sweet...pretty...naughty

The new sexy me!!!

2011-09-20T06:52:00.000-07:00

before

Finally, after years of struggling with my weight, I can now say that I am back to an acceptable weight. I still needs to lose 10lbs more to reach my goal, but I am satisfied that I lost 20lbs in 3 months. Here's my before and after pictures.

Living Room Design Board

2011-09-03T05:38:00.000-07:00

1.Inspiration Room 2. Color scheme 3. Upholstery Fabric 4. Antique Gold Wood Finish 5. Furniture Pieces 6.Fabric Suggestions for Pillows 7.Fabric for Curtain 8.Lighting Fixture Suggestions (either use a glass or crystal base or silver metallic base)

Design Board for Ferry Port Terminal

2011-08-26T05:15:00.000-07:00

This is the original proposal for the Ferry Fort Terminal for Seria. The reception lobby will be the focal point. I want it to look inviting and refreshing, after all the main reason why your are doing a renovation is to make it improve it, right? If not, so why the heck you will go through all that trouble. I will understand if they will tell me that the reason why they didn't like the design because of budget constraints, but please don't tell me that you don't like the design because its "too beautiful?" As ironic as it seems, I have to change the design to make it not look beautiful. It is so unnatural for a designer to design something that is not beautiful. That is the first and foremost goal in creating any design. In any design, an architect or any designer for that matter considers a lot of things, and a very big part of the design is aesthetics. So imagine, how shocked I am to hear that they don't like the design because it is beautiful?

Dream Beach Wedding

2011-08-21T08:39:00.000-07:00

It started yesterday. I received a message from him saying "I know now, I can see it... I know how our wedding will be", I was overwhelmed that he can actually visualized how our wedding will be. We already agreed to get married a few months ago, when we just got back together. Barely a few weeks from the "first" date we he already popped the question and without hesitation I answered yes. We knew, from that time that this time we want to be together forever. So fast forward to present, I am in Brunei and he is in the Philippines, its the 8th month since then we are still as in love as 10 years ago. As if long distance relationship is just so easy to manage. We didn't have doubts, even if we are apart. We know that this time we will be make it work. I knew that he loves me and still thinks of me, but I didn't know that he actually thinks of me everyday, every hour, every minute. I know this is too cheesy, believe me I myself can't believe that this is happening. Its like a dream come true. Last night, we continued to talk about it. He had it all figured out, he even has a music lined up. He already picked the song that will play as I walk down the aisle, the background music as we give our vows, even the song of our first dance as husband and wife. I am actually tearing up as he narrates how he imagines it to be. e even typed the lyrics to the songs which melt my heart even more.

i'll be just waiting for you...i'll be under your stars forever by starlight...i'll kiss you..and promise to be your one and only... i'll make you feel happy....

Now I understood, why we had to go through all that trouble, the chaos, the 7 years of not being together, because we are meant to experience this, the magical ending to our fairytale love story. Venue, theme, guest list, entourage, decor, time, date all set... and we only talked about it for 2 or 3 hours and we already have the whole wedding planned out. Isn't that amazing? So hopefully the problem with the documents will finally be finished so that we can be together and make this dream wedding a reality.

A Series of Unfortunate Events

2011-08-12T06:43:00.000-07:00

The Reunion ended at 4am, and he has a 7am DFA appointmentthe following day. So instead of goingback home to his place which is all the way to the South, I suggested that hejust spend the night in the nearby motel. He was hesitant at first; he doesn’twant to stay in that place alone. Hmmm, I know what all you are thinking, butno. I didn’t stay with him. I dropped him off to the motel and I drove homewhich is just 20 meters away.

So I wenthome and of course my mom was ready with all the nagging. So I just lay downand keep quiet, tried to go to sleep while my mom continued to nag me as if I ama 13 year old. I didn’t get to sleep at all, so at 5:30 am I stood up and tooka shower and left. I will go with him to DFA and also to meet up with myfriends from the previous job. Our meeting time is at 6 am. So I called hisphone to wake him up so he can prepare also. But! His phone is off!! So I hadto go to him and wake him up myself. Can you imagine, going to a motel askingif there is a guy who checked in at 4am alone? It is so embarrassing!!! But I have to do it, ifnot, he will miss his DFA appointment and all the plans about him going to Brunei with mewill be shattered. So I went there and ask the guard and the receptionist if therewas a guy who checked in at 4am, please call his room and wake him up.Everybody was shocked; they said they cannot give me any info on who came inand with whom. I sounded like a wife trying to find his philandering husbandhaha. They said a lot of couples checkedin at that time, they cannot pin point which one is his room. I said, he isalone, that will narrow down your choices. How many customers check in alone ina motel, right? So I successfully convinced them that I just had to wake himup, because we have to go to a very important appointment. After 15 to 20 minutes of humiliating argument the receptionist agreed to call the room which they think he is in. So we found him!!! They called his room and woke him up.

I wasscared that they will call the wrong room well, lucky he is the only one whochecked in alone, and we we’re able to trace the correct room. He answered andin a few minutes he is down and we left.......... oopps it wasn’t that easy. He lost theroom number and after a few more minutes of looking and arguing with the staffhe eventually paid 300 for the lost room number. So we hurriedly left thatawful place, disgusted, humiliated, tired, me without any sleep, him without a bath. So you can just imagine how bad our day is going. Now that I amthinking about it, I can already smile, but that was such a horribleexperience. To continue, we took a cab, already 45 minutes late on ourrespective appointment. In the cab, I checked the documents he brought forthe dfa, he doesn’t have the most important of all the “appointment”. So, wekind of argue about it. I am really losing my cool at this point, but I tried mybest to stay calm. We are already running late, and another unfortunate event happened. There is a funrun in the area and the roads are closed, all the bad luck was thrown to usthat day. Since I had to meet up with myfriends, and they have been waiting for an hour already. I get off the taxi and~~walked~~ run going to the meeting place. I was walking faster than theparticipants of the fun run. I met upwith them for a few minutes while he wait at McDonalds, as I try to talk to somebodyinside dfa to let him in, even without the appointment. Good thing, my friends agreed for all of usto go to McDonalds instead while we try to mend the problem about the missingdoc. I left and run again towards McDonalds. So when I got there, he wassitting so relaxed as if there is no problem and even asked if I have a pen.Pissed off, I went to the store next to McDonalds and bought a pen, handed itto him and rolled my eyes. So this is a nuclear bomb just about to explode any minute.That’s the time my friends got there and I hurriedly bought them breakfast,said a quick hi and told them I have to leave them again to accompany him atdfa.

We gotthere, I got in first, tried to talk to them that the webpage malfunctionedthat’s why we didn’t get to print the appointment, lame excuse right? So they checked their system and he reallydidn’t have an appointment in their system. We are sure he has one, we receivedthe email. I was the one that set that appointment. So with all these trouble, wewent out dfa not getting what we went there for. To think I even flew in from Brunei just to makesure he gets this one done.

You thinkby this time the nuclear bomb that has been regaining strength every “malfunction”that we encounter will blew off? No, not really. We are both calm and accepted that it wasn’t’meant to be. So we walked back to McDonald’s, holding each others hands and had breakfast with my friendsand continued our day as if nothing bad happened. We are both smiling and he isstill very sweet to me, as if we did not argue at all. After breakfast, we saidgoodbye to my friends and we took a cab going to the PTA meeting that is setfor that morning. So that was my morning, no sleep, a lot of arguments, a lot ofmisfortunes, but we still manage to smile and hold each others hands and lookat each other the same magic in our eyes, the same as the night before.

He has togo to work, and I have to go to the PTA meeting, and we are already at least anhour late but we still cannot seem to let go. We passed by a convenience store and bought some drinks. We practically spent, 16hours together and we still cant seem to let each other go. I convinced him to go to work and he finally dropped me off the school, and didn’t leave my side unless I promisedto see him again later that night.

Cramming Again!

2011-08-12T06:10:00.000-07:00

Work has been awfully busy this days, I have been attending to customers all day long. Since Ramadan started, the sales people who should be attending to the walk-in-customers has almost become non-existent. Understandably because they need to preserve their energy since they don't eat nor drink all day long. So every time a customer comes in I automatically stands up and assist them while choosing their tiles. my job description as an "designer" is to design. So most of the time I am glued to my laptop as I finish a design board for a proposal, but occasionally, I am also expected to become a "sales lady", or even a "kargador" if needed. It has been very busy at the shop and the real sales ladies are always gone. So in the past week, it has been a very busy day for me. The Interior design that I am working on that should have been finished a week ago is still on going. I can barely have a 5 minute rest, or even sit on my chair the whole day. Its as if I am a crew in a fastfood chain, running from one location to the next. So here I am, cramming to finish the proposal for tomorrow 10 am meeting. I don't think I will be able to sleep at all tonight, and I stayed up late all week nights because daddy always wants to chat and see me. Whew! So got to go, and continue my work. I will be leaving you with the Living room Design board, still have to do 10 more rooms.

Prom at 30

2011-08-10T02:12:00.000-07:00

Day 1 part 2 The 2 person that I’d like to see would be little J and daddy. So I already saw little J, its time to see daddy. That afternoon, after all the shopping, I was with little J and mama when he called. First thing he asked me was, “what are you wearing?” haha. Don’t think of any sleazy thoughts, he asked me if I am dressed appropriately because we will go to Sofitel hotel. So I was shocked, Sofitel? Why what for? Then he just told me to dress up nicely and he will meet me later. So, I went home took a shower and dressed up. Still doesn’t know what he is up to. I am thinking maybe he arranged a nice dinner date since that was one of his dreams to bring me to a nice romantic dinner, something special and fancy. I didn’t have anything to wear; I figured I don’t really have to dress up if it will be just the 2 of us. So I just wore jean, a nice blouse and black pumps. Put on a little make up and I am all set to meet him. I don’t want him to think I put too much effort haha. Ok, so here it is. I figured I’ll just bring the car and pick him up from the office. It will be easier for me to go home after, since he cannot bring home after. You see, up to this point because of the entire hullabaloo that happened some 7 years ago, he still cannot go to my place. So our whirlwind love story on its 10th year now is still on a ”you and me against the world” status. So I went there nervously waiting in the car, anticipating how he looks like or what is his reaction when he see me. I am expecting a bit more enthusiasm, since he practically begged me to go home to see me. Saying

“umuwe ka na please baka mapariwara ako pag hindi ka pa umuwe”.

So when he went in, I just drove and then looked at him. Well he was right, about the “mapariwara” he look terrible. As if he didn’t take care of himself while I was gone. His hair is not trimmed, he lost some weight and I can see in his eyes how terrible he has been since I left. He wasn’t lying when he said he is not ok, its as if he stopped living when I left. I left him looking like a “movie star” (of course I am exaggerating) then I came back 3 months after he now looks like a construction worker, no pun intended. So I asked him, what happened to you? He just smiled and said I miss you. Then he offered to drive, so we exchange places. He just kept on staring at me the same way I stare at him. Traffic jam all over it took us a long time to get to Sofitel. So we just sat there side by side, talking about the things that happened when we are not together, as if we didn’t know. We are talking everyday even when I was in Brunei so we still knew what was happening with each other. We drive past the places we went to and talked all about the memories; we were apart for 3 months and it fells as if it was already years. That’s also when I learned why we are going to Sofitel, we are going to attend his high school reunion. I panicked, I should have worn something nicer, I should have put on a little bit more make up. I should have worn jewelries. I panicked, and these guys are well off, from the “rich and famous”. I’m scared I will not fit in. I’ve known him for 13 years but I didn’t get to hang out with his “rich” friends before. Ok, once but that was years ago, I don’t even know if they still remember me. So we got there, I first met his best friend “P”, I met him years ago. So I am still calm that still went fine. I was right, I am under dressed. They are all wearing beautiful dresses, all made up. I felt like a 15 year old attending a junior prom, scared to death if I was wearing the right dress or the right make up. I a so nervous, but he held my hand. He looked at me as if I am the most beautiful girl that night. So I was ok, we waited in line to register and “P” kept as company, we are chatting like he know so much about me, like an old friend. Then we went in and there are more “socialista” inside, I tried to put the most relaxed face on. He introduced me to everyone, and they smiled and a bit shocked to see me. After all these years this is the only time they met a girlfriend. A lot of them came without a date; there are just a few “couples” that attended. Then I met the other best friend “J”, unlike “P” I never met him, but to my surprise he knew me. He asked me when I came back from Brunei, he knew who I am and probably knows about our 10 yr romance. He is so accommodating, in fact everybody is. They are all so nice to me and they are looking at him as if saying “checkmate”. This is the girl that will actually tame you down; some even gave me a salute. Saying how amazed they are that this guy finally settled down. We are not yet married!!! But I guess, they know, just like how we know that this time it will be forever. So we chat, laugh, dance the night away, enjoying the company of his friends but most importantly enjoying each other’s company. It was just like prom, it was a magical night. We talked and laugh and held each other as if we are teenagers, enjoying the first dance together.

Post Cards for Jes

2011-08-07T20:31:00.000-07:00

First of all, I would like to greet Jes a happy, happy birthday. All she ask for her special day is a post card. So I bought this post cards in the Airport on my flight back to the Philippines. The first plan is to send it from there, since I don't know where the post office is in Brunei. I figured, she would like to have the stamps and the actual stamp marking from Brunei as well so I brought it back to Brunei to send it from here. Now, I'm back in Brunei, and I was supposed to send it a week before her birthday, which was my birthday. Needless to say, I was busy then so that plan didn't push through.

So here is my second attempt to send it. I asked my brother where the post office is and lucky its just walking distance from his place. So I plan to send it last weekend, when I go for a visit to my brother's place. I stay in a staff house all week and since transportation is hard here because there is no public transportation. There is a bus that you can ride, but in our area there is only 1 bus allotted, and it only operates until 4pm. So there is really no choice but to wait for the weekend when I am off and my brother picks me up from the staff house.

Ok, so last Sunday, armed with the 2 post cards and the directions from my brother and walked my way to the post office. Its just a few steps before the grocery store I always go to. But unfortunately, my mission failed. Post office is "tutup" closed, they are only open Monday to Thursday and Saturday 8:00am to 4:30pm, then on Fridays 8:00 am to 11:00 am will close for "sambayang", open again at 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

So I failed on this attempt. Now, i have to figure something out, how can I send the postcards on a weekday when I am basically imprisoned in my office the whole time and no transportation to use even if I try to sneak out. Well, I will figure something out. So again to Jes, happy birthday!!! Just to let you know, you are remembered, and may all your wishes come true.

