her. Sometimes she just wants to sleep beside mummy and daddy so we put her in the middle.

Go figure how Fred and I sleep if she decides to sleep there.

In 7 days, she will be a month old. Time flies so fast. I love being with her. She is developing her own style as early as now and I'm loving every minute of it. When daddy is around, she listens to Bach, Chopin anad Pachelbel. When mummy is around, she listens to U2, DMB, The Script, Coldplay, The Fray, Lady Gaga and Enya (lol). She also likes watching Animal Mechanicals, Diego and Dora in the morning. (I try to make her sleep during Wowowee. I don't want her to hear CONGRAKCHULEYSHONS)

Don't grow up fast my little one.

She knows how to remove her booties, mittens and bonnet without me knowing it. Her layette is all over the place when we carry her around.

You don't want to grab her pacifier if you don't want WAR.

Relief Centers are running out of goods to repackage. If you could bring and give so more please do so...

2009-09-27T17:06:00.000-07:00

Quezon City:

- Ateneo De Manila University
- Please bring packed/cooked food to 12 Denmark, Loyola Grand Villas, QC, .
- Balay Expo Center in Cubao, Edsa cor McArthur
- #13 Examiner st., West Triangle, QC.

Manila:

- DLSU will be accepting any and all kinds of donations s

PASIG:

- Poveda School (beside galleria) opens 9AM tomorrow and is open to all volunteers and any kind of donations.

- CFC Center in Ortigas is receiving donations in cash or in kind. Call (02)7270682-87 or 09195359036.

MAKATI:

- Assumption College, San Lorenzo Village, Makati

- Rockwell Powerplant Mall: At Shops: Aranaz, Luca, Greyone social.

TAGUIG or FORT area:

- Embassy superclub in the fort.

PASAY city:

- Manila Doctors College Speech Lab., Macapagal Blvd, PasayCity

SAN JUAN area:

- Xavier school, volunteers will sort and bring to Ateneo. this is till12nn.

FAIRVIEW area:

- Help needed in Fairview and Novaliches. Please send clothes, food, water, meds & blankets to the Divine Savior Parish in North Fairview.

Source: http://superbianca.blogspot.com

EYE LOVE

2009-09-25T02:57:00.000-07:00

When you are happy with your domestic life and
you have a savvy internet connection and
you don't want to read anything about politics and
your baby is sleeping soundly and
you're not allowed to get a pedicure nor a manicure yet and
you don't have money to go shop (I HATE YOU MIKEY ARROYO) and
you're waiting for your crops at Barn Buddy to grow and
you're boobs are not that engorged yet for pumping.....

You must SIGN UP for thingamajigs like this http://looklet.com/
and create these....

Which is the best?

The New Superstar

2009-09-21T00:49:00.000-07:00

My husband misses Lily more than he misses me.
My mom loves Lily more than she loves me.
My sister is more excited to see Lily more than she is excited to see me.
My friends ask details about her more than they ask details about my recovery.
My blog posts are all about her more than about me or fasyon, politics or showbizzz.
My boss sent me a Skype message asking about her condition and not me.
Boxes from my relatives in the US all contain baby stuff.

I guess my Lily is the new superstar. (Not that I am a superstar. eh...)

and I am her number 1 fan.

MY ISSUES

2009-09-17T22:48:00.000-07:00

On Pumping Milk...
Bons: I can only pump at an average of 2 ounces or at most 3 ounces per session.
Other women: They pump at an average of 6-8 ounces per session
Babies: They need around 4-5 ounces per feeding

Note: I pump milk every 2 hours 24/7.

On Nipple Size...
Bons: Mine are flat or sometimes inverted.
Other women: Theirs are an inch long. Sometimes longer than that. My kasambahay showed me hers. Hers are LOOOOOONG.
Babies: They love nipples that are similar to bottle teats.

On Pre-pregnancy Weight...
I only have 2 kilos to lose so that I'd be back to my pre-pregnancy weight. And it was just only a week. I like that but I think it's too fast.

On Lily...
She lost weight. She's doing fine but she lost weight. I cannot give too much milkl. I feel like I'm a bad mother. The doctor told us to buy some formula milk for supplements. I will continue pumping.

On Post Partum Depression...
They say that new mothers experience this. Husband and my mom told me that I have a very mild case. Yes, I cry in the middle of the night. Yes, I feel sad when I'm alone. Yes, I miss the outside world. But with just one look at my Lily, everything just seems to be fine. (Amidst all the bills to be paid.) I HATE YOU MIKEY ARROYO.

On Politics...
Erap is so buking already. I also don't like the idea that Noynoy and Erap are talking about stuff. Noynoy will just be manipulated by other people if he gets the position. I don't know who to vote for anymore. Gibo is too gay for me. I think he goes to the derma more often than I do. No offense.

On Wowowee...
Eye love Pokwang. I hate Ms. KONGRAKCHULEYSHONS. She's so malaki. Para siyang BAKA. To be fair ang kinis ng kili kili niya. How do you achieve that?

On Stretch Marks...
I have stretchmarks. I wish I could be like Dawn Zulueta. You know that big billboard over at EDSA. That picture was taken when she was pregnant. She's so flawless. The people at MMC Delivery room assured me that it was photoshopped. Even my doctor told me it was photoshopped. She was their patient too. I kinda feel glad about it.

As a Sister...
I'm so proud of Ja. I hope she gets it and matuloy siya. I will let you know more about it pag confirmed na. Ja congrats :) I'm so proud of you.

Okay back to pumping. Sorry about this nonsense crap.

Her first sunbathing

She's here!

2009-09-13T18:24:00.000-07:00

Lily arrived at 2:50 am on September 8, 2009.

I had a C-Section but I also experienced labor. Both were/are excruciatingly painful. I was on labor September 7 from 2:30 AM until the next morning when the doctor decided to have her delivered.

I was exhausted. I was in so much pain. I was very weak.

When you are in labor at MMC they let you stay at the delivery until you pop unlike in other hospitals where you can do labor in your own room. All I could see were machines attached, injections, nurses, interns, student nurses and resident doctors.

Lily had very good vital signs the whole day while I was on labor. I was hoping that the cervix would open up a bit.

After 10 hours of pain, my cervix hadn't dilated yet but my bag was leaking so I had to stay in the hospital and endure everything.

September 8 around 1 am, I already asked for epidural anesthesia. You know the tube that they put in the spinal cord so you won't feel anything at all. The whole process was so painful I scratched the hands of both the nurses holding me. I was very weak. My doctor decided to stay with me in the hospital the whole night. It was one rainy night.

