• A wholesaler of balut  in Sto. Tomas, Batangas:    Starduck   • A small Internet café:    Cafe Pindot   • A laundry in Manila :    Summa Cum Laundry   • A restaurant in Pasig :    Johnny’s Fried Chicken, The “Fried” of Marikina   • A boxing gym in Taguig:     Blow Jab   • A tombstone maker in Antipolo:    Lito Lapida   • A copy center in Sikatuna Village , Quezon City :    Pakopya ni Edgar   • A kambingan:    Sa Goat Kita   • A store selling feeds for chicken along Sucat Road :     Robocock   • A shoe repair in Marikina :     Dr. Shoe-Bago   • A shoe repair shop along Commonwealth Avenue , Quezon City : SHOEPERMAN (We will HEEL you, save your SOLE, and even DYE for you)   • A taxicab:     Income Taxi   • A second-hand watch store:     2nd Time Around   • A squid stall in a wet market:     Pusit to the Limit   • A lawyer’s extension office:     Nota Republic   • A ceiling installer:     Kisame Street   • A car-repair shop:     Bangga ka ‘day!   • An aquatic pet store in Malolos:     Fish Be With You   • A fishball cart along P. Campa St.. , near UST:     Eat My Balls   • A barber shop in Cagayan de Oro:     Pinoy Big Barber   • A party-needs business:     Balloon-Balloonan   • A store selling fresh chicken, apparently owned by a woman named Dina: Dina Fresh Chicken   • A Hair Salon in Makati :    Hair We Go Again And here's what I saw in La Paz, Iloilo: A cart selling roast chicken:  CNN - Chicken Namit-Namit

In a few hours, I will turn 42.

I'm a big fan of massages. So in a week's time, I get at least one in. Good thing, they have this home service everywhere. Php 250 for an hour, not bad at all. And inside pa the comforts of your own bedroom. What more can you ask for?

Well, to my dismay and surprise (which became a snickering fit), I had a bad massage. Is there such a thing? One of the girls that I normally call came in today with another girl. Weng (my regular) is quite good, strong hands and quiet. Manu wants his massage hard so I gave him Weng. So the other girl was going to do me... that didn't sound right, no? Well, you know what I mean.

I could tell from her first touch that she was tentative. Her strokes were not consistent (in pressure and direction... hey, I know my massage moves) and she kept pausing. So my eyes were closed (we all pretend to be asleep to avoid chitchat, right?) and so I decided to open one eye. Yun pala, she was being coached by Weng on what to do. (Manu and I are side by side.) She was just a second rate, trying hard copycat. (Sorry, can't help it.) In my head, 'Pucha, pinagpra-praktisan ako nito." At this point, I was still feeling generous (as a massage dummy) and understanding. But when she was doing karate chops on my sitbone, teka muna. I told her, "ay, wag mong gawin yan." Hay, I will end up paying more for a chiropractor after this experience. But it didn't stop there. So for some grace from God, I was just smiling and snickering (silently ha, I didn't want to offend her). When it was time to stretch my legs (they have this move where they lift your leg up and bring it diagonally across), she was going the other way. Sinabi ko na talaga, "wag na nating gawin yan... haharap na ako."

I normally don't get my head and face massaged, I don't like my hair greased. So I told her to skip that part. I could tell that she was panicking because Weng was still on Manu's head (oops, another one). So she went on to do my shoulders and neck, with no guidance. And stroke she did on my delicate neck and clavicles. As she was getting her tempo (not the right one, though), she almost slapped me. So I said, "tapusin mo na lang yung braso at binti ko."

So after a few rubbing strokes, she hurriedly finished my arms. I wanted a long leg massage, I had just finished spinning and my legs have been giving me problems lately. Lo and behold, she was just slapping away, karate chops to death and get this, massaging my shin. I was just praying, "let her finish na, please!" And then a sudden stop. Is it really over? So I took another peek, she was looking at Weng, with a resigned look. So I got up and off the bed. Finally!

Moral lesson? It's better to have NO massage than a BAD massage!!!!

It is officially 2008. As usual, there are resolutions to be made. Here are mine.

