New Year's Eve pics

yours truly


Mitch, Auntie Beth, Sonny


everyone


winner shot

Happy 2008!!!

2008 in a few...

It's been generally a SAD year for me. But there are some happy-happy joy-joy and fun, fun, fun moments. Like I've seen my father a few months ago after so many years (almost 2 decades!). Or that I'm having the longest, although "forced" vacation. Or that I'm meeting new, interesting and inspiring people (they don't really know who they are). Life has NOT been kind to me these days. But then, I still have my family (the remains of it), a few chosen friends (i knew who my real friends are), and my sanity (a miracle!) to go by, and at least be thankful for. When there's life, there's hope, right? That's what I am going to do in 2008. To still hope to make it. Because I can.

Yummy Treats (part 2)

Cupcakes by Sonja's Red Velvet


Krispy Kreme!!! Sweetness to the max...

Special Dark Chocolate Donut and Original Frozen Blend


Special Dark Chocolate and New York Cheesecake Donut


Mama's Mango Float

Here's How My Christmas Went

1. My bro Mitch and I went to Auntie's Beth place and feasted on left-over spaghetti, which we already ate yesterday (along with lamb chops and salad).

2. Auntie Beth, my cousin Sonny, Mitch, and I went to Eastwood and watched Enteng Kabisote (haha). While killing time, we took some pics of Santa, etc. on display.


with Auntie Beth


with Mitch and Sonny, after much coaxing

3. Feasted on KFC and filled out Auntie's Starbucks card with the Christmas drinks. Nakalibre kami ng Toffee Nut Frappuccino, which I still have yet to consume.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas...

Merry Christmas!!!

From the bottom of my heart, I wish everyone a blessed and fun-filled Christmas. Forget all your troubles for a while (I will most definitely try) and take time to enjoy this special day with your loved ones.

Happy Birthday Jesus!!!

When it rains, it pours... Hard!!! (part 2)

For the first time in months, I am truly DEBT-FREE!!! Well, except for those which I'm not really obligated to pay but I'd like to but couldn't right now. A big sigh of relief. Now I can sleep more and hope for better things which needs a lot of prayers.

Better come up with a plan in 2008. Which is in a few days away.

When it rains, it pours... Hard!!!

I've been cash-strapped for a couple of months I was already worried how I could survive Christmas. But early blessings abound. I can go shop full-blast now. And leave some for rainy months, as always. Thanks Papa and bro! And Mama too for still giving me whenever I need some.

Next year I am going to look for a real job.

Yummy Treats

I am slowly giving in to temptation this coming holidays.


The Banoffee Pie is now my fave dessert from Red Ribbon. And I want more!


These Belgian chocolates from Marks and Spencer's are too gorgeous to eat. But it didn't stop me from sampling them one by one.


And of course, my fave Christmas Starbucks drink--the Toffee Nut Frappucino. Love, love, love!!!

What happened yesterday?

The DSL connection is soooooo sloooooowwwwwwwww.... It's bad enough that Mama "accidentally" had the lines cut, yesterday I can't check my mails after the PLDT guy had our connection fixed. Multiply is one of the few sites up and running. Did I miss out something? Was there an earthquake somewhere? Oh, well. I'm blogging again now. Which is good, right? Hmmph!

UPDATE: Systems all go!!! Yay!

Still Enchanted

I just watched the movie Enchanted.

Disney's latest offering is a combination of its past films with a twist of the New York life. It had the signature singing, storytelling, and of course, the predictable fairy-tale ending. Only that it's not a typical fairy-tale ending.

I basically watched it for the laughs. I lost it when Giselle (played by Amy Adams) started to sing in a New York park and people simply followed her around. Amy Adams is the one to watch for.

And there's Patrick Dempsey. It's nice to see him not wearing scrubs this time. He's still a dreamboat, even if he plays a divorce/d lawyer.

James Marsden who play Giselle's Prince Edward is simply hilarious. And Susan Sarandon as the stepmother was a class act.

It was a treat to see Idina Menzel, who I expected to sing. She did not. (OT: I also love her "Wicked" partner, Kristin Chenoweth.) Another bonus is that my American Idol Carrie Underwood sang the movie's theme song, "Ever After".

