Kuting and Djay

Finally, one of our dearest friends has tied the knot! Well, Kuting, as we call her, is one of my last, single, friends.

Kuting and Djay have been together longer than anyone else in our group and they have been engaged for more than a year.  They've kept their wedding details up to the last minute and all we had to do is be there. Our role: ninang and ninong. Yes, Denden and I are one of the principal sponsors.

Thumbs up on the venue, I have always wished to attend a beach wedding and this my first time. It was held at Matabungkay Beach Resort in Lian, Batangas.  This is also Euen's first beach out of town.

My wish for them, I hope Giulia and Euen will have another playmate soon!

We're very happy for the newlyweds.

Old Friends with New Babies

I salute OFW's for choosing to work overseas for greener pasteurs. But it breaks my heart on the thought that they are away from their loved ones.

Gladly, this is not the case for my two OFW friends that we recently met. They've been working abroad but they brought their family with them. Rupert, Malu with their two kids, Rob and Baby Marley visited from Australia and I'm happy they spared some time to visit our home. They wanted to see me with a big tummy as well. Thanks for the gift for baby Euen!

Also, my former housemate and college classmate, Arman, is back from Ireland for a short vacation, with his wife, Tere, and their four-month old baby Eli. We attended Eli's christening last weekend. Thank you for the cute baby clothes for Euen!I am surrounded with babies everywhere! Euen's soon to be playmates and friends. It is good see good old friends, now with families and babies.

Hand Me Downs

As I'm nearing towards the end of my pregnancy and as we await for the day that Euen finally arrives, we received a lot more of hand-me-down-baby-sutff, from relatives and relatives' friends (a.k.a. sisters' friends). The first picture is a very cute and colorful zero to three month, strawberry and stripped set from Baby Katka and Tita Aves, Shashings' bestfriend. Of course, the cute elephant bib is probably because Shashing likes elephants.

I have read somewhere that you shouldn't buy too much baby clothes, since babies would just outgrow them.

Since my bestfriend already gave me a whole wardrobe up to twenty four months (thanks to Ate Annika and Kuya Alfons), I was able to stop myself from shopping and just bought these few items: 2 sleeveless onesies, 2 sleeved onesies, 2 newborn pajamas and 2 pairs of mittens. Euen received advanced Christmas gifts also, she had a few pairs of socks. Thanks to the Santos family, our neighbor who's very thoughtful, and to Tita Michelle, my cousin.

Then came hand-me-down clothes from newborn up to three months from Tita Aa and Kuya Caleb. Yes, the colors are blue and brown but they are still soooo cute, especially the onesies and body suits. More socks, mittens and hats as well.

A couple of months ago, Tita Ina, Denden's cousin from the US, left me a message at Facebook congratulating us and asking for Euen's gender. She was hoping it was a girl so that she can send us all the baby stuff of her daughter, Justine. Baby stuff not only meant clothes but a lot more of baby things that we didn't have to buy.
1. Boppy Pillow for nursing.
2. A diaper bag. Good to have an extra.
3. Select a Show Soother, a soother with various sound choices with a projector.
4. A pile of bibs, from the smallest, cutest bibs up to toddler bibs.
5. More than 50 pairs of colorful socks. For newborn up to two years.
6. More baby accessories, hats, mittens, headbands.
7. A whole clothesline, from newborn to toddler: dresses, shirts, jeans, skirts, shorts, leggings.
8. Toys: teethers and Freddie the Firefly
9. Four pairs of the tiniest and cutest shoes you'll ever see.
10. Baby Wrap
11. Baby Monitor
12. And my most favorite of all, a portable playard, Pack 'n Play!

With all the clothes, I don't think we'll need to buy clothes for Euen until she's two years old. With all the baby stuff and baby gadgets we received, we are so blessed to have relatives and friends who'd graciously share their preloved baby stuff.

From the bottom of our hearts and my tummy, Denden, Euen and I are very grateful.