Today is my Birthday!

2011-07-31T20:01:00.000-07:00

Although this year I'm not spending it with little J. I still choose to be happy and smile. Heck! got a message yesterday from daddy that is sweet enough to make me smile for a long time.

We never got to celebrate your birthday, but I promise you this as soon as I get there we will go on dates as if everyday is your birthday!

Last year's Birthday Wish list- success!

2011-07-29T05:51:00.000-07:00

So in few days I'm turning another year old. So I went back and check my last year's wish list to see which actually came true.
1.I phone- nah!! no i phone, but I don't like it anymore have other priorities to consider.
2.External hard drive- check!! got it!
3.Graphite tablet- just like the I phone, I don't want this anymore, looks like I will not use it either.
4. Lose 20lbs- check! I'm not sure exactly how much I've lost but I slimmed down just enough to get my confidence back and my waistline is at least 4inches smaller. Oh! and I can wear mini skirts again!!!
5. New Environment- check! I'm in a different country now, so everything is new.
6. happy family- check! check! check! I thought this is impossible, well, I'm wrong. This is now a reality, so happy for this miracle.
7. Spend time with friends--- fail!
8. More time with little j!---fail...
9. Love!-check! check! check!
10.Peace of mind- I'd say 90% accomplished, still have a lot to worry about, but compared to last year I'm a lot better now.

6 out of 10, actually should be 8 out of 10 since I changed my mind on 1 and 3 since I don't want it anyway. On item 8 its a sacrifice that I have to do as a mom. We may be apart but this is all for her. I have to sacrifice working abroad with hopes of a better future for our family.

Choosing your Paint

2011-07-28T17:27:00.001-07:00

Color may make or break you room. Most make a mistake of trying to choose their paint color as what they have seen on TV or on the magazine. Yes, this media are a good source of inspiration, but it is extremely tricky to choose exactly the same color as your inspirational room. Most often than not they end up having a room with a color too dull or too bright for what they expected. What most people do not consider is that this rooms as featured in TV's and magazines are designed by professionals such as Architect's and Interior designers, not too mention lighting was enhance further by a very able photographer. First things first, do not expect your room to look as great as those in magazines, especially if you do not have the extremely high budget that they used to come up with that. But, do not lose hope, we can still come up with a beautiful room even if we do not have that much money, all we need is a srpinkle of imagination and a bowl full of resourcefulness.

Lets go back to colors. First, is that you have to come up with a concept, you should know what you like and stick with it. Sure you can come up with electic design, where a lot of inspirations are rolled into one, but this is very hard to pull off. An experienced designer may have difficulty in pulling this off, much more a neophyte. So let's stick to one concept, a good basis for a design concept is your personality. If you are the laid back type, who doesn't like much clutter, it would be best to lean your design towards modern minimalist, or zen asian designs. If you are the artistic, energetic type, then a colorful more vibrant design will suit you. Lastly, if you are not sure yet, I suggest you go to the safe side, not too dull, but not too funky.

My rule of thumb is to use the half tone, this can go either way, its color but not color over all. Just a splash of it. Just a touch. Do not go over bored with the color that you might end up with a bedroom that looks like McDonalds.

If you are relying on a paint swatch, pick the 2nd tone from the darkest. So instead of choosing a vibrant red use the melon pink, just a notch from the darkest. You may still use the vibrant red, but be sure that it is just one wall or else it will be too overwhelming. Another thing is you can choose a favorite dress or bag, and use that as your basis, if you like the coordinates so much ang you have lived with it for a long time chances are it is good coordination of colors that will also look good on your wall.

Lastly have fun, if you chose the wrong color, what the heck you can paint it over.

Modern Nuetral Bedroom Designs

2011-07-28T02:12:00.000-07:00

I am working on a new Project right now, Interior Design for a young executive. So far, what he gave me as basis is just the plan and he wanted it bright and clean. More on modern minimalist design. As color theme all he told me is that he want to keep it on the neutral tone. So far here are some of the 3D that I have made. I will have to submit a color swatch and sample pictures of the materials to be used since my software doesn't get the exact color that I wanted. Most of the 3D looks yellowish which I didn't intend to. I need a little more tweaking on this.

J & J Adventure - Father and Daughter Finally Together

2011-07-26T00:36:00.000-07:00

Posting the pic first, I'll write the story later... be back in a few... just a bit busy...

Update: 27 July 2011

Ok, so here is the story. I went back to the Philippines for just a few days, precisely to spend time with little J and daddy. So as you can see, it was a "mission accomplished" trip.

I am so happy with everything that happened in Pinas, I would say it is something I dreamed of but didn't expect that would actually happen. Just like this picture, as you can see little J and daddy are now getting along. Finally, its just sad that I have to leave again. I know if they spend more time together they will be more closer. I just love watching them together. This is a dream that I thought will never happen. You see, its slowly becoming a reality and I am just so thankful that God gave as another chance to finally make our family complete.

Before all these, my mom and I had some misunderstanding, so I was crying the whole day. I felt devastated that even on my last day with them, she didn't spare that day to a peaceful family day. My plan is to spend that last day with Mama and little J, but since Mama is still mad at me of course that is not possible. I actually approached her that morning but she still wont talk to me, that's a long story that I'd rather skip.So change of plans.

After I spent the whole day crying, I realized that I was just wasting precious time. Time that I'd rather spend with little J. I don't want to leave with a heavy heart, I want to remember my days in Pinas as "happy times". So little J and I decided to go to SM and just spend the last few hours together happily. We hurriedly bathed and change and off we go to SM San Lazaro. Right before we left the house I received a text message from daddy, begging me to ask mama if she will allow him to send me to airport. I know its not possible (long story) so I told him to just go to SM and we just have dinner together.

So little J and I went to SM, we spent the last day same as how we spent it the first time I left. We first went to arcade and she is just so happy to get all those tickets. I just love seeing her that happy. Those smiles I will surely miss. Then after the games, daddy sent a message saying he is already in our meeting place. So little J and I went down stairs to see daddy. Before this, I talked to little J. I told her, that I wish she will not cry if she see's daddy, that if she is not comfortable with him just don't mind him and remember that its Mommy's last day and I don't want to see her cry. So, as I saw him waiting I literally run towards him and gave him a kiss on the cheek, hoping little J will do the same but didn't. Then we went to eat at Tokyo Tokyo, little J's request, she just loves to eat the tempura breading haha... just the breading. I have to peal off the Tempura, the good part is I get to eat the shrimp. During dinner, little J is still uneasy. She wont talk to daddy, just like before. Well, at least this time she is not crying. So we ate, daddy kept on talking to little J, then after a while she finally answered and soon they we're talking. First time, they actually talked to each other, little J finally respond. Then they started teasing each other, finally they are interacting with each other. Precious Moments, something that I will always keep in my heart. Then we went to Tutti Fruity and got some yogurt, here they continued to play and tease each other. They are so alike, the way they laugh, the way they talk, the way they deliver their punch lines. I am just so happy to see my family finally spend time together happily. Hopefully for days like this in the future.

Design for International School Brunei - Canteen

2011-07-22T21:38:00.000-07:00

A very simple design for International School Brunei- Canteen. The existing facade is very simple, no design at all, just a tarp for the Signage is added. This is a low budget project so the owner just wants to spice it up a little and add something to brighten up the place. So I added a drop ceiling in wood veneer with recessed halogen lights. He originally wants some hanging lights but I think it will just add more obstructions to the existing wild wires above. So I opted to cover it up with the drop ceiling and add more lights. To add more color, I added some menu board at the top and above the window.

Day 1- Pinas Vacation

2011-07-22T19:53:00.000-07:00

The first thing I did was shopping. I basically got everything I wanted, except for the white shirt. I found my old black pencil skirt so I didn't but that. I bought 2 boyfriends shirt, a turtle neck blouse, wedge crocs sandals, 2 paper shirts, a dress, 2 bags, another dress for my room mate, 3 sets of pajama. I also bought flip flops, shoes for little J, t shirt for my brother, another t shirt for "daddy" and a lot more. I cant even remember all the things I bought. All these for just Php 4000. Wow! Such a bargain. I really love shopping in Divisoria. Everything is nice and affordable.

We can find anything and everything in Divisoria. I almost bought fake Ipad. If wasn't too tired I should have bought more. But I fear that if I go around the people infested mall I will need a Medicare supplement to continue walking. One thing that is very obvious difference between Brunei and Philippines. In Philippines there's a lot and I mean a lot of people. A lot of pollution and a lot of traffic. I just wish that I have that much traffic in my blog as well. One site that I also notice is the FiftiesWeb.com

Mission Accomplished

2011-07-22T19:12:00.000-07:00

I'm back!! Ok, I went home for a 1 week vacation and it was great. I would say "Mission Accomplished". Those few days are precious, I wish I can stay longer to mend some things up. A lot happened, something that I didn't expect but I am very glad with everything. The only thing that I want changed is my relationship with my mom. Lets just say we have some misunderstanding. I'll dedicated a whole post for this next time.

So I came back July 14, arrived a few minutes past midnight so basically that already July 15. I am so excited to see little J. In fact I am excited even just for the little things. When I saw the Makati Skyline, wow I felt home. Cant believe that I am back in Pinas again. All I was thinking was what will be little J's reaction when she see me.

I didn't see my mom right away, in fact she walked pass at me. She said she didn't recognize me. This is the only time I had a good interaction with my mom. When she fetch me from the airport, we hugged tight. I miss her, I miss my best friend. So we went home and I saw little J sleeping. I quickly woke her up, the jewelry box in my hand. She was startled to see me, but not really surprised, which is more surprising. Its as if its just normal to see me. So I hugged and kissed her tight, I didn't want to let go. After a few minutes of talking that's the time she finally realized I am really home.. maybe she thought she was just dreaming. So she started telling stories and checked the jewelry box that I brought her. So this is the start of my Pinas Adventure. I'll post the rest soon with the pictures, once I found my memory card adapter.

Shopping!!!

2011-07-13T21:38:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to go shopping!!! Finally! I got my wish I will go shopping in Divisoria!!!I am going home! I am so excited to see little J again!!! I can't put too much exclamation marks... but if I can I'll fill this whole post with exclamation marks that's how excited I am.

Meragang Interior Design Board

2011-07-08T19:11:00.000-07:00

Online business

2011-07-07T23:21:00.000-07:00

Since I recently figured out that this site actually attracts more readers about home improvement articles. Writing blog about architecture, interior design and decorating can actually help me with my design online business. I have to do a feasibility study on this one first, I have so much more to learn. Which articles are being read which are not generating traffic, so I have been reading a few article about design, decorating and try to check how they composed the articles that will not sound to technical nor to artsy. So this is one of the articles about decorating. It talks about choosing the right color for the bedroom. Brunei has a very laid back culture, so choosing the right color for a bedroom is very important as you can see in my previous post about my recent project. The color scheme is very simple, as well as the interior design itself, but I received a lot of complements from this project. The client and the rest are saying that its the best they have seen so far, even saying that it is the new "standard" for housing in Brunei, the rest of the new housing development should be at par with my design.

I will be scanning some more articles from this site, and I'll be back with to tell you about it.

Successful Interior Design Project

2011-07-07T22:47:00.001-07:00

This is my very first project in Brunei, I am very thankful that it was very successful. The client and the rest of the Housing Development Department loved what I've done. I'll share the pictures first and tell you more about it later.

Updating my Blog

2011-07-07T22:37:00.001-07:00

So far this is how my header reads

This is all about the sweet.. pretty.. and most of the time naughty 2 yr old girl Jea. Lots of anecdotes about her everyday adventure. All her first.. some are funny.. some are terrifying...but most are cute stuff and treasured memories...

needless to say this is already obsolete. First, my daughter is now 6 years old. Wow! I have to take a deep breath after realizing that, that means this blog has been in existence for at least 4 years already. This definitely not an
SEO blog, heck I only started this blog to get through my depression. Safe to say, I am not depressed anymore, in fact I am so happy with how life is treating me for the past months. There are a lot of reasons to be happy now, and I am so thankful for all the blessings. So now I'm back I have new wonderful stories to tell, I don't know much about blogging anymore so I need some
SEO tips from CqWen.

Sneak Peak of the Upcoming Posts

2011-07-07T22:24:00.000-07:00

Design Board for the first Project

Cousins Visit

Traveling in Brunei

Brunei Culture


Speedboat ride!!

As you can see I have a lot of stories to tell, so keep going back to read my adventures in Brunei!

Web Directories

2011-07-07T22:06:00.000-07:00

I don't know how to attract more traffic to my sites, I am sure that there are a lot of new ways to make your blog known to the world wide web. I think I have to relearn a lot of things about blogging, page rank, traffic and SEO marketing. What I noticed is that a lot are using social networking to advertise their blogs and websites that is why facebook and a lot of other social networking sites are being congested with this "post". Well, one way of attracting more traffic and hopefully more readers are by registering in a business web directory

This is a website composed of business listing that aims to give more exposure to your business. Lets face it in the world, there is a lot of advertising, not to mention a lot of money that you will have to shell out to make your business known. That is why more and more businesses are taking advantage of the cheapest advertisement with the best exposure to the world which it through websites and internet marketing. This is very cheap yet very powerful way to make your presence known to the world wide web and therefore to the world.

Blogger Newbie

2011-07-07T19:24:00.000-07:00

I've been out of the blogging world for so long, that it feels like I am a newbie. Heck, I dont even know how to go around the new blogger format. I like it, I have to relearn navigating through it though, but I like it. It is user friendly and gives more information about my blogs traffic, visitors, referrers etc.

This way we know more about our own blogs. Its interesting that the post that is most visited on this site http:www.sweetpretynaughty.blogspot.com is the glam nails- design board, and rest house design which means this site actually gets more visit for the design related post and not the parenting, blogging or mommy stuff which this blog is intended for. I also have another blog that talks more about design, but for some reason it doesn't get much attention. So now, I know that I have to write more design stuff here also and hopes to get more attention and ultimately more traffic, therefore higher page rank.

by the way, can somebody help me take out the "read more" on my posts? its easy to do it before, but with the new blogger settings.. I'm lost.. please help.....

PR2- Time to go back to blogging

2011-07-07T01:35:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know I said that several times already, but I have reasons now why I will blog again. First I got a PR2, cool! I don't know why Google is nice to give be a good page rank when I am not active to blogging anymore, but for whatever reason I'd like to thank Google for raising my page rank. Second reason is that many things happened, for one, I am not in the Philippines anymore. I've been in Brunei for 3 months already so I have so many stories to tell. I'll try to update more soon.