The only thing I didn't like was the climax of the movie, which looked a little G-rated for me. That's when I realize that I'm still watching a kids movie despite all its innovations. Oh well. Happy, happy, joy, joy...

Mineral Makeup Weekend - Part 2

When : Dec. 15- 16, 2007, 9AM-7PM
Where : SANTA’S CHRISTMAS BAZAAR @ La Vista ( Q.C. )

For more info, just follow this link.

More Q and A's

1.What's the best love story you've ever watched? somewhere in time. such a classic

2. Do u think you're ok? yup. really.

3 . Song playing at the moment? no music at this time

4. One song to describe current relationship? na na na na na na na na...

5. Accessories you usually wear? watch, necklace, bangle sometimes

6. Fave color(s)? pink!!! and purple/lavender recently

7. Ever donated blood? nope. too scared

8. Last place you went to? amina bldg in t. sora

8.5 . Saan ka pupunta mamaya? - neighbor's place for block rosary

9. Last person u went out with? mom

10. The most exciting sport? all of them

11 . Ever had a permanent tattoo? nope

12 . Movie u want 2 watch? enchanted

13 . Any piercings? sa ears lang

14. The most romantic gift ever received? flowers

15 . Act on stage before? sort of

16. ??? huh?

17. Danced with your loved one before? secret!

18. Ever wished you could turn back time? yes! but i will probably do the same things

19. One song that's meaningful to you? dami... my life is defined by music

20. Last person you met for the first time? can't remember

21 . What will you be doing tomorrow? church... duty free... then back to church

22. Ever thought of robbing a bank? sometimes

23. One thing you totally regret?? yun na yun

24. Do people like you? sana

25. What was the last game you played? connecting straws with kids and facebook's griddle

26. Someone who means a lot to you at this moment? dami

27. The color of your mobile phone? gold. wish it were pink though

Roseology - about me, well not much

Let others know a little more about yourself, repost "_______OLOGY"

Q: What is your wallpaper on your computer?
A: Christmas tree in the living room

Q: How many televisions are in your house?
A: 4, 1 defective

BIOLOGY
Q: Are you right-handed or left-handed?
A: right

Q: Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
A: nope, at least not yet

Q : What is the last heavy item you lifted?
A : some books

Q: Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
A: No.

CRAPINOPOLOGY
Q: If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
A: yes, so i can prepare whatsoever

Q: If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
A: just Rose

Q: What color/s do you think look best on you?
A: red, but i'm taking to neutral colors recently

Q: Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake?
A: not that i can remember

Q: Have you ever saved someone's life?
A: not physically

Q: Has someone ever saved yours?
A: not yet

STUPIDIOLOGY
Q: Would you kiss a member of the same sex for $100?
A: it depends

Q: Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for $200,000
A: no way!

Q: Would you never blog again for $50,000?
A: oh yes

Q: Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?
A: no

Q: Would you, without fear of punishment, take a humans life for $1,000,000?
A: no

DUMBOLOGY
Q: What is in your left pocket?
A: no left pocket right now

Q : Is Napoleon Dynamite actually a good movie?
A : what?

Q: Do you have hardwood or carpet in your house?
A: hardwood

Q: Do you sit or stand in the shower?
A: stand

Q: Last time you had a run-in with the cops?
A: i hope not in my lifetime

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
A: i'm grown up now

Q: Who is number 1 on your top 6?
A: God, abover everything else

LAST...
Q: Friend(s) you talked to?
A: classmate

Q: Last person who called you?
A: fellow lector

Q: Person you hugged?
A: tricia, hehe

Q: Last person you kissed?
A: let's not talk about that

FAVORITOLOGY
Q: Number?
A: 18

Q: Season?
A: summer, not too many choices

CURRENTOLOGY
Q: Missing someone?
A: of course

Q: Mood?
A: crappy

Q: Watching?
A: nope

Q: Worrying about?
A: results

A Filipino Christmas

Note: This article was published in the December 2, 2007 edition of the Our Lady of Consolation Parish newsletter. This is from the original text.