1. A SLIGHT NO TO CARBS. Although I already eat bread of the whole wheat, multigrain kind and rice of the organic brown kind, I will try to cut down on my carbs. I love my carbs and I hate to see them go.

2. DUMP THE TRASH TV. It's shameful, really. But I watch Fifth Wheel, Blind Date and Elimidate. They're so stupid, that I'm addicted.

3. PANG-ISPORTS PA. I am a gym nut, I admit it. But I want to get into a sport. Over Christmas vacay, I tried to kneeboard (a prelude to wakeboard) and mountain bike. I think wakeboarding is cool (if I do get on that wakeboard) and I am still trying to like mountain biking. I fell many times off the bike but I am determined to get on that bike and enjoy it. I might go back to boxing (at least that's indoors, no fussing over spfs).

4. ISLANDS PHILIPPINES. I will put my passport in the safe for now because I intend to see more of the Philippines. We drove to Naga, it's a 10 hour drive. I almost finished reading the Lonely Planet book on the Philippines. At least now, we have a list of places to see.

5. CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME. This is always on my list. I do practice it, but I remind myself to give more every year.

6. MAMA MIA. I would like to spend more time with my mom, that is if she wants to spend time with me. She is a creature of habit and likes familiar places (unlike me, kaladkarin). I really hope she goes out more.

7. MI PATRIA ADORADA. I will get hold of the book '12 things you can do for your country' and try to do what is written there. Some are quite easy to do but some sound really simple, but really hard to do. (eg. Respect the police, government officials) I will try my best, promise.

Over the years, I've been quite good at keeping my resolutions. Let's see how I will do this year.

I invited my family for Thanksgiving dinner last Thursday. It was actually late notice. I had scheduled taping but they cancelled late Wednesday night because of the impending storm. I bought a frozen turkey and wrestled with it for an hour just to speed the thawing process. It was not a pretty sight. I was worried that it wouldn't be done in time for dinner. The rest of the menu was ordered from Conti's. I was determined to make this turkey a success.

We normally do not celebrate Thanksgiving, but this year I am hoping to start a tradition. Notwithstanding the problems and personal tragedies that we are experiencing as individuals and as a family, I think we still had a lot to be thankful for.

So I thank God for the gifts that came by way of my family, my husband, joy from my babies and friends. I am also grateful for a healthy body that allows me to work and to enjoy life fully without much difficulty. Forever appreciative for the supply of food, clothing and the roof over our heads, and the able hands of our staff at home. The sadness and grief from losing my dad and Fred constantly remind me to value the life of others as well as mine.

All of us have problems that we deal with in daily cycles. That is part of the human frailty and the rhythm of life. But we have so much to be grateful for. And I am forever indebted to God for everything that He has done for me. Including the fabulous turkey the whole family shared last Thursday.

Here's what I found out about Shanghai:

1. They still don't speak enough English there. Getting around and getting things done (even shopping) is an extremely exasperating experience.

2. Food is cheap and fabulous.

3. For people who wear warm weather clothes 365 days of the year, November is not a good time to shop here.

4. There are some things that wear my patience thin, mainly rude salespeople.

5. The Bund Underground Tunnel is overrated. Skip this trip.

6. Chinese people love to eat.

7. Chinese people love to shop (not as much as eating though).

8. Do not take China Eastern airlines.

9. Some of the tourist souvenirs there, you can find in 168.

10. Taxi drivers drive like crazy maniacs.

I just came from lunch with my Mom today.  I was with Olive and Uncle Mo.  I was glad to see that my mom is doing well, as well as can be.  She mentioned that tomorrow would be 3 months exactly since my dad passed away.  Has it been three months?  Wow.

I still remember vividly that day three months ago.  It was to be the start of trying times for the family.  We sort of knew that the day would come, but nothing could really prepare us for it.  My dad was the center of the family, aside from being the head of it.  Everyone sought approval from him, asked for his advice, looked out for his health, cooked for him, went with him to his trips to Shangrila.  It didn't matter if we are all grown up and have our own careers and families, but for major decisions we would always go to Dad.  Now that he's gone, I can't shake off the feeling of being orphaned.  And at 40 years old, I feel more like a child than ever.  Like, I'm trying to grab hold of a hand that is not there anymore. There are good days, and like today, there are darker days. I miss him terribly.