The Great Reveal

2011-04-03T05:51:00.000-07:00

I have written few post about little J's father here but no pictures was posted. Our whirlwind romance is so complicated that it is actually more dramatic than those teleserye plot. If I were to write to Maalaala Mo Kaya, it will not even fit to a 1 episode show. Things are just too complicated. Life has so much twist and turns. Our love story started with a "premonition", I didn't believed it but I just realized that all of it actually happened. I dont have any regrets, our love story has been on and off for 10years now, we've been separated a lot of times and a lot means "a lot" of reasons. Its just too complicated. We've been separated for 6 years, and for some miracle, for reasons that even the two of us cant explain. We got back together. I am keeping my fingers crossed, than even if we are forced to separate again because I am going to Brunei, soon, very soon we will be together again and we will get to say " and they live happily ever after". So guys this is how he looks like.. read the story on sweetytots "father and daughter" post.

Tarot- Ten of Cups

2011-03-30T06:21:00.000-07:00

We all want a happy family right? I think, that is my greatest dream, to finally have a happy family. When I was younger I am fortunate enough to experience this, or maybe my mom was just to good in keeping the real status of our life back then. Well, to give credits to my parents, yes I would say that I still had a lot of happy family moments, but those days are long gone. I don't even know how it happened but everything is different now, and we are far from having a HAPPY FAMILY.

I went to a tarot reading session this afternoon. This is what I got for future when my cards are being read when I asked the question "Will "daddy" follow in Brunei eventually? The ten of cups

The future position indicates that your emotional contentment is coming. The Ten of Cups is a card that is the natural climax of the entire Tarot suit of Cups and so it functions well in the future position as a reminder that your goals in life are worth pursuing no matter what the current struggle may be delivering. Source

The illustration it self shows a "Happy Family". What a joy to see this. This is exactly what I had to see. A dream come true. I know I may not get those branded clothes, or designer bags, or all those expensive things, but none of those matter. What matter most to me is that I have a happy and contented family. We went through a lot, its 10 years of struggle, and even up to now, our love story is still struggling. But, I will not give up, especially if this is the future that awaits us. This made me more hopeful, and I know, in time I will have that long time dream. To have a happy family.

Ten of Cups (Satiety): Fulfillment and joy in life and love. Feeling peace, tranquility, and contentment in friends and family. Taking delight in one's good fortune.

Tarot Reading

2011-03-30T03:01:00.000-07:00

I went to POEA today, supposedly to process my OEC, but I was only given an appointment date and was asked to just come back. So I went to Robinsons Galleria instead and opted to consult a Tarot Reader.

I would say I was impressed on what came out of that consultation: (Here are the questions and the answers)
1. Will I be fine in Brunei - according to the cards I will be fine, in fact I will be successful in my career. I will have peace of mind and I just have to relax and just let everything go to its proper place. I should not worry too much and start anew.

2. Will my love ones be fine here - Yes, they will be alright, I should not worry and them they will be fine.

3. Will he follow me in Brunei - she said he is still not sure as of this moment. He still has a lot of things in his mind. He is still not sure, and will have to settle all those things first.

4. Will he eventually follow and reunite our family - Yes! he just have to settle some things and reflect on his own. He needs to prove something first, to my family, me and himself. Its cool the last card actually was a card of the happy family. Such a coincidence right?

5. I asked if he and little J will get along - this is very frustrating for me. I mean little J wont even get a long with her real father? ( I will write a different post about this) Yes they will, eventually little J will be the one to make her relationship with her father better. Sooner or later, she will realize that her father is a good person and he loves her so much.

6. I asked about the other guy - there is another suitor, who still patiently waits for "daddy" and me to split, this I was really shocked at how specific the cards showed what is happening. 2 cards was about money, 1 card is about discontentment. According to the reader he will try to woe me with money, although he is a good guy and I may be perfectly ok with him as well, but there is just something that is lacking. Something that will he can never give me.

This experience gave me a little bit more peace of mind. The past few days made me anxious of what will happen. I am too scared of what will happen. I would say that the answers are just what I needed and I would say truthful. Of course, its not 100% sure, but if peace of mind is what it gave me because of this experience then that is helpful enough to ease my mind.
What about you guys? would you consider consulting a Tarot Reader?

Overwhelmed

2011-03-27T19:57:00.000-07:00

I have so much to say.. a lot has been happening with my life. I am so overwhelmed, both good and bad. I'd like to think about the positive things though it also hurts that smiles also come with sadness. A lot of momentous events happened in the past 2 months. I don't even know how to feel about it. Its like everything is on a "wait and see" phase. One special event was last friday March 26, it was little J's graduation. Im glad to be present on this event, I thought I will not be here to witness it. Then March 27, was Mama's birthday and I also have a lot of things to tell about that, not about the birthday but about little J's father.

I am leaving, soon, so soon that I really don't want to. I feel like I am going to blow. I have too much emotions, I am excited, anxious, sad, scared, all at the same time.

I don't want to leave.

I don't want to leave little J, nor her dad. It is sad to reunite after 6 long years and then we still have to part again. Its as if we are always separated for reasons that we cannot even understand why or how. One thing that I promised myself, this time I will not let go. No matter what. It is so hard to leave. I don't want to leave, but I have to. I am doing this for little J, for me, for "daddy" and for our family. Hopefully we will all be reunited after a few months.

Brunei, here I come!

2011-03-23T19:28:00.000-07:00

I haven't been blogging for a very long time. A lot of things has happened, although a bit problematic I am looking forward to a another life changing event. I am leaving, for work abroad. Hopefully I can leave in a few weeks, there are just a few documents that I need to finish processing. My heart is telling me to stay, but I know I have to go. There are a lot of things to consider. First, I didn't know that I will spend this much with the documents and all. The medical robs me off so much, it's just too damn expensive. After the medical I am off to get my working visa from the Brunei Embassy (which I will do this afternoon) this is the easiest part if you ask me. Then off to POEA for the other OFW stuff that I have to process or else they will not let me leave. So with all those confusing, expensive and very tiring stuff to do I still have other things to deal with.

The first thing that I am very worried about is Moolah, I have to get some moolah. I wasn't prepared with all the expenses at all, when I was hired I thought they will take care of all the expenses, now I understood that I will shoulder everything even the airfare, Wahhhhh!!!! So there, I was surprised with how much I need to spend. Then, there are also personal stuff that I worry about, my parents and I are having problems as well. Then little J, and little J's father.

I don't worry about little J, she is coming with me to Brunei so at least I will not be worried about missing her, or how is she doing while I am gone. That is the main reason why I took this job offer, is that I can bring her along. The story about her father and I deserves another post, maybe even 7 or 8, haha. There are a lot of things that happened, which I am very thankful for. To make it short is that, we reunited after 6 long years of being apart. Some say its fate, some say its a miracle, some say its divine intervention... haha. Well, I am just glad to have him back and "happy" is such an understatement to express what I feel. I'll try to post more soon.

My life as it happens - Miss You Like Crazy by Natalie Cole

2011-02-19T04:57:00.000-08:00

Even though it's been so long
my love for you keeps going strong
i remember the things that we used to do
a kiss in the rain till the sun shines through
i tried to deny it, but im still in love with you

i miss you like crazy, i miss you like crazy
ever since you went away, every hour of everyday
i miss you like crazy, i miss you like crazy
no matter what i say or do
there's just no getting over you

i can see the love shinning in your eyes
and it comes in such a sweet surprise
if seeing is believing, it's worth the wait
so hold on and tell me it's not too late
we're so good together
we're starting forever now.

and i miss you like crazy, i miss you like crazy
ever since you went away, every hour of everyday
i miss you like crazy, i miss you baby
a love like ours will never end
just touch me and we're there again

just one night
and we'll have the magic feeling like we used to do
hold on tight
and whatever comes our way we're gonna make it through

if seeing is believing, it's worth the wait
so hold on and tell me it's not too late
we're so good together
we're starting forever now.

and i miss you like crazy, i miss you like crazy
no matter what i say or do
there's just no getting over you

and i miss you, baby
i miss you baby
all the tender love you gave me
when a feeling gets this strong
i know the real thing will come along
and i miss you....

i miss you like crazy baby
only your sweet love can make me

i miss you like crazy
a love like ours will never end
just touch me and we're there again
i miss you like crazy
i miss you like crazy

The Past and the Future

2011-02-13T07:24:00.000-08:00

I know I haven't posted anything for a long time already. My life took so much turn and its very exhausting to write about it, needless to say... the turns are not so much fun, but my life took another turn that is so significant that I cannot let this slip and leave undocumented. I'll start the story with a very significant past.

Back in 1998, I was a college freshman I was playing as a college varsity player for volleyball. At that time it was still CAFA, College of Architecture and Fine Arts. We are still considered as 1 college together with Interior Design, Fine Arts, Advertising etc. I have a volleyball teammate, Annette. She said she knows "fortune telling". I really didn't take it seriously, but I asked her to read my fortune. She just looked into my eyes, and she asked me to ask questions.

* At that time, I just broke up with my first boyfriend and I'm still "hooked" up with him. So I asked mostly about him, if we are going to get back together, she said yes. We will get back together but something will happen that will be the reason for us to separate again.
- This happened exactly how she told me to happen, we got back together and was forced to brake up.

* I asked her if I will marry him, she said no. I will marry my 2nd boyfriend.
So I asked her, who is it? Do I know him already? Her answer was, No you haven't met him yet, hes is not even here yet. But you will meet him. Taking the same course, but he is 3rd/ 4th year irregular student.
- So I met him, he enrolled 1999, a year after this conversation. We met 3 years after. He is as Architecture student 3rd/4th yr irregular student. At time time I already forgot about this "fortune". I was drawn to him. Even though at that time I had at least 7 other suitors.

* That didn't end there. She said our relationship will not be easy. We will go through a lot, and I mean a lot.
- True enough we went through hell, my mom never liked him and from the start he was being treated as if he is the worst person in the world. At first we managed but soon we had to break up, because of my parents.

* The she said, it will take years but for some reason we will still find each other and will get back together. Annette specifically mentioned that we will get back together and I will get pregnant, by that time I am already working while he is still studying.
- 2 years after we broke up, we did get together. For reasons that even the 2 of us didn't know was the right reasons, but we did even if we know it was all wrong. That was the time that I got pregnant and had little J, he is graduating for college, while I'm already working. For the nth time, we we're forced to break up, my parents did all they can to keep us away from each other, hence I became a Single mom.

So I thought this was the end of it. What I forgot is that from the very start of those questions, I asked her a particular question. Who will I marry? So if everything that she said will happen then I should marry him.

* She said, years after. There will come a time that we will be friends and he will just suddenly pop the question. I will not believe him at first, because its just too complicated and he is not the type who will really seriously think about marriage.
- So this is what I dream of, I thought it is impossible. When friends ask me if we will ever get back together? I always answer, there is more chances for me to win the lotto even if I am not betting. That's how impossible it is, and so I thought...

*

At the Park- Mommy Moments

2010-07-23T09:44:00.000-07:00

a lovely pose

These pictures were taken at La Mesa Ecopark, back when we used to do out a lot. We seem not to do this often now, mostly we just stay at home or go to the mall. We should do more bonding moments such as this soon.

Please view my other entry here

The day she met her Father

2010-05-08T08:13:00.000-07:00

Today is a milestone in little J's life. Today she met her father, the last time they saw each other was 3 years ago. Little J can't remember him anymore. We went to Muntinlupa to accopany my aunt and I dont have plans to see him at all, before we get to my aunt's place little J requested if we can go to McDonald's to buy her lunch, I insisted that we should go straight to the house. My mom insisted that we should go to McDonald's until little J cried. So I just dropped the oldies at the house and the 2 of us little J and me went to SM and bought her food. I figured we already escaped from Mama we might as well pass by "daddy's house".

I asked little J if she wants to see lolo and she said yes, so texted lolo and asked if we can drop by. Unfortunately he wasn't at home but he said I could try to see "daddy" instead if he is already home. So we did, he wasn't home. So we left and went to my Aunt's place and ate our lunch. After lunch everybody fell asleep, including me except little J. When I woke up, I saw her in a corner doing nothing, looking really bored. So asked her if she wants to go to "daddy" again, her eyes lit up and she answered an astounding "yes".

We went to SM first, I figured I should buy something first for us to show Mama as an alibi that we went to SM. We went to National Bookstore and bought some paper and pen then we left and went back to "daddy's" house. This time he is already home. So we nervously went inside, his sister lead as to his house (he has a separate house inside their compound) and we sat there in the living area. He was so surprised to see me, I know he didn't expected that it was me and little J. He was already resting, when we got there. He hurriedly changed and went to see us. I was glad to see his reaction, I know he was happy to see us, or at least little J. He was shocked to see how big she has grown.

Nataranta sya talaga, he didn't know what to do, he kept on coming back and forth the bedroom and the sala. I introduced them to each other, the smile on his face is priceless.. I know he is so happy to see her. She offered pizza and tried to order, the funny part is that he cannot contain his emotions that he asked me to order for us. Taranta talaga, pinasa ko ulit sa kanya yung phone. Sabi ko, nakakatuwa ka. Wag ka na mag abala, alis din kme agad. Then the phone went dead, low batt. He dialed the phone again using his cellphone, then passed tha phone again to me. I said he should be the one to order, I don't even know their address and phone number so he got it and went to the bedroom and ordered. He said it will take 45minutes. I told him to cancel the order since we have to leave shortly.

He then, offered for us to go to SM, is just a few streets away from their place. I said ok, but little J is really uneasy, she is so shy. She doesn't know how to act with him. She wont go to SM she said she wants to go back to my Aunt's place instead. So I didn't want to push her, I said ok. So I told him that we should go. Little J is not ready yet, maybe if he could spend more time with her then she will warm up a little. Maybe some other time.

Honestly, I wanted to stay longer, or at least take his offer for snack in SM, but I am also scared that my mom will find out. She already called twice when we were at his place. I am still scared, I don't want to complicate things. I am really happy that little J and her father got to see each other, timely before her birthday and father's day. I sure hope that she can spend sometime with him soon.

It wasn't I expected it to be, I have imagined this maybe a million times before it actually happened and I really thought I'll be crying with so much joy to see them together but I wasn't. I was even eager to leave early. That wasn't the case 3 years ago. 3 years ago it looked as if I was trying too hard. Now, I really want them to get to know each other, to spend more time together, but I will not push it.