I slept for a while because the anesthesia kinda helped. When I woke up at 1:30 am, I saw the doctor staring at me. They were hooking me with oxygen. He told me that Lily's vital signs were going down. Her heart rate was very unstable.

He told me "Bons, we're gonna perform CS na ha". And I said "Whatever you say I trust you doc."

I was groggy. They transferred me in the Operating Room, they let me sign some papers, I held the hand of my anesthesiologist and asked him to make sure that I won't feel any pain during the operation.

I woke up right after they got Lily. I could remember that the pedia was with her in the table, they were checking her. She was crying and before she left the OR, the pedia told me, "I will let her smell you first before we bring her to the nursery." And so they did. My OB even peeked at me and said "Congrats" He was smiling. I was relieved

The next thing I knew was that I was already in Recovery Room. I woke up at 8 am and asked for Lily. They said they will let me meet her in my room. I will just have to wait.

Never mind if I had to endure 24 hours of unbelievable labor pains...
Never mind if the nurses, resident doctors, interns and student nurses saw my not so DAWN ZULUETA pregnant body....
Never mind if my breasts are as big as papayas right now....
Never mind if our bill is almost the same as the downpayment for a 4x4 vehicle.....

IT WAS WORTH IT.

Yes. She has my eyes.

This was me 24 years ago.

Ok back to breastfeeding... to be continued

BAKIT?????????????????????????????

2009-09-04T00:57:00.000-07:00

Bakit ba nauso sa Pilipinas ang ganito?

Naloloka ako... at Mamatay ako kakatawa..

I'm a bit bored

2009-09-03T15:09:00.000-07:00

I have been staying home for 4 days now and it's driving me nuts.

My mantra: I should always be busy.

I've been a bum waiting to pop for less than a week. The only shows I watch on TV are Wowowee and GKNB then I turn the TV off.

I update my FB status as often as I could and I think I'm pissing people off because I'm always in the feed. I'm sorry. I'm trying to be funny with all my stats and tweets so whatevs.

I badger husband all the time when he's in the office. I send nonsense messages to his Live Messenger just to make papansin.

I don't want to be in the mall because:

1. CMG is on sale. I actually want to buy 2 pairs since the other day. Thank God the pairs don't look good in my feet because of MANAS., My feet look like Grimace'.

2. I'm controlling myself from eating too much. When I'm in the mall, my topak goes from Chef Tony's to Krispy Kreme to White Pizza to Frozen Yoghurt to Hungarian Sausage to DQ to Cheesecake to Subway to Tempura. All in a day. So I don't want that if I still want to pay the upcoming hospital bill.

3. There are a lot of things that I think I need to buy. Both useless and useful ones. Dimensione umbrella to Crib toys to a new watch to hankerchiefs to books to cooking utensils to bags to magnets to whatever I could think of.

4. There are lots of not so adorable people in the mall. I don't smile that often anymore. Plus people look at pregnant ladies like someone from outer space. HELLO! Ngayon lang ba sila nakakita ng buntis na cool ang green polka dot dress and yellow smocked flats?????? ANUBA!

5. I don't want the waterbag break scene happening in the mall. Hindi ako sanay sa attention. lol.

Ok so this blog is nonsense. Sorry. I will just leave you with a cute video I saw yesterday.

Love love, Me

We're ready!

2009-09-01T17:21:00.000-07:00

Ready when you are, anak. =)

Nung weekend...

2009-08-31T01:17:00.000-07:00

Nalaman ko ang mga sumusunod:

1. Isa akong dukha kasi pag walang kuryente samin wala akong choice kundi papakin ako ng lamok.
2. Makikinis ang dancers ng Wowowee.
3. Nakakairita yung babaeng namimigay ng pera sa Wowowee (KONGRAKCHULEYSYONS!) sabi niya.
4. Ang payat ni Bea Alonzo. Hindi na siya mukhang BAKA.
5. Napanood ko ang Magnulia commercial nila Nanay Dionesia at natawa ako ng bonggang bongga
6. Nagsasalita magisa yung newly hired kasambahay namin. At mejo demanding siya sa cleaning materials.
7. Halos 7lbs na si Lily sa tyan ko.
8. Pinakamurang grocery ang Robinson's.
9. Umitim ang pwet ko dahil dun lahat napunta ang pigmentation dilemma ng katawan ko. Required to sa mga buntis.
10. Marami akong panty na wala ng garter
11. Gwapo si Zac Efron.
12. Maraming may birthday. Pero wala pang nanlilibre.
13. Mahirap mamaili ng electricfan sa appliance store.
14. Masarap yung Oreo chuchu donut ng Krispy Kreme.
15. Dapat bitayin si Mikey at Dato Arroyo.

How will you know kung isa kang DUKHA?

2009-08-28T23:49:00.000-07:00

Kagabi brownout dito. Yung tipong magdamagan.

Nawalan kami ng ilaw ng alas-onse. Nagkaron kami ng alas sais.

Kung buntis ka at kabuwanan mo na, mejo requirement na may aircon ka para makatulog. Kahit itimer mo lang ng dalawang oras basta ang goal tulog ka na bago ito mamatay.

Pero kung walang kuryente, wala ng aircon wala din electricfan. Wala ka din choice kundi buksan ang bintana kahit ako ang favorite pulutan ng mga lamok.

HINDI AKO NAKATULOG.

Naglalakad lakad ako sa kwarto na parang praning. Pagsilip ko sa bintana, andun ang mga DIYOS.

Ang mga nakatira sa condominum sa Rockwell. HINDI SILA NAWAWALAN NG ILAW. Yun ang kasama sa perks nila nung bumili sila ng multimillion unit doon.

Mga sampung beses akong sumilip sa bintana at maraming beses kong sinabi na..

"BUKAS, LULUHOD ANG MGA TALA"

ay mali...

Ang sabi ko pala
"BALANG ARAW, MAGKAKARON AKO NG UNIT JAN."

Sa tuwing brownout samin, at nakikita ko ang liwanag na dulot ng UNITS sa rockwell, ang feeling ko pinapamukha sakin na..

ISA KANG DUKHA DUKHA DUKHA.....

Tanginang buhay to. Antok talaga ako. :|

Update: May brownout ulit mamaya. Tangina lang.

Too motherhood for my taste

2009-08-27T15:59:00.000-07:00

The other night I received a reply from Chiz Escudero regarding my question.

I asked Chiz what he would do to help improve the crappy health care system in the Philippines.

I blogged about health care twice.

http://bonsuplada.blogspot.com/2009/08/i-wish-i-were-millionaire-take-time-to.html
http://bonsandja.multiply.com/journal/item/366/My_sister_should_go_to_France

This was his reply.
"By concentrating on preventive rather than just simply curative medicine."