To the first man in my life, May the Angels keep you happy and peaceful.  Do not worry about us because you raised us well, as your children and as people who care about others.  We are the persons we've become because of you and for that you should be proud.  We will hold on to each other in times of joy and most especially, in times of despair.  We promise to always cherish and take care of Mom, the same way you believed that she deserves nothing but the best.  You will always be in our thoughts and prayers, and eternally in our hearts. 

Dad, we miss you.  I miss you in ways you will never know. 

It started way before Al Gore's The Inconvenient Truth. Thanks to him, people are now a little aware of the environment. So let's push on, people.

I have always liked nature. It was just mere liking at first, then after a few more trips to places where you see God's infinite grandeur, I've grown to love and respect it. Just watch the sunset in Boracay, or dive Tubattaha reef 100 feet underwater, we will know that all these are bigger than us. So why do we continuously and consciously destroy it?

Maybe it's the lack of education, misinformation or just the innate lackadaisical nature of Pinoys. Whatever it is, there is time. But it is running out, fast. And when nature kicks back with its immense force, we will never live to see the damage of its wrath. So what can we do?

Do not be overwhelmed by the responsibility of turning back the clock on nature. Let the president-elect of the US and lovely Leo apply pressure on nations and corporations to do their share in repairing the damage. We, in our own little way, can actually make a difference. Collectively, we can do so much. If we only THINK GREEN.

On my end, here are a few tips. I am living it and loving it.

1. Dump the big SUVs. In the US, the car that sold the most is the Toyota Prius. Many other car companies are doing hybrid. Unfortunately, it is not available here, and if you can find one, it is in the millions of pesos. If I had money, I would definitely buy one, considering the fuel that I will be saving. However, I am totally happy driving my Honda Jazz. It is economical, easy to park and can wind the narrowest streets of Manila.

2. Segregate trash. Thanks to Barangay Blue Ridge A, we have someone who collects "nabubulok" and "di nabubulok" trash. They have a common compost area here and it is made available as fertilizer.

3. Do without the supermarket plastic bags. I am planning on getting hold of (purchase or making one myself) a big canvas tote for my supermarket stuff. I have a tote with cooling layer for the frozen and refrigerated items. NOTE: If you know of anyone selling a big ass canvas tote, please let me know.

4. Shade it. We live in a tropical country where it is bright and sunny. That is precisely why we are airconditioning-happy. Try tinting your windows or getting window shade to cool the room. Cross ventilation also helps in bringing the wind in.

5. Change your incandescent bulbs to energy saving lamps. It does cost a bit more but it is more economical and lasts a long, long time. It also comes in warm white that simulates the yellowish glow of incandescent bulbs. A lot of people are surprised by how low my electric bill is. That is the joy of going green and economical.

6. Do not overstock your refrigerator. Buy what is needed for a full week. An overstuffed refrigerator works twice as hard as their normal capacity in cooling your food and drinks.

7. Do not take a bath! Take quick showers instead. We can do dry exfoliating before getting in the shower stall. One tip that I will have to get used to though is brushing teeth while taking a shower.

8. Reuse and recycle. We use our laundry water to wash our garage and porch floorings. We use gift boxes and used plastic containers to store all sorts of stuff.

9. Clean the clutter. I have my bi-yearly garage sale where I sell almost everything that I haven't used for a long time.

10. Lastly, just be kind to nature. Be kind to animals, be kind to people.

In the end, going green really is about being kind. It is the unselfish use of resources that are made available to us. Never, ever abuse it.

To my dearest Fredo,

We are so happy you came into our lives.  The minute we saw you in Narra, we wanted to take you home.  You were so playful, I remember throwing my slippers so far so that you can get it for me.  You got it but didn't want to give it back.  You were so adorable. 