On my part, I am also surprised on what I felt when I saw him. It was really mixed emotions, I wanted to hug him, I really missed him so much, and seeing him overwhelms me. Just a friendly hug, now I know what JP felt when he came to visit me, some more years ago. I wanted to chat more with him, to really befriend him, but at the same time I don't him to think that I am still in love with him because I am not. I am nervous, ashamed, shy at the same time. He still looks so good, while I am at least 50lbs heavier. I am also mad and I wanted to tell him how awful I felt not having him around in this difficult time. I really need some help into parenting. I wanted ti discuss a lot of things with him, I wanted to ask him if he could see little J more often. I was a little bitchy, but some issues came to me at some point that made me want to be bitchy. There are some things that he said that was too awful to hear coming from him, if somebody else said it it would matter, but when it came from him it wasn't right. A part of me wanted to speak up, and I did, so I acted a little bitchy.

To sum it all, I am so happy that they met. I am so happy to see him. I am so happy to see them together. I wish there will be more chances for them to bond as father and daughter. Please pray with me for this.

How's Jea?

2010-04-11T07:06:00.000-07:00

How's Jea?

That is all that he has to say and I am already trembling. I'm happy, scared, nervous, hopeful all at the same time. That is what little J's father sent through fb tonight. I just replied a brief description on how little J is doing, in school and even summer class. I also told him that little J has been asking about him for the longest time already and I am hoping he could make time to see her. The last time they saw each other was almost 3 years ago. That was their first and their last meeting. For those who's new to this blog, I am a single mom, the father of little J was forced to stay away from us or maybe he also chose to.

To continue, since little J learned about family, about the father and mother and baby she has been asking about her dad. I always tell only good things about her dad, if there are things that I can't explain like why is he away I just try to veer away from the question and tell that I cannot explain as of the moment, and I will when she's older.

For the first few years of little J's life I tried contacting him, and he wouldn't answer, he is trying to avoid us just like what my father told him to, but I persisted so 1 day last July 2007 the father and daughter met. It was such a wonderful day for me. I can't explain how happy I am for little J. I still cry when I see dads playing with their kids, I still cry watching a movie where the dad reads a story for his daughter. I still cry wishing that someday.. someday little J will get to do that with her dad. I am still wishing.. and praying that someday they will meet again.. Hopefully soon.

Addiction

2010-03-03T17:58:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been addicted into something? There are a lot of things that people may be addicted to, I would say that the most common ones are the addictions to caffeine and nicotine, these are the simple ones. The serious one would be the addiction to prohibited drugs. There are a lot of sad stories about drug addiction. Those people who may have a beautiful in peaceful lives, leads to life of distraction, violence all because of drug addiction these people get into the bad habit, I would think that there is a time in their life that made them depressed or confused. I understand how they feel. I myself, got into a very bad depression. A phase that I thought was the worst time of my life. I didn't get into drugs, but I would say it was such a disturbing phase. I made wrong choices during those times. I think this may also be the reason how this people get into the bad habit. They we're in deep trouble and in desperation they get into deeper trouble.

The good new is that there are establishments that can help them. Like this one I saw in a California Drug Rehab. What this Drug Rehab in California different is that they focus on your emotions. They do not just cure the habit, but they also try to understand why you get into that habit. They heal not just your drug addiction but also your soul. They focus on the 6-Basic feeling theory. The following basic feelings are understood: Mad, Sad, Glad, Afraid, Ashamed and Hurt. Most of the time this 6 basic feelings are what a drug addict feels. In this California Drug Rehabilitation they believe in the philosophy ART of recovery. To be able to be fully healed from drug addiction, you must able to sustain long-term abstinence, sobriety and recovery, by the philosophy or accountability, responsibility and time.

Type rest of the post here

Christmas 2009

2009-12-27T23:57:00.000-08:00

We had a fun Christmas Eve, not as jolly as before but its all I can ask for. I don't know what it abut this years Christmas that I felt a little sad, maybe because last year I have so much moolah and this year's was the opposite. That is maybe the reason why little J now feels and understand the importance of moolah.

December 22, Mama took little to her office for the first time. She introduced her to her officemates, this is a milestone because she tried to keep little J a secret to everyone else. In fact at first she doesn't want little J to call me Mommy so that nobody would know. We'll it was the negative connotation of being a single mom. So this year, she finally let it out and introduced little J to her officemates. Little j, along with the other kids went around singing Christmas carols in turn the employees gives money for them. She was so excited getting all the money. For the first time she really value money, maybe because this year she felt the lack of it. She got Php950, she was so happy and and kept on tellingme stories on how she got them. That was morning.

In the afternoon, it was a different story but that should be written in another blog. So as not to spoil the momment.

December 24

We went to SM San Lazaro to buy groceries for our Noche Buena, since we are not in a festive mood I asked for just a simple sopas. That is my only request, we decided not to cook pasta anymore, we just cooked Ribs and Chicken, that should be enough along witht hte ham and keso de bola. I texted my SIL to bring pitchy-pitchy but she said they already bought cake from Red Ribbon and Ice cream from S&R.

When we got home Nong-nang are already there. We rested for a while for some cupcakes and chit chat. At 3pm we started cooking. Nang was in charcge of the sopas. I cooked the ribs and chicken. Everu once in a while we peak in the freeezer to get some ice cream.

It was a simple Christmas, not the festive one that we used to have mainly because we down graded our refrigerator to a smaller one and we are worried about the left overs. We just wanted to cook just enough, so as ther will be no left over at all, since the cake, ham and ice cream already took a lot of space.

Little J was asleep at the strike of midnight, I tried to tell her to sleep early so we can wake her up at midnight but she just had to watch PBB. I didn't get to eat at all, I stayed with little J on the sofa while she sleeps. I'm still hoping I can wake her up, well she didn't she just more cranky.

After they finished eating Noche Buena, its time for exchange gifts. I am glad that eventhough I am realy running low on funds this Christmas I was still able to give gifts to all my family memebers and even my inaanak.

We'll that capped off our Noche Buena, I'll post the pictures as soon I get it from my bro.

18lbs gone!

2009-12-20T01:53:00.000-08:00

Hi, it's been a while since I posted. Did I mention that I lost 18lbs? I didn't do much, its just the stress and the problems that took the pounds off. I knew I lost a few pounds because my clothes fit me better, but I was shocked to know that it was in fact 18lbs. I was more surprised to actually see it in photo. So here ia s photo of me and little J, taken yesterday. I included an old pic taken a few months ago to compare.Scroll back for my older post to see how much different I look.

CNN Heroes: Vote Efren Penaflorida

2009-11-09T03:41:00.000-08:00

For the past 12 years, Peñaflorida and his team of teen volunteers have taught basic reading and writing to children living on the streets. Their main tool: A pushcart classroom.

Stocked with books, pens, tables and chairs, his Dynamic Teen Company recreates a school setting in unconventional locations such as the cemetery and municipal trash dump.

Peñaflorida knows firsthand the adversity faced by these children. Born into a poor family, he lived in a shanty near the city dump site. But he says he refused to allow his circumstances to define his future.

"Instead of being discouraged, I promised myself that I would pursue education," he recalls. "I will strive hard; I will do my best."

Don't Miss
Get involved: Dynamic Teen Company
In depth: CNN Heroes
In high school, Peñaflorida faced a new set of challenges. Gang activity was rampant; they terrorized the student body, vandalized the school and inducted members by forcing them to rape young girls, he says.

"I felt the social discrimination. I was afraid to walk down the street."

Peñaflorida remembers standing up to a gang leader, refusing to join his gang. That confrontation proved fateful. At 16, he and his friends "got the idea to divert teenagers like us to be productive," he says.

He created the Dynamic Teen Company to offer his classmates an outlet to lift up themselves and their community. For Peñaflorida, that meant returning to the slums of his childhood to give kids the education he felt they deserved.

"They need education to be successful in life. It's just giving them what others gave to me," he says.

Today, children ranging from ages 2 to 14 flock to the pushcart every Saturday to learn reading, writing, arithmetic and English from Peñaflorida and his trained teen volunteers

Source: CNN.com

United Nations 09

2009-11-03T20:56:00.000-08:00

Type your summary here

Type rest of the post here

Web hosting Geeks

2009-10-21T08:54:00.000-07:00

Have you visited the site webhostinggeeks. I revistedit recently. My domain name for my other blog just expired so I had to research on what to do about it. I wasn't the one who registered my domain name so I had no clue on how to do it. So I looked around and tried to find web site hosting something that can help me take back my blog. I left a message for the blogger who helped to ask for more help, this time the renewal of my domain. She said she didn't recieved any email regarding this. She told me that she is willing to help me out but she cannot remember the user name and the password. She believes that I should be the one to do it, she didn't recieved any email notifications. She told me to check my inbox if I recieved any of it, and I said yes I did. So it should only mean that I was the one who registered it. So I tried all the username that I would use to I can access my account, but unfortunately I was not able to access my account.

Then I got scared, a messaged popped out that says the account will be locked because of 3 attempted access. If it got locked it will create more problem for me. What I failed to see is the reset password button. I tries it and it was so easy to change the password, and because of that I was able to access my account and subsequently renewed my domain. I checked the webhostinggeeks site to learn more about web hosting, domain registrations, forum among other stuff. What I like about it nis that everything is included in the site. It can answer you every question. There are comparsion table for every service and site which is wonderful. You can compare apple to apple. So in just a few minutes, some click of a button I was able to renew it. It wast not that hard. I did it. Now my other site sweetytots is already up and running.

Hope

2009-10-21T08:48:00.000-07:00

I am seeing a little bit of hope. Somehow I managed to pull myself up. I am not fully recovered yet, but at least I am not deparate anymore nor suicidal. Slowly, little my little I am seeing a bit of hope. One problem at a time, one torn per stem. Hopefully everything will be over soon.

Web Directories

2009-10-17T23:43:00.000-07:00

Do you submit your website to web directories? I tried this, I submitted my website to numerous web directories. I read in an SEO specilist site that by doing so you can attract more traffic as well as maybe increase your pagerank. By submitting to web directories more links are added to your site, therefore more chances of traffic and page rank. Accourding to wikipedia: A web directory or link directory is a directory on the World Wide Web. It specializes in linking to other web sites and categorizing those links.

A web directory is not a search engine and does not display lists of web pages based on keywords; instead, it lists web sites by category and subcategory. The categorization is usually based on the whole web site rather than one page or a set of keywords, and sites are often limited to inclusion in only a few categories. Web directories often allow site owners to directly submit their site for inclusion, and have editors review submissions for fitness.

It will categorize you to sites that are of the same or related topics which can also help you to rate better in google in terms of page rank. There are a lot of web directories, I tried a few. I don't know if it worked but its worth a try than do nothing, right? Most web directory sites are easy to navigate, it just takes a few steps to register. There is a form that you should complete that ask simple questions like, url or your site, site name, user name, password, categories among others. There are sites that also ask for picture or even site description, most of the fields are optional, but the more information you give the more chance of directing more traffic to your site.

Obamanomics

2009-10-17T22:33:00.000-07:00

The American made a different choice when they voted Obama for president. Most say it is a risk making him president, a lot has different views about it. Some say that Obama didn't deliver what they expected him to do. Some say he is not good enough. Some say he is doing a great job with the economics. Being a Filipino, it really would not matter much for us, but we do care. If the United States rise up from the economic fall, most likely it will also pick up our economy and the rest of the world as well.

What I noticed is that, even with the different views of the world about him being the president, one thing is obvious. He made quite a stir with the United States politics, with the Americans and even in the whole world. He made a statement that even an underdog can emerge as a winner. More Americans took notice, more people gave a damn about politics, about their leader. That is what I wish for the Philippines, for more people to take notice, to actually care about our government, about our leader. We should all make our own contribution on how to make things work. We should give a hand if we want our country to rise. We should all exercise our right to vote. We should all give a damn about our own economy just like how the Americans cared about Obamanomics

Rio, sorry but I have to let you go.

2009-10-17T07:11:00.001-07:00

Rio is my car, she got broken because of the flood. Tomorrow a mechanic is going to check if he can do something about it. The main problem is the computer box, it got broken because my cousin made a mistake of starting the car, even if we told him several times not to. Now I have to worry about the repair of the car, well It wont be better if I look for somebody else to blame. Rio will be fine after tomorrow, in fact it will be better than before, but I still have to let her go. I really need some money now, I will use it to start over. I am thinking of putting up something else, something that will earn monthly. I don't want to give on construction because I am honestly happy about it. I believe I am doing good with my just I just have to learn not to be so nice, I just have to be strict with the collections. Hopefully sooner or later I will have savings to buy another Rio, I'll check the used cars on sale.

Should I let go?

2009-10-17T07:08:00.000-07:00

There is this person that is so important to me, but with the problems I am goign through it is much easier for me to let go. It should teach both of us to be stronger, I know it would be the right things to do but I also dont want him to feel that I gave up. I dont want to, but there is something wrong that's going on. I hope I am wrong. I hope that my judgement is a little cloudy.

Food Cart Construction

2009-10-15T19:10:00.000-07:00

I would to offer Food Cart Construction now. I am really running out of ideas, maybe I should check some new torrents for new ideas. I will try anything just to look for new ways to find client for consturction and to eventually provide work for my workers. I need to find work now, but I don't think going back to employment will do me good. I need find new projects. Maybe I should set up a website that introduce my work and services. I should research about Simple interface that can tap Powerful search engine. I can add some perks like the download lots of games, music, films for free in to time without the fear of downloading empty and not complete file.

Ballet and Voice Lesson in 1 day!

2009-09-05T08:11:00.000-07:00

Type your summary here Type rest of the post here

sorry, dont have the energy nor the time to write about it.. im posting the videos muna.

Blogging Again

2009-08-21T17:04:00.000-07:00

I love blogging. It am having a lot of fun doing it. Its been part of my life on a regular basis. I wishi can spend more time on it. I met a lot of good friends too. I would like to learn more about the techincal stuff of blogging. I have benefited so much from it already. That is why I am looking for the best web hosting. I am looking for the best web hosting service there is, but I don't have huge budget for it. So I went to a site that compares the services. There are sites that are budget friendly, that gives the basic needs. There are sites that gives the best service but also to expensive for me. There are sites that give away perks and promos like free domain name and email among others.

I was drawn to the best budget hosting site since I am really on a budget. They offer it the following rates

1 year: $4.95 per month
2 years: $2.75 per month
3 years: $1.99 per month

Free Domain Privacy Protection

There are also customer reviews that will give you insight of what kind of service they offer. I believe the reviews that is why I am getting this service for my webhosting.