I replied. But got no answer yet. Maybe he's busy.
How about the budget and giving national health care insurance to people? How about those who are already sick?

Any comments?

Excuse my French

2009-08-26T15:11:00.000-07:00

Tees with prints in French for sale.

Material: LONG SPANDEX TEES
Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, XL, 2XL

I'm helping out my sister sell tees for her org. :)

Send me a message if you're interested.

Tote Bags also available.

This design will be printed in a tote bag.

:)

SHITTY EARLY MORNING!

2009-08-25T15:16:00.000-07:00

Never never never greet a pregnant woman on her 39th week by telling her these phrases especially if it's early in the morning.

"HINDI KA PA NANGANAK?"
"HELLO, NANGANAK KA NA?"
"HINDI KA PA DIN NANGANGANAK?"

Wala man lang kayong Good morning!

It could've been better if you were like my other TACTFUL friends who would tell me..

"Is Lily Out Yet?"
"She's still there?"
"I hope you'll have a safe delivery"
"Kelan ka due?"

Whether you're talking to me personally...
Or sending me a YM message..
Or sending me a Tweet.....
Or sending me an email...

MAKE SURE YOU ARE NICE AND TACTFUL.

Yun lang.

Don't ruin a pregnant woman's day by being bastos.

It's Lily's prerogative to stay in my tummy longer. And I kinda treasure each second because once she's out, it's a whole different ball game.

SORRY for being too angry in the morning. I have the right.

So these were the things that you and your minions ate.....

2009-08-19T17:19:00.000-07:00

Yum Yum.

Caviar, Wine and the Works. OOH LA LA

"Save me from the wrath of hell"

While those below poverty line are already happy with PAGPAG.

If I were the representative of Quezon I would treat all my kind readers to dinner. :)

Sources:
http://www.rickycarandang.
http://kalokohan.com/

Mikey Arroyo Said...

2009-08-18T21:47:00.000-07:00

"Do you want to see our President eat at McDonald's?"

WHY NOT?

Come to think of it, a regular cheeseburger meal is still expensive for normal Filipinos.

People would say that a $300 meal in NY is just in a normal price range.

I might agree in a way that it could be expensive there. I also experienced a dinner where my meal cost around $250.

Included in my $250 at Felix, The Peninsula Hong Kong

But I'm no public servant.

And I don't have a reputation of getting money from the KABAN ng bayan so I think I have the right to do that.

If you were a president of now a 4th world country....
if you were a president wherein there are numerous cases (Read: Billions of lost pesoses) against you and no case would ever ever push through for some unknown/known reasons,
if you were a president where most of your family members have tripled their declared VALUE during your term,
if you were a president whose approval rating is below 0... (Read: Nakakahiya)

WALA KANG KARAPATAN.

After all, you don't have a big appetite and a big tummy for you to eat a $400 meal. You only have a big appetite for $$$.

So Mr. Mikey Arroyo, shut the f up. You were also in that lavish dinner. Eating at Denny's would be much more fun you know.

Denny's Big Breakfast which is impossible to finish

(The tax that husband and I are paying in a month can already send someone to school kaya ako GALIT).

Mikey, Unless you give me a Volvo,I won't shut up. :))

D-Day

2009-08-16T16:12:00.000-07:00

I have this feeling that the D-day will be within this week.

My body has been unpredictable since last Friday. The exact age of Lilly is 37 weeks and 5 days. On Wednesday it will be her 38th. It means that she's fully grown and baked enough to survive the outside world.

A full term baby is 36-40 weeks old.

Not all of you know what really happened why I decided to get married and why we have decided to have a baby. Apparently its for health reasons (I just had to make sure that at least I will have a baby before it's too late). I've blogged about it last January in my other sites. You can look for it.

The whole pregnancy was a rollercoaster ride for me. I am an adventurous woman and I like surprises. But this whole thing has changed me a lot. It has changed how I look at my life, how I look at other people, how much I love my family and how fast life is.

It wasn't an easy pregnancy for me. I have this cyst that used to be the reason why everything has to be done so fast. It was unacceptable at first. But I was in great pain and health risks. Babies bring miracles. That's what Lilly has done. The cyst that endangered my life 9 months ago miraculously disappeared during my second trimester. It was all because of the hormonal balance that my pregnancy brought me.

It was hard to explain but it was because of her.

I may not have enjoyed the whole 38 weeks but I'm pretty sure that I'll be very happy when I will finally see her. She saved my life. :)

Finally, this is my song for her.

I wish I were a millionaire (Take time to read this)

2009-08-10T16:52:00.000-07:00

You all know that I love reading Chuvaness' blog. But of all entries that she had posted in the past years, today's post really made me cry. Read here.

I haven't been to Fabella Hospital but husband told me that it's really a baby factory. It's in the heart of Manila and most babies in Manila are born there everyday.

I will be including photos here from this site.

2-5 babies are sharing.

I am so affected. I am also crying right now while posting this. I feel so lucky to have a decent hospital so that Lilly can have her own bassinet. Lilly and I are also blessed to have been taken care by one of the best OB Gyne/Onco at Makati Medical Center.

If you wish to help just click on the links that Chuvaness provided. They also have an ongoing auction for an Hermes bag where proceeds will go to the hospital.

Please take time to reflect on what's really happening in our country. While our little president is spending 1,000,000 on lavish dinners and our wannabe presidents are spending Billions on ads.

Please if there's anything that you could do to help. All babies and mummies deserve TLC.

Update

2009-08-09T17:30:00.000-07:00

I would like to post some photos during my 37th week. :)

This is how I look like now. Probably the last batch of photos during my first pregnancy. My manas is evident in my face and nose. Asukal at butter nalang pwede niyo na ako ibenta sa Muhlach's.

All photos were taken by husband last weekend. =)

Racing Against Time

2009-08-05T17:50:00.000-07:00

Mga bagay na dapat matapos bago manganak..

4 UATs
2 Product Releases
2 Strategic Planning Documents
1 Market Research Document
2 UAT Test Cases
2 Product Trainings

Lilly, kaya mo pa ba?

This Week

2009-07-29T19:21:00.000-07:00

Sunday: I couldn't breathe.

Monday: I couldn't breathe and my neck was so painful

Tuesday: I couldn't breathe, my neck was so painful and I have unexplainable rashes somewhere

Wednesday: I couldn't breathe, my neck was so painful, I have unexplainable rashes somewhere, my back was in extreme pain

Thursday: I couldn't breathe, my neck is so painful, I have unexplainable rashes somewhere, my back is in extreme pain and when I look myself in the mirror I feel like Juday. I look like an ensaymada with a lot of cheese.