Christmas is just a few weeks away! It has been said time and time again that Filipinos celebrate the longest Christmas, where Christmas songs are played as early as September. The festivities officially start on December 16, with the first day of the Simbang Gabi, and ends on January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany.

Let us look into some local Christmas symbols and traditions that add color to this special holiday.


Simbang Gabi

Christmas celebration in the Philippines will not be complete without the Simbang Gabi (Misa de Gallo). These nine-day novena masses are devoted to the Virgin Mary, which are celebrated either at dawn or in the evening in order to accommodate the country’s predominantly Catholic population. These masses signify one’s devotion to his faith and sacrifice to God. However, it is also believed that God would grant the wishes of the faithful if they complete the novena masses.

The masses end on Christmas Eve, with the celebration of the Misa de Aguinaldo or the Midnight Mass.

Christmas Star

Known as the Star of Bethlehem, the Christmas star announced the birth of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Matthew narrated that a star guided the three wise men (magi) to Bethlehem where the child Jesus was born.

In line with this, a star is often placed on top of the Christmas tree representing the Star of Bethlehem. Filipino homes and buildings, in particular, are adorned with at least one star-shaped lantern or parol, symbolizing the welcome of the Messiah.

Belen

The belen is considered as the oldest Filipino Christmas symbol, showing the infant Jesus on a manger surrounded by his parents Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and their flock. This symbol was derived from the tradition of real people and animals recreating the nativity scene introduced by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223.

Panuluyan

The Panuluyan (looking for lodging) is a street drama reenacting the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. This is performed on Christmas Eve, usually before the Midnight Mass. Derived from the Mexican posada, this tradition was introduced in Mexico by the Spanish missionaries.

Caroling

One of the most cherished Filipino Christmas traditions is the singing of Christmas carols. A group of carolers whether family, friends, or members of an organization, visit several houses and sing familiar Christmas tunes. They usually carol for fund-raising purposes or just for the fun of singing. Homeowners respond by the giving of cash or even by inviting the carolers into their homes for a feast.

Noche Buena and Family Reunions

The Christmas season is also a good opportunity for holding big family reunions. Filipino families, in particular, gather starting on Christmas Eve to partake the Noche Buena or the traditional dinner, usually after attending the midnight mass.

On Christmas day, the families visit the elder members to pay their respect. Children, along with their parents and relatives, also visit their ninongs and ninangs (godparents) to receive their aguinaldo (gifts).

Gift-Giving and Manito Manita

We all know that Christmas is a time for gift-giving for the kids and kids at heart. In fact, the first gifts were those given to the child Jesus by the three wise men—gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

A popular local gift-giving tradition is the Manito Manita, also known as Monito Monita. The rules of this Filipinized Kris Kringle vary from the required value of the gift to the theme of the day. Participants draw lots the names of the recipients (babies), which should not be revealed until the final exchanging of gifts. The fun part of Manito Manita is for these baby-recipients to guess the identity of the giver.

Other Symbols:

Christmas Tree – Adorned with Christmas lights and ornaments with an angel or star on top. The modern practice of decorating trees was said to have originated in Germany, although Protestant reformer Martin Luther King was argued to be first to start the tradition by lighting the tree with candles.

Santa Claus – A character associated with bringing gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. He is also known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, or Kris Kringle. Many cultures describe the origins of Santa Claus, one of the earliest being that the character is based on St. Nicholas, known for giving gifts to the poor. Today, Santa Claus is more popular as a secular Christmas symbol.

Christmas Lights – For Christians, the Christmas lights symbolized that Jesus Christ is the “Light of the World”.

These Christmas symbols and traditions are very much alive and are practiced in our country and in our respective communities. With all the preparations abound this holiday season, let us remember their significance on our lives, as well as the reason why we celebrate Christmas—to commemorate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. A meaningful Christmas to all of you.