Im losing the game

2009-08-12T06:07:00.000-07:00

OMG! Im losing this game, I never thought I would. I am slowly sliding down, I really don't want to fall. I can't, it is not an option. This will just make my life far more complicated than it really is. I don't want care too much, in fact I don't want care at all. I thought it was just a game, a game that I can manipulate. It surprised me that am the one being manipulated. I am scared to death on what will become of me. I cannot let this happen to me again. I maybe just over reacting, but I am really scared. I cannot help it, I thought I am stronger than this.

Blogging 101

2009-08-06T21:08:00.000-07:00

I have some few
Blogging Tips for beginners.

First, a blog should come naturally, meaning you don't have to stress out on what to write in your blog. You should speak freely rather than having a well thought of entry. For me, I'd rather read about something that is more natural, something on a more personal note rather than reading an entry that sounds like a college paper to be submitted to a professor.

My rule of thumb is that what I write is always what is true, something that comes out ffrom my heart rather than squeezed out of my mind. I find that easier to do.
What about you? what are your tips on writing blogs?

My sad birthday!

2009-08-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

My birthday last August 1, didnt go so well. I expected it though, there is really nothing much to be happy about. Two of my clients wont pay me, which will total to about 100k, that is a big amount of money, which I really need. I didnt think that I would go bankrupt, but I am. Sometimes I dont even have enough to buy lunch. I am going through a very difficult phase. At the start of the day on my birthday, I tried to be happy. I really tried but things went from worse to worst. Sometimes I hate my mom so much for ruining everything for me. In fact I hate her most of the time, if I can stay away from her I would. She ruined my day, my birthday. At the start of the day she made me lose every composure that I had, and from 8am to till night I kept crying.

I was crying about everything, my work, money, my family my whole life. Then when I went to work, to the site I just gave them their salary and left immediately, Im already crying on myh way there. Then Im off to the other site to submit the as-built plans. I know that I am going to a war. I came face to face to the woman that I feel so evil I'd like to pull her hair out maybe even her eyes. She is just so inconsiderate, very selfish and just out of this world evil. I hat her to high heavens, but I cannot do anything about it because she is my client so I burst into more tears. It was about 12noon and I was crying till 3pm. She wont pay me for somthing I already finished. Its a job done and she still wont pay me. I honestly wanted to sue her, I even consulted a lawyer and I will charge her the full amount plus "danyos", for all the heartache she caused me. I left hell at 3pm, still crying and still without the payment, I havent eaten lunch yet and so does little J. They dont have a heart and if I were a witch Id cast a spell so that they will not earn a single cent from their buisness. I cried while driving home, I pass by Mcdonalds to buy food for little J. When I got home I was still too frustrated that I went on crying till I doze of to sleep.

One good thing is that my brother and his wife is thoughtful enough to bring cake and pancit for me to celebrate. I wanted to celebrate but I am too lonely. I cant just tell myself to smile when I am bursting with anger and frustration. A few hours later we just ate dinner and little J and Nangnang joined me in the bedroom. Little J was too tires too she fell aslepp without taking her milk. I just told her stories and without us knowing she already fell asleep.

Then one thing happened, my worker texted me, at around 10pm greeting me happy birthday. He asked me if I was happy the whole day, since he knew that I was not, becuase he was the only one that is with us when I was crying my heart out in "hell" the site. It wasnt really a big deal, but it was sweet of him to ask if I am ok. Then he told me that it was also his birthday 2 days before mine, and just like me he is crying. It turned out that he caught his wife with another man and she even has the guts to threw him out. Then just like a light, it dawned to me that I should be happy. Not because of what happened to him, but I should still be thankful that there are far more worse problems that other people are facing. My problem is only about money, and I can earn that if not now, sometime soon. His problems is far more worse than mine. I feel for him, I really wish he can get over with happend, that sooner or later he can move one with life. He still goes to work, which is good, but I find him looking into air most of the time. He is still in shock. I have so mcuh respect for him, because he really works hard for his family. He works and often times volunteer to work during over time, HE practically works 8am-9pm everyday from Monday to Sunday. I ask him and the others if he can still take it, if he still has the energy to work over time. He always answer me. "Yes ma'am, para sa pamilya ko!" then this is what he will get.

You can say that I am a bit affected, because I have high respect for him as a father, that even if he is just a construction worker he has the sense of responsiblity and overflowing love for his family, specially for his daughter. Sometimes I wish that little J's father would have just a bit of that, I dont even ask for him(little J's father) to be responisble to provide. I already told him that I dont need a single cent from him, what I am only asking from little J's father is just a bit of concern. Maybe just a hint to let us know that he cares for his daughter.

The Architect in ME

2009-07-31T10:27:00.000-07:00

Since my world is now more about Architecture as I try to develop my career I recently updated my forgotten blog. architectespino.blogspot.com. It is a blog where I share my thoughts about, architecture, interior design, construction, project management and everything in between. I will share as much information as I can to explain things about this topics. My first post is about colors, how to choose, what to choose. Where to get your inspirations and all. So I hope you can all visit it from time to time. Do it as a gift for me. It is my birthday today!

Kids Say the Darnest Thing #12

2009-07-29T20:59:00.000-07:00

I know I havent posted much on this site since I've been very busy, but I can't let thing pass. I might forget it and I dont want that.

Last night, while little J and Mama is playing the yaya came and ask what to cook for breakfast and little J's baon. So we asked little J.

Mommy: What do you want for baon?
after a long pause she said...
Little J:mmmmmm, nothing! baka may birthday ulet bukas eh.
we all laughed.

Since yesterday, there was a birthday celebration in school, she didn't eat her baon, instead she ate the food prepared for the celebration and for today she is still expecting that there is another birthday party so she will again eat, Mcdo or Jollibee food. In fact she even ask when will be the next party, because a classmate gave her another invitation whic is scheduled on Friday, unfortunately she doesn't go to school on fridays. So she will be missing that one.

A Tribute to Micheal Jackson

2009-07-06T16:35:00.000-07:00

We all feel saddend about the death of one if not the greatest entertainer of all time Micheal Jackson. I know this post is a bit too late and I am not trying to get hits for this blog. I felt the need to write this because Micheal Jackson is part of little J's childhood. Yes, you heard me right, little J who is only 2 years old then is a fan of MJ. That alone is amazing.

I was just a baby being born in 1981, at the height of his career, alhtough I am not a fanatic but I enjoyed his music. We all grew up listing to his voice, we all are in awe in every hit that he makes. For me he was just a man with great talent yet still human to still feel insicure about his looks. He is an icon, but we all realized because of his death that he is afterall just like all of us.

I'll share to you why little J at 2 years old then became a fan. She never knew about Micheal Jackson, his fame his songs. She was 2 and she was not aware of who he is. Micheal Jackson was not being talked about then, so she would know. How did little J came to know about him? My father bought a concert compitilation DVD, with a lot of artist, Josh Groban, Micheal Bubble, Akon, Celine Dion and about 2 other artist are included in the Dvd, including Micheal Jackson's concert. I thought she will be drawn to Micheal Bubble since she likes his songs and hears it a lot at that time but when she saw Micheal Jackson she was in awe on how the people treat him. We were watching it in the car and she cant belive how Micheal Jackson did the moon walk, or the anti grawity bent. She was seeing his moves the first time in her life and she was amazed about his talent. She cant understand why people are screaming, crying and even fainting only by watching him perform. She liked Micheal Jackson so much that even if she is already too sleepy she asked me to bring the DVD upstairs so that she can watch it before sleeping. Can you imagine Micheal Jackson singing her lullaby? Well she did, and she played it almost non-stop for 2 or 3 weeks. In that sense alone, we can all say that Micheal Jackson music touched the heart of all of us even for a 2 year old girl who lived some 20 years after his stardom.

I just hope that his music and his message will never fade. I wish that he will continue to touch the hearts of generations after generetions even after his death, To Micheal Jackson, even though I never knew you the way that most of your fans did, heck I am not even a fan, but you touched my heart by touching my daughters heart. I salute you for your music and for trying to make this world a better place. Btw, little J's fave is "Heal the world" she can sing the whole song with the right lyrics.

Father's day

2009-06-21T21:23:00.000-07:00

I think this day will always be a sad day for me, it has always been since I had little J. If you are new to my blog then you wouldn't know that I am a single mom and my life has never been the same sice then. My life has never been the same in so many ways, I have little J now to make me smile, but I also remember the love that I've lost because of some selfish reasons that I still cannot understand. Since that time too, my father and me broke our relationship. I cannot even remember how or when, but I think it all started when my father broke my heart because of some immature thing a week before I gave birth. We are not always like this, I remember that I am closer to father when I was younger, hence the term "papa's girl", but when I grew up, we also grew apart and now we are even more farther from eachother than ever. We had a lot of issues, maybe we just cannot forgive eachother. He hated me for some things that I have than and I hated him for his. Before I tried to mend it, but now, I think we are farther apart that I actually feel more secure, safe and peaceful when we dont talk. It is like I wouldn't care much. I honestly feel alot better like this, I know it shouldn't be that way but that is how I feel. I feel sad about it all, especially for little J, but I have gotten use to this set up already. I hope there will come a time that we can mend eachother's broken hearts and learn to forgive and understand each other.

Now, you know why Father's day is one of the loneliest days for me. Let's not even talk about little J's father, because if I do think about him I will still cry. I hope little J doesn't feel the same about father's day. I don't know which one is better, me having my father around, but doesn't feel good about it or little J not having her father with her but doesn't worry about it.

Wii fit for me

2009-06-21T20:57:00.000-07:00

I bought the wii package that I posted a few days ago, so far I am loving it. I think this will really help stay focus on losing weight. I have tried countless times but non work, this time I a actually believe that it will work. I love working out now that it is a game. Even if it is a game I can really feel the burn. I have been using it for 4 days now and so far I lost some pounds and got it back yesterday after binging out on doughnut. I never thought that it would matter in just a day and it does. The wii fit really makes me see that I have to exercise and diet at the same time. What I love most about wii is that I can enjoy it with the whole family even little J has her own exercise routine. I started out with a wii age of 52, then 28, then 33, now I am very proud to say that my wii age yesterday was 25. It is like the multiplayer games,8c1.net.http://www.8c1.net which is as fun as the wii.

birthday pics

2009-06-17T22:39:00.001-07:00

Web hosting Geeks

2009-06-17T22:32:00.000-07:00

have you heard of this website, web hosting geeks? Yes they are about web site hosting, but they are more to just hosting. On this website, they make it a point for layman just like me and any other ordinary blogger to understand how it works. I and like million other bloggers doesn't know anyhting about web hosting. IN this website, they compare all the sites or at least the top ten site that offer website hosting. You can see their positive and negative points. The site tries to explain as clear as possible the benefite of each service, they also differentiate the packages from each other. It has been and still is a challenge to me to learn all those geeky stuff about, web hosting and web in general. For me all I know is to write blogs, that later did I know that I have to learn a lot of other stuff. I didn't know about domain, pageranks, comments and even on how to check how many visits does your site gets everyday. At first I wouldn't care much but I learn to understand or at least try to understand what are these all about. I still need a lot of help and I get all the help by browsing more on the net and asking alot of bloggers. I am lucky to find a lot of blogger friends who actually gives honest and answers to my stupid questions. To all of you I am very thankful.

Little J's 4th birthday (part 3)Kiddo Academy

2009-06-17T22:19:00.000-07:00

I originally planned for 1 party at Kiddo, both for her classmates and her cousins, but since both group might not be available on the same date I opted to have separate parties. The first party was held last June 5, with her cousins, then a celebration with the immediate family on the 7th (her actual birthday), lastly a Mcdo Party at school with her classmates.

Little J's 4th birthday (part 2)Fun Ranch

2009-06-15T18:29:00.000-07:00

We had a simple lunch at Teriyaki Boy, Fun Ranch for the family. Just us, we'll I could say that I felt uncomfortable with the whole family. You see we are not in good terms, but for little J's sake all of us are there. I am not comfortable not because I have ill feelings towards them, in fact I don't have any issues against any of them. It is a long stroy, but to chorten it, My mom and dad are not in good terms because of some petty things, then my brother also had a fight with my mom. I ahve nothing to do with any of it but they( my bro and dad) felt they also have to fight with, didn't say anything, just kept quiet about it. Well if they dont want to talk to me, fine by me. We've always been like this for years, and I mean years almost all my life. So I am so used to it. That is why I feel uncomfortable being with the whole family.

To go on with little J's birthday, we had lunch and they brought cake and gifs. Little J was so surprised to see Papa. We invited him to join us but he refused and he chose to make a grand entrance on surprising little J. After lunch we let little J ride everything. I bought the ride all you can and we took turns on riding with her. She had a grand time. That is all that matters.

After fun ranch we went to Christ the Kinf Church to hear mass, then off we go to Eastwood mall Toy town to buy gifts for little J. I gave her a budget of Php600 and she got great finds. She chose 2 sets of kitchen toys, 4 apliance in all. The first box of coffee maker and juicer cost Php250, then the other box of mixer and blender cost another Php300, she got 4 new toys under the budget. She has money left to buy batteries for all of it. We had it gift wrapped and she had fun opening it at home as if she doesnt know what is inside.

Furnitures

2009-06-12T06:42:00.000-07:00

We just came from a birthday party of my cousin in Batangas. He got a good offer to head a Hospital in Sto. Tomas. Part of the package is a hefty amount for salary and a new home. They have instant home in Batangas, a huge house something that most of us dream of. The furnitures are also included, I think money is not an issue when the original owner constructed and fitted out the spaces. They most have rustic furniture, fitting for a rest house. The architecture is a hidgepodge of modern, rustic or what we call eclectic. Not exactly what I prefer so I just kept my mouth shut. The house is beautiful, but I really don't like mouldings and cornice. That is the only thing I dont like.

Random pics

2009-06-12T06:39:00.000-07:00

Some random pics that I uploaded from the cellphone...

Investment

2009-06-12T06:38:00.000-07:00

I am looking for an investment, that is why I am reading a lot about InvestmentForge something that I can put my money where I can earn a decent amount. I am looking for something that will be easy to maintain, something that doesn't require too much of my time. There are a lot of options that I am studying but I havent decided on anything yet.

Should I buy a Wii?

2009-06-11T00:53:00.000-07:00

I am planning to buy this Wii package includes everything already. I really wanted to enroll back in a gym but I dont think I can keep up wih the schedule. I am looking after little J now 24hrs, I don't have a yaya and I have so much work to do. So I figured if I'll just buy a Wii and Wii fit I can exercise at home with little J. Both of us will enjoy it. I am buying this for 20k, do you think its worth it? If I enroll back in Golds Gym I will have to shell out about the same amount. This will be a combined gift for me and little J. What do you think? Should I buy it?