Friday: I don't know yet.

Baby News

2009-07-22T15:48:00.000-07:00

I am on my 34th week now. I can safely give birth in 21 days. That's roughly a month from now.

I went to the doctor last Monday to get some pretty good news:

1. My blood is so back. :) I guess the malunggay therapy worked.
2. Baby gained weight and she's already getting in position. Head down.
3. I lost weight (around 2 lbs) but I'm happy to announce that baby is right back on track.

I'm also very grateful because gifts for Lilly have been pouring in.

1. My friend who came from the US gave a jumper suit for Lilly in pink. Thank you!
2. My cousins and aunt in the US sent me a balikbayan box full of baby stuff. Really cute dresses, infant clothing, baby books, baby carrier and what have you. I feel loved. Thank you!
3. I will be expecting a few more stuff from other relatives and friends in the coming weeks that include BPA-free bottles and what not.

I'm still running everywhere to get the important things that include:

1. CRIB! I can't find the right crib with a reasonable price. The one I want is 25,000 PESOSES! I won't buy that of course. Only politicians can afford that. SCREW THEM.

2. LAMPINS! I have to get these in Baclaran. Probably in the weekend so hubby can wash them already.

3. YAYA! I still couldn't find a yaya. I should get one asap. Finding a yaya is such a major pain in the ass. They're so demanding!

4. CASH! Ok, the estimated bill when I give birth at MMC is not really you know....reasonable...

We'll get it covered but it would be really hard for the next months for us. As I've mentioned in my blog, getting proper health care in the Philippines means loads of money and our government wouldn't care less if you don't get any health care services. Philhealth can only solve 1% of your healthcare problems. Private HMOs (Read: Platinum membership) can solve the other 30% and the rest will still be your fuckin problem.

Oh well, I should stop complaining because I feel loved right now. Thank you for all the prayers, support and gifts.

The most important thing right now is that Lilly is healthy and mummy did not get so fat. :))

Why hating the government is worth it

2009-07-19T23:34:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a day in the hospital.

I am in my 34th week and I realized that getting the best health care in the Philippines REQUIRES LOADS OF MONEY. YOUR HEALTH CARD WON'T SAVE YOUR ASS EVEN IF YOUR MEMBERSHIP IS PLATINUM.

Screw the government for only allotting 2% of our PATHETIC GNP to health care.

Husband has a good job, I have a good job and it still breaks my heart to spend 2000 pesos for A LAB test. What more those people who are less fortunate than we are?

I DARE YOU MANNY VILLAR, MAR ROXAS, GILBERT TEODORO and all of you who spend millions of pesos for your campaign to help the poor people with their health needs instead of spending too much on useless ads that highlight the stupidity of politicians.

I DARE YOU POLITICIANS to step up and provide universal health care for 80 million FILIPINOS!

Mga putangina... ang gaganda ng kotse niyo.. ang dami niyo security guards.... ang gaganda ng damit niyo at lifestyle ng mga kamaganak niyo... tingnan niyo yung mga tao sa kalye na walang makain... tingan niyo yung presyo ng GG at ITLOG kung gaano kamahal.. ANONG GINAGAWA NIYO? meron????

Sorry. Hormones are raging again.

Songs

2009-07-15T20:25:00.000-07:00

I may have hated Transformers 2 but I like a few songs from the OST.

As you all know, I have been an alternative baby since forever. Sure, I had my share of BSB and Spice Girls moments but during those times, I also adored Oasis, Gin Blossoms, Radiohead, Bush and what have you.

Lilly and I are currently listening to 21 Guns by Green Day

and of course Never Say Never by The Fray

:)

Both are very good artists. I have quite a list of songs from both bands

I hope that Lilly will make mana her mummy's taste in music.

Note: Nililigawan pala ni Piolo si KC. Sabi ng iba sila na daw. :) AY sus!! moving on.. lol

Hormonal excuse

2009-07-15T14:43:00.000-07:00

You know those days where you really hate seeing somebody?

The voice
the mere sight
and the mere presence

Of this particular person freak the hell out of me.

I sought advice from used to be pregnant people and they told me it happens.

I so hate this person talaga. I don't know why. She/He didn't do anything deliberate to piss me off. It's just that I feel that there are things the she/he does everyday to piss me off. OMG. Ang gulo...

I'm really sorry. I simply don't like you.

Yun lang.

I don't really like explaining myself but if I have to beg you. PLEASE SHUT THE F OFF. You're killing me every time I hear your speak, laugh and what not.

Basta...

I'm in my 33rd week now. I just realized that last night. I don't think I'm prepared.........................

Utot

2009-07-13T14:43:00.000-07:00

For the fourth time last night, I was accused of farting inside the taxi by no other than my crazy husband.

And for the fourth time, I denied it and he wouldn't believe me!!!

The scenario went like this.

The taxi driver, husband and I were all quiet trying to be patient because of the traffic jam.

Suddenly, there was this awful smell enveloping the taxi.

What's worse was that I could not open the taxi window.

Husband looked at me in disgust and told me to stop farting.

Of course, I denied it. Simply because IT WAS NOT ME!

I repeatedly told him that it was the taxi driver who released the gas not me.

He wouldn't believe me.

This is what you get when you are married. It's always your fault.

FRED! Hindi ako yung umutot kagabi, si Manong driver ulit yun! I SWEAR.

Mind you, this happened 4 times already.

$^&**^$%$^%&^!!!

I'm going to make your day :)

2009-07-13T01:26:00.000-07:00

Husband sent this video to me during the most boring hour of my day kanina.

LOL!

Dare

2009-07-12T19:04:00.000-07:00

Found this from Joy's facebook.

Never mind if it's real. But if it is, will you dare cross the street?

Things I Miss....

2009-07-09T21:27:00.000-07:00

Since I have been pregnant for 7 months or so, I miss to do a lot of things that include:

1. Aromatherapy Massage. This is the first thing I'm gonna after I pop. 3 hours of massage.

2. Stretching every morning. I get cramps if I stretch. So I somehow avoid it.

3. Drinking MATCHA LATTE, Twinings' Black Tea (In Apple Cinnamon and Raisin and Peach Flavors) and Twinings' Earl Grey Tea with Milk

4. SHOPPING for normal sizes.

5. Not spending so much money in the hospital and laboratory tests.

6. Riding the plane to go somewhere.

7. Eating fishball, kikiam and kwek kwek (I try not to eat street food to lessen the exposure to typhoid)

8. Walking in my normal pace

9. MY BROWN HAIR and HOT RED NAILS. (I try to avoid anything that has chemical in it)

10. EAT ALL YOU CAN BUFFET wthout throwing up afterwards.

11. Hanging out with friends.

12. Doing Jumpshots. ;)

13. and so on.