But then little did you know, the Pedigree food that they were feeding you was making you sick.  So Daddy and Mama came to the rescue.  When we brought you home, your bones were showing and you were so sick.  With the help of Doc Mike, we nursed you back to health.  We knew that your health will always be delicate but we were committed to do whatever it takes to make you well. 

It was so hard to accept that after 3 and a half years of taking care of you that there was nothing else we could do.  It was so heartbreaking to see that the sickness has taken over your body, but you were a fighter.  Fredo, our fighter.  Your spirit was so strong, we knew you wanted to stay on for us, but your body was getting weak.  Daddy and Mama had to make a painful choice and it was very difficult, my dear Fredo.  Until now, I still wake up thinking if we did the right thing.  But we are comforted by the fact that your yayay is gone now, Fredo.  Mama did everything she could.  How she wishes she could take away your yayay herself or she be the one to get it so you won't feel pain.  But she can only do so much.

Fred, you and Tyson are the joys of our lives.  You know that our days and nights are not complete without you getting on our bed and just lying down with us.  I miss you lying down by my side of the bed and looking up at me and offering your belly for some belly rubs.  Daddy misses your wake up call to him, signaling that it's time for you guys to go down to yayas.  I miss the way you wolf down your food in lightning speed and the way you get so impatient when we take walks.  Tyson will miss the way you break in the rawhide bones for him, making it soft and chewy.  Tyson misses you. Fredo.  He's all alone now, and we are watching over him carefully because he looks for you.

Baby Fredo, we miss you so much and we love you so much.  We will never forget you.  You will always be our Baby Fredo.  Wait for us in the rainbow bridge with Kuya Homer, but in the meantime, keep Lolo company. 

You are forever in our hearts!

Mama and Daddy

As I write this, Fredo is making utot. I know that it's a natural thing for dogs to fart, but it's still weird. And wow, it's stinky. He has been farting a lot, and I, the neurotic mom, am desperately trying to figure out if he has eaten something he shouldn't, or he has a bum stomach. My husband and I know for a fact that tummy problems are Tyson problems, and that Fredo, renal problems.

Hmm... Hard to figure out what's bothering when they can't speak for themselves. It is frustrating but we just have to watch them closely and pay attention to any new behavior.

I know, for some, we are dog/pet crazy but our lives are so much more joyful and complete with the two around. They are our bundles of joy. We thank God for them.

Anyone who knows me well, will attest that I like bargain shopping. So ladies, here are my favorite shops (abroad and local) where you can get great deals.

1. CENTURY 21 (New York) - This is easy to find. After you visit the 9-11 shrine, just cross the street and you're in shopping heaven. Rumor has it that the owner is some mafia guy and that the merchandise they sell are actually stolen goods. Who cares? The point is this place is cheap. You need at least half a day to scour this store. They do not sell current season. So the tip there is, if you do find designer stuff, go for the classic style.

2. H&M - I loooooovvvveee this store. Good news is that they already have one in HongKong (Queen's Road). My shopping philosophy is shell out money for the classic stuff but go crazy over the cheap, current stuff. And I go crazy over H&M. They have knock-offs of the designer stuff for quarter of the price. Karl Lagerfeld did a line for them. And now, Madonna is doing the same thing. I love their US$ 2.99 three-in-one accessories.

3. FOLDED AND HUNG - This store has carefully chosen stuff, very fresh and current. The prices are not bad either.

4. BENCH - Bench, to me, is so familiar. It is where I go to replenish my undergarments, and i love their tanks, and of course their beauty stuff (Lemon drops cologne, face towels, towelette make-up removers).

5. TOPSHOP/TOPMAN - Brit fashion at its best and cheapest. I come here to buy not boring stuff. I always go home happy. My husband's fave store for accessories, belts, hats etc.

6. ZARA - I go to Zara for clothes. Reasonably priced, well-made, nice fabric, and up-to-date styles. Their end of season sales are fabulous. The stores abroad have more choices though.

7. RUSTAN'S - The ever dependable store. Service is what I love about this store. Merchandise (especially for beauty stuff) is tops, too. I can stay in Essences for half a day. I also love their sales, and their FSP and free gift wrapping. If you want quality items and top service, this is your place. If you are in a bind as to what to wear, go to Rustan's Makati, you'll definitely find something.