Nintendo Wii USA version 1 week used complete package and accessories all came from USA P26,000 *CONVERTED ALREADY *Wii balance board with box *2 nunchuck controllers *2 controllers *2 Driving Accessories Arcade Type *Desktop Charger for Controllers *Mic for singing activities *2 Controller protector *Dance pad pad (Dreamgear) *4 Original games: Wii play, Wii sports, Wii fit, Boogie super star karaoke s

Real Property Management

2009-06-10T06:57:00.000-07:00

Real Property Management is another choice for architects like me. We have a wide range of career choice, most commen is the design, but most Architect's are not gifted or at least not patient enough to pull off this side of our career. Another choice is construction, an architect can either be a designer or the next best option is to be a contractor. If you will ask me, this is the most practical area, the most lucrative too. If you have the exprience to handle construction, deal with the workers and have the patience for the grueling value engineering task an architect may emerge victorius doing this. Then there is the Porject Management, I would say this is the most prestigious career, if you wan to be called boss and feels like it, then this is the option for you. In project management it is a mixture of administration and management, expertise on the technical stuff is not that necessary, you can just ask your staff about it, if you are not sure. I tried all, I've been in design, project management and contruction. If you are doing freelance, just like me you need all three. I hope I have the courage, know-how and patience to do this, so far I think I'm doing well. I am still keeping my fingers crossed. Type your summary here

Type rest of the post here

Little J's 4th birthday (part 1)

2009-06-05T19:54:00.000-07:00

As "Chef Sheffy Celebration", a cooking inspired celebration with the rest of the Espino cousins. They baked cupcakes and made pizza's. I noticed that most of the kids even the parents was surprised on how our party was set-up. They expected the usual, greeting of happy birthday and eating only. The typical Filipino celebrations, they are surprised that the kids really has activity. They are so pleased and happy about it, the kids enjoyed cooking and the parents enjoyed it too. Even the adults enjoyed playing "chef". So here are some pictures I'd like to share with you!

Smells Good

2009-06-03T06:15:00.000-07:00

I don't usually Talk Perfume, to be honest I don't use much of it. I use cologne but I very seldom use it too. As I have expressed to all of you, I am not the vain type. I worry about everything else except taking care of myself. I want to change that, I am vouch to myself that I will take care of myself more, at least make myself feel better. Little by little I spend a little to pamper myself. I started with foot spa and nail care, then I bought cosmetics. I just, plunge into it, I bought foundation, blush, eyeshadow, lip gloss and recently ordered the 7pc brush set, all from Ellana Minerals. I am loving it, it is so easy to apply and it really makes me look good.

J and J Adventure Girls Day!

2009-04-26T08:19:00.000-07:00

This day we had a very long and tiring day. J & J adventure is sort of an extended family affair. We went to a baptism today, my cousins's son. Just the girls, my mom, my sil, little J and me. The event eneded at 1pm, so we have the car and we decided to take it for a ride and of course, the more the marrier. We asked my Aunt's to join i with fun. Mama Tess, Mama Gina and Tita Aira. My Aunt's and my 5 year old cousin. So off we went, from Q.C. we went all the way to Fort High Streets, Tita Tess hasn't been there. First stop Contis, eventhough we just came form a feast from the baptism, we just cannot pass on the opportunity that there is no line in front of Contis. So we grab the opportunity to snak on Mango Bravo.

Aira wants to go to rides, bump cars specifically, but of course there is no ride there. So I thought of bringing them to a kids haven. A store full of toys at very affordable prices. I discovered this store a few months ago, when I was supervising some construction work on Krispy Kreme Fort. Its a store full of toys the sme as in Divisoria at same prices, the difference is that there is no dirty muddy streets, no ocean of people around, and aircon. It is called Edengs Toys, so if you are on the look out for very affordable toys or some loots for an upcoming birthday and wants to stay away from the hassle of smelly, dirty Divisoria this is the place to go. A whole bunch of loots already in a set cost onlky Php35 this set already includes a coloring book, pencil, a box of crayon, sharpener and cute eraser.

I bought little J a bunch of clay, a noisy phone toy, pack of 6 of towels at 75 only. Some bubble toys at 10 each, and a set of cute little furnitures for Aira. All in just 200. Cool huh? After that we went to Fort High Streets and off to Kirspy Kreme. WHat do you know! the holight is on. Does all of you know that if the Red Light is on that means you can get FREE newly cooked, original glazed doughnut, the only thing to do is just fall in line. We all got one each, and little J and Aira, much on it in just a few seconds. Another thing all moms should know about Krispy Kreme is that you can have your kids make their own doughnut. It is a lot of fun and they feel so proud of themselves for making one. All stores offer this, you just have to ask!. So the crew asked the manager and the 4 of us, little J, Aira, Tita Gina and me got us a Krispy Kreme paper hat and we are led to the doughnut factory. Little J and Aira got a doughnut each and the crew taught them on how to make a doughnut! They both wore gloves and got one doughtnut each then they dipped the doughnut into the chocolate glaze and put some sprinkles. After that they are so proud of what they have done. If you can only see how their eyes sparkle, again the 2 doughnuts they made are FREE. So that mean we got 5 origianl glazed doughnut free, and additional 2 choco sprinkled doughnuts free. So let your kids experience this and have whole lot of fun and lot of sweet delights to share.

Then we took a ride in the tricyle, its nice all 7 of us fits in it too. Again this is FREE, you may just want to give a tip to the driver. The kids enjoyed it a lot, we just went around highstreets, back to the parking lot. So this is the end of a long tiring but nevertheless FUN Jand J Adventures.

Aggregator here I come!!

2009-04-24T08:59:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of Aggregator? It is the new thing in blogging, I have read a lot of blog aggregators by FeedCluster.com. If only I had more time for blogging I should have known this for quite sometime. This new thing on the net is very interesting. More and more bloggers are joininng in. I joined already and I am having fun getting to know more about it.

I really wish I have more time to blog again. I miss blogging, I miss my blogger friends, heck I even miss plurk. But I also love what I do, I love my profession, I love being an architect. I love that I can still find people who actually respect architects, what we do, what we are trying to share to them. I am happy to meet such wonderful clients, they are so nice and they even pay almost immediately, that is maybe so because I charge really low. I am not complaining about my really low charge, I am just happy to practice my profession again.

Done in 5 hours!

2009-04-24T08:53:00.001-07:00

hi blogger friends!, Just a quick post to say I am missing all of you! I'd like to share my new project too. I finished this is record breakinf time. I went for a meeting at 7pm, closed the deal at 8pm ans tarted on the Porject at 10PM. I am done by 2AM, and the full construction plan is ready fro printing. Architectural including, Perspective, floor plan, refelected ceiling plam, elevations, section. Electrical plans, that includes lighting layout, power & auxilairy layout, load computation, mechanical plans, signage plans and details.

This is very simple, but I am proud of it just the same!

Antipolo Rest House

2009-04-19T12:58:00.000-07:00

This is what I've been doing, I thought I'd share it to all of you. This is just in preliminary stage, meaning I still have a lot of work to do on it so bare with me please. I appreciatre your feedback. The concept is a Modern Tropical Design, located on the peak of Antipolo with lots of view. I would like to take advantage of the view that is why there is a lot of windows and view decks.

Birthday Prep Update

2009-04-19T10:22:00.001-07:00

I already set the date for the party. Little J's birthday will fall on a Sunday, ut I she really likes her party in school with the rest of her classmates, that problem is the first day of class is on June 15, it will be too late if we celebrate it June 17, it should be just a few days before of after her real birthday. I went to KIDDO ACADEMY last April 15, I enrolled her early to avail of the 20% discount. I already asked Teacher Jo about my plan of having her birthday in school, and she said yes, the problem is tha date. She is kind enough to let us celebrate the party in school, even if there is no actual class yet, she is so nice to even reschedule the orientation on June 6, its suppose to be June 13, but she rescheduled it to June 6 so that we can give out invitations to little J's classmates. I really love this school, they really go out of their way to accommodate little request even if it is beyond their responsibility.

So there little J's birthday will be on June 8 Monday. Here are the details.

Venue: KIDDO ACADEMY- booked

Guest: classmates and a few cousins, so adults haha, at least on a very minimal number. I don't want to deal with all the moms, tita's, titos and lola and lolo. I purposely set up the party in school and on a weekday so that my parents cannot go.. haha.. i don't want them there. Marami kontrabida!

Theme:Circus

Entertainment: Little J wants Grimace so that narrows down the food choices to Mc Donald's which is fine. Since we are having a Circus-themed party I will also hire clown and face painter, I saw a very reasonable priced package.

Decors: Balloons, since I am obliged to pay for the party package of Mdco including grimace the mascot, this will already include balloons and other decors. I will also design a clown standee for the party, the one with the face cut off so that they can have their pictures taken in it.

Loots: Lootfairy, I already ordered circus themed wooden toys for this, plus the loots from Mdco.

Host: the McDo host will cover that, and the clowns too.

Invitation:I already inquired from the multiply site that offers ticket invitations, I am still waiting for reply, or I can just do this on my own. I am thinking of ordering the personalized deck of cards from artscrow, instead of pictures I can have the invitation layout printed on the back side. Its still on the circus theme.

Outfit: I like little J to wear the "glamorous trapeze girl costume", I am thinking to make a tutu for her skirt and but some cute stockings and add some embroidery for her top. I on the other hand will just wear a circus hat. Hey she will be the star of the party and I am now going to steal the lime light from her.

Cake: I don't like to splurge on the cake, but I already visited some bakeshop and the cake they are all expensive the lowest I saw was from Goldilucks with a 1,600 price tag. So I am thinking of buying a small cake and buy some ready made store bought cupcakes then I'll ask my Aunt to make some frosting and I'll just decorate it myself.. haha.. this I can thrift on, because other than the bllwing of candles there is no other use for the cake. I am not much of acake eater too, I love chocoalates and ice cream instead. Haha

Games: I already ordered 2 bowling sets from lootfairy.mulitply, I have a plan for it. Then maybe some carousel game, something like the Trip to Jerusalem. Instead of pin the tail on the donkey, we will try to put the nose on the clown. I hope the clown will cooperate. The kids will try to put the red nose on the real clowns face, I'm sure this will be fun.
I would also like a decorate-your-own-cupcake

Other things for the party:
Chocolate Fountain- we have our own so its free
Cotton Candy- I am still looking for one, I don't like the food cart I just like to buy a few sticks of this for decors and to give out as treats too.
Popcorn- I'll just buy a few big bags of popcorn form Holy Kettle Corn in Robinsons Pioneer right across little J's school and put it in the Quiapo bought popcorn boxes.

This is my plan. I hope everything goes well. I know it will be expensive and I am really prepared to splurge I have saved more than enough for the Disneyland Trip and since we are not going anymore I'll use the money for little J's party. last year she didn't have a party and as I look at her pictures today I feel so bad about it, I know she doesn't feel that way, but its me who feel so bad not giving her a party, its the "I want to give the best" mom in me. So wish me luck guys, I'll share pics of it after.

I am missing you all blogger friends, and I do visit every night, I just don't leave message much. I appreciate you dropping by here from time to time too. Hope I'll find more time soon to blog again.

Web hosting at its best!

2009-04-18T03:34:00.001-07:00

Are you looking for a web host? I dont know much about website hosting but I know that this site is a good one. I don't mind paying for services that will give me peace of mind. For me the standard or quality for services or pratically anything is not negotiable. Just like how I deal with my clients. I try to give more that what they expect of me. I give them more than the ask for. For me that is the best sign that they will be happy regarding my work.

Eventhough I charge a very reasonable price for my services, I still give them more than what their money's worth. I get out of my way to help them out with all assistance they need. Just like today, I had a meeting with the contractors to clarify some things about the project. They didn't know about this process so I go out of my way even on my full packed schedule to set a meeting with the contractors, to help them out and guide them on the project. I I am only after the money I will not bother do this, I even do the follow up and the supplier research, because my clients doesn't know a thing about construction so I guide them every step of the way.

Mafia Wars

2009-04-18T03:32:00.000-07:00

Has anyone of you know Mafia Wars on facebook? I am hooked I like this game, because I can win millions in just a few clicks and buy lot of properties with it. I just wish that I have that too in real life. Earning million is just a few clicks.

Singles

2009-04-17T13:30:00.000-07:00

I am not really living the good life. Its 4:30 Am and I am still awake. I just finished a Construction Plan for the Paranaque Residential renovation. I should have done it a long time ago, but with my unbelievable schedule I can't make it work in the past days, either I had to work over time in the office or I am just too damn tired to work still at home. I am still too tired to work, but I had no choice I have to finish this layout because I am already paid for it. The way my life is going the only nice thing to do is to check the miami personals to meet wonderful people to brighten up my day.

Its 4:30 AM I'm Still awake!

2009-04-17T13:29:00.000-07:00

I had to finish a Full Contruction plan tonight, make that this morning, for submittal. I am glad that I was able to finish it. All I have to do now is to email it to my client.

Rest House Design

2009-04-11T02:51:00.000-07:00

My next project is to design a rest house for a retiree. His lot is on a sloping class A subdivision in Antipolo. It is a really nice property on top of the whole subdivision a really nice view. His lot is located on a U-shape road, meaning his house is surrounded by the road and is will be the only one house on that block. A perfect project to showcase my design. Perfect for me, a really nice location with a really good view, a nice client with a good taste and no budget to consider. The client is filthy rich and just wanted to build his dream house befure he dies. The best part is that if he likes my design on this project he still commission me to do the design for the other project, this time a Duplex Residential for his kids. I am thinking of a Modern Oriental feel for his house and just spice it up with a few western furniture.

Type rest of the post here

I need to sleep

2009-04-03T10:37:00.000-07:00

I have been working endlessly for the past 2 weeks, at least 16 hours of work in the office for Manila Peninsula Renovation Project and at least 3 hours of work at home, eithing or my own projects or just blogging. I feel so tired most of the time. I should be, I am working non-stop for the whole 2 weeks, even on weekends and now even on Holiday. I'll be working in the office tomorrow for another full day of over time, not just that we are also requested to world not just the whole day but also the whole night. We are doing the "overnight over time" I am bringing my nap mat , and even if they say that we are suppose to work all night I will still sneak in some shut eye on my
nap roll. I don't care if they get angery, but I don't think they will. It is humans nature to sleep, but sadly we are being warred of that for the past 2 weeks.