Happy Birthday to my Bestest Bestfriend in the Whole World

Not everybody finds their soulmate.
But I am one of the lucky ones to have been given the privilege.
I found you.
Tried and tested.
Gravity defied.
Time challenged.
Space ignored.
Distance defeated.

The only thing that have always kept us and will always keep us in this sisterhood of friendship: L-O-V-E.

I look forward to the day when Annika becomes baby's bestest best friend. While Alfons becomes baby's boyfriend. As you said, like Monica-Rachel-Ross in Friends.

Old Friends

I wrote a post about her before she left. And after four and a half years, she's back to visit us. Yes, that's four and half years. Now, their family is doubled. I mean, they aren't only two, but they are already four.

How time flew. I was very happy to see her and how much has changed over the years. Most of all, she got what she has always wished for, and more. They've been blessed with two cute baby boys and we were lucky to see them.

Indeed, it's nice to see good "old" friends.
Thanks for taking the time to see us, Suzy!

Birthday, birthday, what a happy day.

This year, the typhoon and rains were on our side. No "Pedring" or "Milenyo" stopped us from giving a surprise birthday greeting to our dear friend, Bubbles. The rain stopped we when went out of the house and it just started raining again when we got home. We chose to surprise her at the stroke of midnight. We brought midnight snacks for the soon-to-be-mommy birthday celebrator.

I know your wish has been granted already. On your next birthday, there will be one more person, a little person, who'll be surprising you, with us. I pray for you and your baby's health and safety.
Happy birthday Bubbles!

For Kuting

After six years in the same office that included one year of living in the same apartment, five years of birthday surprises, parties and spending special occasions, weekend movie dates and dinner outs, a friend decides to pursue greener pasteurs. Eventhough it hurts for me to see you go, I wish you well on your new job. Know that I will always be your friend.

I love you always, Kuting.

Off the Calendar

Yes, it's my 31st birthday. The last day on the calendar. Eventhough I am getting older, this year, is the best! Here 31 reasons why:
1. Tons of birthday wishes from friends and family through text and Facebook.
2. Sister from Singapore is here for the weekend.
3. With Kuya Shosh. Last month, they just went here on a weekday and we didn't get to spend time together.
4. Friday night dinner with papogs, two sisters and ikoy.
5. Free overnight stay at the hotel.

6. Pre-Saturday night dinner celebration with the family.
7. Ikoy's specially selected and wrapped gift: Wall-E Lego, Toy Story Ball and Mrs. Potatohead's bag. He was even more excited than me and he wanted to open it right away.
8. Bestest bestfriend
9. With my "first" baby gift and a book which, I am forced to read.
10 . With her family to join us for dinner.
11. Habi who drove more than 2 hours of traffic just to be there.
12. Little baby girl to sing happy birthday for miminuni.
13. With "bouncy" baby Alfons, even with him just looking at you would make you smile.
14. My first of my three cakes, blew the candle with Ikoy and Annika.
15. Sunday night, Papogs cooked my request dinner: fish in "Pesa."

16. Woke up on my birthday morning, with my friends on the other side of my bedroom door.
17. Yummy and healthy breakfast prepared by Kuting.
18. With her betterhalf.
19. Pregnant friend Bubbles who didn't bother going up and down the stairs for the surrpise. Of course with her hubby.
20. Marge, for waking up early to be on time for the early surprise.
21. My second birthday cake, with my dear friends.
22. A two part birthday surprise. Aside from the breakfast surprise, there was still a dinner surprise!
23. Baby sister who brought me salad for dinner.
24. With Bamba.
25. And my third birthday cake.
26. Hubby's family had their share of birthday greetings and wishes.
27. A husband who's willing to do anything I ask of him.
28. Last month, I received an advanced birthday gift, a positive pregnancy test.
29. Doctor confirmed that yes, I am indeed pregnant. But we need to wait a few weeks for the ultrasound.
30. We saw baby's heart, beating, on the first ultrasound.
31. I get to share with the whole world my bestest birthday gift ever.