8. SM DEPARTMENT STORE - I like that I can find exactly what I need in Shoemart (this was how it was called long ago). From bobby pins to silicon free bras. I used to go to Divisoria to get my plastic bins, but now I go to SM. It's airconditioned, equipped with helpful salespeople and the price is not too far off. Check out the home section. Pretty exciting, with rows and rows of plastic containers, and kitchen supplies!

9. ACE and TRUE VALUE - Don't ask me, but I love hardware stores. I find all sorts of stuff (some I need and most, I don't). When I am depressed, I go to the hardware. Recently, I purchased a jigsaw. And pieces of wood, so I can try my new saw. I love home stores. Tip. Some branches of Home Depot in the States are open 24 hours. Heaven!

10. DIVISORIA - Not only 168, but also Divimall and stores along the streets. 168 is for everything cheap. I buy personalized embroidered towels for a song. They make great gifts! I also go to the curtain store at the annex. I go to Golden Era, for my paper needs (I collect wrappers) and Morning Glory for my ribbons. My sister Olive goes to Commoner's for packaging stuff. And we buy fruits on the side. This place is not for the prissy kind. Be prepared to brave the crowds and the smell.

I love shopping. That's why for Lent, my sacrifice is NO shopping.

Love them or hate them. This is not a list about technical excellence (though some are great that way too), but based on sheer entertainment value.

1. 300 - My new favorite. I love how they all have abs in this movie (minimum of 6-pack), real or digitally enhanced. The movie is a typical hero movie, but I like how they made the female lead not wimpy and whiny but strong and wow, beautiful. I like that it is cgi-ed to death, not wanting to look real, but somehow you feel the scene and get affected by it in a real way. I don't mind watching it again and again.

2. WHEN HARRY MET SALLY - This is my ultimate 90's movie. Meg Ryan was at her cutest (sans collagen lips) and her tandem with Billy Crystal, though odd, worked so well in this movie. Screenplay is really funny, and among all her romantic comedies, this, for me, is the best.

3. CINEMA PARADISO - This started my quest for all movies foreign. The first scene alone takes my breath away, still. So brilliant, so italian, great acting, great love story, Ennio Moriccone is a god. This is a have-to-see movie.

4. BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S - For a movie shot in the 50's or 60's, the storyline about a girl (and a guy) for hire is bold, but beautifully executed. Audrey Hepburn was born to play Holly Golightly. I love her!

5. BLAZING SADDLES - This, with Young Frankenstein, is a family favorite. Mel Brooks is a genius comedic lunatic. Madelaine Kahn, (God bless her soul) was hilarious, especially in the tavern show scene.

6. FINDING NEMO - I thought nothing will top Little Mermaid, but Finding Nemo did. I love Dory! This movie is for everyone.

Forget the calories! Here's a list of places where you can devour worth-it calories!


1. SPICES (Manila Pen) - Spices, at the Pen is a favorite. Why? Their black dahl is to die for. I totally love Indian food, but the place does not serve Indian food only but other Asian fares as well. I also like their Malaysian vegetable stir-fry. The prices are steep (2,000-3,000 for two), but food is fabulous, service, excellent!

2. KASHMIR (Pasay Road) - Can you tell that I'm really into Indian food? If you want great Indian food, this is the place to go. (I've eaten in Bollywood, but I still prefer Kashmir.) I love their Eggplant and cheese dish (sort of like a stew) and their breads! For those who go to American Women's Bazaar, their stall is always a hit! Prices are moderate (1,000-1,500 for two), and the ambience is quite authentic.