I am so tired already, but I can't leave them with that project. I am new to the company and as a newbie I am suppose to show them that I can take all this. I am up for the challenge, 3 weeks straight of no decent sleep. I really should be ordering my monogramed gift for little j and for me. I am so pleased with the Photobook and I should have ordered 2 more if I am not too busy.

Party Planning

2009-04-03T09:56:00.000-07:00

Its that time of the year again. I am planning little J's 4th birthday party, I wanted to go to Disneyland but she really wont accept my offer. She is still scared of mascots so I opted to plan a party for her.

Venue: Kiddo Academy Development Center
Theme: Circus/ Carnival
Decor: Clown Standee and a lot of buntings in lots of colors, or course baloons.
Cake: I'll order from Goldilocks and add cupcakes.
Games:
"Clown Nose"
"Clown Dress up game"
"Merry go round" a different name for the "Trip to Jerusalem" haha.

How's the weather

2009-04-03T09:40:00.000-07:00

I know I've been absent for awhile, but as I said I am just too busy. I got 2 new projects, my own. A Residential Renovation in Paranaque and an Interior Design Project in Makati. I still have tons of work in the office, I still have to go to office on all of the Holidays. Even on Maundy Thursday and Black Friday. Surprisingly, I have been adapting well, other than the new pimples on my forehead I think I still feel good healthwise, even if I only get 3 to 4 hours of sleep every night. Heck, I still have the energy to write this post. What irritates me more now is the weather, it is so hot! I can't stand the heat, maybe that is another reason why I still can't fall asleep.I wonder if the weather in Arizona real estate is as hot as ours. I hope I will be doing more New Home Developments in the future so that I can earn a lot of moolah.

Back to Basic

2009-03-31T08:52:00.000-07:00

Its only been 9 days since I transfered to the main office and I already rendered a total of 29hours Over Time. The only days that I left a early was Tuesday and Wednesday, the rest of the week I go home around 11pm. I even went back to the office on a Sunday and spend the whole day there. I am so tired, and honestly I don't think I should be doing that much over time. I miss little J so much. I don't get to see her anymore, she's already asleep when I get home and still asleep when I leave in the morning. Tonight as I went home, I texted my sister-in-law about little J, because she's in our home visiting little J. She said little J is looking for me and throwing tantrums already, maybe because she can't understand why I am still not home, she's asking for me and wont go to sleep. Nang Nang said she managed to distract her by reading storyboks, little J soon fell asleep. I cried, because IU should be the one doing that. I should be the one by her side. This is so hard for me, maybe even harder than what little J feels, but I had to go through this. I gave myself 6 months to weigh things out, now I want to shorten it to 3 months and decide if I am for this or not. As an architect I really need this experience, its a chance for me to learn the facets of my caree, and what better way for training than in the No.1 architectural firm in th country.

I did not plan my career well, or maybe I was just too lucky. I jumped, I didn't go through the phase of being a draftsman, of learning the little things. I started my job as a project coordinator and I am so blessed to be promoted so fast. At 27 years old, I already had experience as a Project architect for developer, as a Mall Architect for 4 Malls, as a Marketing Manager, a Project Management head and even put up my own construction company, but as I grow older, challenges change and I can't successfully fulfill my work if I don't know the little things. There are a lot of details that I don't know about, I don't even know how to Schedule a drawing production, much less layout which plans should have details, or blow-up. I realized I can't skip the ladder, I had to go back to the basic and I am lucky to be given an opportunity to do that. In this Architectural firm, my function is as low as a draftsman, the lowest step of the ladder, but I am still lcuky because what they didn't know is that my salary is as much as thier Project Architect, maybe even more. So this is really a good deal, my function, my resposnsibility is really low but the pay is high. I just have to swallow my pride. The other employees doesn't know that I am a licensed architect already, they don't know about my salary either. Some even make me feel stupid, because they only look at me as a draftsman, they get angry if I don't use the right text hieght. I really have to hold on to my nerves and stay calm. Deep inside in the real world, your client doesn't care whatever font you use, whatever height you use. What they care about is the substance of the work, they will not care if your pen assignment is 0.5 thiner that it should be. They will not care if your layout is 10mm off, they will not even see that it is not aligned well. In the real world, what matters is how well you plan, how well you design, in fact that may even be secondary if you market it well. If you are really good in presentations and how well you introduce and explain it to that client, they will not even understand about your concept our your schedule. This is what earns the money, this is what makes you survive. I saw that early on, maybe because I am more exposed to dealing with people, rather than staying in front of the computer 15 hours a day, doing drafting works. What they didn't know is to be able to be a successful architect, you should stop thinking of the drawing, but rather how to find projects so that you'll get to do the drawing. In fact, one sign that you are already half way to your success is when you totally stopped doing the drawing and pay somebody else to do that for you.

I know all this, and I realized all this early on. I really smart and straight foward lady talked to me about this and we instantly gained trust with eachother, she because she is happy to know that I understand all this. She further congratulated me that I have an open my mind and well defined vision to actually saw this, she believe that I will make it big in this career. She's a marketing person and she aknowledge that I recognized the power of marketing in the field of architecture, she said that I have my mind on the right track. We both agreed to one thing though, that as a technical person which is the core of being an architect I am still very raw. She is right, and I know that too, that's why I made my way in to going back to the lowest level to relearn everything. I have to remind myself that it is just a character I am playing, that I am a draftsman, I need too do that. If not, I will eaither lose confidence or just flare up and just leave the company. I can just get my own projects and earn twice as much with half the effort but I have to do this. I have to go back to basic and relearn things,

tiis, tiis lang

. I need this, I will bever succeed as an architect if I don't understand the basic.

Wish me luck blogger friends. I will not be present online most of the time and I will not be able to drop ec anymore, but I still visit hyour blogs every night. Sorry, if I don't leave much comments. Hope you still pay me a visit.

Mommy Moments Summer Outing

2009-03-26T21:00:00.000-07:00

We always go out of town, almost every month and we always check in the hotel, even fif we are just here in Manila so I have a lot of simming shots of little J, but these are my favorite shots of her. Taken when she was jsut 2 years old in Subic, her first beach experience.

for my other Mommy moment entry and more pictures please visit sweetytots

Bogus Buyer Beware!

2009-03-26T10:04:00.001-07:00

Bogus Buyer Beware!

CLICK ON THIS LINK TO SEE HER SITE

Sorry if I am blogging about a ranting. I am just pissed off with this BOGUS buyer, Seller on Multiply. She pm'd me about the books I am selling. I answered her questions and even promised to give an extra gift when she order. She asked me about the flip flap letters and the amazing life cycles. She was always in a hurry when she ask the prices and all, requesting for a prompt reply and I answered her questions as soon as I can. She confirmed that she is getting 2 flip flap letters and 4 amazing life cycles, I always asked her to fill up the order form but she didn't. I thought she was still making up her mind on which ones to get. It is fine with me that she didn;t get the books. What I am disappointed is that after a few days from her queries, she post in her multiply site that she is also selling the books.The same books that I am selling. I think she just asked me about the books to compare prices. So that she knows how much to charge for the items. It fine with me, I myself ask a fellow multiply seller about her books, but I disclosed to her from he very start that I am planning to sell it too. She answered my questions and even gave me advice on what courier to use. I would have been as nice to her if she only told me that she is planning to sell too. I felt deceived and fooled. I don;'t earn that much from the books its doesn't even make up 1% of my whole income. Its just that I joined in to get the discounts if your a member and I use that to purchase books for little J. I posted it in my blogs and a few people got interested and ordered so why not sell it online right? The money is not the issue here, as I've said I don't earn much from it, and don't care if she didn't buy the books what really gets into my nerves is she fooled me.

Too bad, I really liked some her stuff too and considered buying from her, but not anymore. If her character is to judge I don't think that I can trust her anymore, much more buy her products. SO I am calling all my blogger friends and warn all of you not to buy or deal with her.

Missing Blogging

2009-03-24T21:05:00.000-07:00

Hi friends, hope you are still visitng my site. I am so busy, and I can't find time to blog. I only had 3 hours of sleep every night, that started last week. I am dead tired and I am still accepting new projects. Hopefully I'll get to do that too. I haven't talked to them yet, but accourding to my client its a 120sqm space for Planet Sports and Ministop. I am so familiar with retail shops, because I used to be a Mall Architect for Robinsons so I am so familiar with all their guidelines, what height, what material to use, what will be the best layout and look that will be so inviting and charming so that the shoppers go in. Hopefully I'll get to do this project too. I am also waiting for the reply for one of my proposal for residential project, hope I get that too. I know, some of you may think, am I killing myself? Hopefully not, I am just building the foundation, hopefully if I stablished that really well I can get to quit my day job and focus on my own Architectural firm.

A few things about little J, she is stock at home, mainly becuase I am too busy to look for summer school for her. I want to enroll her to Kids Ahoy, buy I still can't find time. I also inquired for ballet class, but the scheduled there is just impossible for me to squeeze in. We will be going to a Resort this weekend to celebrate Mama's birthday. Hopefully I can get to enjoy there and not work.

Moving up

2009-03-21T19:41:00.000-07:00

I was looking forward to this momentous event, my one year of hardwork paid off. Little J is moving up, the first year of school is done she is now reaping the rewards of her hardwork. She got a diploma and 2 medals for it. She got the Most Outstandin Student, becuase of her Straight A's, Best in Computer and Most Self-Reliant Award.

I was in school the day before with her to accompany her for their Dental check up, she was very brave and volunteered to be the first one. (I'll write another post for this), I was also able to watch her as they practiced for their graduation rights for the next day. She sang the "Lupang Hinirang" then joined the class for their presentation. She also danced along with the other kids on their presentation. I am glad to view this because little did I know that she will not perform the next day for their "moving up". She throw tantrums the moment we put her toga on. She cried endlessly, which made me cry too because of frustration. I was really mad at my father too, because of his foul remarks. I wish I didn't invite him at all, he ruined the day, he ruined the occasion. I learned my lesson and will never invite him again.

Good thing, by the time of recieving of awards she stopped crying and smiled for the camera. She was all lively and all smiles too after that, we figure that she was just crying becuase it was too hot in the venue. MOst of the kids are crying and uneasy because of that, as usual it was a riot. As soon as she got called on stage and got all her medals I brought her outside the very, to get some fresh air. Took of her toga and cap, then she was jolly again, she just hated the toga. She smiled and played around again, going to and fro our seat, getting her gifts for her classmates.

After the ceremonies, we went to Rockwell to eat our dinner. We opt to have our dinner at healthy Shabu Shabu, and my father did it gain, spoiled our night with his not so nice remarks. He suggested to eat chinese food at Mongkok and I said NO. We always eat dinner, I want to eat somewhere else, its a special occasion anyway and I am willing to splurge a little to celebrate. You know what he said? He said, "Kung hindi tyo dun kakain, aalis na lang ako!". In my mind, go ahead, we don;t need you anyway, and who are you to dictate where to go, its our celebration, its my money I should be the one to decide. Go and leave, you are just ruining our night. Of course, I didn't say that, I wish I could. SO I said let's just go to Shabu-shabu, it a lot more expensive about 3 times much more than what I would pay in Mongkok, but its ok little J had fun cooking. We are so full, that we took home a lot of food, and my father was saying "Sarap dito!" every 10 minutes. I really wanted to say, "see? I told you so!"

,

A different take on recession

2009-03-19T19:19:00.000-07:00

I have another view on the recession, its true that more and Filipinos are losing jobs. More and more companies are closing down, they say its going to hit our economy and bring it down further than we though it would, but I am thinking otherwise. I for one has started a new buisness the sweetytots-booksale.blogspot.com, I am also more challenge to looks for projects now because of the on set recession, and I am happy that I've been very blessed. My online buisness is now earning, I am getting new projects and my savings are intact and growing more and more. So why am I saying all these? Because I believe in the perseverance of the Filipinos, we will not just falter to this recession, in fact I believe we have all the initiative now to earn therefore giving as the confidence to start our own buisness. I believe this recession will even be good to our nation. The people who lose their job often times start a little buisness rather than look for another job. That is what I am planning to do, and I believe more and more people are thinking of the same thing. Starting small to medium size enterprise will uplift our economy, thus making the recession as a blessing in disguise. There are a lot of things we can venture on, most are easily accessible, just like the viedo tutorials I found on the net. Some can put up a spa, which is such a good buisness during recession. Statistics say that the spas and salon earn more during this tough times, mainly because people wants to feel pampered because of all the stress and sometimes depression. We can learn by watching a microdermabrasion dvd , there is also a chemical peel dvd. You can also learn from the face massage video . This are just some of the things that we can learn online, that may be our key to start our business. Visit it sometime and check what can you learn from it.

To be or not to be, that is the Question.

2009-03-19T05:52:00.001-07:00

I already shared to you about the situation of our company, because of the recession all over the world our company has endured a tremendous blow. Our main clients are the architectural firms from Dubai, but saddly even them has to either lay off some employees, stop construction or close down the company all together. We are a direct hit of the recession, we have been surfing the net for 3 months already, because we don't have anything else to do. We don't get projects at all for months, because of this my boss has already layed off at least 6 employees. I am one of the lucky ones, he believed so much in me that her recommended me to the other company. This other company is really a good one, its the number one Architectural firm in the country, which most "Archi-grad" dreams of getting into. I should be really happy, I should really be greatful, with the confidence that my boss has in me.

I know its a good opportunity for me, its really good for my career, but career is not my top priority. My first and foremost priority is my daughter little J. If I accepted that offer of transfering to the "firm", I know that I will spend very little time with her, I'll be working day and night, weekends and holidays and I really don't want that.

This is my option, I can go freelance and go into private practice. It was an option before but I tend to side to this option moreso now. Why? because I am so blessed, I just closed a Project last week and I will be able to submit the plans next week, which will give me an instant 20K fund for little J saving. I thought I just got lucky, but I am even more luckier now. I just got a new Project that will not only make me earn 20K instantly, but if this works out I will earn 20K every 2 weeks. That doesn't end there, my previous partner just contacted me this afternoon and told me a really good news, my design for an 8 story building intended for another project years ago will probably be used for a new project. The client liked my design that her wanted it for his project, with this one I can easily earn 500K. Of course, this is not sure unless I got the money already, but I was thinking, can this be a sign that I should go on my own now? Let go of the offer of joining a top notch archi-firm? Take the risk of starting out my own? I will meet with my previous partner on Monday, and if he can give me the assurance of pushing thru with the 8-storey project. I will really take the risk of resigning, but then again, I don't trust him that much anymore.