Sure, I know that I cannot bring back my single life. But I hope to still do all these things even if Lilly is running around already. We can do these things together naman diba?

What do you miss doing?

Final Trimester = HELL

2009-07-08T15:50:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged much lately because there are just too many things going on. Mostly bad.

I'm now in the comfort of my bed trying to regain strength from all the puking I've been experiencing for 1 week now. It's my 7th month and I am all aware that puking solids at this stage is not normal.

Mum is trying her best to cook anything I want. The only food that I could shove down my throat is lugaw (which a retard made a bad comment about it yesterday when I was heating my food at the office pantry).

Ja waited for me yesterday at Shang. I tried to eat Auntie Anne's Pretzels (Cinnamon Sugar), which was my craving but I still threw up. Imagine my sister looking at me so worried. She didn't know what she'd do. She told me that in case of emergency she would call everybody for help.

Fred is also being tested lately. I often tell him that It's always his fault even if it's not. He wakes up late at night because I cannot breathe. I always make a mess in our humble apartment because I cannot control my vomitting.

Last week I went to the doctor with not so good lab results.

1. Lilly is small for her gestational age. She's small by 10-15% :|
2. I only gained 1 pound after 1 month where supposedly I should gain 4.
3. My cough is really bad that if I don't get well until Monday, we need to see a pulmonologist. My OB is afraid that I might have bronchitis and would have to drink medicine. I would like to be well ALBULARYO style.
4. I'm still anemic.

If you think first trimester was the worst part, you're hell wrong.

FINAL TRIMESTER IS HELL.

(This blog will turn 2 on July 15. I'm thinking if I would treat a lucky reader for dinner. Lemme see..)

Funny sister

2009-07-07T14:56:00.000-07:00

When you are in your final trimester and everything seems so uncomfortable,
and you've been sick and under observation for the past week, all you need is to talk to your funny sister for enlightenment.

I don't get to see Ja everyday anymore but we always talk at night before I sleep.

She made me laugh last night.

bons:
ja: "why"
bons: "ayoko na sumuka"
ja: "di ka na susuka"
ja: "kailangan mo lang ng mantra"
ja: "maglagay ka ng itlog sa harap mo"
bons: "tapos"
ja: "tapos lagyan mo ng mantra"
ja: "na pag nakita mo yan"
ja: "DI KA NA SUSUKA"
bons: "huh???"
bons: "gaga"
ja: "totoo yun"
ja: "gaga ka dyan"

=)

My favorite MJ song sung by my ex-beau

2009-07-02T16:02:00.000-07:00

I have a few MJ favorite songs. Man in the Mirror is one of them

James Morrison is my favorite male artist. I think he's really good.

Here's James singing my favorite MJ song

Did you like it?

Good morning.

I'm still sick. Hoping that I will be better.

I Want!

2009-07-01T14:20:00.000-07:00

I seriously want to buy this Android phone.

I don't know if we have this in Manila.

But I have more important things to buy..

And these.. BPA-free feeding bottles. These bottles cost around 500 pesos each. :|

And a sturdy stroller.

I also have to prepare for the upcoming hospital bill when I pop, which has a lot of digits and decimal places in it..

So Android daydreaming must go.

Red blood cells, where art thou?

2009-06-30T16:20:00.000-07:00

I am looking for my lost red blood cells.

I've been eating malunggay and camote tops for two weeks but I'm still pale and I still have bruises. Lips, hands and feet are so pale especially in the morning and at night.

RED BLOOD CELLS....... Where are you?

Final Trimester

2009-06-29T20:14:00.000-07:00

I am proud to say that I haven't bought any preggy clothes yet.

Yes, I cannot fit in my jeans anymore but I can still wear dresses. :)

The clothes I am wearing lately are not the ugly pregnant clothes that you'd see everywhere. No floral, empire cut tops plus leggings porma. I hate that. (No offense)

Right now, I am wearing a green dress with white dots, and with a scooped neckline. I could still wear this after I pop. This is such a cute dress.

I make sure that all the clothes that I'm buying lately can still be worn after I pop. I'm so into dresses. Sure, I cannot buy from Zara as much as I could before but I still find some fasyon clothes that would fit my now big belly. You just have to have taste.

I have dresses in yellow, purple, green and what have you.

I don't have linea negra nor manas so I'm totally fine with everything. I do not worry much after I give birth becuse I could easily go back to my pre-pregnant figure. I didn't gain much weight after almost 7 months. My nose didn't grow bigger (Thank God).

Currently, I'm busy looking for Toxic-free feeding bottles for Lilly. Apparently, all feeding bottles in Manila are not BPA-free. :(

Anyone who could help?

How are you?

Transformers 2. My review. As expected, overkill

2009-06-28T14:27:00.000-07:00

OK, I watched it last Saturday.

I wouldn't say I wasted 175 pesos because husband kinda enjoyed it. But some highlights during the movie include the following:

1. I was busier eating my cheeseburger, twister fries and cheese popcorn.
2. I went out twice to go to the bathroom and spent a little while washing my hands (had to finish the Happy Birthday song) while everybody was glued in the screen. They're not moving at all.
3. I yawned at some parts.
4. I kept on asking Fred sino na ang mga autobots at sino ang hindi. I was LITO.
5. I am so crushing on Megan Fox again. She has nice boobs pala talaga. Ikaw na ang tumakbo ng nakaboots at magayos ng motor ng naka pekpek shorts.
6. I like the new autobots, the ones in pink and green. (Mudslap yun right?) They're cute and funny.

:)

I'm so excited for UP and Ice Age though.

Today

2009-06-26T16:07:00.000-07:00

I woke up and told myself that everything will turn out as planned.

I'm not in my normal hormonal day today. So I will write positive things.

1. A project of my friend (which was all my idea) is already good to go. So I'm happy for him. It's nice to help people even if you are not really given much gratitude on what you did.

2. My project for the Institute which I will not divulge right now has already been approved by the management and the Institute. (Again enough reason for me to stay). This is kinda big for me. :) So I'm very happy with that.

3. Mum's condition is getting much better. She has osteoarthritis but she's getting well. Thank you for the fiber drink that Ja bought at healthy options. Mum has been very disciplined and has been following a strict diet which we supervise. (Ja is stricter).