3. BELLINI'S (Marikina Shoe Expo) - This place feels like home. I like that it is tucked away in Cubao, and that the interiors don't match and that Roberto kisses European style (on both cheeks) and that he is the only guy my husband kisses on the cheeks. This is where I go for my Italian comfort food. I pick out a plate of appetizers, (Uge loves the salad that Roberto fixes right before us), order my favorite pasta, Spaghetti Bellini (Manu likes Contadina), order a glass or 2 of Chianti, and finish off with their Orange cake. The clientele is a wide assortment of people and the atmosphere is very, very relaxed. There is live music, c/o a blind folk singer, and at one time, a magician that goes around showing off his tricks. Years ago, Roberto was wooed by the Ayala group, and he reluctantly set up a branch at the Greenbelt Food Choices, but it didn't work. One cannot capture the Bellini's experience fast-food style. It just doesn't work in Makati. I looove this place, the people (Roberto and Luisa, and their very hospitable staff), the food, the warm atmosphere. (Php 600-900 for two)

4. CYMA (Boracay, Shangrila Mall) - We went to Greece for our honeymoon, and we fell in love with the food because of its simplicity. Thank God for Cyma. No more craving for Greek food, we can just rush to the mall and get our fix. I so love their swordfish (seafood) souvlaki and their plate of assorted appetizers. My sister Olive loves the seared tuna salad and the clam angel hair pasta. My dad loves their lamb chops. I brought my whole family and the Fteha gang (my mom's brothers and sister, who make great hummus, so they know their meditteranean food) and they had a great time. It is a great place for those who love good food and don't mind sharing family style. It is always full, so reserve ahead especially if you're a big group. (php 700-1,000 for two)

5. SUGI (Greenbelt) - I've always enjoyed eating in Sugi. Love their spicy tuna appetizer. Everything in this place is good. I like japanese food because it is fairly healthy, and the ingredients have to be fresh. I adhere by the Okinawa diet because it makes sense and it is healthy. If it's Japanese you're craving for, you'll never go wrong with Sugi. (We also go to Tokyotown, or Japantown, by Makati Cinema Square for great, authentic Japanese food.) (php 700-1000 for two)

AND NOW FOR THE VALUE FOR MONEY EATS!

1. Serye - Filipino comfort food
2. Gerry's or Dencio's - Family style Filipino feast
3. Omakase - better than Teriyaki Boy
4. New Bombay Indian Restaurant - Potato croquettes and Bombay dahl, a must
5. Pancake House - Yummy golden waffle
6. SOM's - Thai food for practically nothing
7. North Park - Chinese comfort food
8. McDo and Jollibee - McDo fries and sundae, Jollibee's Bangus belly

BUON APPETITO EVERYONE!

I will be blogging a series of My Favorites. I am feeling generous, and want to share few of my tips, secrets and favorite things. Let's start with my favorite things to do.

1. EATING. I love food, and even if I've sworn off eating meat for almost 6 years now, I never deprive myself of my favorite foods! I love my carbs, I can't live without them, and with the same passion, I love my greens. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I eat like a horse. That's why I can't live without my second favorite.

2. EXERCISE. I can go to the gym everyday, and would love to, except that my husband gives me the eye, so I limit my gym to 5 times a week. I love the spinning class, yoga class and my personal trainer, Jezz. She makes me work my butt off, literally and I love the results. I think I would get sick if I don't exercise for a week.

3. READING. I loooove reading. Anything, really. Paperbacks, magazines, newspapers. Before I go to sleep, I have to read. I have at any one time, at least 2 books on my bedside table. I love the Economist, which I get supply of from my father-in-law.

4. GROCERY SHOPPING. Shopwise, S&R, Unimart, Pioneer Center are my favorite destinations. But when I'm in the States, I can stay in the grocery for a day and I'm in heaven. I don't shop excessively, but I like to look at and compare prices and nutritional information. Weird, no?

5. COOKING. I love to cook. I guess I have to use what I buy in the supermarket, with the amount of time I spend there. I like to go online for recipes, or use the ICA cookbook (which my mother-in-law gave me) and the New York Times Cookbook. I do modify, improve, replace ingredients when needed. My husband hasn't complained yet, so I guess I'm doing good.

6. WATCHING TV. I watch a lot of TV. Only when I'm not doing anything. I've to have my share of trash TV like Blind Date, Fifth Wheel, Maury, and 10 minutes of Jerry Springer. But I do love shows like CSI, House, David Lettermen, Tonight show with Jay Leno, SNL.