Alphabet Questions

A - Age you first believed in love? - since birth
B - Band listening to right now? - AKA on YouTube
C - Dream Car? - Anything that says BMW
D - Dad’s name? - Arnold
E - Easiest person to make u laugh? - my bro Mitch
F - Food you miss most? - paksiw na lechon
G - Any encounters with ghosts? - I don't want any, thank you very much
I - Interesting unknown fact about yourself? - I am a fan of a certain local female singer for a long, long time. Jologs na kung jologs.
J - Just tell me who’s the last person who broke your heart? - it's more of a last thing/event
K - Kissing with eyes opened or closed? - close, open, think they're all the same
L - Last time did you fight? - more than six months ago
M - Most memorable moment you can think of in a minute? - first Boracay trip
N - Nicknames? - Rose, Rosy Rose, Mommy Rose, Atty. Rose (in the future)
O - Open Up! What’s your most valued possession? - cellphone
P - Poison or Liquor of choice? - chocolate milk
Q - Quote you heard for the last two minutes. - Don't be afraid.
R - Risk everything for love or not? - I'll know it when I get there...
S - Song you sang last? - Desire
T - Time you woke up? - 9AM
U - Use love in a sentence - Love moves mountains
V - Vegetable you hate most? - ampalaya
W - What are you most afraid of? - the fact that I haven't done anything significant in my life yet.
X - X-gf/bf? - whatever
Y - Year you were born? - Year of the Goat
Z - Zodiac sign? - Aquarius

Updated Havaianas Inventory

Inventory:
1. Rosa Branco
2. Christmas Greetings White
3. Style Pink/Light Blue
4. MYOH
5. Small Flowers Pink

Wishlist
Do I still have a wishlist? Probably the 2008 collection but still don't know which ones I like :)

Thanksgiving

Watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade on cable TV. Much better than last year, probably because of the nice weather. I love it!

Here are my faves:


The ever lovable Snoopy


Cutie Hello Kitty makes an appearance for the first time.

Now on the serious stuff:

I thank God:

1. That I'm still sane even though I'm going through hard times right now
2. For the little things that make me happy... even just for a while
3. For family and friends who still support and love me as who I am now and who I am going to be.

Update on Superstyle contest

I WON!!!

A consolation prize from Therapy Bags because I included one of her bags... and it happens to be one of my favorites in her collection.

Thanks Angel... I'm so glad I joined. Next time I will leave the editing to the experts.

This is supposed to be my prize... A checkbook and card holder set. Not bad. I want one in pink but my mom want it in red. I'm giving it to her as an early Christmas present. We didn't get to pick the color, though. Here's a sample:



Well, maybe I can keep the card holder. Hehe.

YAY!

Update: I already received the SURPRIZE... it came in white and it's so much different from what is posted in the Therapy Bags site... and so much nicer. Again much thanks to Angel and a shoutout to Roechelle of Therapy Bags.

SuperStyle! Who am I wearing?

Entry No. 1: A Classic Look. With a hint of color

Halter Mettalic Black Dress By Asya Fusyon
Apollo Flirting Bangle by Baubles, Bangles and Beads
Red Braided Leather Bracelet by Baubles, Bangles and Beads
Soda Dazzle Black Ballet Flats by Maternity Chic
Smokey Red Wedges By Maternity Chic
Red Croc Doctor's Bag By Stellar

Entry No. 2: Pink Baby. Pretty and dainty on my fave color.

Printed Dress by Nui Clothing
Halter Metallic Dress by Asya Fusyon
Earings and Bangles by Baubles, Bangles and Beads
Arriana Bag by Pernes Bags
Jan Bag by Therapy Bags
Soda Ballet Flats by Maternity Chic

Entry No. 3: Still Pink with a Kick. All pink on a pretty white dress.

Heirloom Dress by Accesorio
Earings by Baubles, Bangles and Beads
Strawberry Necklace by Stellar
Bags by Pernes Bags
Shoes by Maternity Chic
Sandals by Asya Fusyon

http://flairinthecity.blogspot.com/2007/10/superstyle-who-am-i-wearing.html

Movie Interests

	My Flixster

Pushing Daisies

Pushing Daisies (USA) is a new comedy on ABC which features a pie maker who brings back dead people back to life by the touch of his finger.