4. I'm gonna pop in less than 3 months. I don't know if I am excited about it because I've been watching "giving birth" videos Lamaze way. Definitely, I don't want Lamaze. Hindi ko kaya. haha. :) I'm in the mood to prepare my princess' crib and her little clothes.

5. There's a big possibility that I'd be releasing the rest of my devices before I file my maternity leave.

6. I feel loved. :) I don't know, my friends from everywhere keep on sending me messages. I sometimes fail to reply to all of them. Too many! They're very supportive. Thank you so much. I'm glad that I have a lot of friends who really care for me. I really appreciate it.

7. I know a lot of people are paying tribute to MJ. The song that I really like most is "Gone Too Soon" which I dedicate to my late father.

8. I went to Zara last night, they are on sale. I wanted to buy 3 pairs of sandals, but I remembered that I had other more important things to buy. (Crib, Stroller and baby stuff). Aren't you proud of me?

:)

I hope you'll have a good weekend.

Later.
Me

People going gaga over Transformers.

2009-06-24T15:24:00.000-07:00

As all of you know, I am not a fan of robots and action packed flicks. :) Filipinos like those type of movies.. Not me.

As everybody was so excited queuing up for the movie, I am so nega about it. Sorry.

Husband has been nagging me to watch it since a month ago.

Don't get me wrong, I will watch it so I won't be outdated and I want to see Megan Fox, but I won't watch it now. Now that everybody (H1N1 positive and not positive patients, ugly and beautiful people, putok and without putok creatures) is in the movie theaters.

I am not the type who'd fall in line and wait for 3 hours to watch a movie ahead of everybody especially if I can easily get it online. I can easily get movies way AHEAD of everybody courtesy of my good whore friends, Carl and Mike who are, well, movie whores.

I'm sure the movie will still be available next week and the week after that. But since husband is a "guy" I might give in to his request and watch it over the weekend. But I will let him fall in line and I will just go to the mall when it's time to go inside the theater. I'd rather go to Powerbooks or Fully Booked and read.

:)

Have you watched it? Did you like it? It got low reviews from Rotten Tomatoes .

WANTED

2009-06-21T17:18:00.000-07:00

Can you refer me to a kasambahay.

The requirements are the following:

1. NBI clearance
2. Police clearance
3. Must be at least 23 years old.
4. Has experience in taking care of babies and toddlers.
5. Preferably Bicolano or Ilocano
6. Knowledgeable of basic conversational English.

Please, if you know anybody, I would be very glad to treat you for lunch or dinner. (name the place)
I must hire a kasambahay before I pop.

-- I woke up this morning as the sun rays were touching my cheek. :) This will be a good day.

screw hormones

2009-06-19T19:42:00.000-07:00

i'm alone in our small 1 bedroom apartment.
i warned people i don't like to be left alone especially now that i'm hormonal.
people wouldn't listen.
see i have been crying for 2 hours because i am talking to my fortune plant and 2 sayotes that i see on top of the dining table.
there's nothing to do really.
i just wish i could buy something for myself. something that i think i deserve.

nobody knows what's in my mind.
even husband.
he tried to talk to me but i wouldn't say a word.
(still crying)

i tried to play scrabble with my sister in the hope that i'd feel not alone.
she won. because she luckily had a 7 letter word.
i feel better.

i'm this close from redeeming my free mabuhay miles to go somewhere. i have a free flight to somewhere in visayas or mindanao or any nearby asEAn countries. back and forth.
but i'm not really allowed to ride the plane because i might pop during the flight.

mum invited me to go to market market.
her best attempt to make me feel better.
i'd go, but i'd be more depressed knowing that when I do the grocery for husband and i, i have to stick to my limited list.

fuck hormones.

hormones defeated me again today.

Visual Masturbation

2009-06-19T14:20:00.000-07:00

Jude Law marry me now.

David Beckham OMG!

Good morning :)

Better than Charice Pempengco. WATCH IT!

2009-06-18T14:56:00.000-07:00

It's better if you use earphones to hear her wonderful voice.

FASCINATING.

Good morning :)

10 Most Expensive Cities to Own a Home

2009-06-17T19:34:00.000-07:00

10 Most Expensive Cities to Own a Home

1. Monte Carlo in Monaco at $47,578 per sq.m.

2. Moscow in Russia at $20,853 per sq.m

3. London in England at $20,756 per sq.m

4. Tokyo in Japan at $17,998 per sq.m.

5. Hong Kong at $16,125 per sq.m

6. New York in USA at $14,898 per sq.m

7. Paris in France at $12,122 per sq.m.

8. Singapore in Singapore at $9,701 per sq.m.

9. Rome in Italy at $9,166 per sq.m.

10. Mumbai in India (shocking) at $9,163 per sq.m

The good thing in this list is that I have already survived living in 3 cities.

I have lived in Tokyo for 1 week. I ate thrice a day. This was in 2003.
I have stayed in Singapore for 2 weeks. I ate more than thrice a day. This was in 2002 and 2003. Of course papa was my benefactor.
I have lived in Hong Kong for 3 months. I am still alive.

But definitely I cannot afford even a square meter from any of the ones listed above.

How about you? When will you buy a house in these places? Can I visit?

Source:http://www.overseaspropertymall.com/buying-property/10-most-expensive-cities-to-own-a-home/

I'm happy to tell you that I'm happy

2009-06-17T14:51:00.000-07:00

I slept like a baby last night. And I almost ran late to the office this morning if the cab driver didn't save me.

Good morning everyone. I'm happy to tell you that I'm back to my old self today. I hope it will last a day or two before the hormones would get me again.

Thank you for your support, prayers and what not. :)

Just a piece of better news.

Lilly reacts to too much light, noise and the voice of daddy and grandma (my mum).

When she sees, feels and hears these/them, she will tumbleturn and somersault. My tummy is like a wave in the ocean when she does that.

Isn't that so much fun?

My pelvic pain is gone.
My cramps are milder.
I have no pimple breakouts.
I have no MANAS.
I DON'T have the scary linea negra (blackened neck, kili kili or singit)

The only bad news is that
I'm anemic. I easily get bruises everyday. Big ones.
Hence, I eat malunggay and other green leafy vegetables every single meal.

:)

I hope you day will go well.

Kisses from me and Lilly

Little Ms Cranky Pants

2009-06-16T17:05:00.000-07:00

I'm so depressed.

I feel like I'm Jabba the Hutt.
Tummy is bigger. Boobs are heavier.
Cramps are getting worse.
Nose is getting bigger. I feel ugly. (Still no manas)
I feel like I'm the worst person in the world.
I don't catch up with friends.
I always smirk at husband, mum and sister.
I get easily pissed off at lousy tasks.
I feel like I'm the meanest person in the world.
I feel like everything is going down.