I hope and pray that God will give me a sign of what should I do. Should I let go of the offer of a life time, the sure shot to a better career? Or should I take the riskier option of putting up my own firm, less stable but a lot more fulfilling, not to mention I can still spend more time with little J for our J and J Adventures.

What do you think guys? If you're in my position, what would you do?

Bakunado ka na ba?

2009-03-18T09:02:00.001-07:00

Summer is here, that means vacation time for the kids. No classes for 2 months, they can play all day long. Most kids like to play outside, on the streets with all the other kids on vacation. This may be so fun for the kids but I must admit as a mom I am scared to let little J go playing outside. She might get virus that can cause her to be sick. Summer is also synonimous to a lot of sickness, measles, chicken pox and flu. I am so greatful to be part of Nuffnangs Flu awarness event, with the help of Sanofi Pasteur, both of us got a free flu vaccine. I can calm down now and turn off my Paranoia button. I am now glad that me and my daughter is protected with the vaccine. She can play all day, without me getting so worried.

This is the first bloggers event that I joined, it is Saturday and the location is right accross Tiendesitas and Fun Ranch, so I figured we can go to Fan Ranch afterwards and spend the afternoon bonding with little J for another J&J adventures. We we're the first to arrive, so I set up all of little J's paraphernalia. Everything that can make her busy, in case she gets bored. I brought coloring book, game gadget and the laptop. I have my whole complete gear on.

I am so glad to join the event, not only did I got a free vaccine but I also learned a lot about flu. I am so happy to meet the bloggers too, I met teacher Julie, Imom, Cess, Sassy mom and even Aeirin.

People who need to get the shot.
Any person who desires to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza
Children 6-59 months 4
Adults and children with risk factors:
Chronic cardiovascular disease (e.g. congestive heart failure, hypertensive cardiovascular disease, valvular heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, stroke
Chronic lung disease (e.g. COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, malignancies, chronic PTB)
Chronic metabolic disease ( diabetes)
Chronic renal dysfunction
Hemoglobinopathies
Children and adolescents who are receiving long term aspirin therapy
Immunosuppressed or those with weakened immune system
Residents of nursing homes and chronic care facilities
Pregnant women on their 2nd and 3rd trimester who have not received their vaccine within the last 12 months
Persons who can transmit influenza to those at risk: health care workers and other personnel of out patient care settings, hospitals, nursing homes, and chronic care facilities; Household contacts and caregivers of person at risk
Persons who provide essential and emergency community services, students and other persons in institutional settings

The First Year Photobook

2009-03-16T07:58:00.001-07:00

I know I should be doing my work right now, I still need to finish the working drawings for the Derm Clinic that I am working on, but I am making a photobook instead. I am really thankful to be able to close a deal, this boost my career as an architect and maybe earn some refferal too. The money to be earned is s big surprise, something that I didn't expect which will go directly to little J's savings account.

You can also order your own Photobook from Artscow, here are some codes that will make you save a lot, and when I say a lot I mean a lot. A 20 page Photobook from this site cost less than half of what it will cost you if you order from Photo shops here. So here are the codes and enjoy making your Photobook.

Here are the coupon codes for 8" x 8" Photo Book (30 pages) for Checkout use.

ZJRQT6G Apr/30/2009
ZSKEMDR Apr/30/2009
ZCFETPR Apr/30/2009
ZETWGKB Apr/30/2009
ZAPR1J9 Apr/30/2009
ZEU626R Apr/30/2009
ZQTZZSJ Apr/30/2009
ZZH3936 Apr/30/2009
ZPUXXRZ Apr/30/2009
ZEM62XM Apr/30/2009

Fun Ranch Rediscovered

2009-03-09T07:24:00.000-07:00

I almost auditioned for PBB

2009-03-08T22:44:00.000-07:00

I was suppose to go there this afternoon, it's my audition date. Haha, I'm not kidding I actually texted to join, and I recieve a text from them,

"Sbi ni Kuya, audition ka na! Punta sa PDA ConcertHall, EugenioLopezDrve, QC sa March 9, 1PM. dumating sa takdang oras. Present dsMsg n valid Id.Ds msg s FREE"

Why is you may ask, well here is a list of why I should join.

1. I am so fed up with my life and joining PBB will take me away (temporarily) from all the wickedness/foolishness/chaos at home.
2. I don't know my self anymore, since having little J, and all the drama/trauma that I went through. I went straight to being mom/dad, provider/ yaya and all. Didn't had time to reflect or recover from all of it. So I ended up like this, somebody that is empty, lonely, always angry.
3. I have changed a lot and lost my confidence,I believe I've lost myself in the process too. I am hoping, new things, new surroundings and competition can give back my confidence in myself.
4. I don't want to be a "used to be". When somebody ask me for a description of myself, I think I can say that "I used to be a jolly person, used to be goal oriented, used to be a ramp model, used to be an architect" I am still an architect by profession, but I don't feel that way anymore. I don't want to be a "used to be anymore" I want to be all the person I was and more.
5. I gained 50lbs since I had little J, I think I can lose all that inside the house since there is nothing better to do.
6. I want to win the new house, the money and the new car. I really want to move out now!

Honetly I think I have a good chance of getting in, mu life is as controversial at compliacated as their telesrye plot, it would me interesting to watch me on screen telling all this dramas about myself. I don't think had a prefessional(as an architect) go in the house, I mean all the hopeful particiapants are after the showbiz exposure, unlike me, na gusto ko lng maalayo sa family ko. and I think a will have a lot of support because of the bloggers. Bloggers are so powerful now adays do you agree? we are the first to release news and events going on in the Metro, right and bloggers has a solid support for any other blogger, I think.
I sound a bit desperate? or out of my mind, but I just really want to be away from my life right now and joing PBB can be a way to do that. I am just so sad, I hat how my family treats me, I hate who I have become and I just hate my life right now.

But sadly, I decided not to go, I plan to. But the Lord or circumstances just wont allow me. The time should be 1pm. So I went to little J's school and fetch her, its a good things that its their exam day so school is half day, I already filed for half day in the office but I just can't make it. At 12:45 we are still in Makati, there is now way I can make it to ABS by tme, so I decided to just go back to the office with little J.

So here I am in the office writing about this while little J is behind me playing online games.

My real rank Shoot up when I lost my pagerank

2009-03-08T18:11:00.001-07:00

I am not an expert on anything about the internet, in fact I am quite the opposite. All I know is a high pagerank can give me more opps and if I dont have a high pagerank I can try geeting a high real rank byt dropping a lot of ec. I losty my pagrank just last week, from PR2 I went back to PR0. I am also too lazy to do ec drops so I didnt expect that my Real Rank will go higher but to my surprise it did. At the time when I have a PR2 my Real Rank is at 2500 plus, now that I am a PR0 and I am not dropping EC's at all my Real rank is at 300. Such a huge jump from before, I am so happy about it of course, but I am just curious how to they come up with this ranking. Does anybody know?

Call Abroad

2009-03-08T17:58:00.000-07:00

My mom just got back from the US, she brought a lot of gifts for little J. So far she spent almost the whole night , last night calling all her friends and relatives via YupeePhone abroad to say thank you for giving her such a pleasant stay in the US. She is very lucky to have a lot friends and family there she didn't spend a dime. All her expenses are just for the plane fair, everything else was shouldered by her family and friends even her shopping loots. We have a month worth of groveries from them too, aside from teh gifts that they gave us. In fact they gave so much that we are still waiting for two boxes of good from them. They will be shipping that next week. Little J is so happy to see her granma, and also so happy to see her Baby Alive doll that poops. She is so amazed by it. The doll is so fun to play with, it takes, eats, sleeps and poop. We had a grand time last weekend playing with it.

I also used the YupeePhone to call my auntie abroad to say thank you and to ask her to buy another doll for little J, hopefully she can have it shipped next week too. Why do I want another doll? because I made a mistake of selling the other one to Jes. When I saw the Baby Alive goes Bye-bye, I want it too for little J.

Francis Magalona dead..

2009-03-05T21:11:00.000-08:00

Francis Magalona, the Pinoy rapper icon died today according to Inquirer.net. I'm sure a lot of people are saddend by this news, he is an icon in the Philippine music industry creating legendary hits such as "Mga Kababayan Ko". I still know the lyrics by heart, it was such a hit back then, I think I was in elemtary all kids sing that song. It's the first ever rap to go big in the Philippines. That time, rap was so new, and some old fashion parents look at it as "bad influence" to kids but when Francis M released "Mga Kababayan Ko" is changed all the wrong perspectives of Old fashioned Filipinos about rap.

It was a battle well fought and he will surely be remembered by Filipinos, he touched most of our lives, his songs is part of my childhood and he will forever be remembered.

Mommy Moment- Bath Time

2009-03-05T19:46:00.000-08:00

First Ever bath, a few days old.

ohh, diba? naka pose na?

Bath Time was scary for her at first. When she was an infant she always cry so loud, she will cry the whole time, while taking a bath, it was at 8 or 9 months that she finally accepted that she has to take a bath, so that she will not stink. By that time she learned to calm herself, and not cry then the hate turned to love.. After that she loves taking a bath, she loves the water, we often caught her playing with water.

Mommy Stalker!

2009-03-04T23:12:00.000-08:00

I so love my daughter's school Kidddo Academy, I was watching her at school, while Im in the office(yes I can watch her from the office by goign to their site on the internet). At first, I was shocked to see the teachers just chatting with eachother, and the kids playing. I thought what the heck are they doing? Their suppose to teach the kids! You see my daughter is in school 8 hours a day. Full day, from 8-5pm. She's 3 years old, I specifically chose that schedule because I am the one who brings her to school and fetch her too, so she has to be in school the whole time I'm in the office. To continue on my story, I was getting mad because I thought the teachers don't teach the kids in the afternoon. There are only two of them left, 2 kids little J and Sasha, and there are 2 teachers too. So its a 1 on 1 ration which is very good. So I just watched them, I told myself it is ok if they just play in the afternoon children learn thru play too and the teachers are very so I'll let it pass. But at exactly 3pm, the teachers stop chatting and called the 2 kids to sit. They went to teach the 2 kids. She first started to introduce to them their lesson, then she called the kids to the whiteboard and asked them to write the letters. They have a seatwork afterwards.

I love this school, they really do their job, apparently it was snack time, thats why the kids are allowed to play and the teachers just chat. They do their work, and the kids love the lessons and kids love the teachers as well. I was just over reacting.. haha.

Pretty and Preggy

2009-03-04T18:40:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of Beaute de Maman, I've heard a lot of good things about it, apparently its the Miracle Beauty product of a lot of hollywood celebrities. No wonder they kept pretty all through out their preganancy and even after giving birth. On the first trimester of my pregnancy I had a lot of pimple breakouts, I thought I was just stress or something but later on I realized that I am having a lot of break outs because of the hormones acting up in my body which usually occurs during pregnancy. I could say that this is really a good product for women, I just wish I know about it back then. I stopped using my usual beaty products that time, in fear that it might affect the health of my baby. That would be another reason why I suddenly got all those acne problems. If only I have known about this, I should have looked a lot prettier those days.So for all those pregnant women out there order now.

I was depressed and ugly that time, that is why I don't have any pictures of me while I was pregnant, the reason why I skipped on one week of Mommy Moment. I think I have few shots, I got bored while waiting for Mama in that gasoline station so I took a few photos, but I erased it immediately becuase I really don't like how I looked. I think I am not that ugly, it's just that I am that sad and it shows on my pictures. That time we live in Laguna, just me and my mom. I will drive her to office and pick her up after. I would stay in the gasoline station until she comes. We pass by a village that is not crowded at all, I taught her how to drive that time. Remembering those times made me realize that I was not too sad, there are times that Mama and I had fun too, and that was the time that I got so close to my mom. Our life was peaceful that time, just the two of us, plus little J in my tummy. I would love to go back and live there, if only I can work there.

Graduation

2009-03-04T00:06:00.000-08:00

A motto(from the Italian for pledge, sentence; plural mottos or mottoes) is a phrase meant to formally describe the general motivation or intention of a social group or organization. A motto may be in any language, but Latin is the most used. The local language is usual in the mottos of governments.

source wikipedia

My daughter is having a "Moving Up" Ceremony on March 20. It is a very important momment for me and my daughter. She will be "graduating". She's in nursery and its not actually a graudation, but I am so damn proud of her. She has learned a lot of things, not just in academics but more so on social skills. She used to be a meak and shy little kid who wont let go of my hand
and get scared of every new face she sees. No she has conquered the Alpahbeth, Addition and Subtraction, she can read and is confident enough to do the cat walk on their United Nations Celebrations.

I am so excited for this event, and I am glad that the school prepares a lot for it too. They have yearbook, photobook, they will be wearing toga and my daughter is performing.

My problem is I have to come up with a motto to put on her yearbook. I was given a from by the teacher this morning for this. I have to fill up the questions:
Name of Pupil:
Lavel:
Birthdate:
Address:
Mother's Name:
Father's Name:
Motto:
Ambition:

Most of it are easy to answer except for the "Father's Name". I always leave it blank, not that I don't know who her father, of course I do, but from the time I was pregnant, I made a promise to my parents to not even mention his name. Her birth certifate says "unkown", and we specifically decided to do that. So that, he will not have any claims on her. You see if I write down his name on the birth certificate, i will have to go to him and ask him to sign to acknowledge the papers, I don't want to do that. If he does sign it, that means he has equal rights as I am, and I don't want to give him any right at all. My daughter is mine, all mine. I don't need him to acknowledge her, I don't need him to help me raise her. From that time on, I have decided that I will be the sole provider for little J, I'll give her everything she needs and try to give her everything she wants. I believe I have been successful doing this.

So for her yearbook, I will still not put any name on "Father's Name" I will just leave it blank, same as his existence in our life.

Wait, I don't want to leave the "Motto" blank too, do you have any suggestions? I dont know is I am going to put a serious quote on it or just a casual, funny one. I'd like it to sound like little J was the one who thought of it, something cute, something that a 3 year old would actually say.

I've lost my pagerank!

2009-03-03T18:14:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I discovered that I lost my PR on my main site sweet..pretty..naughty and my other blog memoryfilled, I am sad but know I am to blame as well. I was too busy to write, read worthy post. I was just writing paid opps. Well, at least my Sweetytots site still has a PR and its on its own domain. so from now on, you can ecpect to see better post from me especially on my Sweetytots.com