Beachin' Around

I didn't attend last year's company outing. The years before that, fun memories were almost a blur to me. This year was different, perhaps because I was looking forward to spending time with someone, who might not be around for long, since she might be leaving for "better opportunities."

Our company chose Canyon Cove, a place not new to me anymore. Good place, nice beach, big swimming pool and free food. After the "official activities", we had our own free time: banana boat ride, swimming and watching the sunset. When it was time to leave, we packed our bags with smiles on our faces.


The not so good unfortunate accident with Ikoy last time time I went here was replaced with better memories. And it was genuinely a good day.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

We have attended a couple of Christmas parties but this is actually the first, that I am really excited. This year, it was a barbecue party courtesy of Kuting’s griller and special marinade, Marge and JR’s fish and special coleslaw and Bubbles’ special chocolate cake.

It turned out to be a dog party as well, because Glico was there.
And Ikoy, though a bit sick, was a special guest due to public demand. Racquel became an “ate” looking after him.

Lastly, it turned our to be a Wii party. Everyone got a chance at the Kung Fu dance.

Gifts. Fun. Friends.
Now, I feel Christmas.

Instant MakeUp Artist

I can count on my fingers the few times that I had makeup on my face: my wedding, special friends’ weddings, my college graduation, a party night out my best friend just made fond of me… Note that on my 29 years of existence, I never touched… moreso, learned how to use makeup.
But last Wednesday, because of my unconditional love for Kuting, I was taught how to apply basic makeup. The reason, she has a part on a wedding that we are supposed to attend. Due to time constraint and the event location, she couldn’t get anyone to put makeup on her. I was actually kidding when I volunteered, but she took it seriously. Thus, the practice makeup session with a professional artist. Most times, I just followed the instructions, laughed when she looked too white.. or when the lines where too dark. But I got a thumbs up for my masterpiece. Not bad for a first timer. Here are my notes.

1. Moisturizer using bare hands.
2. Foundation on face and neck.
3. Concealer on the eyes. (Too hide the eye bags.)
4. Eye brows. (Like combing upwards the first half and downwards the second half.)
5. Eye shadow, lighter color below. (Hard part.)
6. Eye liner. (My favorite, it’s just like drawing.)
7. Mascara on eye lashes, base color first then dark color, zigzag coat.
8. Make her smile, apply blush on in her cheeks in circular motion.(Smile, smile, smile.)
9. Lip liner on the lips.
10. Lip stick and lip gloss.
11. Bronzer on the sides to blend with the skin.
12. Apply face powder.
I am keeping my fingers crossed. I hope I could do this again for the event.
Thanks to Toni, our teacher.
And to the Samsons, for the pasta.

After All

After a few months, we got to see Chawo again. Awkward at first but it was fun. And at the end of that day, we were happy, for both of them.

Breakfast at Singapore

I usually just have coffee during mornings but when we were there, I got fond of eating breakfast. For reasons that I can't explain, (even after analyzing)... it was delicious and fun to eat. It was more like how they serve breakfast in hotels. And it gives a good and happy early-morning-start, during, and after eating.

Here are the ingredients:
1. A cup of coffee with sugar and fresh milk
2. A few slices of toasted wheat bread
3. Spreadable butter
4. Sugar-free strawberry jam
5. A sunny-side-up egg cooked the way I want it


And so I tried the same breakfast when we came back. I brought back the same (almost) strawberry jam. Bought the same ingredients, and even got the same bread toaster. But it didn't taste the same.


Then, I realized that there were more ingredients that I missed:
1. the adorable baby princess that crawls on the floors and gives you the cutest smiles.
2. the dad who works hard and even goes home for lunch to spend time with his girls.
3. the uncle who claims to just wash dishes and do the laundy, but never complains when asked to do anything.
4. the mama-ate and bestfriend who tirelessly takes the best care of the baby princess, almost leaving nothing for herself.

I missed and I am missing more. Unfortunately, I couldn't bring them back home with me.