I'm so sorry for being unfair to everyone who loves me.

I don't know what's happening to me.
:(

I thought this will be a very good day but I just cried and cried the whole morning.
Hormones defeated me again today.

Tears just wouldn't stop.

I also feel sad for my friend. Her father has prostate cancer and needs to undergo radiation. I remember my late dad. Cancer patients break my heart. Please pray for her family.

I have only been listening to Enya the whole morning. Which makes this day more gloomy.

:(

I want a REGULAR SIZE medium rare sirloin steak with fresh coleslaw, dinner rolls and whipped butter. Anyone who can give me a GC to a steakhouse? You'll make me the happiest woman in the world if you do.

PANGIT!

2009-06-15T13:50:00.000-07:00

I was in the taxi.
I wore my face mask because there are 6 confirmed cases in Makati and I want o make sure.

Then the taxi driver made these comments.

Retard: "Bakit ka nakafacemask?"
Bons: "Nagiingat lang po"
Retard: "Kung mamatay ka dahil sa H1N1, Wala ka talagang magagawa"
Bons: "Nagiingat lang po. Kasi kung di niyo napapansin buntis ako"
Retard: "Bale wala lang yang sakit na yan, wala kang magagawa"
Bons: "EH BAKIT MAY ALCOHOL HO KAYO?"

Ang pangit niya.

Yun lang.

Quarter Life Crisis

2009-06-14T17:16:00.000-07:00

I was reading a book yesterday afternoon when I suddenly felt that I was about to breakdown.

Again, for no reason at all.

I just cried and cried.

1. I felt that I wanted to kill myself yesterday. NO KIDDING.
2. I felt that I'm not in the company that I deserve. Or I'm in the wrong career path.
3. I felt that I'm living in the wrong country.
4. I felt that I've made so many wrong decisions lately.
5. I felt that I've been a nonsense person the past months. (Notice the nonsense blogposts.)

I asked myself, what if

1. I had a lot of money, would this answer my problems? (Maybe not)
2. I were to live in Brussels, would I be encouraged to work my ass off?
3. I had accepted the job offer, will I be happy?
4. I were healthier, and had no problems or whatsoever with my hormones, would everything be different?
5. I won the lottery, will I be contented?

I have a lot of friends who chose their career to have loads of money. They ended up miserable because they grew old without a family to call their own. Up to now, they're still looking for the right person even if they're almost 50 years old.

I have a lot of friends who are lucky enough to be born with a silver spoon in their mouth. I wasn't one of them. I don't even know how to drive a car. I can't even swipe my credit card without computing. I even think twice whenever I want to buy a new pair of Grendha sandals.

I have some friends who are very dependent on their partners to get everything that they want. They forget their identity just because they think that the partner can support them. I don't want to be like that. I am still an individual with my own dreams.

I have a lot of friends who choose or try to be happy amidst all the problems. I want to be like that.

Husband and mum always tell me not to think too much because it will affect Lilly.

I don't even know if I'm happy. I may look happy because they always tell me I'm blooming. But maybe, just maybe it's the hormones.

I need to go out somewhere. I want to be alone. :) Can somebody send me an e-ticket to somewhere? Somewhere really quiet?

The best place I could think of right now is the tomb of my late father at Magallanes Church.

I want to reevaluate my life.

Can somebody hug me?

Please.

Happy Father's Day...

2009-06-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's day Papa. :) We miss you so much.

Me with Papa. I was around 3 months old :)

Happy Father's Day to husband as well.

Show your father how much you love him. He is a very integral part of your mind and soul. Lucky you, if you still have him.

ATRIBIDA STRIKE 2!

2009-06-10T17:23:00.000-07:00

Remember when I told you the story of a retarded woman asking me OBNOXIOUS and IRRITATING QUESTIONS????

If not, read here before continuing with this entry.

She's so back.

Last night, I was really tired. I am juggling two jobs right now so I could still shop for new clothes and shoes without feeling guilty at all. I am a full time Product Engineer in the day and a Japanese teacher at night.

I was tired. So I asked husband to buy me ice cold 7-UP (FYI This soda is allowed for pregnant mommas.)

I was so happy drinking my reward when this retarded woman commented.

Retard: "Dapat itigil mo na yan. Masama yan sa mga buntis"

I looked at Fred for comfort. He stopped me from further commenting.

I almost cried.

Leche kang babae ka. I deserve a freaking bottle of soda. I experienced a shooting spree yesterday that almost got me killed. I was dead tired and all I wanted was my cheap thrill. I don't know you woman. CAN YOU JUST SHUT THE FUCK UP?

Gunshot

2009-06-09T19:03:00.000-07:00

I was craving for fries and cheeseburger so I invited Chiqui to eat at McDo in Pearl Drive.

Thank God I had to withdraw money from BDO because I could've been shot if I didn't.

We're almost at Mc Donald's when 1 civilian fired a gun to a screeching motorcycle with 2 passengers in it.

He missed.

He was aiming at our direction.

I saw him fire the gun.

I froze.

I was speechless.

The next thing I knew was that I was checking my body for any wound.

For a moment I didn't know what to do. I just grabbed Chiqui's arm and almost entered the building to my right. There were a lot of people in the area who were equally shocked as I was. BUT I SAW EVERYTHING.

The large fries couldn't offset what I was feeling.

Thank God we're fine.

I'm still freaking out though.

whatda!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-06-09T16:59:00.000-07:00

What happened to Multiply?

I'M LOST.

My take on the H1N1 Virus

2009-06-07T19:22:00.000-07:00

Since last week, I've been using disposable earloop masks whenever I'm in public areas. There were a couple of times I had to take the MRT because grabbing a cab last week was pretty damn hard.

Retards at the MRT will look at me like I'm somewhat an alien from another planet. They're wondering why in the world was I wearing a mask.

I would like to yell at them and say the following:

1. Can't you see that I'm pregnant and there's a growing number of H1N1 cases in the Philippines? There are no known effects of the virus to the baby.

2. CAN'T YOU SMELL YOURSELF? Ang asim mo kaya.

I'm so serious. I was in Mercury the whole day last Friday. I checked all the masks available. There were washable ones that cost PHP 34. I'm buying a pack with 3 pcs disposable masks (Blue in color) which is around PHP 15. There's also the hard disposable one that costs around PHP 10 each. And the N95 masks are out of stock already.

40% of the people at Makati Med was wearing masks last Friday. I did too.