7. TRAVELLING. Especially with my husband and our furkids. Our ultimate dream is to fly our dogs to our dream travel destination. We just can't bear the thought of them in the cargo cabin alone. But travelling is tops, especially if money is no object.

8. WINDOW SHOPPING. I want to say shopping, but I think I get a bigger kick out of just looking and checking out stuff. I guess that's just frugal me talking.

So, yes, judging from my list, I am a bore and a big "el cheapo". But I love doing these things and derive joy from the simplest of things.

Wow. Been out of the loop for awhile. I have been crazy busy and in the midst of the chaos, got in an introspective mood. I get this way as another year commences. Call it fear, anxiety, excitement or cluelessness of what the year holds for me. But they are there.

But I am not debilitated by the uncertainty of the future. I live each day, grateful for many things present in my life; people whom I love and love me back, work that is satisfying and challenging, and a strong feeling of hope for me and those around me.

We all want this year to better than the last. But I truly believe that it is how you look at your own life that makes the difference. The circumstances may be dire, but we don't have to be sucked down that way. Remember, tomorrow is another day.

I LOVE CHRISTMAS! I loved it more when I was younger but I still love it. I know the holidays are here because I get a funny feeling, more like kilig when I step out of the house and the cool breeze greets me, as if to whisper, "I am here!". Although I didn't decorate the house as much (it was overkill before) and I still haven't found the perfect, simple parol. Nevertheless, the spirit of Christmas is still very much alive. This year, in particular, was interesting and eventful for many reasons, big and small.

1. I became part of a funny musical called, ZsaZsa Zaturnnah, ze Muzikal. It was my first time to play a villainess in the character of Queen Femina, and I loveeed it. Btw, we will be restaging it on January.

2. After 8 years, I went back to recording with the cd, THE ISLAND. I hope that this will be the start of more music in the years to come.

3. I started doing personal training. My trainer, Jezz is the best. She is very patient and she motivates me. I have attention-deficit disorder with gym work, but she manages to keep me interested. And I love the results!

4. Work is good. I am taping for two shows with ABS-CBN and very excited with both projects. I am also getting a number of corporate hosting and singing gigs. I love doing those shows, meeting a lot of people and learning about different industries.

5. Despite the gym work that I do and my sometimes-good eating habit, my health wasn't its best. I came down with very bad upper respiratory infections twice this year. I always bragged about not getting sick for years in a row, but this year was an exception.

6. I turned 40 this year! I didn't have a big celebration but loved ones sent their greetings which were very much appreciated! What they say about turning 40 is true; the eyesight slowly goes, the white hair multiplies like crazy and the pockets of fat will never go away!

7. My dad's health is very delicate and this year, he was hospitalized again. He is on his way to recovery and we thank everyone for the warm get-well wishes thrown his way.

8. A good friend passed away. He is missed and will be missed for a very long time. Rest in peace, Chaw!

9. Fredo joins Tyson in sleeping with us on the bed. We love it! It's a good thing Manu and I are on the slim side but will probably have to buy a king size bed! The boys are making us sikip!

10. I am forever grateful to the Lord for giving me a home filled with love and joy. All my blessings are from a Higher Power and will forever be grateful for them.

A very merry Christmas to all and may the new year bring us hope, joy and love!!! Peace!

Yesterday, a dear friend lost his life... violently. When I got the news, I couldn't grasp the thought that he's dead. I haven't spoken to him in awhile. But that didn't make it easier to accept that he's gone. What makes it more incomprehensible is that he was murdered. I do not understand how anyone's anger could be so great that he can snap the life out of another human being. Are we all capable of that much anger? It is a scary thought.

But now, I am just sad. Sad that no one will call me Tya Margie anymore. Sad that the group will be missing someone who's always fun, funny and always on time. His death made me realize that life is so short and lessons should be learned.