The good thing, there is a new "baby" addition to the many reasons why I go to Singapore. The not so good thing, the same addition becomes a reason why it breaks my heart every time I leave.

Dream Come True

You could call the house a dream come true, but I am not posting any pictures yet, and this isn't about the house.

More than I that, I am referring to our favorite couple with their very beautiful and lovable baby who spared a day and slept over our house. It has been years since we both slept on the same room, on the same bed... and this time, there are two men and a baby with us.

A lot has changed over the years. But I am definitely sure, there is one thing that won't.

Goodwill

After two years and four months, I said goodbye to another place, we considered home. The first year there was full of fun and happy memories with Kuting and friends: experimental cooking, countless of dinner nights, parties composed of 6-7 people and so much more. The wedding preparations all took place in Goodwill: painting of the souvenir pots, the making of the invitations with sisters… looking back, it makes me smile.

During the second year, it was just the two of us. Well, except for sleepover nights with Ikoy and my sisters. But more than that, we experienced living as husband and wife: going home, cooking dinner just for two people, doing house chores together, sleeping every night with the thought that it is just him and me.

This day, we packed our things and said goodbye to Goodwill. Always remembering that it has been a witness to an eventful chapter of my life.

I especially thank our landlord, who had been very good to us.

Pre-July 11 Blues

It isn’t July 11 yet but I received a couple of “birthday” blessings already. First: Since Kuting is leaving again and won’t be back until August, they “planned” for a birthday surprise for me. I felt it when I told my dear hubby that I wasn’t feeling well and just wanted to go home. First, he insisted on going out and somebody wanted to give me medicine. I thought, "If this is a surprise, I don’t want to mess up their plans," and so I just agreed.

At the parking lot, I saw two familiar cars, but pretended not to see. But I couldn’t act surprised so I just texted them where they were to give them an idea the I smell something fishy. At the resto, we sat, ordered and waited. Then the pianoman started playing the happy birthday song. I didn’t want to assume so I just kept quiet and when I turned on the other side, there they were, with the
complete package! I confessed after that. The surprise was a bit spoiled but I was happy. This was a happy day. Even though we couldn’t be together on the eleventh, I felt special because they still made effort to celebrate my birthday. I especially like my Secret Recipe yummy, yummy cheesecake.
Thank you, Bubbles & Francis, Djay & Kuting.

Second: I got my newest baby. More details on my next entry. Thanks Mommy and Daddy, taking the time to bring it to the airport, waiting and meeting a stranger to hand it over. I so love you both. Thanks also to Jenny.
July 11 is a few days more to go. Getting more and more excited for Hongkong.

I MISS YOU LIST

1. Chawo. Because your five-day-stay here isn’t enough.
2. Margie. Because you left again, for the nth time.
3. Bubbles. Because seeing you on mornings and sometimes on afternoons isn’t the same as being on the same office, same building, same department just-on-the-other-cube, with you.
4. Kuting. Even the effort of putting up all the hotel toiletries for the note below, won't be enough to convince me. Because four weeks is four weeks. NO MORE THAN THAT.
5. A soon-to-be-mommy-bestfriend somewhere over the rainbow. Whatever I do, I can’t seem to get you online. I hope you’re okay.

I MISS YOU.

And for that, I reminisced a bit and came up with this TEST.
Let's see if you get this all right. :)

After a month...

I wrote:
Dear bubbles,
Miss na kita. Pinanood ko ulit ngayon yung TVJ AVP mo. Kasi baka makalimutan ko how you look like. And I don’t want to forget.. And I miss you terribly. So much, that it’s starting to hurt..
Sorry.

Bubbles wrote:
I'm sorry ... wag mo naman sana ako makalimutan... super lubog lang talaga ako ngayon.... miss you so much too... kung pwede nga lang bumalik ako, honestly gagawin ko eh...

Bestfriend

Kaibigan.
Kapatid.
Kapamilya.
Soulmate.
Bestfriend.