This morning, I came to the office wearing a mask and a lot of retards were looking at me. I just wish that they will get sick in the next days. Sorry talaga. What's wrong with you people? I know Dengue is more dangerous (I still put Off before I leave the house so I'm safe). But aren't you alarmed with the virus?

Pregnant mommas should be like me! Honestly. God knows what will happen to your little baby when you get that virus.

Sorry, my hormones are in rage again!

:))

Note: My hands are getting dry. I refill my little alcohol bottle daily. Plus I wash my hands like 4 times in an hour!

Since it has been raining..

2009-06-02T20:36:00.000-07:00

I am craving for...

Chicago Cheesecake from Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

Mojos from Shakey's

Lemon Squares from Mary Grace

Venti Matcha Latte in Soy Milk extra hot from Starbucks.

I told Fred about it and he was begging me to crave for things that can be found in one store. That's impossible.

I must eat these before the day ends. :( Else, I will be very depressed.

What are your cravings?

I am the Ideal Wife - NOT

2009-06-02T15:41:00.000-07:00

My tasks:

Wash the dishes
Cook the breakfast (If I wake up early)
Fix the financial expenses
Sleep
Rest
Eat healthy

My husband's tasks:

Wash the dishes
Cook the breakfast
Go to the market
Do the weekly laundry (by hand)
Fold the clothes
Iron the office clothes
Mop the floor
Clean the bathroom
Water the plants

I told you I am not the ideal wife.

To all single ladies out there, find someone who is like Fred. :)

He was the one who volunteered to do all these things. He gets angry when I try to help.

Never do this!!!

2009-06-01T17:17:00.000-07:00

Last night, I went to the nearest sari sari store to buy Salted egg. I suddenly craved for salted egg+crushed kamatis+lots of calamansi+crushed onions. We had fish for dinner and I wanted some red egg.

It was raining. I was waiting for my change then this retard talked to me. I don't know her at all. It was the first time I saw her in our street.

Retard: "BUNTIS KA BA????" (Are you pregnant?)
Bons: "Yeah. Bakit?" (Yeah, Why?)
Retard: "AKALA KO HINDI" (I thought you weren't)

Note: Pabalang siya magsalita.

I ran back to the house, looked for Fred who was doing the laundry and cried.

Never, never piss off a pregnant woman. We are very sensitive.

Note: Never never touch my tummy unless you ask permission or I wanted you to do so. Please lang.

I need advice

2009-05-31T19:30:00.000-07:00

I have this unbearable pelvic/hip pain the past days. And it's killing my posture, my strength and my sleep.

I cannot walk normally :( My left hip tend to bag down quite so often. Husband has to assist me all the time. Tummy is getting bigger and the only comfortable position is sleeping on my left. This results to having a permanent stiff neck(left side). IMAGINE

Mum and husband are doing their best to put up with my mood swings. I've been lazy the past days. I just want to sleep and eat and sleep.

Doctor said it's normal and that I'm getting enough nutrients from the vitamins that I intake everyday. I drink 2 glasses of milk a day. Plus I can eat one medium sized papaya and 2 apples in one sitting.

What am I doing wrong? I have a health diet. I don't have edema/manas at all. I exercise. I put oil at night. I walk whenever I could. I'm not overweight neither. My weight gain is actually slow compared to other pregnant women. I'm almost in my third trimester (I still look fab) hehe. Not until I walk. I walk crappy already. :( My left hip cannot support me anymore. What should I do?

Forums say, I should get a maternity pillow that looks like this.

Where can I get that alien looking pillow and how much would it cost me?

Help.

P.S.
Lilly has been kicking me. and boy, she can kick hard (like right now).

Prettty

2009-05-29T14:46:00.000-07:00

I've been looking at my niece' pictures. She's so cute!!!

Lookie..

Diba :) It's all in the genes..

Sabi nga ni Ja.

"Ang sikreto sa cute na anak at cute na nanay at tatay" (Basuel, 2009)

My comments on the scandal.

2009-05-27T14:56:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know you are glued at SNN every night to get the latest scoop on the HK and KH scandal.

My comments:

1. Why would there be a Senate hearing on this? Why waste time in discussing these issues when there is poverty, unemployment and corruption issues that are at hand since the beginning of the century? I know they'd want to pass a stronger bill for women's rights and all those shiz but I feel there are more pressing issues to be discussed as of the moment.

2. You can't blame the mother of HK with her reactions. She's the mother. Whether it's the fault of HK or not, a mother will always be a mother. Her reaction was totally acceptable.

3. Magaling gumiling si MR sa Video number 2 nila.

4. I bet there's a video out there where KH knows that she's being videoed. Why dance in lingerie in the first place? Ano yun hanggang dun na lang ba?

5. Bong Revilla is being like dut because he's trying to protect Ruffa Mae. I bet there's a video out there where Bong's ex was also being videotaped.

6. Let's now move on. okay? Let's talk about sports and the headdress of Kris Aquino at SNN. She's getting prettier no? Let's talk about the candidacy of Ronaldo Puno and Miriam's reaction on that. Hell Funny!

Good morning!

Whoops

2009-05-20T21:17:00.000-07:00

I have so many celebrity crushes lately. Let's all blame it to our new flat screen 32 inch TV that I always end up watching at night. Who wouldn't, right? (It was a wedding gift, Thanks to our ninongs and ninangs!!!!)

Let's start with the NBA people.

I gush whenever I see these hunks play. (I could press pause during the game so I could see them sweating. The perks of a nosebleed TV.)

Dwight Howard (I want Orlando to win, Not the Cavaliers.)

Joakim Noah of Chicago Bulls. HOMAYGAD! So Haaawt! ooh lala... lol

Derrick Rose of Chicago Bulls

Then the Tennis hunks. :)

Marry me Mr. Nadal! I already asked permission from Fred!

Novak Djokovic

Then the Boxing Champ

Manny Pacquiao

WENK!

Joke lang.

Hahaha!

Good Day everyone!

Why like dut?

2009-05-19T15:19:00.000-07:00

How come other people can afford to have a vacation? And I can't?

Buti pa si Anne Curtis, may 1 month European vacation.
Buti pa ang mga congressman, pumupuntapunta lang sa Las Vegas para manood ng boxing.
Buti pa sila....

Kasi Bons, they have the money and you don't!

Oh well.. Moving on...

Oh yes, she's kicking and tumbleturning everyday

2009-05-19T15:00:00.000-07:00

All the time we wondered and wondered, who is this person coming/growing/turning/floating/swimming deep, deep inside.

-- Crescent Dragonwagon