1. Say more, do more. Say I love you and mean it. Say I'm thinking of you and have coffee and catch up.
2. Life is beautiful. Wear your best stuff. Don't wait for a special occasion.
3. Smile more. It will make you feel better, I swear.
4. Give thanks. For everything.
5. Reject anger. Find space for acceptance instead.
6. Grief is helpful. The process of grieving varies with each person. Some do it by sharing stories, some do it openly, some in private. However it is, just grieve. It is natural.
7. Let go. There are some things that aren't meant for eternity.
8. Discover peace. In yourself, others and everything around you. It can be done. And when you find it, refer to #4.
9. Cherish each second that passes. Every moment will never be replicated.
10. Love, love, love.

Boracay for me is still the best beach in the world. My first trip to Boracay (back then it was called Boracay, not Bora) was 1989. This year, my husband and I made two trips there. The island has changed so much since '89 and here are just a few notes I've made. Take it however you want it. They're just my thoughts.

1. The sea is vengeful.
Any garbage you throw at her, she will throw it back to you. Just look at the cigarette butts and all the nasty things washed ashore.

2. Pack lightly.
Take whatever you bring into the island back home where it belongs. The island has and will survive on its own without the garbage we bring in.

3. Listen to the whispering waves.
Gone are the days when you wake up to the sound of the waves hitting the shore. These days, we are rudely awakened by "chill" or "house" music blaring away from every establishment.

4. Fun for free
There are many things one can do to enjoy Boracay's best. The sunsets are breathtaking, the sand, as fine as powder, and the water, warm and clear. The walks on the shore or the trails will keep us fit and active during our stay. Now, do we really need the carousel?

5. Get high on nature.
We are so lucky to have paradise only 35 minutes away. Don't miss out on what the island can offer by getting high on drugs. That picture just isn't pretty.

Hi, beautiful.
Thank you for 6 years of wedded bliss.

We are like two peas in a pod.
Yes, we are old farts and we like it.
We can talk and talk and talk.
We can also sit in silence, and love every minute.

Our idea of fun is not about cocktails and loud music,
but sitting around the house, or wrestling with the babies.
We love our sunsets, our dinners at Spices, Tali with the boys.

Yes, we are both the luckiest people on earth
because of each other.

I love you, my Love, the most beautiful person on earth.

I hope everyone's safe and well after the fast and furious 'Milenyo'. That storm and its aftermath taught me many lessons.

1. The Boy Scouts are right. Be prepared.
I give my husband a hard time whenever he accompanies me to the grocery. He always grabs packs of batteries. Thank you, husband. It came in handy with the flashlights and portable radio. He discouraged me though from buying a battery operated fan. After 2 nights of no electricity, I couldn't stop thinking about it.

2. One can never have enough scented candles.
Remember the year when everyone gave scented candles as gifts? Finally, I had use of some of them. I like them because they're thick (cannot be easily knocked over), some had their own container, and my house smelled nice, too.

3. Good conversation goes a long way.
Without TV, audio equipment, internet, cellphone, telephone, reading light, what can one do? My husband and I are great friends and we can just talk all night about everything. The first night of brownout, we talked and joked around till we fell asleep.

4. The Power of Sleep
My husband can outsleep anyone. When he learned that there was no work Thursday, he changed back to house clothes and slept. He slept through the height of the storm, woke up to eat and went back to sleep. Dinner and then slept again. It's a talent. I don't have that talent and I'm jealous.

5. Little improvements count for so much in the end.
I tinker around the house a lot. I like to fix or have things fixed. Around two years ago, I had my windows changed from wood to aluminum. Two weeks ago, I had my wall waterproofed and repainted. I got rid of my water pump and changed to bigger pipes. During the storm, we were safe, dry and had running water.

6. Lose the Billboards
Billboards are not pretty. Billboards are not safe. Enough with these billboards.

7. Stay indoors.
If there is no reason to leave your home, don't. Stories of babies being swept away by the wind or kids drowning or trees and billboards falling on cars and people are instances of why we should stay indoors.

8. There's always a place for everyone.
Thanks to my sister, Tina, she found out that Victoria Court allows dogs in their facility. That's great news to all dog lovers, especially the winter dog lovers. Thank you, Victoria Court.

I really hope everyone learned your own lesson from this calamity. Be well.