From Wikipedia:
"Pushing Daisies is a "forensic fairy tale" that focuses on Ned, a piemaker with the mysterious ability to make the dead live again. The gift is not without its complications—if he touches a revived being a second time, they die permanently; and if a person is revived for more than 60 seconds, somebody else nearby dies (Ned clarifies this in the pilot episode, stating "It's a random proximity thing.") Ned, along with his private investigator friend, Emerson Cod, and his childhood sweetheart, the once-dead Charlotte Charles, whom he likes to call "Chuck", capitalize on the gift by reviving the dead murder victims to ask them about their last moments so they can collect outstanding rewards, if any, and solve the mystery of how the deceased met their end."

My favorite scene so far is that of Kristin Chenoweth (as Olive) singing "Hopelessly Devoted To You" on the show's 2nd episode.


Since I'm from the Philippines, I only watch this show online.
Thanks to this site: http://pushingdaisies-tv.com/

For more of the show, just click on this site:
abc.go.com/primetime/pushingdaisies

Sabado

1. Went to Lovien's old place in Pasig. Saw inaanak Gerard. Look how big he is...



7 months lang yan... It was Lovien's hubby's birthday but didn't join the festivities in Antipolo. Just gave Gerard's chair.

Oh, I love the keychain and t-shirt from Malaysia. Thanks Lovien!

2. Went to Cubao bazaar and checked out the Bath and Body Desserts booth. Finally I met Cathy. Went with my old orders (Choco Body Scrub and Vanilla Souffle). Hehe.

Check out B&B Desserts yummy treats at this site: http://bathandbodydesserts.multiply.com/

3. From Cubao, took a jeep to Kalayaan and met up with Abi and officemates at the Greenhouse Grill. Had 3 Lights. Was almost knocked out, would you believe.

4. Hanged out with Abi at Starbucks Katipunan and did some catching up.

Not bad.

One more pic of Gerard with ninang:

Knocked Up... and Down

I watched the movie "Knocked Up" today, which stars Katherine Heigl and Seth Rogen. The storyline was pretty simple: a career-oriented girl got pregnant after having a one-night stand with a guy she just met. Then sparks fly... you know what I mean. How, what, when or even why... you just have to watch the movie :)

Great comedic timing from the actors. Even I find the delivery of expletives funny. I was most impressed with the acting of Katherine Heigl who happens to be my fave Grey's intern.

The movie was the saving grace on an otherwise crappy day.

It's more of a guy's movie really, but the ladies can watch it too. Just don't bring your kids co'z this is so R-18. :)

Bow to the Queen!!!

%1

foreva!

Reunion with Papa

So I saw my dad yesterday. After almost 20 years.

I may be a sentimental kind of person, but I tried my very best not to be too emotional. The result? A little bit of success. With my bro, the three of us dined... and talked... and talked a little bit more. A lot of catching up, really.

My dad's absence affected us deeply; I think my parents' separation hit me the most. But little by little, the family recovered. My mom was able to raise me and my bro on her own. We got our own place (we used to live in the family apartment, which I really, really DID NOT like, sorry Papa), my bro and I have our own degrees, and we're now financially stable. Well, not me... yet.

I don't know what to make up with all of this, but it couldn't come at a better time. Had this happened about 10 years ago, I would have been up on the roof.

More on this as soon as I sorted everything out.

Havaianas Inventory

Inventory:
1. Metallics Silver
2. Rosa Branco
3. Christmas Greetings White
4. Style Pink/Light Blue
5. MYOH
6. Small Flowers Pink
7. Summer Dots Navy Blue
8. Slim Navy Blue

Wishlist
1. High Light
2. Slim Pink
3. Wonder Woman Beige Gold

I'm done, I'm free, I'm...

...broke. Well, almost.

I am so glad for tomorrow. For the first time in months, I'm actually looking forward to my future.

Almost done

One more week to go and then I'm free to blog whenever I want. Yay!!!

Can't believe I did what I did for the last few months.

It will be all over soon.

Hope it will be all worth it in the end.

Check out this site for fab finds

I bought their strawberry necklace, one of their first creations :)

Bangles from BBB

Here's my growing bangle collection from Baubles, Bangles and Beads.


Bangle Bear!



Hello Kitty bangle with its inspiration

These were my entries to BBB's photo contest. I did not win. Ok lang :)
Visit their site: http://baublesbanglesnbeads.multiply.com/

So I went to the Joey and Louie show...

... Joey Albert and Louie Ocampo, that is. The musical tandem behind those 80's heartbreak love songs like "Tell Me" and "Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin." The reunion concert was a treat for me really, since it would be my first time to see them perform live together. I've always loved Joey's music, especially those songs composed by Louie, but I was too young to see them in concerts way back.

Joey and Louie didn't disappoint. They took us back in memory lane and serenaded us with hit after hit. The Sergio Mendes, Bacharach, and Mancini medleys were also good. Tried to record much of the songs in my cellphone, although I know it wouldn't sound as good. My favorite moment: when Louie joined Joey in singing her biggest hit "Tell Me." Ah, forever the hopeless romantic!

And to think that I almost didn't make it. It took quite a while to decide whether I should see this concert. Used to treat my BFF when Joey comes in Manila to perform but this time, I was kinda short of funds. So I went alone (haha)...

Anyway, seeing the SRO crowd, Joey and Louie still have fans. And I hope they gained a new following after the show. I wish I could tell more about the concert, but I was too starstruck just to see them together again. I have seen Joey and Louie perform separately live and on TV but nothing compared to this magical night.

Thank you Joey and Louie, for giving me a chance to hear and experience your music again. I'm a forever fan.

Claiming my blog...

Technorati Profile

Feeling Senti

I am leaving home soon. To find myself. To focus on my dream. To fulfill a personal project. To finally reach for the stars. Whatever you call it.

I'll miss my room though. So I took some pics so I won't be so lonely.

Rose Curtains

Portrait of a Lady

Green cabinet and Lavender door

My Dollhouse (at least, it used to be)

Havaianas Wishlist (updated with pictures)

As I said in my earlier post, I am officially on ReHAB. But it wouldn't hurt to make a wishlist, right?


Wonder Woman Beige Gold (Somebody should buy this for me)

Small Flowers Blue (or White). I really love this collection!


Summer Dots Navy Blue (everybody's favorite right now and I'm joining the bandwagon)

The oriental looking Baroque Beige (or Black)

Pictures (and their respective prices) from americansole.com and havaianasus.com. Oh, I still like to have the Slim Season (Dark Brown and Red), and High Light (Navy Blue, Black or Pink).

M.I.T. (Mommy-in-Training)

Simply adorable -- with my inaanak Gerard Benedict Tacadao Vargas. Congrats Lovien and JP!

Havaianas Small Flowers / Inventory

What a beauty. I just got this baby today.

Inventory:
1. Metallics Silver
2. Rosa Branco
3. Christmas Greetings White
4. Slim Beige Golden
5. Christmas Greetings Gold
6. Style Pink/Light Blue
7. MYOH (see previous post)
8. Small Flowers Pink

Wishlist
1. Slim Season Brown/Red
2. High Light Black/Pink
3. Small Flowers Blue/White
4. Wonder Woman Beige Gold
5. Baroque Beige/Black

I am now officially on ReHAB.

MYOH - My Own Havaianas

This is my very own creation from the "Make Your Own Havaianas" event in Powerplant Mall yesterday. Somebody commented that this is my version of the Kids Stars (which unfortunately, have sizes up to 33/34 only). It's definitely my favorite pair right now. The event will run until March 26.

On a More Serious Note...

I think the end is near... for me at least. My dreams of becoming a lawyer will be decided upon after almost six months of waiting (again). Memories of preparing for the exam last year flooded in my mind as I blog. I think I'm going to write my eulogy now. If there's any comfort in my situation now, no... scratch that. Nothing... and no one can make me feel better right now. God help me.

Link of the Day

I posted a question on the new and improved Today Show website yesterday to ask Joss Stone whether she had other interests/talents besides singing.

Check out her Vblog (Video Blog) for the answer. Oh, she has a new album out titled "Introducing Joss Stone". Not really digging her red highlights but the voice is still there. And she still performs barefoot.

More Baguio pics - The New/Old Scenery

Baguio Country Club - where I slept on the first night

Pastry Shop's Cake of the Month (yum!)

John Hay Suites - where I slept on the second night
(Mitch calls me the traveling salesman)

Remember him?

Outside Starbucks John Hay - picture worthy